FIRE PROTECTION

STORAGE TANKS

MAY 1986 PAGE 1 OF 67

EGS626-1986

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Scope !';" "r~.~"
8 High-PressureStorage Tanks
2. Purpose "," 8.1 Genera! Design
",0.
3. References ::: 8.2 High-PressureStorage in Spheres
8.3 High-PressureStorage in Cylindrical
4. Definitions
Vessels (Bullets)
5. Atmospheric StorageTanks -Layout and 9 Storage of Tetraethyllead and Similar
Design Antiknock Compounds
5.1 General Design Considerations 9.1 Thermal Behavior
5.2 Vertical Atmospheric Storage Tanks 9.2 Site Location and Spacing
6. Atmospheric Storage Tanks -Fire Protection 9.3 Drainage
6.1 General 9.4 "Time Available" Factors for Fire
6.2 Types of Foam Extinguishment
6.3 Foam Application Rates 9.5 Fire Protection Facilities
6.4 Subsurface Injection
6.5 Fixed Foam Chambers Appendix A -Tables and Figures -Foam System
6.6 Catenary Foam Systems
Design
6.7 Portable Monitors and Hose Nozzles
6.8 Water Supply Appendix B -Typical Subsurface Foam
6.9 Foam-Producing Materials Supply Calcu lations
7. Low-PressureStorageTanks Appendix C -Typical Catenary Foam System
7.1 GeneralDesign Arrangement
7.2 Refrigerated Storage
7.3 CryogenicService. Appendix D -Portable Foam Tower Systems
7.4 Site Location and Spacing
Appendix E -Safe Storage Temperatures and
7.5 Dike Walls -Grading and Drainage
Operating Precautions
7.6 High Level Alarms -Overfill Protection
7.7 Fire Protection Appendix F -Tank Fire Boilovers

1. SCOPE layout, design, and fire protection of storage tanks

is discussed in the text. Supportive and explana-
This Guide covers general requirements for the torY materia! is consigned, for the most part, to
selection, spacing and layout, design, construction, the six appendixes.
installation, and testing of minimum fire fighting
facilities for protection of aboveground flammable
and combustible liquid storage tanks. 3. REFERENCES

The following Guides and publications are refer-

2. PURPOSE enced herein.
Tile purpose of this Guide is to establish minimum
loss prevention requirements for storage tank facili- Mobil EngineeringGuides-Equipment:
ties. To this end, essential information on the EGE 12-8-1 Pressure Vessels -Design and Fabrication
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 2 OF 67 MAY 1986

EGE 14-8-1 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Tests:
(Mild Steel) -Design and Construction
056 Flash Point by the Tag Closed Tester
(revised draft available)
093 Flash Point by the Pensky-Martens Closed Tester
EGE 14-8-2 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage (High-
0323 Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products
Strength Steels) -Design and Construction
EGS 14-8-6 Refrigerated Product Storage Tanks -
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Codes:
Design and Construction
EGE 14-S-8 Oil Storage Tanks -Foam Connections 11 Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent System~
EGE 16-8-1 Piping -General Design 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
EGE 34-8-11 Thermal Insulation -Cold Service 58 Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
EGE 34-8-15 Fireproofing -General Requirements 59A Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied
EGE 41-8-63 Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire 81ankets Natura! Gas
78 Lightning Protection Code
Mobil Engineering Guides -Systems Design: 321 Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible
EGS 622 Recommended Spacing for Refineries and Liquids
Petrochemical Plants
EGS 623 Fire Protection -Bulk Plants and Terminals 4. DEFINITIONS
EGS 629 Fire Protection and Loss Prevention -
Refineries and Petrochemical Plants Boilover -The expulsion of crude oil or certain
EGS 643 Fire Protection -Fixed Fire Water Spray other liquids from a burning tank. The light frac-
Systems tions of the crude oil distill, burn off, and produce
EGS 661 Pressure Relief and Vapor Depressuring Systems a heat wave in the residue, which on reaching a
EGS 725 Plant Drainage and Sewer Systems (revised draft water stratum results in the violent expulsion of
available). a portion of the contents of the tank. (SeeAppen-
API (American Petroleum Institute) Publications:
dix F.)
RP 520 Recommended Practice for the Design and Combustible Liquid -Any liquid having a flash
Installation of Pressure-Relieving Systems in point at or above 37.8°C (1000 F).
Refineries. Parts I and II
Std 620 Recommended Rules for Design and Fire Sea! -A means of providing a liquid trap to
Construction of Large. Welded. Low-Pressure prevent fire passage in a piping or drainage system.
Storage Tanks A fire seal provides 152 mm (6 in.) of submergence
Std 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage below the liquid level of an inlet or outlet pipe
Std 2000 Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure opening. See EGS 725 for details.
Storage Tanks
Pub I 2023 Guide for the Safe Storage and Handling of Fire Stop -A closed drain section at least 9 m
Heated Petroleum-Derived Asphalt Products
and Crude Oil Residual
(30 ft) long in an open drainage ditch, with a fire )
seal at the upper end.
Std 2508 Design and Construction of Ethane and
Ethylene Installations at Marine and Pipeline Flammable Liquid -Any liquid having a flash
Terminals, Natural Gas Processing Plants. point below 37.80C (1000 F) and a vapor pressure
Refineries. Petrochemical Plants. and Tank not exceeding 276 kPa abs (40 psia) at 37.80 C
Farms
(10QoF).
Std 2510 Design and Construction of LP-Gas Installa-
tions at Marine and Pipeline Terminals, Natural
Flash Point -The temperature at which a liquid
Gas Processing Plants. Refineries, and Tank
gives off vapor sufficient to form an ignitable
Farms mixture with air near the surface of the liquid or
ASME (American Society of MechanicalEngineers) within a vessel as determined by the appropriate
Boiler and PressureVesselCode: test procedure and apparatus (see N FPA 321):

SectionWI. PressureVessels,Division 1 (a) The flash point of liquids having a viscosity

less than 45 SUS at 37.80 C; (1000 F) and a flash
*Replaces EGE 16-8-12, which will be cancelled when point below 93.40 C (2000 F) shall be deter-
EGS 725 is published. mined in accordance with ASTM 056.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 3 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

(b) The flash point of liquids having a viscosity (3) .Aluminum honeycomb sandwich panel
of 45 SUS or more at 37.8°C (100OF) and a cover
flash point 93.4°C (200OF) or higher shall be
(4) Any combustible (nonmetal) cover.
determined in accordance with ASTM 093.
(d) Covered floating roof tank -A storage
Foam -A stable aggregation of small bubbles of tank with a fixed roof and steel internal floating
lower density than oil or water, which shows roof of the single-<ieck pontoon or double-deck
tenacious qualities in covering and clinging to verti- design.
calor horizontal surfaces. Foam flows freely over
(e) Open-top floating roof tank -A storage
a burning liquid surface, forming a tough, air-
tank with a steel floating roof of the pontoon,
excluding continuous blanket to seal vo:atile com-
buoy, or double-deck design and without a fixed
bustible vapors from access to air. Foam resists
roof.
disruption due to wind and draft, or to heat and
flame attack, and is capable of resealing in case of (f) High-pressure tank -A storage vessel de-
mechanical rupture. signed as a pressure vessel; see definition (h).

(g) Low-pressure tank -A storage tank de-

Foam Concentrate -A foaming agent in concen-
signed to operate at pressures above 3.45 kPa
trated liquid form, as received from the foam
gage (0.5 psig) but not to exceed 103.4 kPa gage
manufacturer.
(15 psig).
Foam Solution -A homogeneous mixture of (h) Pressure vessel -A vessel designed to oper-
water and foam concentrate in the proper propor- ate at pressures above 103.4 kPa gage (15 psig)
tions. in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
Frothover -A steady, slow foaming of an oil.
Vapor Pressure -The pressure, measured in kPa
water-steam conglomerate over the tank rim, with.
abs (psia), exerted by a volatile liquid as deter-
out fire. It is caused by the presence of water in a
mined by ASTM 0323.
slop oil, hot oil, or asphalt tank (see Appendix F).

SJopover -The rapid expulsion of a portion of the ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS-

tank contents, usually occurring during fire fight- LAYOUT AND DESIGN
ing operations when water applied from foam or
cooling water streams expands into steam as it 5.1 General DesignConsiderations
passes through the hot oil layer (see Appendix F).
The requirements of this Guide may be exceeded
Storage Tanks -Following are several types of by regulations outside the United States. In some
storage tanks: cases, however, another country's requirements
may be less stringent. If so, the addition of fire
(a) Atmospheric tank -A storage tank de- protection as specified in this Guide is required
signed to operate at any pressure from atmos- prior to Mobil approval. Where local requirements
pheric up to 3.45 kPa gage (0.5 psig). are more stringent, they shall govern design.

(b) Cone roof tank -A storage tank with a 5. Spacing

fixed cone-shaped roof.
Minimum spacing between tanks, between tanks
(c) Cone roof tank with internal floating
and proper1y lines, and between tanks and public
cover -A storage tank with a fixed cone-shaped
ways shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, Chap-
roof and an internal floating cover of one of the
ter 2, with the following exceptions:
following designs:
(a) Tanks, other than crude tanks, 46 m.
(1) Meta! (steel or aluminum) pan-type
(150 ft) or mor~ in diameter: Spacing between
cover. shells shall be a minimum of one-half the diam-
(2) Thin-skin metal deck on floats. eter of the larger tank.

5.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 4 OF 67 MAY 1986

(b) Crude tanks 46 m (150 ft) or more in 152 m to 215 m (500 ft to 700 ft) intervals and
diameter: Spacing between tank shells shall be at roadway crossings to prevent the spread of
one diameter up to a maximum distance of fire. The seals shall be designed to skim the
107 m (350 ft). liquid surface to avoid trapping oil in the ditch.
(c) Hot oil tanks heated above 121°C (250°F), For fire seal design details, see EGS 725.
excluding high-flash asphalt: Minimum spacing,
5.1.4 Piping to Tankage Within Diked Areas
shell to shell, shall be equal to the diameter of
the larger tank. One of the following protection methods shall be
(d) Slop oil emulsion-breaking tanks: Minimum used to avoid potential fire exposure to piping in
spacing, shell to shell, shall be equal to the diam- ain diked
spreadarea. Otherwise,
of fire such
or possible exposure
loss of tanks.could. result
eter of the larger tank.
(a) Arrange drainage so that oil cannot collect
5.1.2 Access beneath the pipeway. Slope the diked area away
from the base of the tank.
Tankage shall be arranged so that every tank with (b) Where drainage is not possible, cover pipe-
a diameter greater than 15 m (50 ft) is directly ways within the diked area with fill, taking
accessible from a fire fighting access road on at precautions to protect pipelines from corrosion
least one side. Tanks 46 m (150 ft) in diameter or (see EGE 16-8-1).
larger shall be accessible from fire fighting access
roads on at leasttwo sides. 5.2 Vertical Atmospheric Storage Tanks
5.1.3 Pipeway Protection and Drainage 5.2.1 Floating and Fixed Roof Storage Tanks
(a) Pipeways shall not be routed through diked Floating and fixed roof storage tanks shall be
areas, except for product, utility, and foam pip- designed and installed in accordance with EGE
ing to the tank. Grade should slope away at an 14-8-1 or EGE 14-8-2 and EGE 14-5-8. Minimum
angle of one percent beneath pipeways so that requirements for tank construction shall be in
oil will not be contained in the immediate area. accordance with NFPA 30.
Sewer catch basins or drainage ditches shall not
be located beneath pipeways. When the grade is (a) Open-Top Floating Roof Tanks -Double-
relatively slight, the pipeway shall be placed over deck or pontoon open-top floating roof tanks
a berm that is on a higher elevation than the shall be used for storage of all ClassI flammable
adjacent area. liquids, such as crude oil, gasoline, and naphtha.
Their use is also required for combustible liquids
(b) Pipeways shall be protected by installation stored at or above their flash points (except
of a fire resistant ditch cover or by a fixed water asphalt and heavy oils that are heated). For
spray system at drainage ditch crossings.The fire gasoline or naphthas presently stored in cone
resistant ditch cover, which may be a concrete roof tanks, see Appendix E, Section E-5. The
culvert pipe, shall extend at least 9 m (30 ft) floating roof shall be bonded to the shell in
each side of the piping right-of-way. When a accordance with NFPA 78 to protect against a
water spray system is provided, spray nozzles rim fire caused by lightning or induced electro-
shall be located beneath the pipeway and shall static charges.
be designed to provide a density not less than An exception to NFPA 78 requirements is that
20.4 (L/min)/m2 (0.5 US gpm/ft2) of the area insulation of pantograph linkage is not required
beneath the exposed section of the pipeway. on existing tanks because bonds provide suffi-
The water spray design shall be in accordance cient protection. On tanks equipped with tube
with EGS 643. seals rather than pantograph seals, the metal
(c) Flanged or threaded joints and valves shall weathershield or secondary seal shunts provide
not be located over drainage areas that may the necessarybond. Where secondary seals are
co'ltain oil due to a spill. provided. shunts shall be located above the
secondary seal. Roof pontoons shall be main-
(d) Fire seals, or fire stops, shall be installed tained wi1hout leaks so that a flammable vapor
in drainage ditches and pipe sleeper ways at mixture will not occur within the pontoon.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 5 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

When shunts are provided for necessary electri- same fire hazards as cone roof tanks without
cal bonding between the shell and roof, they internal coversand should be treated in the same
shall be stainless steel and installed at intervals manner.
of 3 m (10 .h), maximum, on the tank circum-
ference.
Cone roof tanks with thin-skin metallic covers
on floats have a fire loss record comparable to
Epoxy lining will not restrict normal bonding that of covered floating roof tanks. Aluminum
arrangements for the dissipation of induced honeycomb sandwich panel covers are expected
electrical charges due to lightning. Heavy, waxy to perform equally as well as, or better than,
crudes may require seal scrapers to ensure posi- metallic skin covers. Tanks with either of these
tive seal and adequate bonding. covers are subject to the same fire hazards as
covered floating roof tanks and should be
(b) Covered Floating Roof Tanks -Covered treated in the same manner.
floating roof tanks may be used for the same
type of service as open-top floating roof tanks. Depending on storage temperature and volatility
When selecting a covered floating roof tank, the of the product, the vapor space above the float-
following loss prevention considerations shall ing cover may be in the flammable zone and
apply: vulnerable to explosion. When storing volatile
products, such as gasoline, install pressure vacu-
(1) The tank diameter shall not exceed 46 m um (PV) vents or, preferably, modify the tank
(150 ft). This restriction is required because to provide ventilation in accordance with API
of possible roof hangup on the numerous Std 650, Appendix H.
columns of this type of tank and loss of seal-
ing adjacent to the columns. [In some types
of tank construction the tank diameter may 5.2.2 Dikes
exceed 46 m (150 ft), subject to Mobil ap-
proval.] Drainage and impounding or diversion dikes shall
be provided in accordance with Chapter 2 of
(2) To prevent generation of a static spark
when the space between the floating and NFPA 30. Where tank diameters are 46 m (150ft)
fixed roofs is in the explosive range, floating or more, the toe of an impounding dike shall be
roofs shall be bonded to the shell by static located a minimum of 15 m (50 ft) from the tank
wire, stainless steel shunts, or other rubbing shell. Dike walls higher than 1.8 m (6 ft) shall be
contact of suitable electrical conductivity. subject to the requirements of NFPA 30. Mini-
mum height for impounding dikes shall be 1 m
(3) Tanks shall be vented in accordance with (3 ft). Impounding dike basins shall be graded
API Std 650, Appendix H. away from tanks to fire sealed and valved drains
(4) Tanks shall not be used for storage of that extend through the dike wall. Each drain valve
products that contain hydrogen sulfide and shall be clearly labeled and located outside the dike
may from phrophoric iron scale on the roof with overflow into the plant drainage system.
and inner shell. Indicating valves shall be used.

