WAC 296-24-33005 Tank storage.

(1) Design and construction of tanks.

(a) Materials.

(i) Tanks shall be built of steel except as provided in (1)(a)(ii) through (v) of this section.

(ii) Tanks may be built of materials other than steel for installation underground or if required by the properties of the liquid stored. Tanks located above ground or inside buildings shall be of noncombustible construction.

(iii) Tanks built of materials other than steel shall be designed to specifications embodying principles recognized as good engineering design for the material used.

(iv) Unlined concrete tanks may be used for storing flammable or combustible liquids having a gravity of 40°API or heavier. Concrete tanks with special lining may be used for other services provided the design is in accordance with sound engineering practice.

(v) Tanks may have combustible or noncombustible linings.

(vi) Special engineering consideration shall be required if the specific gravity of the liquid to be stored exceeds that of water or if the tanks are designed to contain flammable or combustible liquids at a liquid temperature below 0°F.

(b) Fabrication.

(i) Tanks may be of any shape or type consistent with sound engineering design.

(ii) Metal tanks shall be welded, riveted, and caulked, brazed, or bolted, or constructed by use of a combination of these methods. Filler metal used in brazing shall be nonferrous metal or an alloy having a melting point above 1000°F and below that of the metal joined.

(c) Atmospheric tanks.

(i) Atmospheric tanks shall be built in accordance with acceptable good standards of design. Atmospheric tanks may be built in accordance with:

(A) Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Subjects No. 142, Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 1968; No. 58, Standards for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and combustible Liquids, Fifth Edition, December 1961; or No. 80, Standard for Steel Inside Tanks for Oil-Burner Fuel, September 1963.

(B) American Petroleum Institute Standards No. 650, Welded Steel Tanks for Oil storage, Third Edition, 1966.

(C) American Petroleum Institute Standards No. 12B, Specification for Bolted Production Tanks, Eleventh Edition, May 1958, and Supplement 1, March 1962; No. 12D, Specification for Large Welded Production Tanks, Seventh Edition, August 1957; or No. 12F, Specification for Small Welded Production Tanks, Fifth Edition, March 1961. Tanks built in accordance with these standards shall be used only as production tanks for storage of crude petroleum in oil-producing areas.

(ii) Tanks designed for underground service not exceeding 2,500 gallons capacity may be used aboveground.

(iii) Low-pressure tanks and pressure vessels may be used as atmospheric tanks.

(iv) Atmospheric tanks shall not be used for the storage of a flammable or combustible liquid at a temperature at or above its boiling point.

(d) Low pressure tanks.

(i) The normal operating pressure of the tank shall not exceed the design pressure of the tank.

(ii) Low-pressure tanks shall be built in accordance with acceptable standards of design. Low-pressure tanks may be built in accordance with:

(A) American Petroleum Institute Standard No. 620, Recommended Rules for the Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks, Third Edition, 1966.

(B) The principles of the Code for Unfired Pressure Vessels, Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels Code, 1968.

(iii) Atmospheric tanks built according to the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., requirements in (1)(c)(i) of this section may be used for operating pressures not exceeding 1 p.s.i.g. and shall be limited to 2.5 p.s.i.g. under emergency venting conditions. Pressure vessels may be used as low-pressure tanks.

(e) Pressure vessels.

(i) The normal operating pressure of the vessel shall not exceed the design pressure of the vessel.

(ii) Pressure vessels shall be built in accordance with the Code for Unfired Pressure Vessels, Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 1968.

(f) Provisions for internal corrosion. When tanks are not designed in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.'s standards, or if corrosion is anticipated beyond that provided for in the design formulas used, additional metal thickness or suitable protective coatings or linings shall be provided to compensate for the corrosion loss expected during the design life of the tank.

back to top

 

(2) Installation of outside aboveground tanks.

(a) Location with respect to property lines and public ways.

(i) Every aboveground tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, except those liquids with boil-over characteristics and unstable liquids, operating at pressures not in excess of 2.5 p.s.i.g. and equipped with emergency venting which will not permit pressures to exceed 2.5 p.s.i.g. shall be located in accordance with Table H-5.

(ii) Every aboveground tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, except those liquids with boil-over characteristics and unstable flammable or combustible liquids, operating at pressures exceeding 2.5 p.s.i.g. or equipped with emergency venting which will permit pressures to exceed 2.5 p.s.i.g. shall be located in accordance with Table H-6.

(iii) Every aboveground tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids with boil-over characteristics shall be located in accordance with Table H-7.

