Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Publisher
BCI
Basle Chemical Industry
The TRCI Guidelines of 2001 had to be reviewed since the VWF (Ordinance for the Protection of Water from
Potentially Water-Polluting Liquids) was withdrawn. Instead of the VWF, two enforcement regulations of the KVU
(Conference of the Heads of Environmental Protection Offices in Switzerland) are now applicable. The review also
updates the entire document and restructures it.
The TRCI Guidelines are applicable to storage facilities and plant tank farms in the chemical and pharmaceutical
industry. They are applicable to liquid chemicals and can also be used for plant facilities in an analogous manner.
They are listed as Engineering Rules by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU).
The guidelines are obligatory for the design of storage facilities in the BCI, they serve as a supplement to the
provisions and directives of the authorities.
A team of experts from CIBA, CLARIANT, HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE, HUNTSMAN and LONZA reviewed
the TRCI Guidelines for the BCI.
The TRCI Guidelines are available in German, French and English via:
http://www.bafu.admin.ch/tankanlagen
CONTENTS
Page
CONTENTS ........................................................................................................3
7 Annex.........................................................................................................49
7.1 Minimum dimension of sealed pavings at transfer sites ............................................... 49
7.2 Air pollution control (limit values) ............................................................................... 51
7.3 Test procedures for facility parts .................................................................................. 52
7.4 Leakage testing of protective structures........................................................................ 53
7.5 Test report ..................................................................................................................... 54
7.6 Precautions against the hazardous effects of electric current ....................................... 55
7.7 Protection indices (to determine min. fire protection measures) .................................. 56
7.8 Calculation of the required quantity of cooling water .................................................. 57
7.9 Tank farm design terms................................................................................................. 65
7.10 Basic documents (laws, regulations, provisions, guidelines)........................................ 66
7.11 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 69
7.11.1 Abbreviations for authorities, regulations, specialist agencies, etc. .................... 69
7.11.2 Technical abbreviations....................................................................................... 70
7.11.3 Material abbreviation........................................................................................... 70
7.12 Key words ...............................................................Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert.
1 General information
1.1 Introduction
The TRCI are to be applied to the construction and operation of facilities for the storage and
transfer operations of liquid chemicals.
They take into account the specific requirements of the chemical industry and are mainly based
on
- the federal law governing environmental protection (Environmental Protection Act [USG])
[3];
- the Swiss Water Protection Act (GSchG) [1] and pertaining regulations;
- Ordinance for the protection against accidents (Accident Ordinance, StFV) [7];
- Enforcement regulations and guidelines of the KVU [34 and 35];
- Clean Air Ordinance (LRV) [5];
- SUVA Bulletin 2153, Explosion Protection: Principles, minimum provisions, zones [16].
The TRCI only takes into account regulations, which are valid throughout Switzerland.
Depending on the location of the facilities, any special Cantonal or local regulations are also to
be taken into account. Any deviation must be agreed during the plan approval procedure. The
Engineering Rules are to be adhered to on principle (KVU [34-05]).
Chapter 7.10 contains a summary of the basic documents.
1.4 Water pollution control areas, ground water pollution control zones and
water pollution control measures
Switzerland is divided into water pollution control areas, ground water pollution control zones
and ground water pollution control sites with regard to water pollution control measures to be
applied (see GSchV Art. 29 and 31 [2]). The principles of handling potentially water-polluting liquids
are stated in the Water Protection Act (Art. 22 ff. GSchG [1]) and provisions concerning facilities with
potentially water-polluting liquids in particularly endangered water pollution control areas are contained
in the GSchV (Art. 32 and 32a as well as Appendix 4, Items 21, 22 and 23).
Water pollution control measures outside of ground water pollution control zones and sites (see
also KVU [35-1.1]):
These include
- Prevention of liquid losses;
and, depending on the storage facility and the transfer point,
- the easy detection of liquid losses
or
- the easy detection and retention of leaking liquids
are demanded.
Water pollution control measures in ground water pollution control zones and sites:
In relation to the pollution control measures stated above, respective pollution control measures
are to be implemented for facilities permitted in ground water pollution control zones and sites
which ensure that liquid losses are easily detected and leaking liquids are completely retained.
Industrial and commercial operations emanating a danger for ground water are not permitted (see
GSchV Art. 29 and 31 [2]).
Installation
A distinction is made between
- Facilities outdoors,
· Free-standing or
· Non-free-standing (buried)
- Facilities in underground concrete spaces and buildings
· Free-standing or
· Non-free-standing (buried)
Free-standing refers to storage tanks and pipelines the external walls of which are visible to such
an extent that liquid losses can be easily detected from outside; storage tanks are also free-
standing if their bottom cannot be seen from the outside but they are permanently monitored by a
leak detection system for liquid losses. All other storage tanks and pipelines are considered
buried.
The site selection and decisions on the size of the tanks and the farm as a whole must be made as
part of a hazard analysis.
- The accessibility of tank farms for flammable liquids must be safeguarded for mobile fire
extinguishing equipment (vehicles) from at least two sides and every individual tank must be
accessible by mobile fire extinguishing equipment from outside of the tank area (Fig. 1+2).
Within a group of tanks, the layout of the tanks should be such that "shadow zones" (i.e.
zones which the fire extinguishing equipment cannot reach or only with difficulties) do not
occur in case of a fire. If this demand cannot be met due to the operational situation, fixed
firefighting installations must be provided, firefighting from the top may also be taken into
consideration (Fig. 3 + 4);
- The distances between tank groups have to be defined according to fire-extinguishing aspects
(accessibility, possibility of inserting water walls, etc.). It is advantageous to subdivide bigger
tank groups into smaller fire sections (e.g. by fireproof walls or with tanks of non-flammable
liquids in between).