(c) Cone (Fixed) Roof Tanks -It is preferred Unless a diversion dike system is being utilized.
that cone roof tanks be used for storage of separate impounding dike enclosures shall be pro-
Class II or Class III materials. This type of tank vided for each tank that is 46 m (150 ft) or greater
is not recommended for storage of crude oils or in diameter and stores crude oil, and for tanks in
products where the vapor space is explosive at hot oil [over 93°C (2000 F)] or slop oil service.
equilibrium storage temperatures, unless the Separate impounding dike enclosures shall be pro-
vapor space is inert gas blanketed. vided for each tank that is 61 m (200 ft) or greater
in diameter and stores Class I liquids other than
(d) Cone (Fixed) Roof Tanks with Internal crude oil. Intermediate dikes shall meet the re-
Floating Covers-Tanks with covers of the pan- quirements of NFPA 30.
type design and/or constructed of combustible ,
(nonmetallic) materials, such as plastic with or If spacing permits, a diversion dike system may be
without sheet metal enclosure, are subject to the used. Diversion dike systems shall be graded away
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 6 OF 67 MAY 1986

from all tanks and shall provide piping to a safe shall be used in vertical tanks. Dome roofs and
location. small-diameter cone roofs require pressure relief
devices sized in accordance with NFPA 30. Where
Main Tank Valves emergency relief is provided by a pressure relieving
device, the total venting capacity of both normal
Storage tanks shall be provided with shutoff valves and emergency vents shall be sufficient to prevent
in all lines below the liquid level. Tank valves in ruptures of the shell or bottom of vertical tanks.
lines greater than 200 mm (8 in.) in diameter, or Storage of unstable liquids shall allow for the
inaccessible under fire conditions, shall be re- effects of heat or gas, resulting from polymeri-
motely operable from a lo::ation outside the dike zation, decomposition, condensation, or self-
walls. Remotely operated main valves on tank reactivity, with vents designed in accordance with
.;ozzles shall be protected against fire exposure NFPA 30. Hot oil tanks with fixed roofs shall have
by fireproofing exposed conduit and valve opera- added venting capacity, such as venting-type roof
tors. Fireproofing shall meet the requirements of manways, to reduce the possibility of weak roof-
EGE 34-8-15. to-shell seam rupture due to small pressure surges
caused by steam or lighter products entering the
5.2.4 Piping and Fittings tank.
8
Piping and fittings connected to storage tanks shall 5.2~7 High Level Alarms -Overfill Protection
be provided in accordance with EGE 16-B-1 and
EGE 14-$-8. A high level alarm shall be installed on tanks re-
ceiving Class I or Class II materials from pipelines
Vents or marine vessels. The alarm shall sound in a
location occupied by personnel during product
A sufficient number of properly designed vents receipt, such as a control room or oil movements
shall be installed on cone roof tanks to prevent the control area. The alarm actuating device shall be
development of vacuum or pressure in excess of independent of the tank gaging instrumentation
design limitations. Maximum design pressures and shall be electrically supervised (or the equiva-
could be exceeded during tank filling and emptying lent) for circuit fault detection in accordance
operations or as a result of atmospheric tempera- with NFPA 30. Alternate overfill protection de-
ture changes. vices require Mobil approval.

Tank vents shall be sized in accordance with API 5.2.8 Low Level Alarms
Std 2000. Conservation PV vents shall be provided
on cone roof tanks unless the maximum expected A low level alarm shall be installed on tanks with
surface temperature of the liquid stored in the tank heating coils to prevent drying and overheating of
the coils. The alarm actuating device shall be inde-
is at least 13.9°C (25OF) below the closed-cup
flash point of the liquid. A conservation roof may pendent of the tank gaging instrumentation. 8
also be used. Inert gas blanketing, if utilized, may
be considered equivalent in safety to a conserva- 6. ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS-
tion roof. When PV vents are installed, flame FIRE PROTECTION
arresters are not required to prevent propagation
of flame into the vapor space of a cone roof tank. 6.1 Genera!

5.2.6 Emergency Relief 6.1.1 Relative Hazards of Stored Materials

Tanks shall be constructed, or shall contain de- In determining what fire protection facilities are
vices, to relieve excessive internal pressure caused required, specifically those that utilize foam extin-
by fire. Required emergency venting capacities guishing equipment, the following factors should
shall be determined i" accordance with API Std be considered:
2000 and/or NFPA 30.
(a) Class 11m oils with flash points of 93°C
A floating or lifter roof, weak roof-to-shell seam, (200° F) or above do not ~ormally require pro-
or other approved pressure relieving construction tection, unless there is a possibility of being
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 7 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

heated to the flash point or above. Tank spac- originating at a fixed roof tank vent or at the seal
ing, dikage, and fire extinguishing means are of a floating roof tank represent relatively minor
relatively unimportant for unheated oils with fire exposures.
flash points of 93°C (200° F) or above. Usually,
a low cul'b and sufficient spacing for mainte- Table 1 summarizes the protection measures that
nance are satisfactory, unless other requirements should be provided for vertical atmospheric storage
are specified by local ordinance. tanks to protect them against fire risks. Depending
on the type of storage tank, these fire risks are as
(b) Tanks containing Class IlIA combustible follows:
liquids with flash points greater than 60°C
(140OF) and below 93°C (200OF) usually are (a) Cone Roof Tank -A gastight cone roof
not required to be protected by foam, unless tank, equipped with PV vents, may be subject
they are heated to or above their flash points. to internal ignition and explosion from static
Unheated product tanks in this category need discharge or from the presence of pyrophoric
not be considered when determining foam pro- iron scale when the vapor space is in the flam-
tection requirements, unless: mable range. Table E-1 and Figure E-1 of
(1) A low-flash stock is pumped into the Appendix E illustrate the flammability of the
tank for cutback and blending purposes, and vapor space in a cone roof tank based on various
the closed-cup flash point of the cutback temperatures. External ignitions such as light-
stock is less than the storage temperature. ning usually cause only a vent fire. A serious
external fire may cause the roof to relieve
(2) Hot oil streams above their flash points internal overpressure in accordance with normal
enter the tank from process units, or there is tank design, resulting in ignition of tank con-
a possibility of this occurring as a result of tents from the heat of the fire.
improper operation or process upset.
(3) Overheating occurs, resulting in storage (b) Floating Roof Tanks -Floating roof tanks
temperatures exceeding the flash point of the of open-top design are inherently fire safe, ex-
stored material. cept for the possibility of rim fires. Rim fires
on open-top floaters can result from static dis-
(4) The stored product is of exceptionally charge due to atmospheric. electrical distur-
high value or the tank is vulnerable to fires bances caused by a lightning storm, from pyro-
involving adjacent equipment or facilities. phoric iron deposits where the stored material
contains sufficient hydrogen sulfide, or from
(c) Crude oils shall be stored in floating roof
tanks to reduce vapor generation and to prevent other remotely possible external ignition causes.
However, if the roof of an open-top floater is
the development of a heat wave in the tank in a
properly bonded in accordance with NFPA 78,
fire situation. The boilover characteristics of
a rim fire attributable to static or lightning
crude oils can result in serious spread of fire if
should not occur. Rim fires are rare where open-
a heat wave reaches a tank water bottom. The
top floating roofs are properly bonded, rim seal
tanks shall have open tops unless snow loading
integrity is maintained, and pontoons are main-
is a problem.
tained leak-free.

6.1.2 Tank Hazards I n a covered floater, the likel ihood of a fire

resulting from static or lightning is remote be-
Should a tank fire occur, the heat energy release cause of the Faraday cage or shielding effect of
is high. Such a situation presentsa serious exposure the fixed roof. The vapor space in a covered
hazard to adjacent facilities and creates air pollu- floater will remain nonexplosive, except during
tion as well as a public nuisance. However, fire loss periods of initial fill and up to 24 hours after
statistics indicate that pro~rly vented, gastight, filling starts. This limited vulnerability to explo-
fixed roof tanks are relatively fire safe when prop- sion is attributable to venting of the vapor space
erly maintained. A tank and its contents are usual- below the internal roof into the vapor space
!y lost as a result of serious adjacent ground fires. below the fixed roof until the internal roof is
These fires can cause an internal explosion or afloat. "Inerting" the 'vapor space below the
rupture, with resultant loss of the fixed roof. Fires fixed roof or floating the internal roof on water
 MOBIL ENG GUI
EGS 626-1986 PAGE 8 OF 67 MAY 1986
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.
INEERING
IDE
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 9 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

are methods of avoiding this limited explosion (c) Natural Gasoline Plants -Natural gasoline
hazard in the vapor space. plants are usually in remote areas.Volatile mate-
rials are generally free of hydrogen sulfide and
(c) Cone Roof Tanks with Internal Covers - are stored in floating roof tanks. Foam protec-
The use of internal coversdoes not eliminate the tion for tanks is not necessaryat most installa-
requirement for foam protection on a cone roof tions unless required by local ordinance.
tank [see Paragraph 5.2.1 (d)] .The vapor space
of a cone roof tank may be in the flammable (d) Offshore Facilities -Crude oil storage
range without an internal cover. Therefore, an tanks at producing platforms are small yet
internal cover is often used to reduce the vapor vulnerable to fire exposure becauseof the usual-
space to a lean vapor/air mixture, as well as for ly congested installations. Refer to the appro-
product conservation purposes. Where an inter- priate E&P Specifications for protection require-
nal cover is installed, acceptable results may be ments for offshore tanks.
gained for JP-4 fuel storage, for example, when
the tank is open vented. However, the use of
6.2 Types of Foam
an internal cover for more volatile materials,
such as gasoline, may only reduce the vapor/air
The requirements of this Guide are based on the
8 mixture to within the flammable range rather
than provide a lean mixture. PV vents shall be use of 3 percent, low expansion fluoroprotein
foam or aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). Basic
provided when the vapor space is expected to
be in the flammable range, unless the tank is requirements for design, installation, testing, and
ventilated in accordance with API 650, Appen- maintenance are contained in NFPA 11. The type
dix H. of foam-producing materia! determines the extent
of foam-making equipment, manpower require-
Horizontal atmospheric storage tanks, such as ments, maintenance, and fire fighting procedures.
those used at bulk plants for storage of gasoline Foam-producing materials are described briefly in
and fuel oil, do not require foam protection. the following paragraphs.
Norma! and emergency venting shall be provided
in accordance with API Std 2000 and NFPA 30. 6.2.1 Protein and Fluoroprotein Foams
Cooling streams from the plant fire water system
or municipal fire department should be provided. Protein and fluoroprotein foams are generated by
mixing foam liquid concentrate with water and
6.1.3 Basisfor Plant Foam Protection aerating the solution by inducing air in a foam
Requirements maker. Depending on concentration, the foam
liquid is proportioned in water (usually 3 percent
Each atmospheric storage tank installation shall be to 6 percent) to form a solution. There are three
evaluated for relative fire risk and associatedfoam types: low, medium, and high expansion. The low
~rotection requirements. The following rules for expansion foam recommended for use contains
"I::..,~rovidingfoam protection at a plant apply except inhibitors to reduce the amount of foam break.
where otherwise governed by local authority: down in a fire, and the solution expands eight to
ten times its volume when aerated.
(a) Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Tank-
age -Foam protection shall be sufficient for (a) Foam Concentrate Percentage -This Guide
extinguishment of the largest cone roof tank is based on the 3 percent, low expansion foam
fire. Cone roof tanks shall be protected by sub- because it requires half the liquid concentrate
surface foam systems unless the tanks contain storage requ ired by the 6 percent type. Where
polar solvents. Water and foam solution require- mutual aid is a factor, the type of foam liquid
ments for cone roof tanks are given in Appen- used by neighboring facilities should be investi.
dix A, Table A-1. Open-top floating roof tanks gated and the following factors taken into con-
shall be protected from rim fires in accordance sideration:
with Paragraph6.3.2.
(1) The 6 percent liquid concentrate is less
(b) Bulk Plants and Marine Terminals -Guide- expensive than the ~ percent, making fire
lines for bulk plant fire protection are found in extinguishment costs approximately equal on
EGS 623. a comparison of relative application rates.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 100F 67 MAY 1986

However, more 6 percent materia! is required, ordinary foam, and the use of heated storage
so that larger containers and pumping facili- areasand ordinary foam is recommended.
ties must be provided. Therefore, the 3 per-
cent type is,usually considered more economi- It should be noted that the viscosity of the foam
cal. liquid increases at low temperatures. This can
affect the proportioning rate, reducing the per-
(2) The proportioning system used should centage of foam liquid added and thus generat-
be designed to proportion 6 percent and ing foam of poor quality. To prevent excessive
4 percent as well as 3 percent. Such a system sludging, on the other hand, foam liquid' con-
has the added advantage of permitting the centrate should not be heated above 37.8° C
generation of a stiff foam by increasing the (100OF). Therefore, it should not be stored in
proportion when using 3 percent liquid. Also, the hot sun for long periods without protection.
3 percent foam liquid concentrates should be
proportioned at 4 percent when used for sub- 6.2.2 Alcohol/Polar Solvent Resistant Foams
surface injection.
I .
(3) Foam concentrates of different types or Alcohol/polar solvent resistant foams shall be used
of the same type made by different vendors to extinguish fires due to water-soluble, polar, or
foam-destructive solvents. These foam-producing
8
may not be compatible and should not be
mixed in storage. However, different foam materials are more expensive than other types, but
solutions may be used on the same fire, and they can also be used on liquid hydrocarbon fires.
foam concentrates of the same type made For the purpose of this Guide, a 6 percent alcohol
by different vendors may be mixed together foam liquid meeting UL and Mobil requirements
imnllediately before propprtioning at' the should be used to extinguish fires involving certain
fire scene. alcohols (methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, TBA), esters
(ethyl acetate), ketones (acetone, MEK), ethers
(4) I The proportioning system may be used (isopropyl ether, diethyl ether, MTBE), aldehydes,
with foam liquid concentrate of any manu- certain amines,and other organic solvents.
facture, provided it proportions correctly.
The foam makers, where the solution is Alcohol foams are used in proportions of 6 percent
aerated, will generate foam for a 3, 4, or or greater. They are generally not effective when
6 percent foam solution. applied by subsurface injection into alcohol/polar
solvent fuels (seeParagraph6.4.1).
(b) Fbam Concentrate Requirements -Foam
liquid concentrates shall meet Underwriters 6.2.3 Aqueous Film Forming Foam(s)
Labo~tories (UL) requirements and be ap-
proved by Mobil for the use intended. The foam AF F F is a fluorinated surfactant plus foam stabil-
concen,trate must be able to produce a fire izers diluted with water to a 3 or 6 percent solu-
resistant foam of proper quality and must be tion. The foam acts as a barrier both to exclude air
sufficiently stable for long-term storage. and to develop on the fuel surface an aqueous film
capable of suppressingthe evolution of fuel vapors.
Foam liquids must contain fire resistant inhibi- AF F F is specifically recommended for process unit
tors to avoid excessive application rates. Some spill fires. When practical, Mobil recommends that
foams are corrosive and require alloy piping and AFFFs not be used for fires in depth. Testing
lined storage containers to prevent excessive has demonstrated that most AFFFs are generally
corrosipn under storage conditions. Ordinary unsuitable for these fires.
foam liquid is used when the storage tempera-
ture will not drop below -12°C {+100F) or AF F F is effectively used in a combined agent
when ~e storage area is heated. A "freeze pro- application system with dry chemica! extinguish-
tected" foam liquid may be used in colder ing agents. The speed of extinguishment, vapor-
climateS where the storage temperature may securing properties, and compatibility of AFFF
reach T200c (-4° F) and where the liquid is with dry chemicals provide extremely rapid knock-
not premixed with water in storage. However, down, extinguishment, and ,securement of flam-
"freeze protected" foam is not as effective as mable liquid spill fires. AFFF can be generated
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY~986 PAGE 11 OF 67
EGS 626-1986

andt PPlied with standard equipment for air foam

Where portable hose streams are provided, they
liqui .It can also be applied with ordinary water
should be a minimum of two 11 to 14 m3fh (50 to
fog quipment, fixed water sprays, and automatic 60 US gpm), 38 mm (11/2 in.) hose streams sup-
sprin lers with reasonable effectiveness in ffam- plied from foam fire trucks or a suitable foam-
mabl liquid fires.
proportioning system. When hose streams are used
for protection of tanks equipped with tube seals
6.3 Foam Application Rates and metal weathershields or noncombustible
secondary seals, a foam dam is required. (See
NFPA 11, Appendix A, for foam dam details.)
Foam application rates shall be in accordance with
NFP 11. Foam shall be applied continuously at Larger tanks require use of hose lines from a wind-
the inimum recommended rate for tank fire ex- girder walkway supplied from a fixed riser and
tingui hment. If foam application stops prior to tank-top gated siamese foam hydrant arranged in
accordance with Figure 1. Handrails and walk-
fire e tinguishment, the fire will cause foam break-
ways shall meet requirements of EGE 14-8-1 and
down and so destroy the established foam blanket.
EGE 14-8-2.
When this occurs, additional foam-producing
L
-suppli s will be required to re-establish the lost Where fixed or semifixed foam extinguishing
foam blanket and cover the tank liquid surface
systems are provided, they shall be catenary foam
with oam. The amount of foam-producing mate-
systems (arranged in accordance with Paragraph
ria! r ommended by NFPA 11 is sufficient to 6.6 and Appendix C of this Guide and N FPA 11)
exting ish a fire in the protected tank. If addi- or other systems approved by Mobil. The mini-
tional foam-producing capabilities are present, mum application rate will depend upon the type
foam an be applied at higher rates. This generally of seal and the arrangement of the fixed system
results in tank fire extinguishment in lesstime with foam outlets. (See Paragraph 6.6.3 and Table C-1
no inc ease in foam concentrate consumption. of this Guide and NFPA 11, Appendix A for
details.) Foam dams shall be installed in accor-
Cone Roof Tanks dance with Appendix C, Paragraph C-1.10 of this
Guide and NFPA 11, Appendix A.
Minim m foam solution application rates for cone
roof t nks are as follows: 6.3.3 .covered Floating Roof Tanks
(a) Subsurface Foam Injection -A rate of
4.1 (Umin)/m2 (0.1 US gpm/ft2) of liquid sur- No foam protection is required for covered float-
face area in the protected tank (see Table A-1). ing roof tanks when the construction of the
internal floating roof meets the requirements of
(b) Portable Towers or Fixed Foam Cham- this Guide [see definition Storage Tanks, Item (d)].
bers -A rate of 4.1 (Umin)/m2 (0.1 US gpm/ However, protection against rim fires may be de-
ft2) of liquid surface area in the protected tank sired becauseof special risk or regulatory consider-
(see able A-l). ations. Rim protection, if provided, shall be in-
stalled as a fixed or semifixed system in accordance
(c) Portable Hose Streamsor Monitors -A rate with NFPA 11, Appendix A.
of 65(L/min)/m2 (0.16 US gpm/ft2) of liquid
surf e area in the protected tank. For vola- 6.3.4 Cone Roof Tanks with Internal
tile aterials such as gasoline, rates as high as
Floating Covers
8.2 (Umin)/m2 (0.2 US gpm/ft2) of liquid
surfa e area are needed, depending on prebum When foam protection is provided and the internal
time cover is of a pan-type design, or is constructed of
combustible materials, or is a thin aluminum skin
IOpen-Top Floating Aloof Tanks on floats [refer to Paragraph5.2.1 (d)] , foam appli.
cation shall be designed for the full liquid surface
The
floating m ~ Ximum
roof tanksprotection
is a means
required to extinguish
for open-top rim
area of the tank. Foam protection shall be designed
in accordance with Paragraph 6.3.1, except that
fires. F re protection measures are based on tank
over-the-top foam systems ~hall be provided for
size and are listed in Table 1.
tanks with pan-type covers.
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 12 OF 67 MAY 1986

QUICK-OPENING VALVE
(CAR SEAL OPEN)

/, FOAM MAKER
SIAMESE FOAM
HYDRANT I- I
~ BAFFL.EPLATE
MOUNTED ON TOP
-HIGHER
- THAN UPPERMOST
POSITION OF ROOF

STAIRWAY
-
PLATFORM
[=~==~=~
~
"\: TOP
ANGLE

I~
STAIRWAY- SOmm

WINDGIRDER~ --!:..2"2.M~.-
~ ,SECONDARY
LAOOER
FOAM

d
'- DAM (1)

FOAMSOLUTION ---
STANDPIPE FLOATING ROOF

TANK SHELL

PRODUCT

NPS ~ DRAIN (2)

NOTES:
1. No~ always reQuired. (See Paragraph C-,-'O 01
Appendix C.)
2. NPS -nominal pipe size. inches.

