Views on the strict prohibition of floating pads from hitting the bottom
Thread Content
Personally, I think this requirement is a bit excessive. It’s inevitable for the floating platform to reach the bottom of the storage tank, but does it necessarily lead to problems just because it reaches the bottom? The idea that an explosion space is formed only when it reaches the bottom seems rather far-fetched to me; even if it doesn’t reach the bottom, isn’t the upper part of the floating platform still an explosion space? The sealing around the inner floating disk doesn’t seem to be that tight, does it? So the key is whether the safety measures are in place and whether the static grounding resistance is appropriate Is the operation by personnel appropriate? Should dual-control using nitrogen sealing and an internal floating roof be considered? If these are done properly, I don’t think there will be any major issues with things being thorough. To truly understand the origin of this regulation, one must trace its origins and find out why it was established. I haven’t been able to identify the initial reason for its introduction; if any fellow sea traveler knows, please let me know
I agree with what you said. The real reason might be to prevent damage to the floating disk when it rises.
Agree with the second floor’s opinion – to prevent damage to the floating platform!
After all, the space above the floating pad is larger than when the pad is on the ground; a larger space reduces the likelihood of reaching an explosive concentration. If oil continues to be drawn out while the pad is on the ground, an explosive concentration can be reached quickly, increasing the risk of safety accidents. Therefore, it is not allowed for the pad to be on the ground – that’s my personal opinion.
If the floating disk sinks to the bottom, air will enter, forming an explosive gas mixture at the top of the disk, which could lead to accidents. The ban on floating bottom nets is a lesson learned through bloodshed!
“Ten Regulations on Fire and Explosion Prevention in Oil and Gas Tank Farms” VI. It is strictly prohibited for the floating disk of internal floating roof storage tanks to touch the bottom during operation. This article mainly specifies the requirements for the liquid level in internal floating roof storage tanks. The float settling to the bottom refers to the situation where, due to an excessively low liquid level in the tank, the float ends up on the support legs. During normal operation, once the floating disk settles at the bottom, a gas space is formed between the disk and the oil surface. When the flow rate of the material is too high, static electricity tends to accumulate at the outlet of the material pipeline, which can easily lead to fires and explosions. Typical accident case: On August 29, 2011, an explosion and fire occurred in a diesel tank at CNPC Dalian Petrochemical. The main cause of the accident was the low liquid level resulting from fuel being supplied to the tank; this created a gas space between the floating disk and the surface of the diesel, allowing air to enter ； At the same time, fluctuations in the operation of the upstream units led to an increase in the content of light components in the diesel that entered the accident storage tank, resulting in the formation of an explosive mixture beneath the floating disk ； Furthermore, the high flow rate of oil introduces a large amount of static electricity, which cannot be discharged in time, leading to discharges that cause explosions and fires.
I agree with you. The internal floating discs in our company often hit the ground.
So, as the floating roof tank continues to pump out the product, doesn’t the oil and gas space inside become larger?
The accident occurred, but it wasn’t because the floating pad hit the ground. The main cause of the accident in Dalian was the instability of the upstream units, which led to a large amount of light components entering the tank and causing the explosion; it was not due to impact with the ground
Landing frequently is not a good thing; be sure to abide by the rules. Petroleum safety regulations have been developed by many people; there’s no reason they would be written carelessly.