Fig. 3 Tank farm only Fig. 4 Tanks inside of the tank field (shadow
accessible from one side zone) not accessible by mobile fire
extinguishing equipment or only with difficulties.
Perimeter, drainage
In case a storage tank leaks, liquid sprayed beyond the bed (spray parabola) must be collected
and handled in a controlled manner. The strip to be drained must have a width of at least 0.5
times the height of the tank above the bed, measured from the tank wall. If tanks are thermally
insulated or if they are equipped with protective cladding, this measure is not required.
Structure
On principle, the structure is subjected to the same requirements in relation to impermeability as
normal protective structures.
Selection of tanks
For liquids of Hazard Classes F1 and F2 only explosion-resistant or blanketed tanks may be
used. Liquids of Hazard Classes F3 and F4 and hardly or non-flammable products can be stored
in tanks which are not explosion-resistant.
Tanks in underground concrete spaces must be designed without a bottom outlet nozzle.
Clearances
The clearances between storage tanks and protective structure are to be designed in such a way
that visual check of the storage tanks and the protective structures for impermeability is feasible.
Where this is not possible, a leakage monitoring system is needed and the storage tanks have to
be checked and cleaned inside at appropriate intervals (at least every 10 years).
Ventilation
If a closed type of structure is to be used for special reasons, appropriate ventilation and
accessibility is to be particularly considered usually requiring induced ventilation. It is to be
ensured that ventilation apertures are available also immediately above ground level.
Protective clearance
Protective clearance is measured from the outer edge of the protective structure of the tank farm
to the adjoining building under the same ownership or to the building line of the neighbouring
lot. The protective clearance can be reduced after consulting the authorities, if suitable measures,
such as protective walls, deluge spray systems, or foam, are provided.
For tank diameters larger than 10m, it must be verified for each product that the radiant heat on
the building line of the neighbouring lot does not exceed 8kW/m2 in case of a fire. Calculation
e.g. according to the Swiss Reinsurance Company [30].
Use of building
Type of construction
Fire hazard Fire hazard Fire hazard
(wall facing the neighbouring building)
low1) normal 2) high 3)
Min. EI 60 (nbb) and facing wall without
small small small
any openings
Min. not combustible small medium great
small 5* 10 15 - 5* 8
medium 10 15 20 5 8 12
great 15 20 25 8 12 15
* No protective clearance if the facing wall corresponds to EI 60 (nbb) and does not have any openings and the
accessibility is safeguarded.
The protective clearance refers to drum storage if the same drums are stored for a longer period
of time. Protective clearance to railway tracks, high-voltage lines and motorways should be the
same as for tank farms.
Type of vessel Tank size Hazard class Protective clearance Tank clearance
2)
A B X Y
A
15.0m
Own Neighbouring
X D Y D X lot lot
X
(Building line) (Building line)
D
D
(Property line)
Y
Railway tracks
A protective clearance of 15m to the main tracks is applicable according to the VKF Guideline
(28-03) [9]. Further details are also contained in the VKF Guideline.
High-voltage lines
A protective clearance of 10m is applicable to high-voltage lines [9].
Protective clearances to high-voltage facilities of third parties are to be determined according to
the directives of the Swiss Federal High-Voltage Inspectorate Article 16, [23].
If these clearances cannot be complied with, a commission of experts decides on a case-by-case
basis on compensatory measures.
Roads
A protective clearance of 10m is applicable to public roads (up to the roadside) [9].
For motorways, a special Swiss clearance provision in relation to tank farms does not exist. The
building lines must always be taken into account. The safety spacing, which is applicable inside
the works area, must be complied with as a minimum clearance. Cantonal building authorities
are empowered to impose additional clearances from these building lines.
The minimum tank clearances refer to the effective clearance from tank to tank or from tank to wall.
0,7m
0,5 m 0,15 m
0,5 m 0,5 m
0,25 m
0,5 m
0,5 m
0,5 m
The clearances are determined from the manhole or from the outlet nozzle. For explanations
concerning the protective clearance and measures to reduce the clearance as well as special cases
see Chap. 2.2
To the pertaining tank farm, a protective clearance is not required.
min. 1,5%
Pumpensumpf
pump sump
Protective wall
pump sump
In areas where containment volumes are stipulated by law, openings for piping or similar
arrangements are not permitted in walls. In exceptional cases, specially appropriate sealing
techniques must be used.
The dividing walls are lower than the perimeter walls, but, as a rule, are not higher than 0.5m in
order to ensure accessibility.
Containment basins for liquid losses and drainage for transfer sites
If liquid losses have to be retained, the following arrangements may be used as containment
basins:
- Containment bed in the area of the transfer point;
- Lower containment basin of an adjacent tank farm if functioning of the same is not impaired
and the transferred goods are not allocated to Hazard Class F1 or F2.
At filling points without any roofing, precipitation must be collected and also channelled to the
containment basins.
The availability of sufficient containment volume is to be checked prior to every transfer. This
must correspond to the maximum quantity which may escape up to the rectification of the leak,
however, minimum 5m3 (see also KVU [35-1.1]).
For the minimum area of the containment tray for tank wagons and tank lorries see Chap. 7.1.
Quantity of precipitation
This quantity must correspond to that for a long weekend (3 days at 25 l/m2 = 75 l/m2). Different
climatic conditions may be taken into account depending on the location.
Sealings of plastic material must have a certificate for water protection capability of an
accredited test body (KVU [35-1.6]), must provide the required elasticity and stick to the
substrate (base).
Foils of plastic material are fixed to the walls (they do not stick to the substrate).