FIGURE 1
TYPICAL FLOATING ROOF TANK
(With Siamese Hydrant and Fixed Foam Maker
at Top of Stair~y)

f-=
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAt 1986 PAGE 13 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

Cone Roof Tanks Containing Polar, maximum allowable back pressure is 414 kPa gage
Oxygenated, Water-Soluble, or (60 psig) (see Figures A-11 to A-13 of this Guide).
Foam-Destructive Solvents
PHB foam makers will perform satisfactorily at
Minimum foam solution application rates for the inlet pressures of 690 to 2069 kPa gage (100 to
tan s discussed in this paragraph may be higher 300 psig), provided the system is designed so that
tha for hydrocarbon liquid fire extinguishment back pressure does not exceed 40 percent of the
be use of the characteristics of the products the inlet pressure at the desired flowrate. Also, a mini-
tan s contain. Solution rates are given for various mum of 34.5 kPa gage (5 psig) back pressure is
solv nts in NFPA 11. It is advisable to contact necessaryto maintain the proper foam characteris-
app opriate specialists within Mobil and to request tics. Depending on tank sizes, more than one foam
ven or recommendations when providing protec- maker may be required for injecting foam into the
tion for these liquids. Portable foam towers, fixed largest tank. Tests indicate that the foam solution
foa chambers, hose streams, or monitors may be rate should not exceed 12.2 (L/min)/m2 (0.3 US
emp oyed to apply the foam. Subsurface injection gpm/ft2), three times the recommended minimum
is ge erally ineffective for this use. rate.

High back pressure foam makers may be available

.6.4 \SubSUrfaCe
Injection from other sources. However, flow characteristics
when producing foam of 2 to 4 expansion at
Foam-Producing Material
25 percent drainage time of 90 to 180 seconds
must be better than, or equal to, that of foam
Subs rface foam injection shall utilize either a
produced by a PHB foam maker. I n spite of flow
fluor protein foam solution or a foam solution
limitations and high pressure drop, one or more
of a alcohol/polar solvent resistant concentrate
high back pressure foam makers provide the
prov by Mobil tests to provide satisfactory sub-
surfa e injection performance. For the fluoro- simplest design when subsurface foam injection
prote n foam, the 3 percent liquid concentrate is used.
shoul be proportioned at 4 percent for good
subsu ace results. Optimum foam characteristics 6.4.3 Supply of Foam Liquid Concentrate
for s bsurface injection purposes are 2 to 4 expan-
sion ith a 25 percent drainage time of 90 to The supply of foam liquid concentrate available
180 conds. When alcohol/polar solvent resistant for subsurface injection shall be the sum of the
foam are approved by Mobil for subsurface injec- quantities defined in the following items (a) and
tion, foam proportioning and expansion ratios (b). (See Tables A-1 and A-3 for the minimum
shoul be consistent with Mobil's recommendations supply of foam liquid concentrate required for
when they are different from the manufacturer's. tanks of various sizes.)
(a) Storage Tanks -The supply of foam liquid
Foam Generation concentrate shall be sufficient to permit opera-
tion at the delivery rates specified in Paragraph
Only n approved high back pressure foam maker, 6.3.1 for the minimum periods of time listed in
such s National Foam System's type PHB, should NFPA 11, Chapter 3.
be u d to generate foam for subsurface injection.
This evice is available in sizes for solution flows (b) Foam Hose Streams -The minimum num-
from 11 to 114 m3/h (50 to 500 US gpm) at ber of hose streams required as supplementary
1034 kPa gage (150 psig) inlet pressure. Because protection to extinguish small ground fires shall
of th ir size and weight, however, PHB-30s (300 be provided as specified in NFPA 11, Chapter 3.
gpm 150 psig rating) are the most suitable and Each hose stream shall have a minimum solution
are r commended for most semifixed installa- rate of 11 m3/h (50 US gpm). Adjustment of
tions. The PHB-30 size can be easily handled and the minimum operating time may be made when
moun ed on a fire truck. The PHB type is designed streams of greater capacity are provided. Addi-
to pro ide foams of 2 to 4 expansion against back tional foam liquid concentrate shall be provided
pressue up to 40 percent of the inlet pressure. to permit operation of tl'le hose streams with the
Thus, at 1034 kPa gage (150 psig) pressure, the tank foam installation.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAG E 14 OF 67 MA Y 1986

6.4.4 Requirements to Fill Pipelines 6.4.6 PressureDrop Requirements

In sub urface injection, a supply of foam liquid Subsurface foam system pressure drop shall not
concen rate is not usually required to produce exceed 40 percent of the foam maker inlet pressure
foam r foam solution to fill the volume of foam when a National Foam PHB high back pressure
feedlin s to the tank. Fire water displaces the foam maker (see Figures A-1 and A-11 to A-13) is
solutio and foam from subsurface injection lines used, or the maximum allowable pressure drop as
into th tank so that no additional foam liquid is stated by the manufacturer if a different foam
require. maker is used. The system pressure drop includes
either hose or pipe friction losses between foam
6.4.5 IFoam I njection Points maker and tank, plus static head. (See examples
in Appendix B for typical calculations; seeAppen-
A subs rface foam injection point into a tank may six A, Figures A-5 through A-1O, for hydraulic
be eith r the tank nozzle of a product line or a data.)
separat foam delivery line. The size of an injection
point s all be such that the foam generator dis- 6.4.7 Foam System Piping
charge ressure and foam velocity limitations are
not exc ded. Foam velocity at point of discharge (a) Injection Piping Methods -There are two
into a nk shall not exceed 3 m/s (10 ft/s) for methods of piping foam into a tank by fixed or
Class and IB volatile products and shall not semifixed subsurface injection (see Appendix A,
exceed m/s (20 fils) for other products. In sub- Figures A-2 to A-4, for typical designs).
surface foam injection, the minimum number of
injectio points into tanks shall be as shown in the (1) Product line connections -Fixed system
tabulati n below. piping or fire hose inlet connections are pro-
vided on product lines outside the dike wall
When or more injection points are required, or at a product manifold. Each connection
they s all be equally spaced around the tank shall be equipped with a block valve. A check
periphe .Each injection point shall be sized to valve is not required on semifixed system
deliver foam at approximately the same rate. connections because it is an integral part
Outlets for even foam distribution may be fed, of the foam maker outlet assembly (see
through a pipe manifold (spider) installed in the Figure A-1). The hose inlets, plugs, and caps
tank, b a single shell connection. Shell connec- shall be of corrosion resistant metal. This is
tions m y be made on tank manway covers rather the preferred means of injection when only
than by installing additional tank nozzles. one injection point is required.

Minimum Number of Injection Points

Tank Diameter
---
Class 1A and 18
Required
Nonvolatile
8
m ft liquids Liquids

Up to 24 Up to 80
I
Over 24 to 37 Over 80 to 120 2 1
Over 37 to 43 Over 120 to 140 3 2
Over43 to 49 Over 140 to 160 4 2
Over49 to 55 Over 160 to 180 5 2
Over 55 to 61 Over 180 to 200 6 3
Over 61, add one Over 200, add one
inlet for each inlet for each
additional. .. additional. .. 465 m2 (5000 ft2) 697 m2 (7500 ft2)
of surface area of surfacearea
 ~~ ~
~

MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA(r'1986 PAGE 15 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

After the start of a fire, a foam maker inlet 6.6 Catenary Foam Systems
connection to the product line may be made
for tanks between 24 m and 37 m (80 ft and Catenary foam systems provide a means of extin-
120 ft). in diameter, depending on the liquid guishing rim fires in large, open-top floating roof
stored in the tank. In this case, product lines tanks where manual fire fighting is difficult be-
may be hot tapped, or necessaryattachments cause of the extensive rim area. Catenary foam
may be made at any existing accessibleflanged systems shall be provided in accordance with
or threaded pipe joint of suitable size. Table 1.

(2) Dedicated foam system tank connec- 6.6.1 Design Basis

tions -Piping dedicated to the foam system Catenary foam systems shall be installed in accor-
is provided between the fire hose inlet con- dance with this Guide and N FPA 11, Section A-3-
nections or fixed foam system piping and the 2.11.1.
tank. The piping may connect to the tank
through a dedicated tank nozzle or through a 6.6.2 System Arrangement
manway nozzle. Catenary foam systems shall be carefully designed
and installed to ensure proper operation. See
() Foam Shutoff Valves and End Connec- Appendix C for typical catenary foam system
ti ns -Foam valves of fixed systems or hose arrangements and design considerations, including
i let connections of semifixed systems shall be foam dam provisions.
a safe distance from the tank being protected
a d outside dike walls. This distance should be 6.6.3 Supply of Foam Concentrate
a inimum of 30 m (100 ft) or a distance equal
(a) When a foam dam is installed in a catenary
t the tank diameter, whichever is greater.
system, the supply of foam should be adequate
to permit system operation at an application
( ~ Product Line Valving -When product lines

rate of 12.2 (Umin)/m2 (0.3 US gpm/ft2) of

ar used for foam, product line valving shall be

area between the foam dam and the tank shell

a anged to ensure that foam enters only the
p tected tank. Identification signs are advisable
for 20 minutes. Foam concentrate stocks should
also supply the minimum number of foam hose
fo this purpose.
streams required as supplementary protection to
extinguish small ground fires, as specified in
6.4.~ System Inspection and Testing NFPA 11, Chapter 3.
Subs rface foam injection systemsshall be visually (b) When a foam dam is not installed in a
inspe ted after installation to ensure accessibility catenary system, the supply of foam should be
to in ets, proper labeling, and proper piping config- adequate to permit system operation at an appli-
urati n. All remote valves shall be tested to ensure cation rate of 20.4 (L/min)/m2 (0.5 US gpm/ft2)
prop r operation. Whenever possible, foam test of seal area for 10 minutes. Foam concentrate
samp es shall be taken without injecting foam into stocks should also supply the minimum number
the t nk by breaking the connection at the tank of foam hose streams required as supplementary
valve or at the product line. protection to extinguish small ground fires, as
specified in NFPA 11, Chapter 3.
6.5 Fixed Foam Chambers 6.6.4 System Inspection and Testing
Fixe foam outlets shall be designed and installed Catenary foam systems shall be visually inspected
in a cordance with EGE 14-5-8 and NFPA 11, after installation to ensure accessibility to inlets,
Chap er 3. Except where required by local author- proper labeling, and proper piping configuration.
ity, able 1, or Paragraph6.3.4, over-the-top fixed All remote valves shall be tested to ensure proper
foam outlets shall be used only for application of operation. All catenary foam systems shall be
foam in cone roof tanks utilized for storage of tested with foam flow at the design rate to the
foam destructive flammable liquids (polar solvents) point where a foam blanket covers the primary
that re not suitable for protection by the subsur- and secondary seals in leSs than 15 minutes if a
face i jection method. foam dam is provided, or the annular space be-

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS62$-1986 PAGE 150F 57 MAY 1986

tween t~ Shell and roof in less than 7% minutes if hose stream to tanks containing crudes, heavy fuel
the foa is discharged under the seals or weather- oils, and similar materials that can develop a heat
Ishield w thout a foam dam. This test shall be con- wave (see Appendix F). Ground level monitors are
iducted n installation of the system and whenever not recommended for extinguishment of floating
Ithe tank al area is modified. roof rim fires because of the excessive amount of
foam delivered, the difficulty in directing the foam
~.7 PortableMonitors and HoseNozzles into the narrow annular space, and the possibility
of sinking the roof. Monitors on foam truck articu-
6.7.1 Qeneral lated booms may be advantageous, depending on
foam truck accessibility and tank size.
Portable oam monitors or foam hose streams may
~e used 0 extinquish tank fires, given the limita- 6.7.3 Advantages
1ions Ii d in NFPA 11, Chapter 6. These devices
Can be u d for protection of cylindrical or cone Despite the limitations, there are sufficient advan-
toof tan s not over 15 m (50 ft) in diameter or tages in the use of portable foam monitors to
9 m (30 ) high. Foam hose streams are effective justify consideration for tank fire extinguishment.
in extin uishing floating roof tank rim fires. In Foam trucks built to Mobil specifications are
1anks up to 40 m (130 ft) in diameter and 13 m usually equipped with a 227 m3/h (1000 US gpm)
(42 ft) h gh, foam monitors have been successful foam monitor or snorkel articulated boom with a
in extin ishing fires that involved the entire tank. 114 m3/h (500 US gpm) monitor. In addition, a
However, use of large monitors should not be 227 m3/h (1000 US gpm) wheeled monitor is
depended upon as a primary means for extinguish- recommended and can be towed behind the foam
ment of J rge cone roof tank fires. truck for use on tank or spill fires. Monitors have
the advantage of fire extinguishment without close
6.7.2 Li~itations approach, resulting in less personnel hazard. Also,
less time is required to prepare for foam applica-
When po able monitors or hose streams are used, tion, resulting in faster extinguishment, especially
low prod ct levels and intense fire may create up- for numbers of closely spaced tanks up to about
drafts du to the chimney effect. These updrafts 15 m (SO ft) in diameter. Foam mon itors are effec-
Will prev nt sufficient foam from reaching the tive in fighting large spill fires, such as those in
product urface and forming a foam blanket. tank impounding basins. However, industry ex-
Roam sh II be applied continuously and evenly perience indicates that foam monitors and foam
t~ establi h a foam blanket. Foam streams should hose streams are ineffective in fighting tank fires
be directe against the inner tank shell so that the in water-soluble materials, which require extremely
foam flo s gently onto the burning liquid surface gentle foam application.
without u due submergence. This may be difficult
to accom lish in wind conditions because,depend- 6.7.4 Application
ing on vel city and direction, wind reduces foam
S1freame ectiveness. The foam solution rate of Refinery and petrochemical plants normally have
6.5 (l/mi )/m2 (0.16 US gpm/ft2) of tank liquid 227 m3/h (1000 US gpm) foam monitors on fire
surface ar a, being 60 percent greater than fixed- trucks, as well as 114 m3/h (500 US gpm) and
system fo m rates, results in considerably higher 227 m3/h (1000 US gpm) wheeled foam monitors.
water an foam liquid requirements. Care shall The operating characteristics of these devices are
be exerci d when foam is applied by monitor or as shown in the tabulation below.

