6282016 Specifying Fuel Storago Tanks For Emergoncy Gonoratrs Guiding your design of prime and standby Home ContactUs AboutUs _Sign Up! power sy Specifying Fuel Storage Tanks For Emergency Generators by David Hurtado june 5 2014 - Code Comp lance FAQ's General-0 Comments Decisions, decisions... There are many to make in ae ‘the process of designing a large fuel supply + system for emergency generators. A bulk fuel storage system is most common when your dients require large generators, and an extended “run-time” capabily, For heakheare and other mission-critical facilties, "bulk storage” can mean tens of thousands of gallons of diese! fuel. With that much fuel on-site, its normal to have concerns for safety, cade-compliance and reliabllty, Here are some basic steps to ease ‘some of the anxiety over completing such a design! How much fuel should be stored on-site? Fuel First up: Fuel Capacity storage capacity is mostly driven by the number of hours that the generators may be required to run {.e:*runtime’). Your client's type of business will be key in defining this point, Whether you are -lven specific instructions, or simply referred to follow basic NEPA code requirements (see Chapters 99 and 110), be sure to also consult with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AH|s) for any special rules. Your run-time calculation should assume worst case conditions and should be tied to your client's disaster management plan, Once a determination has been made for the required "run- time’, the fuel storage requirement bolls down to a simple equation: tored Fuel in gallons) -uel Consumption (at full lead, in gallons per hour) Run-time (in hours) Number of generators ‘To be precise, some adjustments should be made to account for “usable” fuel, Usable fuel takes into consideration any tank design characterstes, or safely devices that prevent a tank from being filled tots full capacity. There willbe sorne volume of air inside the tank, and also some fuel at the bottom of the tank that will not be accessible to the suction pipe supplying fuel to the generators. And again, be sure to check with local AH)s as they may require a certain percentage "safety factor” over your calculated runctime, Now on to location. ‘Where will you place the fuel tanks? Site permitting is an obvious factor that should be looked at early on in the process. Current bullding codes, ste elevation, soil conditions, environmental issues, hitpuhwww-onsitepoweracvisor.com/201406/0Sspecfing fuel-storagetanks! ‘Search, FOLLOW US! GHIS CATEGORIES case Studies (1) ode Compliance (10) FAQS @25) General (5) Product Reviews (6) Tools 8) Tutorials (11) TAGS sfercoslr automatic transfer switch charge-aireoseswenston cooling day tank cesediansion diesel fuel emissions evtne sa engineering engine exhaust era facility fuel systems ian ‘ire pump tuet fuel fill station wet owen fuelport fuel quality nt recrclaton fuel tank generator teStINg slesary grounding load bank NEC nFea.20 NFPA-37 Noise attenuation piping radiator RICE NESHAP separately derives silencer simplex smartpump specification aid survey terminology wansterswten UL met sade wtsand rane OUR AUTHORS: 06282016 Spociying Fuel Storage Terks For Emergoncy Gonerators er ‘This question of location may also lead you to another important decision: Will you use above -Bround storage tanks (AST), or under-ground storage tanks (UST)? and impact to neighboring properties can all play a role, Once a for any specific requirements or limitations. USTs consume minimal above-grade space, but they face higher instalation costs, and potential environmental obstacles. When fuel is stored underground, there is a higher likelihood for fuel degradation due to water contamination (cooler underground temperatures wll lead to more condensation of moist air entering through the tank vents). Inspection and servicing of USTS can also bbe more difficult, and any pumps or valves enclosed in underground sumps are more prone to corrosion damage. These are long-term considerations that the client/owner should understand. AST present thelr own challenges, mostly related to space and protection. if space isnot an Issue, the next major concern ishow to [a= protect an exposed fuel tank. ASTS can be large and difficult to — conceal or protect. Given ideal circurnstances, the fuel tanks should be protected by a wall, but most often they are exposed and simply| {guarded by fencing or bollards. If protection is a major requirement, a “protected” tank should be strongly considered. For information on the various types of tanks, see this Fuel Storage Tank Guide. Think of a system, instead of individual components! Safely transferring the fuel to the