3.3 Foundations
Foundations must be laid in frostproof ground with a good bearing capacity.
Dimensioning of the tank supports and the pertaining foundations must be in line with the
expected static load as well as with the load-bearing capacity provided for the respective region
and the classification of protection requirements in respect of earthquakes (see Chap. 5.5).
If the risk exists that a tank might float, the corresponding buoyancy forces must be taken into
account when calculating the anchor bolts.
Terms
- Standard volume: The standard volume is specified according to the R5 series of standard
numbers and is smaller or equal to the nominal volume;
- Nominal volume: The nominal volume is the maximum quantity of liquid a vessel can hold on
basis of the stress calculation and its technical construction;
- Usable volume: The usable volume amounts to 95% of the nominal volume for drums, small
and middle-sized tanks, 97% of the nominal volume for large tanks;
- "Free-standing" storage tanks: see Chap. 1.6.1.
Explosion-resistant tanks
A tank is considered explosion-resistant, if it can withstand an internal explosion and still does
not leak.
Storage tanks equipped with an inert gas blanketing system are considered to be equivalent to
explosion-resistant tanks in relation to their use (hazard class).
As a rule, they are used for usable volumes of up to 250m3 for free-standing storage of highly
flammable liquids.
- Construction according to BN 76 [36] and Annex, explosion-resistant storage tanks (according
to BN 110 [36], flat-bottom tank).The vessel does not leak, even at a maximum explosion
pressure of 10bar. A major permanent deformation is acceptable. The tank is operated
unpressurised, although a breathing pressure of +200mbar is permissible. Vacuum resistance
according to construction drawing;
- Construction according to BN 98 [36], explosion-resistant vessels and equipment for
flammable liquids and dusts. Designed for a max. explosion pressure or for an explosion
pressure reduced by means of relief devices or explosion suppression (see VDI Guideline 2263,
[26]). Only small localised permanent deformation may occur. Any desired operating pressure
can be taken into account in the calculation;
- For horizontal tanks (installation under or above ground) explosion-resistant or non-explosion-
resistant see EN 12285-1 or -2 [27];
Calculation and testing according to BN: Dimensioning and stress analysis calculation is
according to BN 76 and Annex or BN 98. The position, number and nominal width of the
required nozzles, manholes and supports are defined in dimensional drawings or sketches (e.g.
according to BN 110). The manufacturer must initiate, at one of the listed offices (Switzerland:
e.g. SVTI), the preliminary check of the calculation and construction drawing as well as the
acceptance after production.
Vertical tanks
Free-standing vertical cylindrical tanks with a flat bottom resting on a base and a fixed roof (with
or without a floating ceiling) or with a floating roof can be used for the storage of all liquids at
atmospheric pressure or a slight operating gauge pressure.
Calculation and testing: According to SVTI regulations P 5, [24].
Prismatic tanks
The vessels must be constructed in such a way that they are resistant to the static head of liquid
and to pressures and partial vacuums occurring during operation as well as external stress. If
these tanks are tested with a minimum of 0.5bar gauge pressure, they are authorised for the free-
standing storage of liquids with flash points of more than 55°C.
Remarks
- The surface temperature of the heating elements or the heating medium temperature to heat
flammable liquids must be adhered to according to TR BCI 155, Table 3.3.4-1 [36];
- A heat transfer medium which is non-flammable or flame retardant and frost-resistant and
whose boiling point is above the maximum heating temperature is to be preferred in order to
avoid system pressure due to vapour tension, e.g. mixtures of water/ethylene glycol;
- Any heat transfer medium used must not cause a dangerous reaction when in contact with the
stored medium;
- Electric heating systems and tracing systems for pipes have the advantage of a uniform heat
transfer (W/m2), cost-effective division into individual pipe sections, virtually not heat loss
and they represent an economical method of supplying heat energy;
- For hazardous zones, heating elements require an Ex test certificate.
Cooling procedures
Cooling equipment as described above. The refrigerant should be non-flammable or flame
retardant, and must not be too viscous at low temperatures, e.g. refrigerating brines.
If a storage tank according to BN 110 is used for non-flammable media or flammable media
under inert gas blanketing, the maximum permissible operating gauge pressure amounts to
+500mbar, otherwise max. +200mbar.
Vacuum protection according to the permissible operating negative pressure of the tank (see
details in construction drawings).
The table below, provides an overview of the total heat reflectance factor WR for the wavelength
spectrum of natural sunlight (300 to 4200nm) for various coating colours.
Total heat
Description of the colour reflectance factor
WR
in % (rounded off)
Black RAL 9005 3
Machine grey RAL 7031 10
Brown RAL 8011 12
Mouse grey RAL 7005 13
Green RAL 6010 14
Blue RAL 5010 19
Silver grey RAL 7001 27
Pebble grey RAL 7032 38
Red RAL 3000 43
Light grey RAL 7035 51
Ivory RAL 1014 57
Aluminium silver RAL 9006 72
Creamy white RAL 9001 72
White RAL 9010 84
Surface coatings: The total heat reflection factors given above as examples were determined for freshly
completed coats of paint; they thus correspond to "good paint conditions".
For an exact calculation see VDI Guideline 3479, [26].
If thermal insulation has been provided as a fire protection measure, it has to be designed in
such a way that dangerous conditions cannot arise at any filling level in the tank for 30 minutes.
This requirement is fulfilled, on principle, if BN 111 is used.