114 m3fh (500 US gpm) Monitor 227 m3/h (1000 US gpm) Monitor

Straight Stream
Nozzle Pressure Solution Flow Foam Ran""

kPa gage psig m ft m3Jh US gpm m ft

690 100 93 408 43 140 185 816 52 / 170

1034 150 114 500 55 180 227 1000 64 210

1379 200 131 578 61 200 262 1155 66 215

 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

M~Y 1986 PAGE 17 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

Ba~ d on an application rate of 6.5 (L/min)/m2 easily handled containers to meet requirements for
(0.16 US gpm/ft2) of tank liquid surface, the re- foam hose streams.
qu red solution rate when using monitors can be
de ermined for the various tank sizes by multiply- Table A-5 lists pressure requirements for typical
ing by 1.6 the values given in Table A-l. foam nozzles of various types of manufacture
which are usually rated at 690 kPa gage (100 psig)
6.s1 Water Supply nozzle pressure. Normally, nozzles rated below
23 m3/h (100 US gpm) are used for 38 mm (11/2 in.)
6.81 Design Basis hose lines, while those rated at or above that f"ange
are u~d for 64 mm (21/2 in.) hose I ines. The listed
Mi imum solution application rates required for foam truck discharge pressures would also be the
con roof tanks for subsurface injection or topside foam or water hydrant outlet pressures required
foa application and foam hose streams are shown for the alternate designs. The minimum foam hose
in able A-1 on the basis of tank sizes. The flow- stream requirement is a solution rate of 11 m3/h
rate of the foam liquid concentrate shall be deter- (50 US gpm). Adjustment can be made in the num-
min d by multiplying the solution rate by 0.03 or ber of foam hose streams required when greater
0.0 , depending on the percentage of liquid used. capacity foam hose streams are provided.
Coo ing stream requirements are also shown. Thus,
6.8.3 Fire Mains and Hydrants
the otal water requirements for fighting the larg-
est one roof tank fire can be determined from
The fire water needed for foam generation in any
Tab A-1.
tank field (based on the largest cone roof tank
requiring protection) can be determined from the
6.8.~ Water PressureRequirements data contained in Paragraphs 6.8.1 and 6.8.2 and
in Table A-1. In large refinery or petrochemical
Wat r cooling streams for tank shells are usually plant tank fields or similar installations, fire water
take directly from fire hydrants. When hydrant for cooling streams shall also be considered. In
residual pressure is below 552 kPa gage (80 psig), designing the fire water system for complete tank
fire ruck booster pumps are used to supply hose protection, fire water mains shall be arranged as
strea s. For the purpose of calculation, 57 m3/h a looped or grid system to supply the design flow
(250 US gpm) cooling streams shall be utilized. at the minimum residual hydrant outlet pressure.
Such a cooling stream will reach over the curb
angl of a 23 m (75 ft) high tank from a horizontal Table A-1 lists total fire water requirements for
dista ce of 20 m (65 ft) based on 345 kPa gage foam and cooling water by tank size. The design
(50 sig) nozzle pressure when a 29 mm (11/8 in.) fire water flow for a given tank field is based on
solid stream nozzle is used. The minimum residua! the largest fire water requirement for a given tank,
hydr nt outlet pressure in the tank field shall plus cooling water for adjacent unshielded tank-
be 5 2 kPa gage (80 psig) to supply 345 kPa gage age. Depending on tank spacing, the design fire
(50 pig) nozzle pressurewith 11 m3/h (50 US gpm) water flow mayor may not be the total require-
flowi 9 through 76 m (250 ft) of 38 mm (11/2 in.) ment for the largest cone roof tank becauseof the
hose. Table A-4 in Appendix A showsthe approxi- amount that may be needed for cooling streams
mate effective range and pressurerequirements for to protect unshielded tankage. The fire water
nozzl s of various sizes when a "fair" stream is system should be designed to provide at least
provi ed. 690 kPa gage (100 psig) residual hydrant pressure
(see Paragraph 6.8.2) at design flow when cooling
Foam hose streams (see Appendix A, Table A-5) streams are used directly from the hydrants. When
are a umed to be supplied from a foam fire truck. fire truck pumpers are available to furnish cooling
When a fixed foam system is installed: foam hy- streams, the residual hydrant outlet pressure can
dran piped from the system can be used for foam be reduced to not less than 345 gage (50 psig).
hose reams. Thus, the foam hose streams may be Minimum pipe size for the fire main shall be NPS8.
suppli d from foam fire trucks or foam hydrants,
or th hose streams may be supplied with water 6.8.4 Division Valves and Fire Hydrants
from nk fieid fire hydrants and the foam nozzles
can b equipped with pickup tubes. However, there (a) Number of Valves and Hydrants -A suffi-
must hen be sufficient storage of foam liquid in cient number of division valves shall be provided
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 6~6-1986 PAGE 18 OF 67 MAY 1986

so t at any section of the fire main grid or loop on sleepers. Wet barrel hydrants shall be used
may be removed from service while fire water with abovegrade mains, while the self-draining
cont nues to be supplied for tank fire protec- compression type shall be used with belowgrade
tion. The system pressure drop calculations mains. Hydrants shall be at least one tank
requ red to size fire mains shall be made on the diameter from the tanks but not less than 15 m
basis of all grid sections open with parallel flow. (50 ft) from the tank shell. Hydrants should be
The umber of division valves needed for system able to protect several adjacent tanks if spacing
retia ility shall be based on no more than six permits.
hydr nts out of service as a result of a single
main break. A sufficient number of hydrants Hydrants with pumper connections shall be
shall be provided to permit fire fighting opera- placed so that a foam truck can approach within
tions regardless of wind direction. The tabu- 1.8 m (6 ft) for quick and easy connection.
latio below shows the number of hydrants Where 64 mm (2112in.) outlets are used, the
need to satisfy these requirements for various distance shall not be more than 9 m (30 ft). This
tank izes. distance permits foam truck connection with the
use of 15 m (50 ft) of fire hose. Following are
(b) ydrant Size -The hydrant size depends other recommendations in locating hydrants in
on t e water equipment and number of hose a tank field:
strea s needed. A 100 mm (4 in.) hydrant will
fumi h 114 m3fh (500 US gpm) and a 152 mm (1) Sufficient hydrants should be located so
(6 in.) hydrant 227 m3fh (1000 US gpm). A that no more than 76 m (250 ft) of 64 mm or
203 m (8 in.) hydrant is needed for high flows. 76 mm (2112in. or 3 in.) hose is required for
The 52 mm (6 in.) and 203 mm (8 in.) hydrants each connection for foam discharge from the
are e uipped with 114 mm (41/2 in.) or 127 mm truck to subsurface injection or standard pipe
(5 in. pumper outlets so that suction hose may hose inlets or inlets to foam towers (see
be u d for water supply to a foam truck. The Appendix D) erected against the tank shell.
mini um size for a hydrant in a refinery tank
field hall be 152 mm (6 in.). (2) Adequate ground coverage of the area
should be possible when using 76 m (250 ft)
(c) ydrant Arrangement -Fire mains shall of 38 mm (1112 in.) hose from truck dis-
be so located as to place hydrants outside dike charges. When this is coupled to 64 mm or
walls nd adjacent to roadways. In nonfreezing 75 mm (2112in. or 3 in.) hose, it should be
climat s the mains may be located aboveground possible to use 38 mm (1112 in.) foam hose

Hydrant
Location of Hydrant
Tank Diameter Relative to Size Outlets
m
-I ft Protected Tank* No. rom in. mm in.

<24 <80 1 ea. quadrant 4 100 4 64 2112(2)

26 to 37 85to 120 1 ea. quadrant 4 152 6 64 2112

(2)
114 4112(1)

41to61 134to 200 1 ea. octant 8 203 8 64 2~ (3)

114 4~ or
or127 5 (1)
>61 >200 2 ea. octant 16 203 8 64 2~ (3)
114 4~ or
or127 5 (1)

*For floating roof tanks over 37 m (120 ft) and less than 61 m (200 ft) in diameter, 'only one
hydrant shall be located in each octant to provide sufficient cooling streams [see Paragraph
6.8.5 (c)].
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

M4v 1986 PAGE 19 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

streams to extinguish floating roof rim fires (2) In the amount requiied for cooling the
from the tank roof or the windgirder (see tank shell in accordance with Paragraph
Paragraph6.3.2). 6.8.5(a).
(3) H'{drant location should permit cooling (d) Floating Roof Tanks -There shall be suffi-
water to be applied to all shell portions of a cient fire water to cool the shell and extinguish
burning tank and to the shell and roof of adja- a rim fire in open-top floating roof tanks or
cent unshielded tanks when 76 m (250 ft) of covered floating roof tanks with double-deck or
64 mm or 76 mm (21/2 in. or 3 in.) hose is pontoon roofs. The numbers of cooling streams
used for cooling streams directly from hy- listed in Paragraph 6.8.5(a), Item (2) for cone
drants. roof tank shells should be sufficient. If a floating
roof is bonded against lightning as specified in
6.815 Storage Tank Fire Water Requirements NFPA 78, and there is no possibility of pyro-
phoric iron deposits due to the nature of the
() Cone Roof Tanks -A cone roof tank has stored material, the fire water requirement may
0 fire water requirements: be reduced to 182 m3/h (800 US gpm) maxi-
mum for ground fire control. For covered float-
(1) The amount needed for fixed or semi- ing roof tanks without double-deck or pontoon
fixed foam extinguishment systems at a rate floating roofs, supply fire water in accordance
of 4.1 (L/min)/m2 (0.1 US gpm/ft2) of tank with Paragraph6.8.5(a).
liquid surface area, in accordance with NFPA
11. 6.8.6 Cooling Water Requirements for
Exposed Tankage
(2) The amount needed for cooling the tank
shell to prevent it from buckling above the Calculation of fire water requirements for a poten-
liquid level and to allow the foam blanket to tial tank or sphere fire shall include cooling water
form a tight sealagainst cooled metal. Cooling streams for adjacent tankage. Allow at least two
streams for this purpose, at 57 m3/h (250 US 114 m3/h (500 US gpm) cooling streams for each
gpm) each, are estimated by tank diameter as adjacent, unshielded floating roof or cone roof
follows: tank or sphere within the following limits:

Tank Diameter
(a) Within 15 m (50 ft) of a tank of any size.
No. of Cooling
m ft Water Streams (b) Within 46 m (150 ft) of a sphere.

Up to 20 Up to 65 2
(c) Within one tank diameter and within the
tank quadrant of the exposing tank that requires
Over20 to 36 Over 65 to 118 3
the maximum amount of cooling water.
Over36 to 47 Over 118to 155 4
Over47 to 61 Over 155 to 200 5 6.9 Foam-Producing Materials Supply
Over61 Over200 6
6.9.1 Subsurface Foam Injection
(b Cone Roof Tanks Containing High-Flash
Li uids -When the product stored has a flash Sufficient foam liquid concentrate shall be pro-
po nt of 60°C (140°F) closed cup or higher, a vided to permit operation of the subsurface system
co e roof tank shall be considered relatively for the largest tank (see Table A-3), plus hose
sa .In such cases,water for foam extinguish- stream requirements (see Table A-1J, to meet the
m nt is not required if the conditions of Para- requirements of Paragraphs6.4.3(aJ and 6.4.3(bJ.
gr ph 6.1.1 (bl are met.
6.9.2 Fixed Foam Chambers or Portable
(c) Cone Roof Tanks with Internal Floating Foam Towers
C rs -Fire water should be supplied as Sufficient foam liquid concentrate shall be pro-
fo ws: vided to permit operation of fixed foam chambers
1) I n the amount requ ired for foam appl ica- or portable foam towers in accordance with Para-
ion in accordance with Paragraphs6.3.4 and graph 6.3.1 and Table A-2 of this Guide and NFPA
.8.5(a). 11,Chapter3.

..
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 6~6-1986 PAGE 20 OF 67 MAY 1986

6.9.3 ~atenaryFoamSystems tions. When tanks are externally insulated, they

are not usually protected by fixed water spray;
t
SUfficie t foam liquid concentrate shall be pro-
vided t permit catenary foam system operation
thus, the insulation shall be fire resistant. The
insulation shall also resist dislodging due to im-
in accor ante with Paragraph6.6.3. pingement of fire hose streams. An outer shell,
used to retain loose insulation, should be steel or
6.9.4 ~ortable/Fixed Foam Monitors concrete. Insulation shall be provided in accor-
~nd Foam Handlines dance with EGE 34-8-11 and EGE 34-8-15.

suffiCie~ t foam liquid concentrate shall be pro- 7.3 Cryogenic Service

vided t permit operation of foam monitors and
handlin in accordance with Paragraph 6.7 and Cryogenic service tanks at temperatures below
Table A 1 of this Guide and NFPA 11, Chapter 3. -101°C (-150°F) shall be installed to meet appli-
cable requirements of NFPA 59A.
6.9.5 ijoam Liquid Concentrate Reserve
7.4 Site Location and Spacing
~
A SUffi .ent reserve of foam liquid concentrate
shall be vailable to restore foam system and equip- Low-pressure storage tanks shall be located down-
ment se ice after operation. grade and downwind (prevailing wind) from con-
tinuous ignition sources. Provide the maximum
7. LO~PRESSURE STORAGE TANKS possible separation from other facilities and neigh-
boring establishments. Minimum spacing shall be
7.1 Ge~eralDesign as specified in EGS 622 and as follows:
(a) Low-pressure storage tanks shall be located
Low-pre ure storage tanks shall be designed and at least 46 m to 61 m (150 ft to 200 ft) from
installed in accordance with API Std 2508 and other plant facilities, including process units
API Std 510 as applicable. Relief valves shall be and flammable liquid atmospheric storagetanks.
designed in accordance with API RP 520. Emer- These tanks shall be placed a minimum of 76 m
gency re ief valves shall discharge directly to the (250 ft) from property lines or normally occu-
atmosph re through vertical vent stacks, extending pied buildings; from a flare, furnace, or similar
a minim m of 3 m (10 ft) above the tank. A drain continuous ignition source; or from any fixed
shall be laced at the bottom of the stack and source of ignition. A refrigerated storage tank
arranged to prevent flame impingement on the shall be installed at a distance of 11/2 times its
tank. All low-pressure storage tanks shall be pro- greatest dimension (diameter or height) but need
vided wi h vacuum relief valves sized to protect not be more than 61 m (200 ft) from the line
the tank at maximum withdrawal rates. With of adjoining property that may be built upon,
refrigerat d LP-gas storage, it may be desirable to as specified in API Std 2508 and API Std 2510.
provide p ocess relief valves that discharge through Refrigerated storage tanks of over 190 m3
a closed ystem to a flare stack. Vertical cylindri- (50,000 US gal) shall be installed with a mini-
cal low- ressure storage tanks (refrigerated or mum spacing of at least half the diameter of the
cryogenic shall be designed and installed in accor- largest tank.
dance wit EGE 14-B-6.
(b) The minimum distance between adjacent
72 Refr!gerated Storage low-pressure storage tanks shall be 15 m (50 ft)
when they are protected by water spray or a
Tanks f r low-temperature storage of LP-gas, system of water monitors. If the requirements
ethylene, or other hydrocarbons above -101 ° C of Item (a) of this paragraph are met, water
(-150°F) are either externally insulated or of spray or deluge protection may be omitted.
double-w II construction with insulation between
two vesse shells. When double-wall construction 7.5 Dike Walls -Grading and Drainage
is used. t nks are relatively firesafe, and credit for
insulation in accordance with API RP 520 can be Dike walls shall be located away from low-pressure
assumed hen sizing the relief valve for fire condi- storage tanks to provide sufficient natural ventila-
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

M~Y 1986 PAGE 21 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

ti n and to prevent flammable vapor accumula- water spray or deluge systems. Foundation erosion
ti ns. The diked enclosure shall be sized to contain may result in loss of vessel support, with sub-
at least 50 percent of the largest tank capacity. sequent failure of the tank. Fixed or portable
In locations where climatic conditions result in 114 m3fh (500 US gpm) adjustable fog-to-straight-
pr longed periods during which pressure storage stream monitors are recommended to protect this
te peratures may be below the boiling point, the type of vessel. Fire hydrants should be located
di ed enclosure shall be sized to contain 100 per- outside the dike walls, at least 15 m (50 ft) from a
ce t of the tank capacity. For refrigerated and low-pressure storage vessel, in sufficient number
c ogenic storage, secondary containment for to supply portable monitors regardless of wind
10 percent of the tank capacity shall be provided direction. Depending on the type of product
by a dike or by a double containment shell. A dike stored, foam may be used to extinguish spill fires.
siz for the maximum probable piping spill shall Dry chemica! monitors or hose streams will also
be provided if a double containment shell is used. provide excellent extinguishment. When portable
114m3fh (500 US gpm) water monitors are used,
Th ground beneath and adjacent to a low-pressure it is suggested that at least two such monitors
sto ge tank shall be sloped away from the tank to (one on each side of the installation) be provided.
pre ent accumulation of vapors or flammable When fixed monitors are used, at least four are
liq ids. Flammable liquid tanks shall be so located needed.
as 0 avoid flow of the flammable liquids into an
are adjacent to a low-pressurestorage tank. Sealed
and valved drains of adequatesize shall be provided
8. HIGH-PRESSURE STORAGE TANKS
to rain the diked enclosure. If the terrain permits,
a d version dike system may be used. It should
con ist of open channels draining to a retention 8.1 General Design
are in a safe location. The retention area may be
High-pressure storage tanks shall be designed and
of imple earthen construction. It should have a
installed in accordance with API Std 2508 and
cap city equal to the greater of the following:
API Std 2510 as applicable and with EGE 12-8-1.
() The volume of the largest diked enclosure
t at would be required for the protected tanks When spheres are not designed to withstand full
i individual diking were provided. vacuum, they shall be provided with vacuum relief
() Eighty cubic meters (500 barrels). valves sized to protect the vessel at maximum with-
drawal rates. Spheres may be designed for full
vacuum, eliminating vacuum relief valves, if the
7.6 \ High Level Alarms -, Overfill Protection vapor pressure of the stored material at storage
temperature is below or near atmospheric pressure.
Ii Lo pressure refrigerated and cryogenic storage If vacuum relief valves are used, provision shall be
.tank shall be equipped with independent high made to ensure that the vapor space remains above
~ level alarms to prevent vesseloverfilling. The alarm the flammable range; otherwise, the vapor space
actu ting device shall be independent of tank shall be inerted. For example, in freezing areas
gagi g instrumentation and shall be electrically where butane is stored, the use of vacuum relief
supe ised (or the equ.valent) for circuit fault valves permits the entrance of air, resulting in a
det tion. The alarm shall sound in a location flammable vapor mixture above the liquid level.
occu ied by personnel during product receipt, An ignition in this type of vessel could result in
such as a control room or oil movements control a detonation.
cent~r. Alternative overfill protection devices
requ~re Mobil approval. Relief valves on ASME Code vesselsshould be sized
in accordance with API RP 520 as well as ASME
requirements. When relief valves discharge directly
7.7 IFire Protection to the atmosphere, they should do so through
vertical vent stacks extending 2 m to 3 m (7 ft to
Beca~se foundation erosion can result from a high 10 ft) above the vessel.A drain should be provided
rate of cooling water application, low-pressure at the bottom of the stack, arranged to prevent
stora e tanks are not usually protected by fixed flame impingement on the vessel.

