Coal Storage Building

[BlackHillsArch]

Hi,

I am designing a two buildings/shells to enclose both bulk coal storage and also to enclose material handling equipment associated with a coal delivery pit, and a shaker to separate fines from the coal.

The coal storage building is approx. 2200 SF and is simply a concrete floor and knee walls to place the coal with a pre engineered metal building over the top. The intent is to protect the coal from the elements. I have not been able to find any particulars in IBC or otherwise as to any special code requirements for a building such as this. The coal has a potential to spontaneously combust and smolder so I need to be aware of venting and possibly explosion resistance.

The second building simply encloses the delivery pit and material handling equipment. Coal and coal fines will be present here as well. The intent for this is for a delivery truck to pull through the building and belly dump into the pit then pull out through an opposing overhead door.

This is my first project with coal and any help would be appreciated.

 

[ADAguy]

Hazardous materials storage, sounds dangerous. Be glad it isn't Magnesium.

 

[cda]

Welcome

 

[cda]

Hum wonder if it can be classified a U/ weather protection??

 

[cda]

Otherwise one is a S? And other might be a F?

 

[mtlogcabin]

This is all I could find on coal searching the I-Codes. Not sure what a "coal pocket" is

2012 IBC
[F] 415.8.1.6 Coal pockets.
Coal pockets located less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines or from structures on the same lot shall be constructed of not less than Type IB construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected along a railroad right-of-way, the minimum type of construction of such structures not more than 65 feet (19 812 mm) in building height shall be Type IV.

2012 IFC
[A] 105.6.6 Combustible dust-producing operations.
An operational permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2.

Table 2204.1 references NFPA 120 Coal Preparation Plants

E102.1.5 Combustible dusts and powders.
Finely divided solids which may be dispersed in air as a dust cloud: wood sawdust, plastics, coal, flour, powdered metals (few exceptions).

 

[jwilly3879]

Coal pocket is exactly what is being designed.

 

[RLGA]

This is probably a Group H-2 occupancy, since the coal dust creates a deflagration hazard. Section 415.8 would apply. Section 414.3 will also apply regarding ventilation requirements. Chapter 22 of the IFC should also be reviewed.

 

[BlackHillsArch]

Thank you everyone for your quick responses! I will look further into the recommended codes - and wouldn't be surprised if I have some follow up questions!

 

[Builder Bob]

RGLA is on target..... we had a coal silo being dismantled by bubba and the boys..... the cutting torch ignited coal dust which blew the lid off the silo, burned the construction worker and deafen the coworkers..,.,,,,,.