BEG 4217 Oil Deports Management and Operations Notes

Safe Operations of Terminal and Tanks.

Pre-start Up Safety and Operational Inspection.
Pre-start-up safety and operational inspection should be conducted for new or modified facilities
and equipment that involve a change that would likely have an influence or effect on the facilities’
design or operation. The pre-start-up safety and operational inspection shall consider the
following items:
 Safety procedures and equipment are in place and function properly.
 Construction or modifications meet design and manufacturer specifications.
 Construction is in conformance with plans, codes, and applicable standards.
 Operating and emergency response procedures are in place or have been reviewed and
updated.
 Any required training is complete.
 Mechanical integrity and maintenance programs are in place or have been reviewed and
updated.
 Equipment checkout has been completed in accordance with manufacturer and company
requirements.

Exposure Protection.
Exposure protection for terminal and tank facilities is generally accomplished in the original
design and construction by providing:
 Adequate spacing between equipment and structures.
 Material selection.
 Adequate drainage or impoundment of spills or releases,
 Separation from adjacent properties.
Fireproofing has limited application in these types of facilities. However, fireproofing should be
considered for protection of exposed structures, such as steel supports for piping or supports for
elevated tanks, whose failure could contribute to a fire.
Additionally, critical wiring, emergency shutdown devices, isolation valves, or de-inventory
capabilities (the ability to pump down a tank under fire conditions) should be protected from fire
exposure.

Leak Detection.
Many different types of leak detection systems currently exist. Some systems are designed to
take continuous readings, and other systems use periodic readings (including visual monitoring)
to determine tank integrity.
Examples of systems include acoustic emissions, tracer methods, volumetric (including mass
deviation) monitoring and vapor sensing. Each system requires trained and skilled personnel to
interpret the results. The most common means of AST leak detection include:
 Use of monitoring wells in the tank farm area.
 Use of a leak detection system.
 Placement of smaller tanks on a steel reinforced concrete slab underlying the entire tank
bottom.
 Tightness testing.
 Inventory reconciliation.
 Visual inspection of the external condition of the tank and surrounding area on a periodic
basis.

Communications.
A reliable means of communication or notification should be provided, such as voice intercoms,
alarms, signals, telephones, or approved radios between the truck loading rack, rail tank car,
loading facility, or marine vessel dock and with personnel who may respond in the event of an
emergency when product transfers are in progress.
The design of communications, security, and control systems, such as telephone, card locks,
security cameras, automated equipment, and intercoms, may be performed as part of the
services supplied by the vendors of the communications equipment. These systems should be
installed so that service is maintained during emergency situations, such as a fire.
For transmittal of loading instructions and records between truck drivers and dispatch office, the
following alternatives should be considered:
 Elevate the dispatch office and install a pass-through window so that the dispatcher in
the office may hand papers to a driver in a truck.
 Install an intercom or pneumatic tube or both between the dispatch office, truck entrance
and exit station or stations, and the loading rack.
 Have the driver enter the office for all dispatched transactions and instructions.
 Install a small building or shed on loading islands for key or card input and instructions.
Location of this building should be in accordance with local codes or safety standards.
 Install a small building or shed away from the loading rack for bill-of-lading (BOL) tickets
so others may load while the driver picks up the BOL.

Cathodic Protection (CP)

Metallic structures such as buried piping, tank bottoms, and containment walls in contact with
moisture in the soil are subject to localized or general corrosion. One way to prevent this
corrosion is to force current from an external source onto the structure to be protected to
counter or overcome any corrosion activity on its surface.
The application of direct current electricity from an external source, an anode, onto the protected
structure is called cathodic protection (CP). Design, testing, installation, and maintenance of CP
systems should be performed by a person knowledgeable in the processes of corrosion control.
CP has been successfully applied for many years to mitigate corrosion of buried or submerged
metallic structures, including piping, cables, and tank bottoms (external), and in some cases to
protect the interiors of tanks containing conductive electrolytes .
Anodes have also been installed between tank bottoms and detection/containment liners to
prevent corrosion of the tank bottom.
The selection of CP systems should be based upon the design objectives, maintenance
requirements, and appropriate regulatory requirements.
While CP protects a buried pipe against external corrosion, it does not prevent the internal
corrosion of buried piping.
The major objectives of a CP system design should include the following:
 Protect tank bottoms and piping in contact with the soil.
 Minimize stray current effects.
 Provide flexibility and capacity so that facility changes may be accommodated.
 Install rectifiers and anodes to minimize effects on operations and maintenance.
 Provide monitoring of system and protection performance.
The following items should be considered during the design of a CP system:
 Current and voltage requirements.
 Soil/electrolyte resistivity.
 Environment temperatures.
 Impervious tank dike or other containment liners.
 Foreign structures.
 Water table.
 Coatings used.
 Isolation from the electrical grounding system.
 Influence of adjacent CP systems.