-
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 22 OF 67 MAY 1986

82 High-PressureStorage in Spheres 8.2.4 Sphere Safeguards

8.2.1 Site Location and Spacing The most important fire loss safeguard for spheres
is the prevention of flame impingement on the
Location of spheres shall be downgrade and down- vessel surface in the vapor space. This requires
wind from ignition sources, with the maximum careful piping design (including connections, vents,
possible separation from other facilities and neigh- drains, and bleeds) so that leaks or openings, if
boring properties. Spacing shall be as specified in ignited, will not impinge flame on the vessel
EGS 622 and asfollows: surface. Drainage and grading shall ensure" that
(a) A minimum of 76 m (250 ft) shall be re- flammable liquids or vapors cannot collect beneath
quired between spheres and the property line, or adjacent to the sphere. Fill and/or suction lines
normally occupied buildings, or any continuous on bottom nozzles should be provided with re-
source of ignition such as a process furnace or motely operated shutoff valves. The remote shut-
fired boiler. The distance from the base of a off actuating switch or manipulator shall be at least
flare shall be at least91 m (300 ft). 30 m (100 ft) from the sphere. Under certain
circumstances, vapor depressuring may be used to
(b) A minimum of 30 m (100 ft) shall be re- protect a sphere against rupture when exposed
quired between pressure storage spheres and to the heat of a fire. EGS661 contains details on
atmospheric storage tanks containing flammable design considerations for such systems. Usually,
products. when vapor depressuring is used, atmospheric
(c) Spacing between spheres shall be at least release of large volumes of gas presents a hazard.
one tank diameter but not lessthan 15 m (50 ft). Therefore, installation of an adequate flare system
is required.
8.2.2 Grading and Drainage
8.2.5 High Level Alarms -Overfill Protection
There should be no possibility of flammable liquids
from other sources flowing into the area beneath High-pressure storage spheres shall be equipped
the sphere. The surface beneath the sphere shall be with independent high level alarms to prevent
stabilized, raised, and sloped away from the sphere vessel overfilling. See Paragraph 7.6 for high level
to prevent accumulation of flammable vapors or alarm requirements.
liquids. It is preferred that a diversion dike system
be provided. It should consist of open channels 8.2.6 Fire Protection
draining to a retention area in a safe location. The
retention area may be of simple earthen construc. I n most cases, the water requirement for cooling
tion, with a capacity equal to 50 percent of the pressure storage spheres or cylinders exceeds that
volume of the largest sphere draining into it. When for the largest cone roof tank. This is particularly
climatic conditions result in prolonged periods true for a number of spheres or cylinders in close
during which storage temperatures may be below proximity. Water spray system design in accor-
the boiling point at atmospheric pressure, it is dance with EGS 643 shall be on the basis of
advisable to size the retention area up to 100 per. 6.1 (L/min)/m2 (0.15 US gpm/ft2) of total sur-
cent of the largest vesselcapacity. face for all such vessels that may be involved in
If the terrain does not permit a diversion dike a fire or 8.2 (L/min)/m2 (0.2 US gpm/ft2) if the
system, dike enclosures shall be provided. The vessel may be exposed to flame impingement in
capacity shall be the sameas required for retention the vapor space. A sufficient number of hydrants
areas, as stated above. Sealed and valved drains shall be placed outside the dike walls in order to
shall be provided to drain the diked enclosure. provide adequate cooling water streams.
Dike walls shall be low and far enough away from
the vessel to provide good natural ventilation. 8.3 High-PressureStorage in Cylindrical
Vessels (Bullets)
8.2.3 Fireproofing
8.3.1 Site Location and Spacing
The support iegs of spheres shall be fireproofed in I

accordance with EGE 34-8-15 for a three-hour Minimum spacing requirements for cylindrical
ASTM E119 fire rating. storage vessels shall be in accordance with API Std
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA~ 1986 PAGE 23 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

25 8 and API Std 2510 as applicable and with asphaltic cutback mastic coatings and fiberglass
E E 12-8-1. On abovegrade installations, the fabric reinforcing applied between coatings. The
m jor axis of the vesselshall be pointed away from head at one end and a short section of shell may
he ily populated areas, vital or valuable equip- be exposed, and a concrete retaining wall shall
m nt, or large-volume flammable liquid storage, contain the fill over the remainder of the vessel.
wh her located in plant or on neighboring prop- The exposed portion of the vessel shall be fire-
e .It is preferred ti"!at abovegrade vessels be proofed in accordance with EGE 34-8-15. This
10 ted downgrade and downwind from ignition permits the majority of the connections to be
so rces and arranged to prevent any possible flow made outside the fill area at the uncovered end.
of lammable liquids into the vesselarea. Grade the
are and provide drainage so that liquids will not Mounding is usually the most economical method
col ect adjacent to or under the cylindrical vessels. of fire protection where three or more large vessels
In efineries, for maximum protection against fire are involved. This is especially true when the
ex osure, either increase the minimum distance amount of fire water available is minimal, since
req irements given in API Std 2508 and API Std mounding does not require further fixed fire pro-
25 0 by 100 percent or provide specialprotection. tection facilities.
Do not locate storage vesselswithin the same diked
enc osure as atmospheric flammable liquid storage. 8.3.3 Fireproofing

Re ommended distances for cylindrical storage Aboveground high-pressure cylindrical storage

tanks shall be protected by insulation in accor-
ve les from other refinery facilities are as follows:
dance with EGE 34-8-15.
() From occupied buildings, process units,
a d continuous ignition sources such as process 8.3.4 High Level Alarms -Overfill Protection
u it heaters or flares: 76 m (250 ft).
High-pressure cylindrical storage vessels shall be
() From atmospheric flammable liquid stor-
equipped with independent high level alarms to
a e: 30 m (100 ft). [Exception: The recom-
prevent vessel overfilling. See Paragraph 7.6 for
ended distance from atmospheric storage tanks
0 less than 2385 m3 (15,000 bbl) capacity is high level alarm requirements.
1 m (50 h).]
Fire Protection
3
SP oa, fire protection shall be provided in refinery
in (lations by mounding, fixed water spray, vapor
The most important fire loss safeguard for high-
pressure storage tanks is prevention of flame
depr ssuring, or fire resistant insulation. Details on
impingement on the vessel surface in the vapor
fix water spray protection are given in E GS 643.
space. This requires careful piping design (includ-
ing connections, vents, drains and bleeds) so that
8.3.~ Mounding leaks or openings, if ignited, will not impinge
flame on the vessel surface. Fixed water spray
Mou ding is the most desirable arrangement for
systems for horizontal cylindrical pressure vessels
fire rotection. The vesselsare covered with earth
shall be provided in accordance with EGS 643.
to a minimum depth of 300 mm (12 in.) and in-
A vapor depressuring system in accordance with
stall on a suitable foundation so that the fill can
be r moved for inspection or repair (seedetails in EGS 661 may be used in lieu of a fixed water
NFP 58). The direction or location of the major spray. If vessels are in a remote location, vapor
depressuring by fusible plug control may be used
vesse axis may be disregarded,and the vesselsmay
be p aced close together to leave only sufficient if approved by Mobil.
roo for inspection and maintenance. Spacing to
prop rty boundaries may be decreased to 61 m 9. STORAGE OF TETRAETHYLLEAD AND
(200 ), spacing to other tankage may be reduced SIMILAR ANTIKNOCK COMPOUNDS
to 1 m (50 ft), and spacing to processunits and
to n rmally occupied buildings may be reduced to 9.1 Thermal Behavior
30 m (100 ft). The vessel surfaces shall be ade-
quat Iy protected against corrosion. For example, TEL, TML, and MEL antiknock compounds are
a chr mate primer may be used, with at least two thermally unstable and may detonate if heated bv
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 6$-1986 PAGE 24 OF 67 MAY 1986

a fire a~ ove certain temperatures. Tests conducted cooling water shall be used to prevent metal sur-
by Eth I and E.I. duPont de Nemours resulted in faces in the vapor spacefrom reaching temperatures
the pe inent data and precautions noted in the that would initiate surface decomposition. Com-
followi 9 paragra.phs. mercial TM L antiknock compound is ignitable at
ambient temperature in the presence of air, but it
tretraethyllead burns slowly. Water is an effective fire extinguisher
for commercial antiknock mixtures. It collects on
TE L co~ tains scavenging agents and is not classi- the surface of high-density commercial antiknock
fied as a flammable liquid because its closed-cup material, eliminating fuel supply to burning vapors
flash pint is above 930 C (2000 F). The TE L con- and preventing reflaming.
tent wi I start to decompose at about 110°C
(2300F). 9.2 Site Location and Spacing

When E L is heated above 110° C (230° F), the Blending plants and their storage facilities shall be
rate of its decomposition increases slowly as the located so as to minimize the possibility of fire
tempera ure rises. If the compound is held at tem- exposure. The preferred distance is a minimum of
peratur above 170°C (338OF), it will detonate 46 m (150 ft) from flammable liquid storage,
upon e piration of an induction period that process units, or other similar refinery equipment
shortens as the temperature rises. Detonation will and a minimum of 61 m (200 ft) from property
not occ r below 170° C (338° F), but the induction boundaries and normally occupied buildings. The
period ecreasesfrom an indefinitely long time at blending facility shall be protected from inflow
that te perature to about two minutes at approxi- of flammable liquids from other areas by suitable
mately 30° C (446° F). Tests have shown that dikes or diversion walls. Do not locate the facility
contents of the entire tank or container must be near or downgrade of cone roof tanks containing
elevated to the indicated temperatures before hydrocarbons with boilover or frothover character-
detonati n will occur. However, the detonation istics (see Appendix F).
tempera ure may decrease if the scavenging age.nts
are lost hrough vaporization. (See Paragraph9.4.) 9.3 Drainage

Tjetramethyllead and Methyl-Ethyl Weigh tank pits should be provided with a valved
~traalkYllead and sealed drain sized to prevent accumulation of
flammable liquids beneath the tank. The drain
TM L an ME L may decompose when bulk de- valve should be of the rising-stem type, easily
composit on occurs homogeneously throughout accessible and visible, and normally closed. Raise
the liqui .Decomposition may also occur in the the grade beneath storage tanks, other than weigh
vapor at the liquid/vapor interface as a result of tanks containing antiknock compounds, so that
surface aporation. Both reactions become self- drainage is away from the area beneath the tanks.
sustainin above certain threshold bulk tem- Do not provide sewer catch basins in the area
peratures Both TML and MEL and their diluted beneath the tanks. Store drums on raised concrete
composit ons, as used for commercial antiknock pads or on loading docks arranged for drainage
material, are thermally more stable with respect away from the drum storage area.
to bulk ecomposition than TE L and its diluted
composit ons. However, TM L compositions and. 9.4 "Time Available" Factors for Fire
to a lesse extent, those containing MEL are more Extinguishment
sensitive 0 surface decomposition than TE L.
The following "time available" factors, based on
The bulk temperature of TM L commercia! anti- severe exposure of TEL or TML, may be used to
knock m terial must be above 100°C (212OF) for estimate the time available for fire extinguishment
self-sustai ing surface decomposition to occur. before the heat input causescompounds to reach
Surface ecomposition, unlike bulk decompo- their decomposition temperatures. (Note that
sition, re uires initiation by an intense energy allowance must be made for any elapsedtime prior
source, s ch as a flame or hot metal surface in the to discovery of a fire.) These factors are based on a
vapor ( Paragraph9.4). Therefore, in the event compound being stored in a weigh tank, with a
of fires round tanks containing TM L or ME L, gasoline fire in the pit, vent closed, and fixed water
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

M4v 1986 PAGE 25 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

f
SP Y system not in operation. The time available guishment of small fires in accordance with EGE
is that required to start cooling water spray from 41-8-63. Provide a 38 mm (11/2 in.) live hose reel,
fi ed water spray systems or portable monitor strategically located for access and fire fighting.
fir nozzles to extinguish the fire, or to evacuate Protect tank storage or weigh tanks containing
pe nnef frbm the area. antiknock compounds with a fixed water spray
Time Available system designed in accordance with EGS 643.
Condition (Minutes) Locate strainer and control valve as remotely as
possible. If tank location is in a remote area, it "may
1. 4536 kg (10,000Ib)TELorTML TEL -15
be advisable to provide automatic operation of the
compound in tank, regardless of size TM L -13
fixed water spray system as described in EGS 643.
.11,340 kg (25,000 Ib) TE L or TM L TE L -25
compound in tank, regardless of size TM L -24
Drum storage of antiknock compounds should
.45,360 kg (100,000 Ib) TEL or TM L TEL -60
be protected by a fixed water spray system or
compound in tank, regardless of size TM L -59
fixed monitors. The system shall be designed on
OTE: If a fire that may endanger an antiknock the basis of fire intensity control with a water
mpound blending installation occurs, the nearest
density of 16.3 (L/min)/m2 (0.40 US gpm/ft2) of
mpound manufacturer's representative should be
otified immediately after initiation of plant fire horizontal area. If outdoor storage is provided and
ighting and safety procedures. fork trucks are utilized for stacking drums, adjust-
able fog-to-straight-stream fixed or portable moni-
9.51 Fire Protection Facilities tors provide more suitable protection and permit
safe, easy fork truck access. A sufficient number
A s~fficient number of 14 kg (3D Ib) dry chemica! of monitors shall be provided to cover the area,
han~ extinguishers shall be provided for extin- regardlessof wind direction.
(PAGE 26 OF 67)
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 27 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

APPENDIX A

TABLES AND FIGURES FOR FOAM SYSTEM DESIGN

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE
EGS 62~ 1986 PAGE 28 OF 67 MAY 1986
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 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE
MAY 1986 PAGE 29 OF 67 EGS 626-1986
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EGS626-"S' MAY 1986
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 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA Y 1986 PAGE 31 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

TABLE A-3
FOAM LIQUID STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSURFACE INJECTION
PROPORTIONED AT 4% INTO CONE ROOF TANKS
BASED ON FLASH POINT OF PRODUCT
Foam Quantities Shown in L (US gal)

FlashPoints
Flash Points Below 37.8°C-93.4°C Flash Points Over Add for
37.8°C (100°F)- (100°F-200°F)- 93.4°C(200°F)- Hose
Gasolines,Naphtha, Kerosine,Fuel Oil, Lube Oils, Residuum, Stream
Tank Diameter All Crudes DieselOil HeavyFuel Oil Requirement
m, ft L US gal l US gal l US gal l

10~V 35 814 215 454 120 379 100 57 15

12.2 40 1,060 280 587 155 492 130 114 30
13.0 42.5 1,192 315 662 175 568 150 114 30
13.7 45 1,344 355 738 195 606 160 114 30
14,6 48 1,514 400 833 220 719 190 114 30

15.2 50 1,665 440 908 240 757 200 114 30

15.8 52 1,817 480 1,060 280 814 215 114 30
18.3 60 2,385 630 1,287 340 1,098 290 114 30
20.4 67 2,952 780 1,628 430 1,344 355 227 60
21.3 70 3,198 845 1,779 470 1,476 390 227 60

22.3 73.3 3,539 935 1,930 510 1,628 430 227 60

24.4 80 4,164 1,100 2.271 600 1,930 510 227 60
.25.9 85 4,739 1;252 2,593 685 2,176 575 227 60
27.4 90 5,299 1,400 2,877 760 2,422 640 227 60
30.5 100 6,548 1,730 3,577 945 2,990 790 341 90

33.5 110 7,949 2,100 4.315 1,140 3,595 950 341 90

36.6 120 9,425 2,490 5,148 1,360 4,277 1,130 341 90
40.8 134 11,734 3,100 6,037 1,695 5,375 1,420 511 135
42.7 140 12,793 3,380 7,002 1,850 5,829 1,540 511 135
45.7 150 14,761 3,900 8,043 2,125 5,700 1,770 511 135

48.8 160 16,749 4,425 9,140 2,415 7,608 2,010 511 135
54.9 180 21,196 5,600 11,544 3,050 9,633 2,545 511 135
60.9 200 26,154 6,910 14,270 3,770 11,904 3,145 511 135
67.1 220 31,643 8,360 17,263 4,561 14,383 3,800 511 135
73.2 240 37,661 9,950 20,553 5,430 17,176 4,530 511 135
79.2 260 44,209 11,680 24,110 6,370 20,060 5,300 511 135
85.3 280 51,287 13,550 27,971 7,390 23,315 6,160 511 135
91.4 300 58,857 15,550 32,097 8,480 26,760 7,070 511 135
97.5 320 66,995 17,700 36,525 9,650 30,470 8,050 511 135
103.6 340 75,585 19,970 41,257 10,900 34,370 9,080 511 135
109.7 360 84,746 22,390 46,253 12,220 38,530 10,180 511 135

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626.,-1986 PAGE 32 OF 67 MA Y 1986

TABLE A-4
TYPICAL PRESSURESAND EFFECTIVE RANGES FOR WATER HOSE STREAMS
Fire Hose: 76.2 m (250 ft) Long and 63.5 mm (2Yzin.) in Diameter

Distance from
Cooling Hydrant Tank
Stream Outlet Nozzle Range 14.6 m (48 ft)
Flow Pressure Pressure -Diameter Vertical Horizontal High
~/h US kPa gage psig kPa gage pSIg mm in. ft m ft
~ 15 411 60 310 45 22.225 7/8 24 78 19 61 14 46
to 17 550 80 430 62 22.225 7/8 27 87 22 72 18 59
t5 20 720 105 550 80 22.225 7/8 30 99 25 82 22 72
.~5 2 430 70 310 46 25.4 1 24 79 20 67 15 50
~7 25~! 550 80 310 45 28.575 1'/8 24.3 80 22 72 16 54

NOTE: .The effective ranges are based on a "fair"'Sti"eam withlittle-or.noadverse wind.

