4 replies to this topic

[seeker_of_knowledge]

Hi There,

I am not sure if this has already been discussed elsewhere on this site but I couldnt find. I have a small atmospheric tank (6 m3 nominal capacity) used for storing solvent (hyrocarbon) with a flash point of 50 deg C. As per API 2000 version 1998, a flame arrester is not required if tank capacity is less than 9 m3 and has a flash point higher than 37.8 deg C. But in the newer version of API 2000 issued in 2009, tank capacity is not indicated as a criterion and flash point limit is increased to 60 deg C (meaning flame arrester is required if the flash point of stored liquid is below 60 deg C). The tank is open to atmosphere.

Any thoughts if this tank requires a flame arrester or not? As per the recommended practice/standard, it requires but is it practical to have a flame arrester on such a small tank?

Thanks,

Fz

[breizh]

Fz ,

You need to perform an Hazop around your tank . Nobody knows better than you your facility and the risks . Very little to do with the size of the equipment .


Hope this helps

Breizh

[ankur2061]

seeker,

i have seen flame arresters on very small tanks (0.5 m³) also. Considering that you are storing a hydrocarbon solvent with flash point of 50°C, I would recommend installation of a flame arrester on your tank. That even small volumes of flammable fluid require flame arresters is evident from the wikipedia article for flame arresters at the link below:

http://en.wikipedia..../Flame_arrester

IP15 (Area Classification Code for Installations Handling Flammable Fluids) categorically mentions that any outdooor installation storing more than 200 liters (0.2 m³) of a flammable liquid above its flash point requires a Hazardous Area Classification.

This IP 15 definition makes it clear that hazards do exist for any outdoor flammbale liquid storage volume above 0.2 m³.

Hope this helps.
.
Regards,
Ankur.

[seeker_of_knowledge]

Thanks Breizh and Ankur.

Regards

Fz

[kkala]

Although I do not have practical experience on where flame arresters are needed (not seen them installed here), please also look at following threads; indicating their disadvantages.
http://www.cheresour...lame#entry64177 '> http://www.cheresour...lame#entry64177
http://www.cheresour...flame-arrestor/ '> http://www.cheresour...flame-arrestor/ .
As noted in wikipedia, flame arrester is same thing as flame arrestor.