In this case, the following aspects are to be observed:
- Insulating materials must have a Fire Hazard Index of 6 (non-flammable). Mineral fibre
sheets bound with wire netting (without any plastic components) and mineral fibre fire
protection sheets (coated on one side with aluminium foil) are examples of suitable materials;
- The insulating materials must be securely fastened. If, for example, mineral fibre fire
protection sheets are used with aluminium as cladding, the fire protection sheets must be
secured additionally with a wire mesh;
- Tank legs or skirts must also be protected. If it is possible for fire to enter beneath the tank,
then this part including the piping and valves and fittings must also be protected;
- If other materials are used instead of mineral fibres or foamed glass (e.g. sublimation
coatings, sprayed cement, etc.) their suitability must be checked by an authorized institution;
- The danger of self-ignition of organic liquids which can soak into the insulation must be
assessed in relation to local conditions. Mineral fibres or open-celled material must only be
used after carrying out a hazard assessment. Where necessary for safety reasons, a closed-cell
material such as foamed glass must be used.
With insulated tanks it must be taken into account that if heat is generated within the tank due to
an exothermic reaction, cooling from outside is not effective.
4.2 Piping
4.2.1 General comments, terms
- Piping includes: Pipes, valves, fittings and connecting elements which connect storage tanks
transfer sites, pumps and production plants;
- "Freestanding or buried" piping: see Chap. 1.6.1.
- Hoses are connecting parts of
· Elastomeres or thermoplastics;
· Parallel corrugated, braided hoses of stainless steel and the pertaining hose fittings.
4.2.5 Hoses
Hoses are particularly used in tank farms to
- connect mobile and fixed parts of facilities;
- load and discharge tankers, tank wagons or containers.
Hoses should only be used as a permanent alternative to fixed pipes, if the advantages offered by
their use cannot be abstained from (they should not be just a "convenient substitute" for a fixed
pipe). A hazard analysis must be carried out. It may be that additional safety measures are
needed.
If hoses are used, the instructions of ESCIS, [17] and the "BG Chemical Bulletin" [31] are to be
taken into consideration.
The safe use demands that
- The hose quality is carefully selected for the respective conditions of use;
- The hoses correspond to relevant standards and the state of the art and that they have been
tested;
- There is an unambiguous identification of the hoses (see DIN 2823 a. 2827 [28]);
- The hoses are appropriately stored;
- The hoses are manufactured, assembled and installed by skilled persons;
- The hoses are used as intended (regular training of operators);
- Regular tests are conducted;
- Depending on the medium, measures in relation to electrostatics are taken (see Chap. 5.2.5).
- In gas balance and pressure compensation lines, possible condensate formation must be taken
into account;
- The installed pipes usually need a slope towards the tank, otherwise a drainage device must be
installed on the lowest point;
- Several tanks may be vented by a common pipe, provided the different media do not enter
into any dangerous mixtures, condensation or solids formation with each other.
Explosion in piping: The pipe deflagration is an accelerated explosion in a pipe. Having passed
through an instable transient region, it becomes a stable detonation. In this detonation region,
which is stable again, temporary pressures of more than 80bar can occur.
In addition to the "dry" devices subsequently described, "wet" devices (liquid seal chambers),
fast-acting valves, devices for suppressing explosions or other specific solutions may be used for
certain applications.
Endurance-burning-proof devices:
Prevent the propagation of a flame front in case of prolonged burning of a combustible-air
mixture and/or in case of an atmospheric explosion. The device must withstand the occurring
temperature and pressure load. In case of endurance burning, the flame must be able to burn off
freely.
Deflagration-proof devices:
Are devices which prevent the propagation of a flame front in case of an explosion (observe the
max. permissible L/D ratio) and withstand the occurring thermal and mechanical load. Mostly,
they are not endurance-burning-proof. Depending on the individual application and the purpose
of protection deflagration end, deflagration volume and deflagration pipe arresters are installed.
Detonation-proof devices:
Prevent the propagation of a flame front in case of an explosion and in case of a detonation and
withstand the occurring pressure load. Detonation-proof flame arresters, however, are not in
themselves resistant to endurance burning.
Application guidelines
Substances involved:
- Flammable liquids with a flash point below 55°C;
- Liquids with a flash point above 55°C, if the flash point is not at least 5°C above the liquid
temperature.
Protected installations:
- Vent outlets and other openings, such as level gauge tubes which are open to the atmosphere
or which are led into other gas-filled spaces;
- Gas balance lines;
- Liquid lines which can run empty in the course of operation and which are not separated by a
self-closing shutoff valve from the atmosphere or other facility parts.
Installation guidelines
- Vent nozzles and short vent lines (L/D less than 20) must terminate at their free end with an
endurance-burning-proof flame arrester;
- Longer vent and gas pressure balance lines must be provided with detonation-proof flame
arresters and located immediately next to the tank or equipment which is to be protected;
- If the vent lines from several tanks are brought together in a common header, as a rule, a
separate detonation-proof device must be installed immediately in front of each tank;
- Larger facilities must be divided into emergency compartments to prevent a fire, explosion or
detonation from spreading;
- The pressure drop in flame arresting devices and the associated piping must not go beyond the
permitted gauge pressure/vacuum of the tank at the maximum occurring volumetric flow rate;
- Flame arresters must be protected against the ingress of foreign matter.
4.4 Pumps
Pump types are to be selected according to tasks (e.g. filling or discharging of tanks), the
medium (e.g. flammable solvents or acids, liquids with high viscosity) and the installation
location (e.g. on top of or next to the tank).
For critical liquids sealless pumps or pumps with double mechanical seals are required. Simple
mechanical seals or even stuffing boxes can be sufficient for less critical pumps.
For different pump types different monitoring systems are recommended or even required. For
canned motor pumps, storage monitoring (temperature, bearing vibration) is stipulated for
flammable liquids. For magnetic clutch pumps, monitoring of the shroud is recommended,
depending on the medium.
