Sprinkler Protection for Class IIIB Liquid Tank?

7/10/2023

I have two above ground 20,000 gallon (US) PET storage tanks, used for food grade oil, located inside in a manufacturing facility, all above ground.

I went through NFPA 30 back and forth, still couldn't find what sort of sprinkler protection do I need for this.

Cooking oil is considered a Class IIIB liquid, and all references I could were about all other classes, but IIIB. The only reference to IIIB seems to be in smaller containers, in the rack, but no tank storage mentioned.

How do I go about designing protection for the tanks? What about the surrounding area?

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

8 Comments

Glenn Warga

7/10/2023 08:05:12 am

Look into FM 7-88 Table 12 and see if it applies.

Cassandra

7/10/2023 08:22:39 am

I know these are storage tanks, but we use spray mist systems for fryers in cook plants. They are extremely effective. Not an expert here, definitely a newbie to the group, but have been reading Meyer Fire for 2+ years.

Maybe NFPA 15 would apply?
2022 NFPA 15:
4.1* Design Objectives.

In general, water spray shall be considered effective for any one of or a combination of the following objectives (see Chapter 7):
(1)
Extinguishment of fire
(2)
Control of burning
(3)
Exposure protection
(4)
Prevention of fire

Glenn Berger

7/10/2023 08:37:27 am

Are you asking about facility protection sprinkler system? Or are you asking if storage tank related sprinkler system?

For facility protection, check NFPA 13 an also check with the AHJ and other that have regulatory interest in this project. The height of your facility may be a driver in determining the criteria that might be required.

As far as tank protection, for Class IIIB I do not believe that localize fire protection would be required.

Skyer

7/10/2023 09:19:25 am

Where I work with often deal with large amounts of Class IIIB liquid in the form of cooling oil. We follow NFPA 13 for Ordinary Hazards. There is no specific requirements for tank protection in the code for Class IIIB liquids.

My concerns revolve around how the code treats Class IIIB liquids as if large quantities, above the MAQ, do not create a greater hazard than quantities below the MAQ.

So, if you feel extra protection is needed, I would fight to put it in place. Minimum requirements are not always the best or most economical in the long run.

Jesse

7/10/2023 10:42:17 am

For facility protection I think it puts you in 13 OH2. I don't see a requirement for tank protection.

I am curious though about dispensing and use. If there's a dispensing and use element in the facility, that may be the driver.

Anthony

7/10/2023 11:13:17 am

I've been though this recently myself. The tanks don't require protection. The reason you can't find protection criteria in 30 is specifically because the liquid is in a tank. NFPA 30 like FM 7-29 are for smaller 'packaged' amounts of liquids in storage racks.

I'd recommend checking NFPA 30's requirements for IIIB tanks and make sure those tanks are up to spec or have them fire wrapped. I don't see a dike or spill protection, you might want to double check that. Also find out if that trench drain goes somewhere a liquid grease fire would cause problems beyond just burnt pvc and grease trap.

James Stever Jr link

7/10/2023 04:42:47 pm

I agree with everyone on Class III liquids needing fire sprinkler protection. However; I would check with the AHJ and owners insurance underwriter to see if they have more restrictive requirements. Also why is there no secondary containment?

Janak Patel

7/12/2023 11:36:53 am

NFPA Chapters 21 and 22 do not specify a requirement for providing a sprinkler protection for an above ground, in a building, Combustible IIIB liquid storage tanks. However, NFPA 30, Section 21.6.1.2 and Section 21.6.3 requires performing a formal fire and explosion hazards analysis which includes the tank protection and the building protection.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Sprinkler Protection for Class IIIB Liquid Tank?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES