OIL

[Just John]

There is a oil distributing company that wants to move into an existing sprinklered warehouse. They want about 8 - 10,000 gallon ASTs, cases of one gallon containers, totes, and 30 inch high barrels - 4 barrels to a pallet on open racks - one pallet on the floor and pallets on the two shelves above. Maximum storage hight will be about 12 feet.

table 2703.3.3(1) class IIIB MAQ is unlimited in sprinklered building in accordance with 903.3.1.1 which meets NFPA 13.

table 3404.3.4.1 class IIIB refers to wholesale and retail and requires you to go to the tables 4 through 8 for sprinkler densities and more.

What sprinkler density is needed for unlimited in storage warehouse?

 

[cda]

They need to hire either a sprinkler company or FPE and let them give you the deign needed for you to review

Or in other words require a technical report

 

[Just John]

Is it simpler than that?

Since 27 says you can have unlimited IIIBs if spriklered, and refers you to 903.3.1.1 which says must meet NFPA 13. and 3404.3.4.4.1 refers you to the table for wholesale and retail sales specifically in GROUP M occupancy and for GROUP S it must meet the quanities in the 27 table: If it is unlimited for IIIB in sprinklered occupancy this would be an S and not a H occupancy.

Would sprinkler density just be for ordinary hazard group 2 then?

 

[fatboy]

I think what cda is saying, and i agree with, have them provide a code analysis to you to support the proposal. Then you either accept it, or you don't. You don't find the path for them to make it work, to close to designing. Require the code analysis. JMHO

 

[tmurray]

They have to show code compliance to the AHJ, There is a reason AHJ shouldn't be designing what they approve. Think of what you're doing as the same as getting a second opinion from a doctor, As stated before you review a code analysis and either find it has merit, or it is erroneous.

 

[Just John]

NFPA 13 states an ordinary group 2 ... stockpiles of contents are moderate heat release rates do not exceed 12 feet and high heat release rates do not exceed 8 feet.

What is the heat release rate of motor oil?

Where is the line of heat release rates between moderate and high?

I am not designing but was asked a specific question and want to give an educated response, other than ask a designer.

 

[FM William Burns]

You may want to look at NFPA 30 which works with NFPA 13 for combustible liquid storage based on quantity, array and heights.

 

[Frank]

NFPA 13 states an ordinary group 2 ... stockpiles of contents are moderate heat release rates do not exceed 12 feet and high heat release rates do not exceed 8 feet.What is the heat release rate of motor oil?

Where is the line of heat release rates between moderate and high?

I am not designing but was asked a specific question and want to give an educated response, other than ask a designer.

This is not short answer territory it depends on building height, storage arrangement (racks piles etc) storage height and container type and size.

Any high piled storage of combustibles is more than moderate heat release rate, rack storage of combustible liquids in plastic containers is likely very high heat release and you have to go to the specific arrangements in NFPA 30 and 13 section 21.2.1

 

[Insurance Engineer]

There is a oil distributing company that wants to move into an existing sprinklered warehouse. They want about 8 - 10,000 gallon ASTs, cases of one gallon containers, totes, and 30 inch high barrels - 4 barrels to a pallet on open racks - one pallet on the floor and pallets on the two shelves above. Maximum storage hight will be about 12 feet.

John,

As indicated take a look at NFPA 30 for the sprinkler density. You will need to look at each storage configuration to determine your worse case ceiling density. Rack storage of the oil will require in-rack sprinklers. Product in plastic containers greater then say a gallon will be difficult to protect.

If you have plastic IBC containers look out they do not hold up in a fire, see link below.

Take a look at this full scale testing video of combustible and flammable liquids in plastic IBC and see what happens when fire and plastic come together!

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr564/index.htm

Also take a look at FM Data sheet 7-29 they may have protection not listed in NFPA 30.

As others have said seek professional help.