Cooling Streams will carry a greater diStance, but sufficient water for cooling purposes
may not then readl the target. Adverse winds of aver 16 kph (10 mph) will reduce the
effective ranges given as much as ~%.

TABLE A-5
TYPICAL PRESSURESAND EFFECTIVE RANGES FOR FOAM HOSE STREAMS

Foam Truck Horizontal

Foam Nozzle (1)
Discharge Effective
Rated Flow Type Pressure Pressure (2) Range
m3Jh US gpm mm in. kPa gage psig psig m ft
11 50 38 lYz 480 70 620 90 15 50
13 60 38 lYz 640 100 880 127 20 65
21 95 38 lYz 440 64 480 70 15 50
22 100 64 2Yz 480 70 530 77 19 62
27. 120 64 2Yz 690 100 760 110 24 80
45 200 64 2Yz 690 100 860 125 27 90
56 250 64 2Yz 690 100 940 136 37 120

NOTES:
1. Pressure requirements for 38 mm (1'12 in.) foam nozzles are based on friction loss in
61 m (200 ft) of 38 mm (1Y2 in.) fire hose. Pressure requirements for 64 mm (2Y2 in.)
foam nozzles are based on friction loss in 76 m (250 h) of 64 mm (2Y2 in.) fire hose.
2. The minimum foam truck discharge pressure to meet the 11.4 m3/h (50 US gpm)
foam hose stream requirement is 620 kPa gage (90 psig). If the foam hose stream is
supplied from a foam or water hydrant, a residual hydrant outlet pressure of 620 kPa
gage (90 psig) is also required. I

~
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA Y 1986 PAGE 33 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

LEGEND:
FNHT -Female National Hose Thread FNPT -Female National Pipe Thread
MNHT -Male National Hose Thread MNPT -Male National Pipe Thread

FIGURE A-1
HIGH BACK PRESSUREFOAM MAKERS
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626--1986 PAGE 34 OF 67 MAY 1986

FIGUREA-2
SEMIPORTABLE SUBSURFACE FOAM SYSTEM
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 35 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

STORAGE
TANKS

PRODUCT
MANIFOLD

FIGURE A-3
FIXED SUBSURFACE FOAM SYSTEM
 MOBil ENC:;INEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 36 OF 67 MAY 1986

./; -// // /, // // r

FIGURE A-4
TYPICAL DISCHARGE CONNECTION IN TANKS

.
MAY 1986 PAGE 37 OF 67

--
E
0
<
w
r

FIGURE A-5
STATIC HEAD CONVERSION CHART
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 37 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

-
E
0
<t
w
:I:

FIGURE A-5
STATIC HEAD CONVERSION CHART
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 38 OF 67 MAY 1986

FIGUREA~
FOAM VELOCITY vs NOMINAL PIPE SIZE (NPS)

(601414

I I (50) 345

~
...
is (40) 276
0
S
-;;
~

~ (30) 207
~

~l
.JI
I (20) 138
~i
Ii (10) 69

I I I ,FOAMR~TEL/S(U~9pm) I I I
13 25 38 50 63 76 88 101 114
(201"\ (400: (600) (800) (1000) (1200) (1400) (1600) (1800)

FIGURE A-7
FOAM FRICTION LOSS -NPS 2% AND NPS3 PIPE '
(4 Expansion)
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA Y 1986 PAGE 39 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

(50) 345
-0
;!
E (40) 276
0
M
;:
E:
~ (30) 207 ,
.¥
(I)
(I)
0
...J
~ (20)138
~
u
a:
II.
(10)69

I I 1 I I I r I

0 25 50 76 101 126 151 177 202

1400J (800) 112001 (16001 (20001 12400) 128001 (32001

FOAM RATE LIs (US gpm)

FIGURE A-8
FOAM FRICTION LOSS-NPS 4 PIPE
(4 Expansion)

? (SOl 345
0
0

E 140) 276 ~!

1301207l

§ I
"3 (201138 "-
-I

~ I
~ I
NVSB

(101~r0' , , I , , I ~~ , I I

101 151 202 252 303 353 404 454 505 555
(1600) (2400) (3200) 44000) 44800) 45600) (6400) (7200) (8000) (8800)

FOAM RATE Lis (US gpm)

FIGURE A-9
FOAM FRICTION LOSS -NPS 6, NPS 8, AND NPS 10 PIPE
EGS 626-1986 PAGE 40 OF 67 MAY 1986

-
-
0
0

E
0
!:!
:§:
m
~
~
(I)
(I)
0
..J
Z
0
~
~
Ir
II.

FIGURE A-10
FOAM FRICTION LOSS-NPS 12 AND NPS 14 PIPE

FIGURE A-11
PHB-10A TO 30A: SOLUTION AND FOAM CAPACITY
vs INLET PRESSURE
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE41 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

(2001 1379!
-c,
""
~ 1'80)1241~
"'/ (72)496
-~
E:
m
~
m

=
0 ,' m
~
~ I ~

(641441
~ (160)1103~

(56)386 ~
(140)96b
-u
<{
m

(1201827 (~331

-I I I (40).276

17.7 20 22.7 25 27.8 30 33 35 37.8 40

(280) (320) (360) (400) (440) (480) (520) 1560) (600) (640)
SOLUTION Us (US gpm)

71 80 91 100 111 120 132 140 151 160

(11201 --J
(1280) (1440) (1600) 11760) (1920) (208()) (2240) (2400) (2540)
FOAM (4 EXPANSION) Us (US gpm)

FIGURE A-12
PHB-35ATO 55A: SOLUTION AND FOAM CAPACITY
YSINLET PRESSURE

551(801
(200)1379
~
!!:
496(721 ~
~ (18011241 -=
~ co
=
Q.
= -"'
=
=

c. 441 (641
~ (16011103
oX

II:
386{56) ~
(1401965 -U
a: «
a)
Co
...
W
331(48)
~ (1201829

276(40)
30 35 40 45 50 56 61 66 71 76
(480) (560) (640) (720) (800) (880) (960) (1040) (1120) 112001
SOLUTION Lis (US gpmJ
120 140 160 180 200 222 242 262 284 304
(19201 (22401 (25401 (2880) (3200) (3520) (3840) (4160) (448QI (4800)
FOAM (4 EXPANSIONI Us (US gpmJ

FIGURE A-13
PHB-60A TO 100A: SOLUTION ANO FOAM CAPACITY
~ INLET PRESSURE
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 42 OF 67 MA Y 1986

APPENDIX B
TYPICAL SUBSURFACE FOAM SYSTEM CALCULATIONS

EXAMPLE I

Required Data
Tank size ..., 36.6 m{120')dia.x12.2m (40') high
I
Product , Nonvolatile fuel oil (spgrO.84)
Product inlet line size. NPS 12 dia. x 91.4 (300') equiv.length
Max. allowable inlet velocity. 6.1 m/s (20 his)
Max. static head 10.7m(35')
No. hose streams required. 2 [see Par. 6.4.3{b)]

1. Oetennine Minimum Solution Application Rate

liquid surface area of the tank: 1051 m2 (11,310 ft2)
From Table A-1 or by calculation:
Solution rate = 257 m3fh (1131 US gpm)
Delivery rate = 257 (1131) x 4 expansion
= 1028 m3fh (4524 US gpm) foam

2. Determine Minimum Required Storage of Foam Liquid from Table A-3

or See Paragraph 6.4.3
5148 L (1360 gal) for tank
341 L ( 90 gal) for hose streams

5489 L (1450 gal) total

3. Detennine Number of Foam Injection Points Required in Tanks (See

Paragraph6.4.5 and Table A- 1)
Tank diameter is 36.6 m (120'); therefore, one injection point is required.

4. Select Foam Maker from Table A-1

Four PHB-30s and four NPS 3 connections are required on the product line.

5. Determine Static Head and Line PressureDrop

Assume foam maker inlet pressure to be 1034 kPa (150 psi).* Maximum
allowable back pressure at foam maker is 400/0of inlet pressure, in accor-
dance with vendor's recommendations.
400/0x 1034 kPa (150 psi) = 414kPa (60 psi)max. allowable back pressure
+Throughout Appendix B, the absence of a modifier after "kPa" indicates gage or differ-
ential pressure.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 43 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

From Fig. A.5 find static head in kPa (psi):

(Fuel oil, sp gr 0.84)

Head = 10.7 m (35')

= 75.85 kPa (11 psi)

From Fig. A-10 find friction loss in NPS 12 product line from foam maker
to tanks:

Equiv. length of line = 91.44 m (300')

273 m3/h (1200 US gpm) foam at 0.1131 kPa!m (O.5 psi!l 00')
x 91.44 m (300') = 10.34 kPa (1.5 psi)

Total pressuredrop:

76kPa (11.0psi)
~ ( 1.5 psi)
86 kPa (12.5 psi)

Because the B6 kPa (12.5 psi) is less than the maximum allowable back
pressure of 414 kPa (60 psi), the design is acceptable.

6. Determine Maximum Allowable Inlet Velocity at 1034 kPa (150 psi)

From Fig. A-6 find foam inlet velocity:

1090 m3/h (4800 US gpm) = 4.12 m/s (13.5 fils)

7. Determine Minimum Foam Maker Inlet Pressurefrom Fig. A-11

Minimum inlet pressure for each foam maker at 64.25 m3fh (283 US gpm)
= 923.9 kPa (134 psi)

8. Determine Foam Inlet Velocity from Fig. A-6

Minimum flow at 1027 m3/h (4524 US gpm) = 3.9 m/s (12.7 his)
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 44 OF 67 MAY 1986

EXAMPLE
n

Required Data

Tank sizes (seesketch below) .. Tank No.6: 36.6 m (120') dia. x

12.2 m (40') high
Tank No.7: 30.5 m (100') dia. x
14.6 m (48') high
Tank No.8: 25.9 m (85') dia. x
12.2 m (40') high

Product Regular gasoline (sp gr 0.72)

Product inlet line sizes (dia.: NPS 14, NPS 12, and NPS 8

Max. allowable inlet velocity 3.05 m/s (10 fils)

Max. head Tank No.6: 11.3 m (37')

Tank No.7: 13.4 m (44')
Tank No.8: 11.3 m (37')

No. hosestreamsrequired. 2 for the 36.6 m (120') dia. tank

.Place foam makers outside dike at least one tank diameter from nearest tank being pro-
tected. Following are the requirements in event of a fire: in tank No.6, all four foam
makers; in tank No.7, three foam makers; in tank No.8, only two foam makers. I
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 45 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

Determine Solution Application Rate

Design for largest diameter tank in system

Liquid surface area of Tank No.6 = 1052m2 (11,310 ft2)

From Table A-1, or see Paragraph6.3:

Solution rate = 257 m3fh (1131 US gpm)
Foam delivery rate = 1028 m3fh (4524 US gpm)

For Tank No.7.

Solution rate = 179 m3/h ( 786 US gpm)
Foam delivery rate = 714 m3/h (3144 US gpm)

For Tank No.8;

Solution rate = 129 m3fh ( 568 US gpm)
Foam delivery rate = 516 m3fh (2272 US gpm)

2. Determine Minimum Required Storage of Foam Liquid from Table A-3,

or See Paragraph6.4.3
9425 L (2490 gal) for tank
341 L ( 90 gal) for hose streams
9766 L (2580 gal) total

3. Determine Number of Foam Injection Points Requir~ in Tanks (See

Paragraph6.4.5 and Table A-1)
Tank No.6: one injection point
Tank No.7: one injection point
Tank No.8: one injection point

4. Select Foam Makers from Table A-1 and Fig. A-11

Tank No.6: 36.6 m (120') dia.: four PH8-30s =
273 m3fh (1200 US gpm)
>257 m3fh (1131 US gpm) reqd
Tank No.7: 30.5 m (100') dia.: three PH8-30s =
204 m3fh (900 US gpm)
>178 m3fh (786 US gpm) reqd.
Tank No.8: 25.9 m ( 85') dia.: two PH8-30s =
136 m3fh (600 US gpm)
>129 m3h (568 US gpm) reqd.

Because the largest tank is 36.6 m (120') in diameter, use four PHBi30 high
back pressure foam makers in this system.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 46 OF 67 MAY 1986

5. Determine Static Head and Line PressureDrop

Assume foam maker inlet pressure to be 1034 kPa (150 psi). Maximum
allowable back pressure at foam maker is 400!oof inlet pressure.
40% x 1034kPa (150psi) = 414kPa (60 psi) max. allowable back pressure

From Fig. A-5 find static head in kPa (psi):

(Regular gasoline, sp gr 0.72)
Tank No.6: head = 11.3 m (37'); 79.3 kPa (11.5 psi)
Tank No.7: head = 13.4 m (44'); 95.2 kPa (13.8 psi)
Tank No.8: head = 11.3 m (37'); 79.3 kPa (11.5 psi)

From Fig. A-9 and A-tO find line friction loss:

Line to Tank No.6: foam rate is 1090 m3/h (4800 US gpm)
NPS 14 = 107 m (350') equiv. length
atO.1131 kPa/m (O.5psi/100') = 12.1 kPa (1.75 psi)

Line to Tank No.7: foam rate is 818 m3/h (3600 US gpm)

NPS 14 = 107 m (350') equiv. length
at 0.0905 kPa/m (0.4 psi/100') = 9.6 kPa (1.40 psi)

NPS 12 = 107 m (350') equiv. length

at 0.1131 kPa/m (0.5psi/100') = 12.1 kPa (1.75 psi)

21.7 kPa (3.15 psi)

Line to Tank No.8 foam rate is 545 m3/h (2400 US gpm)

NPS 14 = 107 m (350') equiv. length
at 0.0905 kPa/m (0.4 psi/l00') = 9.6 kPa (1.40 psi)
NPS 12 = 107 m (350') equiv. length
at 0.1131 kPa/m (0.5 psi/l00') = 12.1 kPa (1.75 psi)
NPS 8 = 76.2 m (250') equiv. length
at 0.407 kPa/m (1.8 psi/l00') = 31.0 kPa- (4.50 psi)
52.7 kPa (7.65 psi)

Total pressuredrop:

Tank No.6 TankNo.7 Tank No.8

Static head 19.3 kPa (11.50 psi) 95.2 kPa(13.80 psi) 79.3 kPa (11.50 psi)
12.0 kPa( 1.15 psi) 21.7 kPa ( 3.15 psi) 52.7 kPa ( 7.65 psi)
Friction loss
-
91.3 kPa (13.25 psi) 116.9 kPa (16.95 psi) 132.0 kPa (19.15 psi)

Tank No.8 has the greatest pressure drop. Use for design 132 kPa (19.15
psi), which is lessthan the maximum allowable back pressure and is, there-
fore. accePtable.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 47 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

6. Determine Maximum Inlet Velocity at 1034 kPa (150 psi)

Tank No. Inlet Dia. Max. Foam Rate Velocity

6 NPS14 1090 m3/h (4800 US gpm) 3.05 m/s (10ft/s)
7 NPS 12 818 m3/h (3600 US gpm) 3.05 m/s (10 ft/s)
8 NPSB 545 m3/h (2400 US gpm) 4.9 m/s(16ft/s)

Tanks No.6 and 7 are acceptable. Tank No.8 is unacceptable because the
velocity exceeds 3.05 mls (10.0 ft/s) , the maximum allowable velocity for
volatile material. Therefore, any of the following alternative methods may
be used:
(a) Install a larger inlet connection if the larger line extends at least
20 pipe diameters outside tank shell.
(b) Inside the tank attach a larger inlet line, approximately 20 pipe
diameters in length, to existing inlet.
(c) I nstall a new connection on shell near existing inlet and tie into inlet
line.
In this example we use alternative (c).