(iv) Every aboveground tank for the storage of unstable liquids shall be located in accordance with Table H-8.

(v) Reference minimum distances for use in Tables H-5 to H-8 inclusive.

(vi) Where end failure or horizontal pressure tanks and vessels may expose property, the tank shall be placed with the longitudinal axis parallel to the nearest important exposure.

TABLE H-5

TABLE H-6

 TABLE H-7

TABLE H-8

TABLE H-9

(b) Spacing (shell-to-shell) between aboveground tanks.

(i) The distance between any two flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall not be less than 3 feet.

(ii) Except as provided in (2)(b)(iii) of this section, the distance between any two adjacent tanks shall not be less than one-sixth the sum of their diameters. When the diameter of one tank is less than one-half the diameter of the adjacent tank, the distance between the two tanks shall not be less than one-half the diameter of the smaller tank.

(iii) Where crude petroleum in conjunction with production facilities are located in noncongested areas and have capacities not exceeding 126,000 gallons (3,000 barrels), the distance between such tanks shall not be less than 3 feet.

(iv) Where unstable flammable or combustible liquids are stored, the distance between such tanks shall not be less than one-half the sum of their diameters.

(v) When tanks are compacted in three or more rows or in an irregular pattern, greater spacing or other means shall be provided so that inside tanks are accessible for fire fighting purposes.

(vi) The minimum separation between a liquefied petroleum gas container and a flammable or combustible liquid storage tank shall be 20 feet, except in the case of flammable or combustible liquid tanks operating at pressures exceeding 2.5 p.s.i.g. or equipped with emergency venting which will permit pressures to exceed 2.5 p.s.i.g. in which case the provisions of (2)(b)(i) and (ii) of this section shall apply. Suitable means shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under adjacent liquefied  petroleum gas containers such as by diversion curbs or grading. When flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are within a diked area, the liquefied petroleum gas containers shall be outside the diked area and at least 10 feet away from the centerline of the wall of the diked area. The foregoing provisions shall not apply when liquefied petroleum gas containers of 125 gallons or less capacity are installed adjacent to fuel oil supply tanks of 550 gallons or less capacity.

(c) Location of outside aboveground tanks with respect to important buildings on same property. Every outside aboveground tank shall be separated from important buildings on the same property by distances not less than those specified in (2)(a)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this section, whichever is applicable. The appropriate distance column in Tables H-5, H-6, H-7, H-8, or H-9, that shall be used shall be the one reading: "Minimum distance in feet from nearest side of any public way or from nearest important building."

(d) Normal venting for aboveground tanks. (i) Atmospheric storage tanks shall be adequately vented to prevent the development of vacuum or pressure sufficient to distort the roof of a cone roof tank or exceed the design pressure in the case of other atmospheric tanks, as a result of filling or emptying, and atmospheric temperature changes.

(ii) Normal vents shall be sized either in accordance with: (A) The American Petroleum Institute Standard 2000 (1968), Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks; or (B), other accepted standard; or (C) shall be at least as large as the filling or withdrawal connection, whichever is larger but in no case less than 1 1/4 inch nominal inside diameter.

(iii) Low-pressure tanks and pressure vessels shall be adequately vented to prevent development of pressure or vacuum, as a result of filling or emptying and atmospheric temperature changes, from exceeding the design pressure of the tank or vessel. Protection shall also be provided to prevent over-pressure from any pump discharging into the tank or vessel when the pump discharge pressure can exceed the design pressure of the tank or vessel.

(iv) If any tank or pressure vessel has more than one fill or withdrawal connection and simultaneous filling or withdrawal can be made, the vent size shall be based on the maximum anticipated simultaneous flow.

(v) Unless the vent is designed to limit the internal pressure 2.5 p.s.i. or less, the outlet of vents and vent drains shall be arranged to discharge in such a manner as to prevent localized overheating of any part of the tank in the event vapors from such vents are ignited.

(vi) Tanks and pressure vessels storing Class IA liquids shall be equipped with venting devices which shall be normally closed except when venting to pressures or vacuum conditions. Tanks and pressure vessels storing Class IB and IC liquids shall be equipped with venting devices which shall be normally closed except when venting under pressure or vacuum conditions, or with approved flame arresters.

Exemption: Tanks of 3,000 bbls. capacity or less containing crude petroleum in crude-producing areas; and, outside aboveground atmospheric tanks under 1,000 gallons capacity containing other than Class IA flammable liquids may have open vents. (See (2)(f)(ii) of this section.)

(vii) Flame arresters or venting devices required in (2)(e)(vi) of this section may be omitted for Class IB and IC liquids where conditions are such that their use may, in case of obstruction, result in tank damage.

(e) Emergency relief venting for fire exposure for aboveground tanks.

(i) Every aboveground storage tank shall have some form of construction or device that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by exposure fires.

(ii) In a vertical tank the construction referred to in (2)(e)(i) of this section may take the form of a floating roof, lifter roof, a weak roof-to-shell seam, or other approved pressure relieving construction. The weak roof-to-shell seam shall be constructed to fail preferential to any other seam.

(iii) Where entire dependence for emergency relief is placed upon pressure relieving devices, the total venting capacity of both normal and emergency vents shall be enough to prevent rupture of the shell or bottom of the tank if vertical, or of the shell or heads if horizontal. If unstable liquids are stored, the effects of heat or gas resulting from polymerization, decomposition, condensation, or self-reactivity shall be taken into account. The total capacity of both normal and emergency venting devices shall be not less than that derived from Table H-10 except as provided in (2)(e)(v) and (vi) of this section. Such device may be a self-closing manhole cover, or one using long bolts that permit the cover to lift under internal pressure, or an additional or larger relief valve or valves. The wetted area of the tank shall be calculated on the basis of 55 percent of the total exposed area of a sphere or spheroid, 75 percent of the total exposed area of a horizontal tank and the first 30 feet above grade of the exposed shell area of a vertical tank.

back to top

 

TABLE 10

WETTED AREA VERSUS CUBIC FEET

FREE AIR PER HOUR

(14.7 psia and 60°F)

(iv) For tanks and storage vessels designed for pressure over 1 p.s.i.g., the total rate of venting shall be determined in accordance with Table H-10, except that when the exposed wetted area of the surface is greater than 2,800 square feet, the total rate of venting shall be calculated by the following formula:

CFH = 1,107A0.82

Where:

CFH = Venting requirement, in cubic feet of free air per hour.

A = Exposed wetted surface, in square feet.

Note: The foregoing formula is based on Q = 21,000A0.82.

(v) The total emergency relief venting capacity for any specific stable liquid may be determined by the following formula:

Cubic feet of free air per hour = V

1337

V =

____

L M

V = Cubic feet of free air per hour from Table H-10.

L = Latent heat of vaporization of specific liquid in B.t.u. per pound.

M = Molecular weight of specific liquids.

(vi) The required airflow rate of (2)(e)(iii) or (v) of this section may be multiplied by the appropriate factor listed in the following schedule when protection is provided as indicated. Only one factor may be used for any one tank.

0.5 for drainage in accordance with (2)(g)(ii) of this section for tanks over 200 square feet of wetted area.

0.3 for approved water spray.

0.3 for approved insulation.

0.15 for approved water spray with approved insulation.

(vii) The outlet of all vents and vent drains on tanks equipped with emergency venting to permit pressures exceeding 2.5 p.s.i.g. shall be arranged to discharge in such a way as to prevent localized overheating of any part of the tank, in the event vapors from such vents are ignited.

(viii) Each commercial tank venting device shall have stamped on it the opening pressure, the pressure at which the valve reaches the full open position, and the flow capacity at the latter pressure, expressed in cubic feet per hour of air at 60°F and at a pressure of 14.7 p.s.i.a.

(ix) The flow capacity of tank venting devices 12 inches and smaller in nominal pipe size shall be determined by actual test of each type and size of vent. These flow tests may be conducted by the manufacturer if certified by a qualified impartial observer, or may be conducted by an outside agency. The flow capacity of tank venting devices larger than 12 inches nominal pipe size, including manhole covers with long bolts or equivalent, may be calculated provided that the opening pressure is actually measured, the rating pressure and corresponding free orifice area are stated, the word "calculated" appears on the nameplate, and the computation is based on a flow coefficient of 0.5 applied to the rated orifice area.

(f) Vent piping for aboveground tanks.

(i) Vent piping shall be constructed in accordance with WAC 296-24-33007 of this section.

(ii) Where vent pipe outlets for tanks storing Class I liquids are adjacent to buildings or public ways, they shall be located so that the vapors are released at a safe point outside of buildings and not less than 12 feet above the adjacent ground level. In order to aid their dispersion, vapors shall be discharged upward or horizontally away from closely adjacent walls. Vent outlets shall be located so that flammable vapors will not be trapped by eaves or other obstructions and shall be at least five feet from building openings.

(iii) When tank vent piping is manifolded, pipe sizes shall be such as to discharge within the pressure limitations of the system, the vapors they may be required to handle when manifolded tanks are subject to the same fire exposure.

(g) Drainage, dikes, and walls for aboveground tanks.

(i) Drainage and diked areas. The area surrounding a tank or a group of tanks shall be provided with drainage as in (2)(g)(ii) of this section, or shall be diked as provided in (2)(g)(iii), to prevent accidental discharge of liquid from endangering adjoining property or reaching waterways.

(ii) Drainage. Where protection of adjoining property or waterways is by means of a natural or manmade drainage system, such systems shall comply with the following:

(A) A slope of not less than 1 percent away from the tank toward the drainage system shall be provided.

(B) The drainage system shall terminate in vacant land or other area or in an impounding basin having a capacity not smaller than that of the largest tank served. This termination area and the route of the drainage system shall be so located that, if the flammable or combustible liquids in the drainage system are ignited, the fire will not seriously expose tanks or adjoining property.

(C) The drainage system, including automatic drainage pumps, shall not discharge to adjoining property, natural water courses, public sewers, or public drains unless the discharge of flammable or combustible liquids would not constitute a hazard, or the system is so designed that it will not permit flammable or combustible liquids to be released.

(iii) Diked areas. Where protection of adjoining property or waterways is accomplished by retaining the liquid around the tank by means of a dike, the volume of the diked area shall comply with the following requirements:

(A) Except as provided in (2)(g)(iii)(B) of this section, the volumetric capacity of the diked area shall not be less than the greatest amount of liquid that can be released from the largest tank within the diked area, assuming a full tank. The capacity of the diked area enclosing more than one tank shall be calculated by deducting the volume of the tanks other than the largest tank below the height of the dike.

(B) For a tank or group of tanks with fixed roofs containing crude petroleum with boilover characteristics, the volumetric capacity of the diked area shall be not less than the capacity of the largest tank served by the enclosure, assuming a full tank. The capacity of the diked enclosure shall be calculated by deducting the volume below the height of the dike of all tanks within the enclosure.

(C) Walls of the diked area shall be of earth, steel, concrete or solid masonry designed to be liquidtight and to withstand a full hydrostatic head. Earthen walls 3 feet or more in height shall have a flat section at the top not less than 2 feet wide. The slope of an earthen wall shall be consistent with the angle of repose of the material of which the wall is constructed.

(D) The walls of the diked area shall be restricted to an average height of 6 feet above interior grade.

(E) Where provision is made for draining water from diked areas, drainage shall be provided at a uniform slope of not less than 1 percent away from tanks toward a sump, drainbox, or other safe means of disposal located at the greatest practical distance from the tank. Such drains shall normally be controlled in a manner so as to prevent flammable or combustible liquids from entering natural water courses, public sewers, or public drains, if their presence would constitute a hazard. Control of drainage shall be accessible under fire conditions.

(F) No loose combustible material, empty or full drum or barrel, shall be permitted within the diked area.

(G) Each diked area containing two or more tanks shall be subdivided preferably by drainage channels or at least by intermediate curbs in order to prevent spills from endangering adjacent tanks within the diked area as follows:

(I) When storing normally stable liquids in vertical cone roof tanks constructed with weak roof-to-shell seam or approved floating roof tanks or when storing crude petroleum in producing areas in any type of tank, one subdivision for each tank in excess of 10,000 bbls. and one subdivision for each group of tanks (no tank exceeding 10,000 bbls. capacity) having an aggregate capacity not exceeding 15,000 bbls.

(II) When storing normally stable flammable or combustible liquids in tanks not covered in (g)(iii)(G)(I) of this subsection, one subdivision for each tank in excess of 100,000 gallons (2,500 bbls.) and one subdivision for each group of tanks (no tank exceeding 100,000 gallons capacity) having an aggregate capacity not exceeding 150,000 gallons (3,570 bbls.).

(III) When storing unstable liquids in any type of tank, one subdivision for each tank except that tanks installed in accordance with the drainage requirements of NFPA 15-1969, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection shall require no additional subdivision.

(IV) The drainage channels or intermediate curbs shall be located between tanks so as to take full advantage of the available space with due regard for the individual tank capacities. Intermediate curbs, where used, shall be not less than 18 inches in height.

back to top

 

(h) Tank openings other than vents for aboveground tanks.

(i) Connections for all tank openings shall be vaportight and liquid tight. Vents are covered in (2)(d) through (f) of this section.

(ii) Each connection to an aboveground tank through which liquid can normally flow shall be provided with an internal or an external valve located as close as practical to the shell of the tank. Such valves, when external, and their connections to the tank shall be of steel except when the chemical characteristics of the liquid stored are incompatible with steel. When materials other than steel are necessary, they shall be suitable for the pressures, structural stresses, and temperatures involved, including fire exposures.

(iii) Each connection below the liquid level through which liquid does not normally flow shall be provided with a liquid tight closure. This may be a valve, plug, or blind, or a combination of these.

(iv) Openings for gaging shall be provided with a vapor tight cap or cover.

(v) For Class IB and Class IC liquids other than crude oils, gasolines, and asphalts, the fill pipe shall be so designed and installed as to minimize the possibility of generating static electricity. A fill pipe entering the top of a tank shall terminate within 6 inches of the bottom of the tank and shall be installed to avoid excessive vibration.

(vi) Filling and emptying connections which are made and broken shall be located outside of buildings at a location free from any source of ignition and not less than 5 feet away from any building opening. Such connection shall be closed and liquidtight when not in use. The connection shall be properly identified.

(3) Installation of underground tanks.

(a) Location. Excavation for underground storage tanks shall be made with due care to avoid undermining of foundations of existing structures. Underground tanks or tanks under buildings shall be so located with respect to existing building foundations and supports that the loads carried by the latter cannot be transmitted to the tank. The distance from any part of a tank storing Class I liquids to the nearest wall of any basement or pit shall be not less than 1 foot, and to any property line that may be built upon, not less than 3 feet. The distance from any part of a tank storing Class II or Class III liquids to the nearest wall of any basement, pit or property line shall not be less than 1 foot.

(b) Depth and cover. Underground tanks shall be set on firm foundations and surrounded with at least 6 inches of noncorrosive, inert materials such as clean sand, earth, or gravel well tamped in place. The tank shall be placed in the hole with care since dropping or rolling the tank into the hole can break a weld, puncture or damage the tank, or scrape off the protective coating of coated tanks. Tanks shall be covered with a minimum of 2 feet of earth or shall be covered with not less than 1 foot of earth, on top of which shall be placed a slab of reinforced concrete not less than 4 inches thick. When underground tanks are, or are likely to be, subject to traffic, they shall be protected against damage from vehicles passing over them by at least 3 feet of earth cover, or 18 inches of well-tamped earth, plus 6 inches of reinforced concrete or 8 inches of asphaltic concrete. When asphaltic or reinforced concrete paving is used as part of the protection, it shall extend at least 1 foot horizontally beyond the outline of the tank in all directions.

(c) Corrosion protection. Corrosion protection for the tank and its piping shall be provided by one or more of the following methods:

(i) Use of protective coatings or wrappings;

(ii) Cathodic protection; or,

(iii) Corrosion resistant materials of construction.

(d) Vents.

(i) Location and arrangement of vents for Class I liquids. Vent pipes from tanks storing Class I liquids shall be so located that the discharge point is outside of buildings, higher than the fill pipe opening, and not less than 12 feet above the adjacent ground level. Vent pipes shall discharge only upward in order to disperse vapors. Vent pipes 2 inches or less in nominal inside diameter shall not be obstructed by devices that will cause excessive back pressure. Vent pipe outlets shall be so located that flammable vapors will not enter building openings, or be trapped under eaves or other obstructions. If the vent pipe is less than 10 feet in length, or greater than 2 inches in nominal inside diameter, the outlet shall be provided with a vacuum and pressure relief device or there shall be an approved flame arrester located in the vent line at the outlet or within the approved distance from the outlet.

(ii) Size of vents. Each tank shall be vented through piping adequate in size to prevent blow-back of vapor or liquid at the fill opening while the tank is being filled. Vent pipes shall be not less than 1 1/4 inch nominal inside diameter.

TABLE H-11

VENT LINE DIAMETERS

* Vent lines of 50 ft., 100 ft., and 200 ft. of pipe plus 7 ells.

(iii) Location and arrangement of vents for Class II or Class III liquids. Vent pipes from tanks storing Class II or Class III flammable liquids shall terminate outside of the building and higher than the fill pipe opening. Vent outlets shall be above normal snow level. They may be fitted with return bends, coarse screens or other devices to minimize ingress of foreign material.

(iv) Vent piping shall be constructed in accordance with WAC 296-24-33007. Vent pipes shall be so laid as to drain toward the tank without sags or traps in which liquid can collect. They shall be located so that they will not be subjected to physical damage. The tank end of the vent pipe shall enter the tank through the top.