Pumps may only be in operation as long as this is required for the conveyance of liquids. Pumps
must be automatically stopped if filling or dry-running safety devices are activated.
Terms
- Overspill protection: Systems which prevent storage tanks and mobile container from being
overfilled;
- Special overspill protection: Storage tanks in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
usually use special overspill protection systems. These comprise sensor, control device,
shutoff valve and alarms. For special requirements see CSME [19].
- Leak detection systems: Enable the identification of liquid losses from tanks and piping.
The maximum permissible level corresponds to the usable volume (see Chap. 5.1.1) for liquids
stored at room temperature.
Fill and special overfill protection systems must correspond to engineering rules.
The volume of gas breathed due to a temperature increase in the gas space is to be determined by
means of the gas equations. In case of highly volatile liquids, the change in the gas constant due
to widely varying vapour contents at the temperature prior to the increase as compared to the
temperature after the increase must be taken into account.
The breathing loss is calculated using the breathing volume and the degree of saturated vapour.
For storage tanks with rare transfers, 100% vapour saturation is assumed. For storage tanks with
daily transfers, a relative vapour saturation of approx. 57% in winter and 63% in summer may be
assumed, e.g., for substances similar to petrol (VDI Guideline 3479, [26] and ISO 28300 [20]).
Apart from the flowrate of a discharging pump, also the flowrate due to a temperature decline is
to be taken into consideration for purposes of tank safety (negative pressure). Rapid cooling, e.g.
by strong rains, is to be included (see ISO 28300 [20] in this respect).
On exposed sites (e.g. in the Canton of Valais) the span between the extreme values throughout
the year and the monthly and annual fluctuations must be increased by 5° to 10°C.
The daily temperature fluctuations of the stored liquid are very small, depending on the filling
TRCI Edition 2009
Tank Farm Guidelines for the Chemical Industry
TRCI 5 Ecology, safety and fire protection Page 35 of 70
level. Measurements have shown that the temperatures agree with the respective daily average
temperatures.
Thermal insulation:
Thermal insulation on a free-standing tank or locating a tank in the earth reduces the daily
temperature fluctuations in the gas space to a few centigrades. The long-term temperature
fluctuations take place so slowly that discharging into the atmosphere frequently ranges within
LRV tolerance values.
Thermal insulation, if designed according to BN 111, also provides advantages in relation to fire
protection.
Tank sprinkling:
This method is used to reduce the daily temperature fluctuations in the gas space above the
stored liquid. This method is suitable to avoid temperature extremes. As a rule, however,
permanent sprinkling cannot be considered because of the water consumption.
Cold traps:
The gases leaving the tank are cooled, the evaporating liquid condenses with the exception of a
small residual amount and the condensate can be returned to the tank.
Roofing:
This protects the tanks from direct sun radiation and results in lower daily fluctuations in the
temperature of the gas space. As a rule, this method alone is not sufficient to keep the breathing
losses within the LRV tolerance values. In addition, roofing is very undesirable if an automatic
deluge spray system is not available in case of a fire.
In order to avoid or retain liquid losses, organisational measures are also to be taken into
consideration apart from structural and equipment measures. For details see
- Chap. 2.1.2, Planned arrangement (drainage in tank surroundings);
- Chap. 3, Protective structures, foundations;
- Chap. 4.2, Piping (requirements, design, …)
- Chap. 4.5, Instrumentation and control systems (against overfilling or leak detection
systems);
- Chap. 6.4, Operation and maintenance
The SEV 4022 [23] lightning protection provisions must be met (see also SN EN 62305-1 to 4
[27]). For outdoor installations storing flammable liquids, different measures are to be taken in
accordance with their flash point (under or above 55°C). All devices with electric cables leading
into the tank interior must be equipped with a lightning protection system. It is not required to
protect the other instruments (see SEV 3425 [23]).
Lightning protection system
- External lightning protection system (arrester line);
- Internal lightning protection system (potential equalisation), see sketch in Chap. 7.6.
For EMC and lightning protection/earthing see also TR BCI 119 [36]
Inspection
The operator shall inspect tank farms regularly to monitor their safe operation and to eliminate
any defects. This is in addition to the maintenance and inspection work according to Chap. 6.4
and 6.5.
Roads
The roads next to vehicles are to be kept free during the whole period of transfer so that the
unobstructed departure and access of emergency vehicles is possible at any time. The vehicles
have to be protected against rolling and collisions with other vehicles by constructional and/or
organisational measures.
Lighting
Tank farms are to be illuminated in such a way that operating, inspection and maintenance work
can be carried out. Escape routes must be visible at all times.
Additional protective measures might be reasonable when certain factors are considered, e.g.
special tank contents, costs of a breakdown, molesting the neighbourhood and poisoning.
Decisions concerning the respective implementation shall be evaluated on basis of, e.g., ESCIS
Volume 4, [17] or protection indexes (DPI = Degree of Protection Index, for details see Chap.
7.7).
Planned protection measures are to be established with the responsible internal departments and
authorities during the design phase.
Tank farms in closed rooms require special testing.
Facilities with foam addition: In mobile and stationary firefighting systems, appropriate foaming
agents are mixed into the firefighting water to provide increased extinguishing effects or to cover
leaking liquid to reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Foam blanketing is achieved by mobile or stationary mixing of an appropriate foaming agent
with the firefighting water.
Special applications: For special cases, additional fire extinguishers are available, e.g. gas
extinguishing systems, water high-pressure systems, etc.