Check velocity for NPS 8 inlet.

= 272.5 m3/h (1200 US gpm)

Therefore, NPS 8 is acceptable because2.44 m/s (8 ft/s) is lessthan 3.05 m/s

(10ft/s).

7. Determine Minimum Inlet Pressuresand Back Pressures

257 m3/h (1131 US gpm)

= 64.25 m3/h (282.75 US gpm) for
4 foam makers eachfoam maker on Tank No.6
178 m3fh (786 US gpm)
= 59.3 m3/h (262.0 US gpm) for
3 foam makers each foam maker on Tank No.7
129 m3/h (568 US gpm)
= 64.5 m3fh (284.0 US gpm) for
2 foam makers each foam maker on Tank No.8

From Fig. A-ll

64.25 m3/h (282.75 US gpm) = 924 kPa (134 psi) at 40%
= 372 kPa (54 psi) back pressure

59.3 m3/h (262.0 US gpm) = 793 kPa (114 psi) at 40%

= 317 kPa (46 psi) back pressure

64.5 m3/h (284.0 US gpm) = 924 kPa (134 psi) at 400/0

= 372 kPa (54 psi) back pressure
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS~26-1986 PAGE 48 OF 67 MAY 1986

8. Determine Foam Inlet Velocity at Maximum Delivery Rate

TankNo. Inlet Dia. Max. Foam Rate Velocity

6 NPS14 1027 m3/h (4524 US gpm) 2.8 m/s (9.2
fils) -acceptable
7 NPS12 714 m3/h (3144 US gpm) 2.65 m/s (8.7
fils) -acceptable
8 NPS8 258 m3/h (1136 US gpm) 2.3 m/s (7.5
fils) -acceptable
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA Y 1986 PAGE 49 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

APPENDIX C
TYPICAL CATENARYFOAMSYSTEMARRANGEMENT

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Catenary foam systems consist of aboveground foam solution piping, tank

riser piping, a swive! joint, a flexible stainless steel hose connection, ladder
piping, roof-mounted fixed solution piping, a catenary hose connecting the
ladder piping to the roof-mounted solution piping, roof-mounted foam
makers, and foam discharge outlets. A foam dam may also be required (see
ParagraphC-1.10). Semifixed systems have a foam solution siamesemanifold
connection (coupling) located outside the dike wall for use with a foam
pumper. Typically, a catenary foam system shall be arranged as described
in the following paragraphs.

r-1 1 Aboveground Foam Solution Piping

The foam solution piping shall be properly supported and located above-
ground to minimize external piping corrosion and allow visual inspection of
the piping. This will also ensure that proper drainage of the piping can be
provided. The piping shall run from the foam connection outside the dike
wall to the tank riser at the tank shell (see Figure C-1). To prevent damage
to the piping from exposure to fire in the diked area, the earth under the
piping shall be graded so that the piping is at the high point of the diked area
and no flammable liquid pool can collect under the piping. If the system is
semifixed, it is preferred that the foam solution siamese manifold be located
outside the diked area, a minimum of 30 m (100 ft) away from the tank,
and adjacent to the roadway. A fire hydrant should be located within 30 m
(100 ft) of the manifold.

FIGURE C-1 (
SEMIFIXED CATENARY FOAM SYSTEM -DIKED AREA AND RISER PIPING

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 50 OF 67 MAY 1986

C-1.2 Tank Riser Piping

Tank riser piping shall be suitably supported and attached to the tank to
minimize piping movement.

C-1.3 Swivel Joint

The swivel joint shall be on center with the ladder swivel rod to minimize
stress on the flexible hose connection.

C-1.4 Flexible Hose Connection

The flexible hose connection shall be located between the tank foam riser
and the fixed ladder piping. It shall be stainless steel to resist fire exposure,
corrosion, and high stressesassociated with movement of the swivel joint.
The connection shall be 450 mm to 600 mm (18 in. to 24 in.) long.

C-1.5 ladder Piping

ladder piping, which shall be securely attached to the side or bottom of the
tank roof ladder, shall be arranged so that it lines up as close as possible with
the outlet of the swivel joint. The ladder piping shall be provided with an
automatic drain at the low point of the bottom elbow (see Figure C-2).

C-1.6 Roof-Mounted Piping

Roof-mounted foam solution piping shall be sized by calculation to ensure
that the design density of foam solution is applied to the seal area. The pip-
ing shall be properly secured to the tank roof. This piping shall be arranged
so that both it and the catenary hose drain freely to the seal area to prevent
liquid accumulation and possible freezing of the pipe. The self-draining
design eliminates the unnecessaryrisk of personnel descending onto a float-
ing roof tank following a rim fire. Preferably, the piping should form a
complete foam ring to improve the system reliability.

C-1.7 Catenary Hose

The catenary hose connecting the ladder piping to the roof-mounted foam
solution piping should be of hard rubber construction with carbon steel wire
braid to resist weathering and abrasion from movement of the tank roof.
Goodall Super Hard Rock II or Goodall Super Inferno II hose, or equivalent,
is recommended. Fabric fire hose is not acceptable for this service. The hose
should be fully extended when the tank roof is at its lowest point because
excessive hose slack causesthe hose to be caught on roof fixtures. Hose
couplings shall be compatible with the ladder piping and fixed roof piping.
Generally, NPT threaded couplings are used.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 51 OF 67 EGS 626- 1986

HOSE CATENARY TO ALLOW

FOR ROOF MOVEMENT

SWIVEL.lOINT

SOLUTION SUPPL Y
FROM FOAM SYSTEM
OR FIRE OEPT ~. -
CONNECTION ---, , ':"""
."" " , , '-annc AT"",""C~T
, """-', ROOFAT HIGHEST
FLEXIBLE HOSE
'::.;:.;:--- POSITION
CONNECTION ,.-,. ---i.
C.:.
'~','-::"~::,
"
-"," '" "
~~.;',' ~ ""''II- " ""..;:,' ,
TANK SHELL :"~~ "" ""
" "
',', " '," "-'" "
I,.""
"'/,
""' ',,' ,
PIPING ATTACHED
TO THE LADOER I' ,.
II I
"..~I
~.!.__c .=============~======
PIPE SUPPORTS
-LADDER HOSE SUPPORT

CATENARY HOSE
(GOODALL) ORAIN AT ELBOW

FlxeOSOLUTION~
PIPING I

ROOF LAOOER TRACK

SEAL
---j~~1
FOAM
OAM
POSITION

SEE FIGURES C-4 AND C.5 FOR DETAILS.

FIGURE C-2
CATENARY FOAM SYSTEM-LADDER PIPING DETAILS

C-1.8 Roof-Mounted Foam Makers

Foam makers shall be located either on the fixed roof piping on both sides
of the catenary hose inlet tee fitting (see Figure C-3, National Foam PHB
foam makers or equivalent) or on the discharge outlets immediately outside
the foam dam or the secondary seal if no foam dam is provided (see Figures
C-4 and C-5, National Foam MBS foam makers or equivalent). Strainers
should be removed from the foam maker inlets to minimize the potential for
clogging. Air intakes for foam makers shall be arranged to that rain and
debris will not fall into them. When the foam discharge outlets penetrate
the primary and secondary tank seals, a seal shall be provided on the dis-
charge side of the foam maker to prevent vapor from entering the foam
maker. Foam makers shall be sized to provide the amount of foam required
to attain the design foam application rate.

C.1-9 Foam DischargeOutlets

Foam discharge outlet sizes shall be based on calculations performed to
ensure that the design foam application rate is discharged. When the secon-

..
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS ~26-1986 PAGE 52 OF 67 MAY 1986

FIGUREC-3
ALTERNATEFOAMMAKER LOCATIONS

dary seal is noncombustible, the discharge outlets should terminate inside

8
the seal to allow direct foam application on the burning fuel. When a foam
dam is provided, the discharge outlet piping should go over the foam dam
and into the seal area. Maximum foam discharge outlet spacing is given in
Table C-1.

C-1.10 Foam Dam

A foam dam is required where foam is applied by fixed -outlets above a steel
shoe fabric seal, a tube seal weathershield, or a secondary seal; where hose
streams are used to apply foam manually over tube seals with metal weather-

FIGURE C-4
FOAM DISCHARGE ABOVE STEEL SHOE FABRIC SEAL,
WEATHERSHIELD. OR SECONDARY SEAL
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1986 PAGE 53 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

FIGURE C-5
FOAM DISCHARGE THROUGH STEEL SHOE FABRIC SEAL, METAL WEATHERSHIELD,
OR NONCOMBUSTIBLE SECONDARY SEAL

shields or noncombustible secondary seals; or where foam is discharged

below a combustible secondary sealor weathershield.

A foam dam is not required where foam is discharged below a steel shoe
fabric seal or where fixed outlets apply foam below a metal weathershield
or metal secondary seal, except where a primary tube seal is 150 mm (6 in.)
or lessfrom the roof top.

Table C-1 summarizes rim seal fire protection conditions requiring a foam
dam when a fixed or semifixed catenary foam system is installed. Foam
dams shall be designed and installed as discussed below and in accordance
with Appendix A of NFPA 11.

If required, the foam dam shall be continuously welded or otherwise tightly

fastened to the roof. The dam shall extend at least 50 mm (2 in.) above the
highest seal and shall be at least 300 mm (12 in.) high. The foam dam shall
be located one to two feet from the edge of the roof. The dam shall be
slotted to allow drainage of rainwater. The height of the drains slots shall
not exceed 9.5 mm (3/8 in.), and the total of the drain slot areas shall be
280mm2fm2 (0.04in.2fft2) of area between the foam dam and the tank
shell. The lack of a continuous seal between the roof and the foam dam or
oversized drainage slots will impair the effectiveness of the foam system
becauseof loss of foam through the openings.

C-2. FIXED SYSTEMS

in a fixed catenary foam system, the pumps and proportioning equipment

shall be located at least 60 m (200 ft) from tankage or process equipment.
Calculations shall be performed to ensure that the system can provide suffi-
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE
E05626-1986 PAGE 54 OF 67 MAY 1986
N-
EN
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 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY~986 PAGE 55 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

cient foam to meet the design application rate for each tank, plus any foam
required for extinguishment of small dike fires (see Paragraph6.6.4). Foam
for foam hose streams may be provided from other sources if a water supply,
a means of proportioning, and foam nozzles are also provided. Tank selector
valves, which determine which tank will receive foam flow, shall be located
in an accessible area outside the tank dike areas. Tank selector valves shall
be properly labeled. Instructions for system operation shall be located in
the pumphouse.

C-3. SEMIFIXED SYSTEMS

Paragraph C-1.1 contains foam solution siamesemanifold location require-

ments. Manifolds shall be labeled to indicate which tank system the manifold
supplies. Siamese manifolds shall have at least two 64mm (21/2 in.) female
inlets, threaded with the standard hose thread of the installation. Calcula-
tions shall be performed to ensure that the foam flow and pressure required
by the system can be supplied by the available foam pumper.

C-4. SYSTEM TESTING

Catenary foam systems shall be tested after installation in accordance with

Paragraph 6.6.4. System testing by the installing contractor should be
required in the system contract.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS626-1986 PAGE 56 OF 67 MAY 1986

APPENDIX 0
PORTABLE TOWER FOAM SYSTEMS

0-1. DESIGN BASIS

Portable tower foam systems shall be designed and installed in accordance

with N FPA 11, Appendix B. Hydraulic foam towers may be carried on a
foam fire truck or towed on separate trailers to the sceneof a tank fire and
erected. A 65 mm or 70 mm (2% in. or 3 in.) fire hose from the truck may
be used for supply of foam solution. The overall fire main system shall meet
the requirements of EGS 629.

APPLICATION RATES

Application rates shall be in accordance with Paragraph6.3. 8

NUMBER REQUIRED

The number of towers available in the proper size to deliver foam at a

minimum application rate of 4.1 (L/min)/m2 (0.1 US gpm/tt2) shall be as
follows:

Tank Diameter Minimum Number

m ft of Towers

Up to 24 Up to 80 1
Over 24 to 35.8 Over 80 to 117.5 2
Over35.8 to 43 Over 117.5to 140 3
Over43 to 49 Over 140 to 160 4
Over49 to 55 Over 160 to 180 5
Over 55 to 67 Over 180 to 220 6

For fixed roof tanks larger than 61 m (200 ft) in diameter, at least one
additional tower shall be added for each additional 465 m2 (5000 ft2) of
tank liquid surface area. In addition, subsurface injection should be con-
sidered for supplementary application. This is necessary so that foam travel
across the burning liquid surface does not exceed 30 m (100 ft). Greater
distances result in foam destruction and failure to seal off and extinguish
the fire.

D-4. DETERMINATION OF PORTABLE FOAM TOWER SIZE

The size of a portable foam tower should be based on the foam solution
outlet rate required for the largest protected tank. When two or more towers
are provided, they shall be sized to deliver foam at the same rate. Tower
foam maker inlet pressure should be 345 kPa gage (50 psig). The capacity of
a given tower will vary approximately in proportion to the square root of the
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA1I' 1~6 PAGE 57 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

foam maker orifice size. Capacity is also affected by goosenecksize. When

345 kPa gage (50 psig) minimum foam maker inlet pressure is used for
towers sized for the largest foam demand, a higher flowrate is provided for
a smaller tank. This is due to the higher fire truck pump pressure available
at the reduced total solution flow for the smaller tank. The largestavailable
foam tower is rated at 136 m3/h (600 US gpm) solution flow, with inlet
pressureranging from 276 to 690 kPa gage (40 to 100 psig).
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 626-1986 PAGE 58 OF 67 MA Y 1986

APPENDIX E
SAFESTORAGETEMPERATURES
AND OPERATINGPRECAUTIONS

E-1. GENERAL

Hydrocarbons should not be stored in cone roof tanks at high or low tem-
peratures sufficient to cause liquid vapor pressures that will put the tank
vapor space in the flammable range (see Table E-1 and Figure E-1). For the
effect of solar heat on liquid surface temperatures, seeTable E-2.

The temperature of a stored liquid or any stream entering an atmospheric

storage tank should not exceed a true vapor pressure of 97 kPa absolute
(14 psia) at sea level. For each 305 m (1000 ft) of elevation above sea
level, the 97 kPa absolute (14 psia) should be reduced by 3.5 kPa absolute
(0.5 psia). 8

TABLE E-1
FLAMMABILITY OF THE VAPOR SPACE IN CONE ROOF TANKS CONTAINING VARIOUS
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS WITH AIRNAPOR MIXTURE IN EQUILIBRIUM

Approximate liquid Storage

Approximate Explosive Temperature Rangein
Closed-Cup limits Which Tank Vapor Space
FlashPoint % by Vol Is in the Explosive Range
Flam~able
liqu.d RVP °C OF Lower Upper °C of

CrudeOil 2 to 7 -18 0 1.0 6.0 -18 to 4 0 to 40

Motor gas line 8 to 14 -46 -50 1.4 7.6 -57 to-7 -70 to 20
Aviation as 5.:ito 7 -34.4 -30 1.1 72 -40 to-1 -40 to 30
JP-3 jet el 5 to 7 -18 0 1.1 7.2 -40 to -1 -40 to 30
JP-4 jet I 2 to 3 -18 0 1.0 7.0 -23 to 27 -10 to 80
JP-1 jet fu I 1 43 110 0.7 6.0 43 to 99 110t0210
Kerosine 1 49 120 0.7 6.0 38 to 99 100 to 210
Hexane -22 -7 1.2 6.9 -28 to 7 -18 to 45
Heptane -4 25 1.0 6.0 -5 to 29 23 to 85
VM&P na htha 10 50 1.0 6.0 7 to 46 45 to 115
Benzene -11 12 1.4 8.0 -13t018 8 to 64
Toluene 5.6 42 1.3 7.0 4 to 38 40 to 100

Xylene 28 83 1.0 6.0 26 to 60 78 to 140

Methyl alc hol 11 52 6.0 36.5 7 to 41 45 to 105
Ethyl alco 01 13 55 3.3 19.0 10 to 43 50 to 110
Isopropyl Icohol 16 60 2.5 1'0 50
Acetone -18 0 2.2 13.0 -23 to 10 -10 to 50

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAr 1986 PAGE 59 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

FIGURE E.1
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEMPERATURE, RVP, AND FLAMMABLE LIMITS
OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AT SEA LEVEL

The temperature of stored liquids or entering streams of heavier stocks with

less than 0.5 kg (1Ib) Reid vapor pressure (RVP) should be either 27.8°C
(50°F) below their initial boiling points or 6°C (10OF) below their mini.
mum flash points.