(v) When tank vent piping is manifolded, pipe sizes shall be such as to discharge, within the pressure limitations of the system, the vapors they may be required to handle when manifolded tanks are filled simultaneously.

(e) Tank openings other than vents.

(i) Connections for all tank openings shall be vapor or liquid tight.

(ii) Openings for manual gaging, if independent of the fill pipe, shall be provided with a liquid-tight cap or cover. If inside a building, each such opening shall be protected against liquid overflow and possible vapor release by means of a spring- loaded check valve or other approved device.

(iii) Fill and discharge lines shall enter tanks only through the top. Fill lines shall be sloped toward the tank.

(iv) For Class IB and Class IC liquids other than crude oils, gasolines, and asphalts, the fill pipe shall be so designed and installed as to minimize the possibility of generating static electricity by terminating within 6 inches of the bottom of the tank.

(v) Filling and emptying connections which are made and broken shall be located outside of buildings at a location free from any source of ignition and not less than 5 feet away from any building opening. Such connection shall be closed and liquid-tight when not in use. The connection shall be properly identified.

back to top

 

(4) Installation of tanks inside of buildings.

(a) Location. Tanks shall not be permitted inside of buildings except as provided in WAC 296-24-33011 and 296-24-33015 through 296-24-33019.

(b) Vents. Vents for tanks inside of buildings shall be as provided in (2)(d), (e), (f)(ii) and (3)(d) of this section, except that emergency venting by the use of weak roof seams on tanks shall not be permitted. Vents shall discharge vapors outside the buildings.

(c) Vent piping. Vent piping shall be constructed in accordance with WAC 296-24-33007.

(d) Tank openings other than vents.

(i) Connections for all tank openings shall be vapor or liquidtight. Vents are covered in (4)(b) of this section.

(ii) Each connection to a tank inside of buildings through which liquid can normally flow shall be provided with an internal or an external valve located as close as practical to the shell of the tank. Such valves, when external, and their connections to the tank shall be of steel except when the chemical characteristics of the liquid stored are incompatible with steel. When materials other than steel are necessary, they shall be suitable for the pressures, structural stresses, and temperatures involved, including fire exposures.

(iii) Flammable or combustible liquid tanks located inside of buildings, except in one-story buildings designed and protected for flammable or combustible liquid storage, shall be provided with an automatic-closing heat-actuated valve on each withdrawal connection below the liquid level, except for connections used for emergency disposal, to prevent continued flow in the event of fire in the vicinity of the tank. This function may be incorporated in the valve required in (4)(d)(ii) of this section, and if a separate valve, shall be located adjacent to the valve required in (4)(d)(ii) of this section.

(iv) Openings for manual gaging, if independent of the fill pipe (see (4)(d)(vi) of this section), shall be provided with a vaportight cap or cover. Each such opening shall be protected against liquid overflow and possible vapor release by means of a spring loaded check valve or other approved device.

(v) For Class IB and Class IC liquids other than crude oils, gasolines, and asphalts, the fill pipe shall be so designed and installed as to minimize the possibility of generating static electricity by terminating within 6 inches of the bottom of the tank.

(vi) The fill pipe inside of the tank shall be installed to avoid excessive vibration of the pipe.

(vii) The inlet of the fill pipe shall be located outside of buildings at a location free from any source of ignition and not less than 5 feet away from any building opening. The inlet of the fill pipe shall be closed and liquidtight when not in use. The fill connection shall be properly identified.

(viii) Tanks inside buildings shall be equipped with a device, or other means shall be provided, to prevent overflow into the building.

(5) Supports, foundations, and anchorage for all tank locations.

(a) General. Tank supports shall be installed on firm foundations. Tank supports shall be of concrete, masonry, or protected steel. Single wood timber supports (not cribbing) laid horizontally may be used for outside aboveground tanks if not more than 12 inches high at their lowest point.

(b) Fire resistance. Steel supports or exposed piling shall be protected by materials having a fire resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, except that steel saddles need not be protected if less than 12 inches high at their lowest point. Water spray protection or its equivalent may be used in lieu of fire-resistive materials to protect supports.

(c) Spheres. The design of the supporting structure for tanks such as spheres shall receive special engineering consideration.

(d) Load distribution. Every tank shall be so supported as to prevent the excessive concentration of loads on the supporting portion of the shell.

(e) Foundations. Tanks shall rest on the ground or on foundations made of concrete, masonry, piling, or steel. Tank foundations shall be designed to minimize the possibility of uneven settling of the tank and to minimize corrosion in any part of the tank resting on the foundation.