5.4.3 Alarms
Every tank farm must provide the possibility of quickly transmitting alarms to the plant fire
brigade or public fire brigade, at least by organisational / manual means (manual alarm button,
telephone). An early detection and / or automatic triggering of fire protection measures should be
the result of a hazard study or related consideration of the situation.
An alarm and control organisation is required.
Every activation of a firefighting system must automatically also alarm the responsible fire
brigade. When using automatic gas or fire alarm systems, their suitability for the typical
conditions of the specific case must be checked.
Depending on local conditions, it may be expedient or required to provide tank beds or separate
containment basins with gas detectors or leak sensors.
For high potential hazards with a possible impact on the neighbourhood a plan of the warning
and protecting procedure for the population is to be set out according to the Accident Ordinance
(Annex 3, paragraph f) [7] in Cupertino with the authorities and firefighting organisation.
Periodical exercises are to be carried out on this basis.
In case of a fire at a tank farm with an open containment beds, the goals are as follows:
- Effective fighting of a spread fire in the containment bed;
- Protection of the tanks (including tank legs/supports and valves) and pipelines against
impermissible heating.
This usually requires stationary systems. In special cases, mobile equipment may be sufficient.
The following variants are recommended:
1. Combined tank cooling and bed foam blanketing by a deluge spray system with the addition of
foaming agents.
2. Thermal insulation and bed foam blanketing.
3. Deluge spray system and bed foam blanketing (exception: No bed foam blanketing if an
inclination is available and the containment basin is of a sufficient size).
Advantages of foam blanketing: Apart from higher fire fighting efficiency, the evaporation rate
of the leaking liquid is reduced resulting in decreased explosion and fire risks.
The firefighting water supply must be safeguarded and designed in relation to quantity, pressure
and duration.
The activation of deluge spray systems and of foam blanketing systems with a fixed foam tank
should normally be automatic with the possibility of manual activation. In case of a fire, the
controls and valves for water and foaming agents must function and remain accessible.
All extinguishing systems using water or foam must be protected against frost.
Minimum requirements at a glance:
Construction type I : Containment bed and
Construction type II: Containment bed with a separate containment basin (see Chap. 3)
I Thermal insulation
Mobile Manually
Containment bed foam blanketing
Semistationary or mobile equipment for firefighting in tank farms may be sufficient if the
following conditions are met:
- Plant or public fire brigade constantly ready to adapt firefighting to the respective situation;
- Facility is designed according to TRCI.
protected. This means that a water film with a thickness of at least 0.4mm must be formed.
Where this film is disturbed, e.g., by valves installed on the tank, additional cooling water must
be sprayed through suitably positioned spray nozzles. The spray nozzles for tank cooling are
usually of heat-resistant materials for improved temperature resistance. For the calculation of
required water quantities see the example in Chap. 7.8.
The required concentration of the foaming agent injected into a deluge spray system or used for
bed foam blanketing can vary between 1.5 to 6 vol % depending on the type of agent and the
nature of the liquids being stored. Whenever possible, alcohol-resistant foaming agents should be
used. It is recommended that an agreement be reached with neighbouring companies or the
competent public fire brigade on the selection of the foaming agent in relation to mutual
assistance. The environmental compatibility (biodegradability) is also to be taken into
consideration in the selection of the foaming agent.
In containment beds and a separately arranged containment basin of sufficient capacity, bed
foam blanketing is not required, if tank cooling is triggered automatically in case of a fire and if
the bed is such that the largest occurring quantity of water can flow to the containment basin
without any backflow at any time. It must be possible, to foam-blanket the containment basin at
least manually.
If a containment basin does not exist and if foaming agents are added to the deluge spray system
for tank cooling, separate bed foam blanketing can be omitted. However, the water requirement
must correspond to the quantity needed for bed foam blanketing (for the calculation of the
required quantities of water see Chap. 7.8).
The quantities of water and foaming agent required for tank cooling and bed foam blanketing do
not have to be available permanently. The quantities must be adequate to cover the needs of the
largest bed compartment. Sufficient water should be available for tank cooling to operate the
deluge spray system for 20 min at maximum capacity or, in case of a catastrophe, for up to 2
hours at 50% capacity, for bed foam blanketing at least 10 min. If a suitable foaming agent is
added in deluge spray systems (preferably AFFF foaming agent, in case of organic solvents
ATC), special bed foam blanketing is not required. The quantity of foaming agent available for
use should be adequate for an extinguishing/cooling operation of 15 min in the bed compartment
with the highest spray water rate.
tank for at least 30 minutes irrespective of its filling level (e.g. rates of evaporation exceeding the
discharge capacity of the vent system, or the start of a chemical reaction).
Thermal insulation can replace tank cooling but not bed foam blanketing.
In addition, it prevents large fluctuations of the temperature in the gas space above the stored
liquid (reduced breathing losses).
Compulsory permit:
The construction and modification of facilities with potentially water-polluting liquids require a
Cantonal permit exclusively in particularly endangered areas (Au, Ao, Zu and Zo).
A permit is required for:
- Medium-sized tanks (more than 2m3) and large tanks to store liquids of Class A;
- Storage facilities for all potentially water-polluting liquids with a usable volume of more than
450 litres in ground water pollution control zones and sites;
- Transfer points for which the detection and/or retention is stipulated.
Compulsory registration:
Storage facilities which do not require a permit have to be registered if their total usable volume
exceeds 450 litres.
The required scope of documents to be submitted, e.g. risk analysis, brief reports according to
the Accident Ordinance [7] or report on environmental compatibility [6] shall be determined in
advance. It is recommended that large projects be discussed with the competent authorities
before the application for a building permit is submitted.
