Above Ground Storage Tanks

[north star]

= =

In referring to Section 3404.2.9.2 [ `06 IFC ]......This section references the

IBC, along with NFPA 30.

1st: Is an "above ground" type tank a structure, ...maybe an Occupancy

Category I - "minor storage", ...from Table 1604.5 [ `06 IBC ]?.....How

is "minor storage" defined?

I am researching the [ `06 ] I-codes to determine which sections would

apply, ...regarding the compliant method of anchorage of these tanks......We

are in Seismic Cat. B, Wind Zone C.....These "above ground" tanks will be

considered permanent, ...they just have not been anchored yet.

FWIW, these [ multiple ] tanks were installed without a permit, ...no

plans, and only recently inspected after-the-fact......If I had to offer a

guess as to their sizes, I would say approx. 1,000 gals. each, with reclaimed

used cooking F.O.G. products in them.

Thanks!



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[gbhammer]

Careful the DOJ may jump you if you mess with an alternative fuel source like bio diesel fuel. They only want stop work orders on crude oil pipelines.

 

[gbhammer]

Not much hazard in used cooking oil flash overs is almost 500 degree's F.

 

[cda]

Take it these are steel tanks on legs????

 

[north star]

$

"Take it these are steel tanks on legs????"

Unanchored steel brackets / legs! Also, if these tanks are not considered "minor storage facilities", according

to Table 1604.5 [`06 IBC ], what are they?.....This is actually a "Tank Farm!

$

 

[Insurance Engineer]

North,

Look in NFPA 30, 2012 24.4 Location of Storage Tank Buildings., it is also in the 2008 edition, a lot of information on wall rating, fixed fire protection, drainage, electric, etc. Also if you have a sprinkler system and the tanks are larger then 4' you will need sprinkler protection under the tank OR fire proofing on the legs.

 

[Oldfieldguy]

A storage tank is a structure. But when one considers a storage tank, it's not designed for occupancy. Unless the tank is connected to a facility with seismic importance factor, you can't apply the seismic design requirements. The exception is if the tank is field erected. You didn't tell us that so I won't speculate.

 

[imhotep]

= =In referring to Section 3404.2.9.2 [ `06 IFC ]......This section references the

IBC, along with NFPA 30.

1st: Is an "above ground" type tank a structure, ...maybe an Occupancy

Category I - "minor storage", ...from Table 1604.5 [ `06 IBC ]?.....How

is "minor storage" defined?

I am researching the [ `06 ] I-codes to determine which sections would

apply, ...regarding the compliant method of anchorage of these tanks......We

are in Seismic Cat. B, Wind Zone C.....These "above ground" tanks will be

considered permanent, ...they just have not been anchored yet.

FWIW, these [ multiple ] tanks were installed without a permit, ...no

plans, and only recently inspected after-the-fact......If I had to offer a

guess as to their sizes, I would say approx. 1,000 gals. each, with reclaimed

used cooking F.O.G. products in them.

Thanks!



= =

SECTION 3404 STORAGE

3404.1 General.

The storage of flammable and combustible liquids in containers and tanks shall be in accordance with this section and the applicable sections of Chapter 27.

IIIB flammable and combustible liquid?

 

[cda]

looks like IFC refers back to NFPA 30

from 30:

22.5 Installation of Aboveground Storage Tanks.

22.5.1 Tank Supports.

22.5.1.1 Tank supports shall be designed and constructed in accordance with recognized engineering standards.

22.5.1.2 Tanks shall be supported in a manner that prevents excessive concentration of loads on the supported portion of the shell.

22.5.1.3 In areas subject to earthquakes, tank supports and connections shall be designed to resist damage as a result of such shocks.

 

[north star]

> > > >

Thanks to all for your input!

OilfieldGuy,

I was not present [ at the site ] when this tank farm was constructed.......It

WAS recently constructed though!.......The owners of the facility didn't bother

to waste their time with submitting plans, ...obtaining a permit, ...calling for

inspections, ya know, unimportant stuff like that......They just went ahead and

built what they wanted......I am researching / providing code references for the

"powers-that-be", so they can address this [ latest ] construction project drama.

Anyhoo, ...all of the tanks, & associated plumbing, electrical, structural and

everything else was constructed on the site itself.....The tanks were hauled in

and set up and away they went.....They are indeed higher than 4', ...more like

25' - 30' in height with attached catwalks, railing, lighting, etc.

The "powers-that-be" have since begun a pow wow with the owners asking

questions, ...requesting plans, ...performing site visits / inspections, yada, yada,

yada!

imhotep,

Not sure of the classification, as I do not know if the owners have submitted

any MSDS sheets on the the tank contents.

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