generators is just as crucial as the integrity of the fuel storage tanks, Fuel transfer pumps should be selected with sufficient capacity and buil.in redundancy, Piping to and fromm the fuel tanks can present challenges all their own, Underground piping should be listed and approved by the AH for the intended use. And be aware of local cades that may require above-ground piping to be protected from wind-blown debris. Finally, any containment surnps, eak detection devices and safety valves should be coordinated with the fuel transfer control systern to avoid fuel spills. Simplify and tune your design. (Once you have made the major decisions, look to simply your fuel system design by eliminating, Unnecessary terns, Here are some items that often get misinterpreted: + “Fuel tank vent caps must be installed a minimum of 12’ above grade". NFPA states that Class | fuels must have vents installed a minimum of 12' above grade, Diesel fuel, however, Is Class Il fuel and this requirement may not be applicable in your jurisdiction. + NFPA-110 lists a requitement for “fuel solenoid valves to be operated by the engine batteries’ This requirement only applies to the solenoid valve installed immediately upstream of the engine fuel supply connections. Solenoid valves installed elsewhere (.e: upstream of a day tank) should operate on AC vokage. + NFPA limits the size of fuel tanks located inside buildings, but be aware of exceptions allowing larger capacities, when fuel tanks are located in designated mechanical rooms. Also note that only a maximum of 660 gallons can be directly connected to an engine, + For installations in Florida: the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requires all above-ground storage tanks over 550 gallons to be registered with the State, and listed in thelr "Approved Equipment List" (approved equipment is identified by an'"EQ” number). Some ‘exemptions exist for tanks installed in residences, or entirely within an "industrial occupancy building’ (see the Applicability section ofthe Rule for details In summary. Fuel systems are a critical part of an emergency generator system. Dedicating some time to the fuel system, early in the design stage, can prevent potentially serious issues during permitting, or during the installation itself. A safe and reliable systern can be achieved i ll major components are coordinated and designed for the specific project a-hand. When pressed by deadlines, resist the hitpuhwww-onsitepoweracvisor.com/201406/0Sspecfing fuel-storagetanks! 2186282016 Specifying Fuel Storago Tanks For Emergoncy Gonoratrs temptation to simply copy a design from a "similar" past project. This can be a costly mistake that! often see consuming valuable time during construction, Generator fuel systems are a specialized area in design, and I find that few firms have a dedicated team to develop fuel system designs. Ifyou are faced with a project that challenges your experience with fuel systems, l encourage you to reach out to me for assistance. After an initial consultation, {you will be In a much better position to ask the right questions, and well on your way to develop the best possible fuel system for your client's faci. Ifyou would like to read more on this subject, see "Top 12 Surefire Ways to Improve Your Fuel system Design’ ‘Thank you for reading, and please post below if you have thoughts or comments on this topic! om the kowtedge! vino ws You may also bke: + Engine Room Too Small? Consider a Hockey Puck Exhaust Silencer + EGSA Publishes Rating Guide for Exhaust Silencers + Terminology and Definitions + Key Components of a Mission-Critical Facility - Test Load Banks + Step-By-Step Instructions - simplex Automatic FuelPort Code Alert: NFPA-20 Fuel Maintenance Requirements for Fire Pumps Was this article helpful? {Total votes: 0 Average: 0} Product Tags fact fel systems. fue tank About David Hurtado have worked around on-site poner systems for most of my professional te. Living in Florida, Lappreciate the benefits thatthe emergency pawer industry has brought to pubblc safes healthcare and our qualy of life. Sharing these articles is my humble contribution to the continuous improvement of mission-critical power generation designs. hope young them useful hupww nurtado.ce Leave a Reply Your email address wil not be published. Required fields are marked * Yourenail® Yourwabat B+ inten O Your eomment™ itp onsitepoweracvisor.com /201406/0Sspecfing fuel-storagetanks! 3282016 ‘Spoctying Fuel Storago Tanks For Emergoncy Gonoratrs Post Comment Terms | Privacy | Log in (©2016 Orie Power Aor A Rights Reserved Created using Presson, hitpuhwww-onsitepoweracvisor.com/201406/0Sspecfing fuel-storagetanks! ae