Floating roof tanks shall be used to store Class 18 and lC products having
flash points below the storage temperature. If fixed roof tanks are used for
such liquids, precautions against ignition due to static and lightning shall be
observed.

E-2 FROTHOVER PREVENTION

To prevent frothover and possible overpressure of vertical fixed roof atmos-

pheric storage tanks, tank storage and entering stream temperatures ~hall be
less than 93.4°C (200°F) or more than 121°C (250OF). The tank shall be
considered a hot oil tank when the temperature exceeds 121°C (2500F).
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS 6~6-1986 PAGE 60 OF 67 MA Y 1986

TABLE E-2
EFFECT OF SOLAR HEAT ON LIQUIO SURFACE TEMPERATURES*

Distance of liquid
surface below top angle: O.3m (1 ft) 4.6 m (15ft) 9.2m (30 ft)

Temperature Increase of
liquid Surface Above
Atmospheric Temperature
°C of °C OF °C of

White tank 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aluminum painted tank 8 15 6 10 3 5
Gray tank 11 20 8 15 6 10
Black tank 14 25 11 20 8 15

+As a result of solar heat, the liquid surface temperature in cone roof tanks is usually
warmer than the atmosphere during standing storage.

The lower temperature limit is below 100° C (212° F), which allows for a
margin of error in tank temperatures. The 121°C (250°F) upper limit
provides for the possibility of higher water boiling temperatures at the tank
bottom due to oil static head.

In summary:

(a) Hotoil storagetanks shall be maintained at temperatures above 121°C

(2500 F) to prevent condensation or accumulation of water, which could
causetank roof rupture by froth over. Hot oil streamsentering hot oil stor-
age tanks shall be free of water or light hydrocarbons. Piping through
which water or light hydrocarbons could inadvertently enter the tank
should not be connected to hot oil tanks.

(b) The storage temperatures of hot oil tanks should not exceed 232°C
(4500 F) unless special precautions are taken. These consist of keeping
below the autoignition and boiling point temperatures and avoiding hot
metal surfaces. For asphalt tanks maintained above 232°C (450OF), see
API Publication 2023. Some deposits on the underside of heated asphalt
tank roofs have been found to autoignite at 1900C (3750 F). Asphalt and
residuum tanks whose storage temperatures exceed 1770C (3500 F) shall
be inert gas blanketed. Insulation should not be retrofitted on the roof
of a heated asphalt or residuum tank unless the deposits on the underside
of the roof are completely removed or the tank is inert gas blanketed.

(c) Tanks heated and maintained below 93.4°C (2000 F) shall be pro-
vided with controls to ensure the temperature does not exceed 1000 C
(212°F). Should temperatures exceed 10QoC (2120 F), any water present
can boil and cause a frothover.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAVI1986 PAGE 61 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

E-3. IGNITION SOURCE PRECAUTIONS

The vapor spaceof existing cone roof tanks used for storage of hydrocarbons
.at or near their flash points may have an equilibrium air/vapor mixture in
the explosive range. Measuresto prevent ignition sources shall include the
following:

(a) Ignition Source Precautions for Cone Roof Tanks

(1) Install PV vents on the tank to prevent ignition due to external

sources.
(2) To avoid liquid surface static buildup, keep liquid inlet velocity
to less than 0.914 mls (3 his) until there is more than 1.8 m (6 ft) of
product above the entering line.

(3) Do not use overshot (splash) filling and avoid blending operations
that may cause static buildup due to agitation.

(4) Avoid any metal protuberance that may act as a capacitance.

resulting in an incendiary dischargedue to static accumulation.

(5) Provide a slotted gage tube that is electrically bonded to the tank
to prevent discharge of any static accumulation during gaging. If a
slotted gage tube is not provided. do not gage the tank until at least
30 minutes after the filling operation is completed.

(6) Be sure all metal parts of the tank are electrically connected.

(7) Maintain the roof vaportight, with metal thickness not less than
4.763 mm (0.1875 in.), to avoid ignition in the event of a direct light-
ning strike (see NFPA 78).

(b) Initial Filling Precautions for Covered Floating Roof Tanks and Cone
Roof Tanks with Internal Floating Covers
(1) Survey the tank and surrounding area for any potential sources
of ignition and eliminate them.
(2) Remove any rags or other sources of spontaneous combustion
from inside the tank.
(3) Removeall loose objects from the tank top.
(4) Provide an electrical bond between the tank and any loose hatches
or vent covers.
(5) limit accessto top of tank to that which is absolutely necessary.
(6) Do not attempt filling operations during periods of thunderstorm
activity. Suspend filling operations that are underway on approach of
a thunderstorm.
(7) Establish filling rates consistent with avoiding static accumulation.
Crude oil is not known to be a static accumulator, but other products
may be. [See ParagraphE-3(a), Item (2).]
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGS~26-1986 PAGE 62 OF 67 MAY 19B6

E-4. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

All refined petroleum products have high electrical resistivity and are sus-
ceptible to static charge buildup. Static charges may not drain off the tank
shell without sparking through the vapor space. Experience indicates that
crude oil, because of its water content and impurities, is sufficiently con-
ductive to prevent excessive static buildup. This may also be true of some
heavy fuels or other unfinished oils. No significant charge will be retained
if the conductivity is above 5 picomhos per meter.

Sour oils that contain sufficient H2S to cause formation of pyrophoric scale
shall not be stored at temperatures that will cause the tank vapor space to
be explosive. Otherwise, the precautions listed in Paragraph E-2 should
result in reasonably safe operation. These precautions also apply to unheated
products whose flash points and vapor pressures are such that the vapor
space will be flammable at storage temperatures when the products are
stored in a cone roof tank.

Hot oil tank fires [oil storage temperature over 121°C (250OF)] and residu-
um, heavy fuel oil, and asphalt tank fires are difficult to extinguish after
initial burning because of severe slopover when cooling water or foam is
applied. Residua and heavy fuels may also have boilover characteristics simi-
lar to those of crude oils. However,. a slopover or frothover, rather than a
boilover, may occur unless the material contains a mixture of oils of vary-
ing boiling points (see Appendix F).

.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1~6 PAGE 63 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

APPENDIX F
TANK FIRE BOllOVERS

When a fire occurs in a cone roof tank containing crude oil, the tank usually
foams or boils over unless it is extinguished before the heat wave reachesthe
water bottom. Often the expelled froth is many times the oil volume in the
tank. Thus, a tidal wave of burning froth may flow over dikes, set adjoining
tanks on fire, and destroy anything in its path. Such fires are rare since the
use of gastight cone or floating roofs instead of wood and tar paper roofs.
In fact, there is no record of a floating roof crude oil tank fire frothing or
boiling over, even with the roof submerged. The data contained herein are
based on test work accomplished on the West Coast in the late 1920s and on
practical field experience.

F-1 DEFINITIONS

The terms "boilover," "frothover," and "slopover," as defined in Section 4,

apply to this discussion.

F-2. CAUSE OF BOILOVERS

At the initial stage of a crude oil tank fire, the light volatile fractions boil out
of the top surface of the crude and bum. The hot heavy residual oil that
has not volatized remains on the surface, and heat from the fire raises the
temperature of this surface layer so that heavier fractions also distill off and
bum. As burning progresses,the hot unburned residuum at 149°C to 204°C
(300° F to 400° F) forms a distinct layer remaining on top of the cold crude
below. As the hot layer interface contacts this crude, the lighter fractions
distill out of the crude top surface, bubble up through the hot layer, and
provide fuel for continued burning.
As this processcontinues, the crude is gradually consumed by the distillation
and the layer of hot residue thickens. The sharp interface between the hot
and cold oil, commonly called the "heat wave front," moves downward
toward the tank bottom as more residuum accumulates and until all the
light crude fractions are consumed. For the average crude, the heat wave
front progressesdownward at a rate of about 0.61 m to 0.91 m (2 ft to 3 ft)
per hour. When this heat wave front reaches tank bottom water, or BS&W,
the water is suddenly expanded into steam with explosive violence. Depend-
ing on such factors as the depth of the overlying hot residuum, a great
volume of froth may be thrown high into the air above the tank rim and the
burning froth wave may travel over the ground away from the tank at speeds
up to 32 km/h (20 mph).

F-3. OILS THAT PRODUCE A HEAT WAVE FRONT

In order to produce a distinct heat wave front, an oil must have two charac-
teristics:
(a) It must have a reasonably wide boiling range, as does crude oil.
(b) It must be sufficiently heavy to produce a relatively large amount
of undistilledlowheavy
moderately gravityends to best
is the formexample.
a top stratum of hot oil. A crude
I of
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGs1626-1986 PAGE ~ OF 67 MAY 1986

Refined oils such as gasoline, kerosine, diesel oil, or gas oil have a fairly
narrow boiling range and bum uniformly, leaving little residual material.
Usually, the top hot layer is about 12.5 mm to 25 mm (1/2 in. to 1 in.) thick
.at all stages of burning, and a heat wave front condition will not occur. Even
minor slopovers are not encountered in the case of tank fires involving
gasoline and distilled light oils.

F-4. BEHAVIOR OF A CRUDE OIL TANK FIRE

Assuming the cone roof has blown free of the tank and the tank contains
about 9.14 m (30 h) of crude with boilover characteristics, the following
will result if the fire is not extinguished:

(a) One hour after ignition, there will be relatively quiet burning. The
bare shell at the top will be folded in as a result of heat. The heat wave
layer will be about 635 mm to 762 mm (25 irl. to 30 in.) deep.
8
(b) Ten hours after ignition, gasoline vapor will be bubbling up through
the 149°C to 204°C (300° F to 4000 F) heat wave layer. Approximately
2.13 m (7 ft) of product will have burned off. The heat wave front will
have settled above 6.4 m (21 ft) and will be about 2.74 m (9 ft) above the
tank bottom. Boilover can be anticipated in about 31/2 hours or less,
depending on the BS&W depth.

(3) Immediately prior to boilover, the heat wave front will contact
bottom water and the tank contents will consist almost entirely of the
149°C to 204°C (300OF to 4000 F) heat wave layer. About 3.05 m (10 ft)
of product will have burned off. There will be unusually strong burning,
with some slopping.

(d) Main boilover will occur when a column of burning froth is projected
upward with intense radiant heat. Flame height may exceed ten times the
tank diameter. Burning-froth ground fire may cover a large area, and
inertia of the froth will cause it to readily pass over the surrounding dike
walls.

If the tank contains strata of suspended layers or "lenses" of emulsion,

severe slopovers may precede the final major boilover. Depending on their
suddenness and intensity, they may be almost as dangerous as a regular boil-
over. If the tank has burned for some time and an appreciable hot layer has
formed, foam or water cooling streams directed upon the burning surface
may cause slopovers, which may be dangerous to fire fighting efforts. Even
though a crude oil tank is kept well drained, the risk of boilover is not
eliminated. The small amount of water that may remain in depressions in
an uneven tank bottom is sufficient to cause a severe boilover.

F-5. WIND EFFECT

When wind blows over the burning oil surface, the upwind side of a tank
on fire will be cooler than the downwind side. Flames will therefore be
more intense above the downwind side. Thus, burning will be mor~ severe
 MOBil ENGINEERING GUIDE

MA y 1~86 PAGE 65 OF 67 EGS626-1986

and the heat wave layer will be deeper on the hot downwind side, so that
the heat wave front may contact the water lens or water bottom on this
side first. Becauseof this possibility I fire watches should be alert to impend-
ing slopovers or boilovers on the downwind side. Note, however, that a
localized emulsion stratum on the upwind side may froth over before a lower
stratum on the downwind side.

F-6. FIGHTING CRUDE OIL TANK FIRES

In preparing to extinguish a crude oil tank fire before a boilover occurs,

several major steps shall be taken at the start of the fire.

(a) As soon as possible, start applying straight cooling water streams.

These should be "fanned" over the burning oil surface so that a spray or
rain effect is obtained. This should be done to retard the formation of a
heat wave layer and prepare the surface for later use of foam by frothing
the thin hot layer and retarding the burning rate. Once the heat wave
layer has progressedto a considerable depth, experience indicates that it
may be impossible to apply foam without froth over of serious conse-
quence occurring. This frothover will engulf and destroy the foam, pre-
venting the formation of a foam blanket. Some authorities say that a
delay of 30 minutes may preclude the possibility of foam extinguish-
ment. Tests indicate that cooling water should be applied at the rate of
0.23 m3/h (1 US gpm) per 2.32 m2 (25 ft2) of burning surface to accom-
plish precooling. If the liquid level is high, water application may induce
controlled slopoversto develop more outage in the tank.

(b) If the tank is equipped with foam chambers, cool the shell around
and below the chambers sufficiently to prevent its folding in where the
chambers are located. (In addition, cooling the base area of the shell will
maintain its integrity and reduce fire damage.)

(c) Check all pipeline and tank valves for proper setting while they are
accessible. Start pumping oil out of the tank to salvage as much as possible
and increase outage so as to hold the frothing.

(d) Set up foam-generating equipment and be ready to apply foam

through foam chambers. As an alternative, erect foam towers as soon as
cooling water streams have cooled the burning surface sufficiently to
permit foam application without risk of severeslopover when the foam
first contacts the heat wave layer.

(e) Determine the oil level and the character of the crude in the tank.
A responsible person should be assigned as an observer and should place
assistant observers around the tijnk. If the crude is dry and of medium-to-
light gravity. the heat wave will settle as the tank burns quietly at a rate
of 0.61 m to 0.91 m (2 ft to 3 ft) per hour. Thus, the anticipated time of
a major boilover can be estimated. If oil is beir1!j pumped out, this time
factor will be shorter. The following table may be helpful in this res,pect.
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

EGSI626-1986 PAGE 66 OF 67 MAY 1986

Type of Oil mm/h inJh inJh

light crude (250 API and above)

Dry (under 0.3%water) 381 to 889 15to 35 102 to 457 4 to 18
Wet (over 0.3"/0water) 432 to 1270 17 to 50 102 to 457 4 to 18

Heavy crude andfuel

Dry (under 0.3%water) 76.2 to 508 3 to 20 76.2 to 127 3 to 5
Wet (over 0.3%water) 305 to 1270 12 to 50 76.2 to 127 3 to 5

Kerosine - - 127 to 203 5 to 8

Gasoline 152 to 305 6t012
Casinghead 381 t0635 15t025

The anticipated time of a boilover or determination of the depth of the

heat layer can be checked by using cooling water streams or temperature-
indicating paint. If a water stream is directed against the shell, the inter-
face can easily be seen as the 1490 C to 2040 C (3000 F to 4000 F) shell
quickly evaporates water above the heat wave front. Heat-indicating paint
can be made by mixing three parts iodide salt with one part by weight
of diatomaceous earth. The iodide decomposes when exposed to sunlight
or in contact with metals, so it should be stored in a dark-colored glass
bottle. Heat-indicating paint should be applied in a strip 76.2 mm to
102 mm (3 in. to 4 in.) wide, at least halfway up the tank shell, by means
of a long-handled brush. If possible, apply two or more stripes spaced
where flames overlapping the tank rim on the downwind side will not
destroy the paint.

(f) Open dikes to divert froth to nonhazardous areas if extinguishment

is impossible and severe frothing and boilovers are inevitable. Also, it may
be advisable to erect supplemental dikes or equip dikes with copings when
the risk to exposure is severe. Bulldozers and other heavy earthmoving
and construction equipment may be neededto accomplish this task during
the time available.
(g) Protect adjacent tankage by hose streams as required. Start pumping
out other tanks, if advisable.

(h) If the fire cannot be extinguished, retire men and equipment in

ample time before the anticipated boilover. (This situation may arise if
foam or manpower is not available to cope with the fire, or if there is such
a low level of oil in the tank that the heat wave front will reach bottom
water before foam can be applied.) Shut down and abandon nearby oper-
ating equipment that may be caught in the boilover. Construct diversion
dikes to direct the burning froth wave to a safe area. Open existing dikes,
if needed, for diversion to the safest location.

F-7, NON-CRUDE BOILOVERS

The phenomenon of a non-crude boilover is extremely rare and usually con-

sists, more accurately, of a slopover or froth over. However a froth over of
long duration may be nearly as serious or dangerousas a boilover. Suscepti-
ble products are discussed in Items (a) and (b).
 MOBIL ENGINEERING GUIDE

MAY 1$86 PAGE 67 OF 67 EGS 626-1986

(a) Cold residuum or heavy fuels. Because of high flash points, fires
involving tanks that contain such products are rare. Ignition must there-
fore be from an outside source, such as a serious surrounding ground fire.
.In one known case, a straight-run residuum reservoir boiled over violently
after burning for 19 hours. In all other instances, reports indicate that
quiet burning or some slopovers occurred.

(b) Asphalts and hot heavy fuels. Severe slopovers of burning hot fuel
oil, asphalt, and lube oil tanks have occurred when cooling water or foam
was applied. A heat wave is not a factor in these cases. Hot fuel oil tanks
at approximately 121°C (250°F) or above have frothed over when water
was present in the tank. When ignited, such froth overs have caused wide-
spread fire damage.