(f) Flood areas. Where a tank is located in an area that may be subjected to flooding, the applicable precautions outlined in (5)(f) of this section shall be observed.

(i) No aboveground vertical storage tank containing a flammable or combustible liquid shall be located so that the allowable liquid level within the tank is below the established maximum flood stage, unless the tank is provided with a guiding structure such as described in (5)(f)(xiii), (xiv) and (xv) of this section.

(ii) Independent water supply facilities shall be provided at locations where there is no ample and dependable public water supply available for loading partially empty tanks with water.

(iii) In addition to the preceding requirements, each tank so located that more than 70 percent, but less than 100 percent, of its allowable liquid storage capacity will be submerged at the established maximum flood stage, shall be safeguarded by one of the following methods: Tank shall be raised, or its height shall be increased, until its top extends above the maximum flood stage a distance equivalent to 30 percent or more of its allowable liquid storage capacity: Provided, however, That the submerged part of the tank shall not exceed two and one-half times the diameter. Or, as an alternative to the foregoing, adequate noncombustible structural guides, designed to permit the tank to float vertically without loss of product, shall be provided.

(iv) Each horizontal tank so located that more than 70 percent of its storage capacity will be submerged at the established flood stage, shall be anchored, attached to a foundation of concrete or of steel and concrete, of sufficient weight to provide adequate load for the tank when filled with flammable or combustible liquid and submerged by flood waters to the established flood stage, or adequately secured by other means.

(v) Spherical and spheroidal tanks shall be protected by applicable methods as specified for either vertical or horizontal tanks.

(vi) At locations where there is no ample and dependable water supply, or where filling of underground tanks with liquid is impracticable because of the character of their contents, their use, or for other reasons, each tank shall be safeguarded against movement when empty and submerged by high ground water or flood waters by anchoring, weighting with concrete or other approved solid loading material, or securing by other means. Each such tank shall be so constructed and installed that it will safely resist external pressures due to high ground water or flood waters.

(vii) At locations where there is an ample and dependable water supply available, underground tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids, so installed that more than 70 percent of their storage capacity will be submerged at the maximum flood stage, shall be so anchored, weighted, or secured by other means, as to prevent movement of such tanks when filled with flammable or combustible liquids, and submerged by flood waters to the established flood stage.

(viii) Pipe connections below the allowable liquid level in a tank shall be provided with valves or cocks located as closely as practicable to the tank shell. Such valves and their connections to tanks shall be of steel or other material suitable for use with the liquid being stored. Cast iron shall not be used.

(ix) At locations where an independent water supply is required, it shall be entirely independent of public power and water supply. Independent source of water shall be available when flood waters reach a level not less than 10 feet below the bottom of the lowest tank on a property.

(x) The self-contained power and pumping unit shall be so located or so designed that pumping into tanks may be carried on continuously throughout the rise in flood waters from a level 10 feet below the lowest tank to the level of the potential flood stage.

(xi) Capacity of the pumping unit shall be such that the rate of rise of water in all tanks shall be equivalent to the established potential average rate of rise of flood waters at any stage.

(xii) Each independent pumping unit shall be tested periodically to insure that it is in satisfactory operating condition.

(xiii) Structural guides for holding floating tanks above their foundations shall be so designed that there will be no resistance to the free rise of a tank, and shall be constructed of noncombustible material.

(xiv) The strength of the structure shall be adequate to resist lateral movement of a tank subject to a horizontal force in any direction equivalent to not less than 25 pounds per square foot acting on the projected vertical cross-sectional area of the tank.

(xv) Where tanks are situated on exposed points or bends in a shoreline where swift currents in flood waters will be present, the structures shall be designed to withstand a unit force of not less than 50 pounds per square foot.

(xvi) The filling of a tank to be protected by water loading shall be started as soon as flood waters reach a dangerous flood stage. The rate of filling shall be at least equal to the rate of rise of the floodwaters (or the established average potential rate of rise).

(xvii) Sufficient fuel to operate the water pumps shall be available at all times to insure adequate power to fill all tankage with water.

(xviii) All valves on connecting pipelines shall be closed and locked in closed position when water loading has been completed.

(xix) Where structural guides are provided for the protection of floating tanks, all rigid connections between tanks and pipelines shall be disconnected and blanked off or binded before the floodwaters reach the bottom of the tank, unless control valves and their connections to the tank are of a type designed to prevent breakage between the valve and the tank shell.

