Above-ground storage tanks as a logical solution in bulk storage

Above-ground storage tanks are commonly used for storing various liquids such as petroleum products, chemicals, and water. These tanks are an important part of many industries including oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing. However, due to the flammable nature of many of the materials stored in these tanks, fire protection is of utmost importance.

Storage tanks

Storage Tanks

In South Africa, the SANS 10089-1 and SANS 10131 standard outlines the requirements for the design, construction, and operation of above-ground storage tanks. The standards provide guidelines for fire protection measures that should be taken to prevent fires and mitigate their impact should they occur.

The SANS 10089-1, SANS 10131 and NFPA 30 standards require that all tanks be equipped with a fire protection system that includes automatic sprinklers, foam system, or other similar technology. The system should be designed to extinguish the fire in the early stages of development and limit the spread of the fire to adjacent tanks.
Additionally, the standard requires that the tanks be positioned in a manner that allows adequate access for firefighting equipment and personnel. Access roads and routes should also be designed to allow for the efficient movement of firefighting equipment.

What is SANS

SANS stands for the South African National Standards. It is a division of the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and promotion of national standards in South Africa across various industries and sectors.

In addition to the requirements outlined in the SANS 10089-1, SANS 10131 and NFPA 30 standards, there are several other fire protection measures that can be taken to enhance the safety of above-ground storage tanks. These include:

  1. Regular inspections and maintenance of tanks and fire protection systems to ensure they are in good working order.
  2. Conducting regular emergency response drills to ensure that personnel are trained and prepared to respond to a fire.
  3. Installing fire suppression systems such as dry chemical or carbon dioxide systems in areas where flammable materials are stored.
  4. Implementing fire prevention measures such as proper storage of flammable materials, controlling ignition sources, and ensuring that smoking is prohibited in the vicinity of the tanks.

Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) are both used for storing liquids such as petroleum products, chemicals, and water. However, there are several advantages to using ASTs over USTs:

  1. Easier to Install: ASTs are easier and less expensive to install than USTs. USTs require excavation of the ground, which can be time-consuming and costly. ASTs, on the other hand, can be installed on a flat surface and do not require extensive site preparation.
  2. Easier to Inspect and Maintain: ASTs are easier to inspect and maintain than USTs. Since ASTs are above ground, they are more accessible for visual inspections and maintenance. USTs require specialised equipment for inspections and maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming.
  3. Lower Risk of Contamination: ASTs have a lower risk of contaminating the surrounding soil and groundwater than USTs. If a UST leaks, the leaked material can seep into the surrounding soil and groundwater, causing environmental contamination. ASTs, however, are above ground and have secondary containment systems to prevent leaks from reaching the surrounding environment.
  4. Higher Capacity: ASTs can be designed to have a higher storage capacity than USTs. This makes them ideal for large-scale storage needs in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing.
  5. Safer: ASTs are generally considered safer than USTs. Since ASTs are above ground, they are less likely to be damaged by natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Additionally, since ASTs are easier to inspect and maintain, any potential problems can be identified and addressed before they become a safety hazard.

While both ASTs and USTs have their advantages and disadvantages, ASTs are generally considered to be a safer, more cost-effective, and easier-to-maintain option for above-ground liquid storage.

In conclusion, 

Fire protection of above-ground storage tanks is critical to the safety of personnel, the environment, and nearby communities. The SANS 10089-1, SANS 10131 and NFPA 30 standards provide guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of these tanks and their associated fire protection systems. By adhering to these standards and implementing additional fire protection measures, the risk of fire can be minimized, and the safety of all involved can be enhanced.

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