Sprinkler Hazard Class. for Cannabis Extraction?

4/16/2020

Got any information on what a cannabis extraction facility would fall under design-wise per NFPA 13?

The facility is less than 5,800 sf and may not need anything per the AHJ but I want to be sure what the correct hazard classification should be in case they do decide to put a sprinkler system in, should anyone have information more than what an "agricultural facility" is listed in 13. Thanks in advance.

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6 Comments

Jesse

4/16/2020 10:08:27 am

It depends on the extraction process. There is a mechanical press process, a CO2 process, and a butane extraction process. Prior to my current job, I was a high protected risk engineer for insurance and we surveyed a lot of CBD processors. The hazard class will be governed by the overall process. Its likely the system would be designed to OH2, with a pocket of a higher density of EH2 for the butane extraction.

Stephen Dale

4/16/2020 10:23:14 am

I agree with the other comments. The butane extraction process is quite hazardous and needs good controls beyond just ceiling sprinkler protection. Even the CO2 has issues with design concentrations and tenability. I guess what i am saying is that, depending on the process, this is an EH2 area and ceiling protection design is not your only issue.

Jonathan Sullivan

4/16/2020 11:15:24 am

Not an expert in this area, but I enjoyed the NFPA Journal a few years back where the cover was a large cannabis plant. Kept that on my desk as a conversation starter for a while.

Check out Chapter 38 of NFPA 1-2018, it has the requirements for holistic protection in extraction spaces. Even if not adopted, you can use as best practice. Denver CO building and fire code would also be good references, I think.

Dave Snyder

4/16/2020 12:29:01 pm

Handled one of these a couple years ago using the butane (including propane) process. Extremely hazardous as the two gases are not odorized. As stated above the process will dictate the hazard classes to be considered for use.

Spoke at the time to the chair of the NFPA 1 committee and also the Denver FD Fire Protection Engineer. NFPA 1 criteria is based on the Denver FD requirements, As also stated above, other aspects of life safety come into play to develop an integrated fire protection / life safety approach. A Fire Protection Engineer (or other qualified design professional) should be making the fire protection design decisions.

Kevin Geidel

4/16/2020 12:29:15 pm

-The process and hazards present drive the sprinkler classification. The ventilation requirements and fire separation are also important to the determination. My experience has shown the bio mass is not the driving factor, but the chemicals and process utilized for extraction. We recently worked with a pressurized ethanol extraction process that was at approximately 60°F.

Check with your local AHJ with regards to "agricultural facility" as these have often been considered industrial and pharmaceutical.

Mike Armstrong

4/17/2020 09:24:22 am

I believe the ICC has a relatively new document that address'all aspects of these facilities. You may check their site. I know several AHJ's who are using the document and have found it cover all aspects thoroughly.

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