(xx) All valves attached to tanks other than those used in connection with water loading operations shall be closed and locked.

(xxi) If a tank is equipped with a swing line, the swing pipe shall be raised to and secured at its highest position.

(xxii) Inspections. The director or his/her designated representative shall make periodic inspections of all plants where the storage of flammable or combustible liquids is such as to require compliance with the foregoing requirements, in order to assure the following:

(A) That all flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are in compliance with these requirements and so maintained.

(B) That detailed printed instructions of what to do in flood emergencies are properly posted.

(C) That station operators and other employees depended upon to carry out such instructions are thoroughly informed as to the location and operation of such valves and other equipment necessary to effect these requirements.

(g) Earthquake areas. In areas subject to earthquakes, the tank supports and connections shall be designed to resist damage as a result of such shocks.

back to top

 

(6) Sources of ignition. In locations where flammable vapors may be present, precautions shall be taken to prevent ignition by eliminating or controlling sources of ignition. Sources of ignition may include open flames, lightning, smoking, cutting and welding, hot surfaces, frictional heat, sparks (static, electrical, and mechanical), spontaneous ignition, chemical and physical-chemical reactions, and radiant heat.

(7) Testing.

(a) General. All tanks, whether shop built or field erected, shall be strength tested before they are placed in service in accordance with the applicable sections of the code under which they were built. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stamp. American Petroleum Institute (API) monogram, or the label of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., on a tank shall be evidence of compliance with this strength test. Tanks not marked in accordance with the above codes shall be strength tested before they are placed in service in accordance with good engineering principles and reference shall be made to the sections on testing in the codes listed in (l)(c)(i), (d)(ii) or (e)(ii) of this section.

(b) Strength. When the vertical length of the fill and vent pipes is such that when filled with liquid the static head imposed upon the bottom of the tank exceeds 10 pounds per square inch, the tank and related piping shall be tested hydrostatically to a pressure equal to the static head thus imposed.

(c) Tightness. In addition to the strength test called for in (7)(a) and (b), all tanks and connections shall be tested for tightness. Except for underground tanks, this tightness test shall be made at operating pressure with air, inert gas, or water prior to placing the tank in service. In the case of field-erected tanks the strength test may be considered to be the test for tank tightness. Underground tanks and piping, before being covered, enclosed, or placed in use, shall be tested for tightness hydrostatically, or with air pressure at not less than 3 pounds per square inch and not more than 5 pounds per square inch.

(d) Repairs. All leaks or deformations shall be corrected in an acceptable manner before the tank is placed in service. Mechanical caulking is not permitted for correcting leaks in welded tanks except pinhole leaks in the roof.

(e) Derated operations. Tanks to be operated at pressures below their design pressure may be tested by the applicable provisions of (7)(a) or (b) based upon the pressure developed under full emergency venting of the tank.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-05-027 (Order 05-45), § 296-24-33005, filed 02/07/06, effective 04/01/06. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-24-33005, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; 88-23-054 (Order 88-25), 296-24-33005, filed 11/14/88; Order 76-6, 296-24-33005, filed 3/1/76; Order 73-5, 296-24-33005, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-33005, filed 5/7/73.]

WAC 296-24-33007 Piping, valves, and fittings.

(1) General.

(a) Design. The design (including selection of materials) fabrication, assembly, test, and inspection of piping systems containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be suitable for the expected working pressures and structural stresses. Conformity with the applicable provisions of Pressure Piping, ANSI B31-1967 series and the provisions of this section, shall be considered prima facie evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions.

(b) Exceptions. This section does not apply to any of the following:

(i) Tubing or casing on any oil or gas wells and any piping connected directly thereto.

(ii) Motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, or portable or stationary engines.

(iii) Piping within the scope of any applicable boiler and pressures vessel code.

(c) Definitions. As used in this section, piping systems consist of pipe, tubing flanges, bolting, gaskets, valves, fittings, the pressure containing parts of other components such as expansion joints and strainers, and devices which serve such purposes as mixing, separating, snubbing, distributing, metering, or controlling flow.

(2) Materials for piping, valves, and fittings.

(a) Required materials. Materials for piping, valves, or fittings shall be steel, nodular iron or malleable iron, except as provided in subsections (b), (c) and (d).

(b) Exceptions. Materials other than steel, nodular iron, or malleable iron may be used underground, or if required by the properties of the flammable or combustible liquid handled. Material other than steel, nodular iron, or malleable iron shall be designed to specifications embodying principles recognized as good engineering practices for the material used.

(c