Applications for a building permit essentially consist of the building request, the plant and
sewerage request as well as an emission declaration. The forms of the Cantonal authorities are to
be used in this respect. The forms must contain the following details:
- Location (approved site plan);
- Water pollution control area according to the Water Protection Ordinance Art. 29, as well as
Annex 4, Item 121 [2];
- Type and scope of the facility (design and project plans);
- Type, class and quantity of the liquids contained in the tank farm (product description and
hazard class according to Chap. 1.5.1);
- Number, size and type of installation of the tanks (upright or horizontal outdoors, in buildings
or buried);
- Equipment of vessels;
- Installations required for water protection, including details concerning the containment
capacity of the protective structure;
- Sponsorship;
- Safety and emergency concept.
The competent authority can request supplementary information.
If the Canton mandates a tank document for the realisation, the storage tank may only be filled if
this is permitted by the document (KVU [35-1.5]).
During acceptance, the following items are checked:
- Adherence to the conditions and provisions of the permit, as far as evident;
- Availability of the test protocols of the erector or manufacturer.
Commissioning:
All equipment parts, including overfill protection and leak detection systems, have to be tested in
respect of functioning and impermeability prior to commissioning.
The result is to be stated in a test protocol.
Documentation:
Permits and test protocols are to be kept as long as the facility is in operation; however, at least
for ten years.
Revision and inspection reports are to be kept for minimum ten years.
Register:
The operator has to keep a register on storage facilities with potentially water-polluting liquids.
6.4.1 Operation
The following items are to be observed:
- Experts shall issue clear operating instructions which correspond to the requirements of
environmental protection, damage, accident, fire protection as well as industrial hygiene;
- The operator must be able to provide information concerning the type and quantity of stored
liquids as well as the type and scope of protective measures taken at any time. This
information must be available in writing and accessible to the bodies responsible for
emergency planning and handling;
- Before a tank may be filled, the available volume must be checked. The filling operation must
be monitored and interrupted at the highest permissible liquid level;
The usable volume of the tank is permitted as the highest level.
If the overfill protection system indicates a failure, the filling operation may not be started.
- After each discharging operation, the bottom outlet discharge valve must be closed;
- The facility must be checked for leakage losses by regular patrols. It is recommended to use
check lists on these patrols and to document the checks;
- Rainwater drainage from the tank beds or containment basins must not occur automatically
but must be effected on basis of the results of analyses. The drainage procedure is to be
defined in writing and documented;
- All of the operational activities at the tank farm may only be carried out by trained staff. The
knowledge of and compliance with the operating instructions are to be periodically checked
and documented;
- Ensure that storage tanks, structures and other installations are designated with the required
signage.
6.4.2 Maintenance
The facilities must be appropriately maintained:
- All of the installations relevant to safety are to be included in a maintenance schedule;
- Type, scope and interval are to be defined and documented.
Firefighting equipment
Sprinkler systems:
These have to correspond to the engineering rules and must be of a kind as well as dimensioned,
designed, realised and maintained in such a way that they are effective and operative at any time.
Sprinkler systems are to be periodically tested. The test interval depends on the type, size and
utilisation of the buildings, facilities or fire compartments protected by the system (see VKF 19-
03 [9] and EN 12845 [27]).
Deluge spray systems:
The requirements of stationary deluge spray systems correspond to those for sprinkler systems
(see above). A functional test is to be performed at least every 2 years.
According to the transitional provisions of the Water Protection Ordinance, these tanks are either
to be retrofitted according to the engineering rules with double walls or decommissioned by 31
December 2014.
To state it more precisely: Storage facilities authorised since 1 July 1972 and commissioned
(accepted) prior to 1 January 1999 as well as adapted old facilities (old facilities refers to those
facilities which were authorised or constructed prior to 1 July 1972) not corresponding to the
new law do not have to be raised to comply with the engineering rules. However, storage
facilities with buried single-walled vessels may only be operated until 31 December 2014.
6.7 Decommissioning
Tank farms or farm parts which are supposed to be decommissioned must be rendered in safe
conditions and completely drained and cleaned so that unintended or unauthorised
recommissioning is excluded.
If fire extinguishing systems are decommissioned, the respectively responsible fire brigade has to
be informed in addition.
7 Annex
7.1 Minimum dimension of sealed pavings at transfer sites
For road tankers and rail tankers.
Concentration of emissions
Inorganic substances 10 1 50 5
in form of gas or vapour or more or more
Measuring method
Comparative vessel: At least 2 fixed mounted vessels of a size of 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.5m are placed at a
suitable site at a respective level (sun and wind are taken into consideration).
Measuring rods with 1mm divisions or comparable measuring devices are placed at the internal
and external wall of the vessels to determine the evaporation or rainfall in the comparative vessel
or the decreased level in the tank bed.
Test report
A test report according to Chap. 7.5 is recommended.
Assessment of impermeability
Tank beds are considered impermeable if a liquid loss does not occur (decrease in level 0 mm) -
taking the calculated environmental effects and a measurement tolerance of +/- 1mm into
consideration.
1 Electr. isolation of a vertical tank. Volume resistivity at least 100 Ohm (corrosion protection);
6 Earth lead min. 16mm2 Cu (potential equalisation conductor), petrol and chemical tanks min.
3 earth connections and tank diameter > 20m min. 4 earth connections;
7 Potential equalisation conductors min. 50mm2, insulated, yellow-green, link piping and rail at
min. 2 points (only with the permission of the responsible railway management );
8 Flexible earth connection between the installation and the mobile vessel, to be attached before
the filling or discharge hose is connected;
9 External lightening protection system (see SEV 4022 and SEV 3425 [23]).
Approach
The determination of the protection index (DPI) of a facility, production plant or infrastructure
building always starts with the realistic worst case scenario.
