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Posted By Hasitha Ratnayake
I have come across an audit report where a flame arrest has been recommended for a 800L diesel tank. This tank is situated out in the open and there are no ignition sources near by. Now, I do not agree with this considering, 1.Flash point of diesel and (Diesel is not identified as a flammable liquid),
2.Dilution at the time of filling,
3. Absence of ignition sources.
Could I have your comments please?
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Posted By garyh
It's only a recommendation, if you don't do it perhaps you would need to be able to justify why not.
Therefore, a risk assessment could do this, starting with some of the things you mention.
On the other hand, how difficult is it to fit a flame arrestor?
Another thought, do you have the original design drawings / justification which might answer this?
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Posted By Bob Youel
Take professional advice from your insurers and similar
Competent advice is especially important as diesel is highly flammable and will burn [ask the fire service]irrespective of certain classifications
The classification process is undertaken under certain controlled circumstances/ conditions
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Posted By garyh
Sorry Bob your plain wrong. To be highly flammable the UK CHIP definition is "a Highly Flammable Liquid (F) is one with a flash point of less than 21°C".
Yes deisel will BURN under ceratin circumstances, it is a fuel after all, however by CLASSIFICATION it is R10 Flammable.
The correct definitions are vital if you are doing risk assessments under DSEAR, COMAH, Fire risk etc etc.
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Posted By James Midlake
Hasitha
I've been around various chemical sites and never seen a flame arrestor used on diesel storage tanks. Petrol and similar yes - diesel no.
Do a risk assessment - is it in a high fire risk area for some reason?
Midlake
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Posted By Hasitha Ratnayake
No, the tank is placed in an open area and bunding already provided. Tank is closed and only openings is the 1/2" GI pipe which provides pressure balancing during filling.
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Posted By Crim
I would firstly investigate who did the audit and find his/her qualifications. He/she may not be competent in that area?
Diesel was only ever combustible but has been reclassified now, still it will only burn under the right conditions, but so will anything!
I agree with carrying out a risk assessment but quantify the result.
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Posted By Ashley Wood
This is news to me. I can see no logical reason why a flame arrest er would be asked for on a diesel tank. The vapour point of diesel does not warrant it and that is what is important not the temperature at which it will ignite. I am assuming that you are located in the UK and not in the desert and in the middle of a refinery or explosives factory? If I were you I would ask whom ever has told you this to quantify their request and then go from there.
Hope this helps?
Ashley Wood MIFireE, MIFPO
Consultant fire engineer
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Posted By Hasitha Ratnayake
Actually I am from Sri Lanka, where the ambient temperature is around 34'C.
Great feedback guys.
Thanks a lot!!
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Posted By LIM BOON KHOON
Diesel has been re-classified as a flammable liquid. I have not come across any recommendation to install a flame arrest for a diesel tank.
I would checked the experience and qualifications to establish the competency of the auditor.
At the end of the audit where it is customary to wrap up the audit findings with an exit meeting with senior management, I would engage him in discussion to seek clarification on his recommendation.
Finally, I would carry out a comprehensive risk assessment for the diesel tank.
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