I'm working on an interesting scenario in which the client would like one main line into the building for fire and to tee off that line inside the building, with one line going to a giant indoor tank that holds 350,000 gallons.
It would be filled just one time per year. Assume 1,000 gpm for 6 hours that one time per year. First - do you all see this as a possibility right off the bat? We were talking about putting motorized valves wired back to FACP that shut off if the fire protection activates flow as a potential solution if it could work. Initially I asked about a water tank for that until I learned it was 350,000 gallons. Second - is it even possible to calculate out in that scenario? One thing I love about FPE is the unique, always challenging scenarios that come up regularly. I'm looking forward to figuring out how we're going to handle this facility. Thanks in advance for any input. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
11 Comments
Anthony
2/4/2025 07:34:50 am
It sounds like the tank isn't for fire protection. If that's the case, you'll need to meter the water coming into the building. So if you have a metered service, sure no problem, use a manual valve though so you know its closed when you're not filling it. In this case your system will be under impairment during the fill, a fire watch will be needed. This would be a combined service instance you may need 2 backflow preventers?
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Josh
2/4/2025 10:12:21 am
It is not a tank for fire protection. It's a big enclosed tank for testing aquatic equipment. A very big tank.
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Chad
2/4/2025 08:17:14 am
I am wondering what that tank is for too. Sounds like its not FP?
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Glenn Berger
2/4/2025 08:23:00 am
I agree that your scenario is interesting, but I have some questions that I need to ask to fully understand the situation.
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Josh
2/4/2025 09:34:04 am
The tank is not for FP. It's for testing certain aquatic equipment. Think of them as enclosed raceways. I'm kind of in a spot here because the principal has proposed a solution then came to me and needs me to make it work, essentially. I have the same concerns the rest of you have but I'm also, like you all, a solutions guy and love a good challenge.
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Jack G
2/4/2025 09:09:08 am
I m on board with questioning what the water is to be used for as it sounds like it’s not fire protection.
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Josh
2/4/2025 09:37:24 am
Correct - it is not for fire protection. It's for testing marine equipment in an enclosure. It's one of those "oh, that's interesting" new things that comes up throughout one's career.
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Jack G
2/4/2025 09:56:02 am
If used the way described above, the tank, with or without a pump for the testing of marine equipment—- the tank itself should be atmospheric and/ or have a vent( like in a fire tank) so a vacuum is not formed.
Jack G
2/4/2025 10:03:25 am
Atmospheric tank vent. Clay valve vents for underground piping systems. Additional venting as required when pumps are operating. I m concerned about vacuums being formed on both systems .
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Franck
2/4/2025 10:33:48 am
Just a comment: what if the tank was located at a neighbour's place and he would fill it once per year from the city water supply?
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Jesse
2/5/2025 07:45:32 am
Yep, can be done. I've actually seen this before in LA or MS at a place supplying off-shore oil prorjects. The tank was a training dive tanak.
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