The risk analysis, the accompanying project risk assessment and the evaluation of the insurance
company (maximum and probable loss estimate) provide the required information. All possible
but realistic consequences of damage including any production downtime or business loss are
based on these documents.
Matrix
Production downtime
Business loss None <3 > 3 months &. > 3 months a. loss of sales
months sales loss & market shares
No measurable damage 1 1 2 3
Persons Personal injury and/or 1 1 2 3
loss of property
Environ- Damage as above and /or molesting
of the neighbourhood 2 2 2 3
ment
Property Threat to the neighbourhood
(people and public institutions)
and/or serious contamination of 3 3 3 3
soil, water and air. Potential
withdrawal of the operating permit
T [°C]
Tkr
c d e
Design data for the installation of a deluge spray system for vessels
Standards for tank cooling:
Cooling water quantities and design data for deluge spray systems were calculated for all vertical
tanks of the standard sizes between 25 and 250 m3 (according to BN 110).
CIMO, Monthey, which carried out a major part of this study can offer the support required for
professionally correct planning, also in the design of non-standard tanks.
The model calculation of a 25m3 tank (corresp. BN 110) may serve as an example.
Example: Given: Tcr = 120 min., KZ = 150 MJ/m3
Result: q = 8 l/(min * m2), film thickness dw = 0.65mm
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
600 1.00
Tcr = 60 min
Tcr = 90 min
Tcr = 120 min
Tcr = 180 min
500 Tcr = 240 min 0.90
Filmdicke
400 0.80
300 0.70
200 0.60
100 0.50
0 0.40
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Kühlwasser q [l/(min*m2)]
[1] Federal law for the protection of watercourses from pollution (Swiss Water Protection Act,
GSchG) of 24 Jan. 1991 (as amended on 01 Aug. 2008), SR 814.20;
[2] General water protection ordinance (Swiss Water Protection Ordinance [GSchV]) dated 28
Oct.1998 (as amended 01 July 2008), SR 814.201;
[3] Federal law for the protection of the environment (Swiss Environmental Protection Act
[USG]) dated 07 Oct. 1983, SR 814.01;
[4] List of the classified water-polluting liquids (BUWAL) (as amended 01 Jan. 1999);
[7] Ordinance on the protection against accidents (Accident Ordinance, StFV), 27 Feb. 1991,
SR 814.012;
[14] NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray fixed Systems for Fire Protection, edition 1996
(Norms of the National Fire Protection Association);
[15] TRbF 20, Technical rules for flammable liquids, tank farms, Chap.9 equipment of tanks
(2001);
[17] Publications of expert commissions concerning the safety in the chemical industry of
Switzerland (ESCIS):
· ESCIS, Volume 2, 1997, "Static electricity - rules for operational safety" (4th edition);
· ESCIS, Volume 3, 1992, "Inert gas blanketing - methods and means to avoid ignitable
substance/air mixtures" (2nd reviewed edition);
· ESCIS, Volume 4, 1996, "Introduction to the risk analysis" (3rd reviewed edition);
· ESCIS, GL 1, "Guideline for fire protection and firefighting in outdoor tank farms
inside of factory premises of the chemical industry", 1990;
TRCI Edition 2009
Tank Farm Guidelines for the Chemical Industry
TRCI 7 Annex Page 67 of 70
[18] Ordinance 4 dated 18.08.1993 concerning the labour law, as amended 1 June 2009
[20] ISO 28300, crude oil, petrochemical and natural gas industry – ventilation of storage tanks
with atmospheric pressure and low pressure;
[21] SBB Provision No. EB-IB 01/04 dated 01.01.2004 (tank farms in the area of railway
facilities);
[29] Ordinance concerning the safety of pressure equipment (Pressure Equipment Ordinance,
DGV) dated 20 Nov. 2002 (as amended on 14 Jan. 2003), SR 819.121, or PED 97/23/EG,
Pressure Equipment Directive from which TRIR developed the: "Technical Rules for
Industrial Piping";
[30] Swiss Reinsurance Company, "Contact" December 1986 (safety clearance based on
thermal radiation);
[32] ATEX Product guideline 94/9/EC ("ATEX 95") Directive of the European Parliament and
the Council of 23 March 1994 on the approximation of the laws of the member states
concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres;
7.11 Abbreviations
7.11.1 Abbreviations for authorities, regulations, specialist agencies, etc.
BCI Basle Chemical Industry
BN Basle Standards
BAFU Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (formerly BUWAL)
BUWAL Swiss Federal Office of Environment, Forests and Landscape (today BAFU)
CR CARBURA, Guidelines for Tank Farms
CSME Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
DGV Pressure Equipment Ordinance
DIN German Industrial Standards
EN European Standard
ESCIS Commission of Experts on Safety in the Swiss Chemical Industry
ESTI Swiss Federal High-Voltage Inspectorate
GSchG Swiss Water Protection Act
GSchV Swiss Water Protection Ordinance
ISO International Organisation for Standardisation
KVU Conference of the Heads of Environmental Protection Offices in Switzerland
KVS Swiss Industrial Plastics Association (formerly VKI)
LRV Clean-Air Ordinance
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
PED Pressure Equipment Directive
SEV Swiss Electricians Association
SIA-Norm Standard of the Swiss Engineers and Architects Association
Safety
Institute Swiss Institute for the Promotion of Safety (Swissi)
StFV Ordinance for the Protection against Accidents (Accident Ordinance)
SR Swiss Law
TRCI Edition 2009
Tank Farm Guidelines for the Chemical Industry
TRCI 7 Annex Page 70 of 70