Electrical Systems.
Electrical systems should be designed in accordance with all applicable codes and should
comply with the appropriate electrical area classifications.
Area classification drawings should be prepared and maintained for the facility.
The electrical classification of these areas shall be determined prior to any installations or
modifications to any electrical equipment. The following is a list of typical electrical systems
that should be provided at terminal facilities:
 Electrical Power Service and Distribution System: A three-phase grounded neutral
service is recommended. The service disconnecting means should be either circuit
breaker or fused switch. Ground fault protection should be provided.
 High-level Tank Alarms.
  Auxiliary Facility Systems: It provides electrical service for own-use fueling, pump-
back, meter prover, and truck engine heaters. The service should include pump
controls, interlocks, and disconnects as required.
 Motor Starters and Motors: Motor starters should have a circuit breaker, a
temperature-compensated overload relay, and a fused control power transformer,
except where a common control power transformer has been approved.
 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Consideration should be given to providing a UPS
system for terminal automation systems, computers used to control loading systems,
and other systems that warrant a backup power supply.
 Tank trucks, tank car, or marine vessel loading electrical systems.
 Vapor-collection and Disposal System: It provides for main power, control power and
emergency shutdown.
 Emergency Shutdown system: This system typically consists of pushbuttons, relays,
alarm lights, and horns and should be designed to shut down all supply pumps to a
loading area, such as the tank truck loading rack, tank car loading rack, or the marine-
loading location. A timing device may be necessary if pump pressure is required to
close control valves or emergency shutdown valves.
 Conduit and Wiring: The following guidelines should be considered for the design and
installation of conduit and wiring:
i. Above grade conduit should be rigid aluminum or galvanized steel. Below
grade conduit should be rigid galvanized steel.
ii. Wire and cable should be supplied with copper conductors.
iii. All conductors should be identified.
iv. Where required, fire protected cable/conduit shall be used.
 Equipment or systems that provide the following functions:
i. Start–stop control of loading pump motors.
ii. Grounding and bonding of loading racks and tank trucks, bonding of loading lines, and
stray current protection for spur railroad tracks used for loading operations.
iii. Loading control and metering.
iv. Tank truck high-level shutoff.
v. Card lock or key lock—These are typically installed at truck loading installations to provide
security and data acquisition capability. Coded cards or keys are used for access to, and
control of, terminal functions.
 Lighting: Sufficient lighting and proper electrical classification should be provided for
loading racks, yard and tank farm areas, gate card reader, own-use fueling, pump-back
and meter prover facilities, loading pumps, motor starter racks, office, garage and
warehouse lighting. The following general guidelines also apply:
i. Illumination of outdoor areas may be achieved with various types of high-intensity
discharge lamps, such as mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, compact fluorescent,
metal halide, or LED lighting. The type of lighting may depend on a variety of factors
including high lumen output per watt, light color, wattage use and how the light spreads.
ii. On energizing high-intensity discharge lamps, such as mercury vapor and high-pressure
sodium lamps, require time to reach full lumen output. Areas that require immediate
return of lighting after power dips or outages should be provided with LED lighting
fixtures. The use of instant re-strike lighting eliminates the need for interspersed
incandescent lights.
iii. Photoelectric cell control should be considered where automatic switching of yard and
rack lighting is required.
iv. Explosion proof lighting installed in Class I locations should be maintained in good
condition.
 Automation Systems: Consideration should be given to providing a computer-based
system that includes the following typical functions:
i. Records and reports product transfer volume information based on meter and user coded
inputs, usually at locations with truck loading racks.
ii. Receives and transmits accounting information (pricing and product inventories) between
the terminal and a central office.
iii. Monitors and records terminal access and egress information based on gate security
inputs, such as card lock or key lock systems.
 iv. Where equipped, monitors tank inventory and pipeline receipts.

Fire Prevention, Protection, Fire Safety & Fire Fighting Equipment.

Terminologies.
Fire Area: An area of a building separated from the remainder of the building by construction
having a fire resistance of at least 1 hour and having all communicating openings properly
protected by an assembly having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
Damage Limiting Construction: Any set of construction elements which will act to limit damage
from an explosion, including open structures, pressure relieving construction, or pressure
resistant construction. These features can be used individually or in combination.
Emergency Relief Vent: An opening, construction method, or device that will automatically
relieve excessive internal pressure due to an exposure fire.
Fire Point: The lowest temperature at which a liquid will ignite and achieve sustained burning
when exposed to a test flame.
Fire Point: The lowest temperature at which a liquid will ignite and achieve sustained burning
when exposed to a test flame.
Pier: A structure, usually of greater length than width and projecting from the shore into a body
of water with direct access from land that can be either open deck or provided with a
superstructure.
Bulk Plant/Terminal: That portion of a property where liquids are received by tank vessel,
pipelines, tank car, or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpos e of
distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank, or
container.
Protection for Exposures: Fire protection for structures on property adjacent to liquid storage
that is provided by a public fire department or a private fire brigade maintained on the property
adjacent to the liquid storage, either of which is capable of providing cooling water streams to
protect the property adjacent to the liquid storage.
Protected Aboveground Tank: An aboveground storage tank that consists of a primary tank
provided with protection from physical damage and fire resistive protection from exposure to a
high intensity liquid pool fire.
Wharf: A structure at the shoreline, having a platform built along and parallel to a body of water
with either open deck or provided with a superstructure.

Fire Protection System.

Hose connections, controls, and control valves for application of fire protection foam or water to
tanks shall be located outside remote impoundment areas, diked areas, or spillways draining to
a remote impoundment area.
Structures such as stairways, walkways, instrumentation shelters, and supports for piping and
equipment that are located in a remote impoundment area, diked area, or spillway draining to a
remote impoundment area shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
Filling and emptying connections for Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids that are connected and
disconnected shall be located outside of buildings at a location free from any source of ignition.
They shall be located not less than 1.5 m away from any building opening. Such connections for
any liquid shall be closed and liquid tight when not in use and shall be properly identified.

Portable Fire Control Equipment for Tank Buildings.

Listed portable fire extinguishers shall be provided for facilities in such quantities, sizes, and types
as could be needed for special storage hazards.
When necessary water shall be utilized through standpipe and hose systems, or through hose
connections from sprinkler systems using combination spray and straight stream nozzles to
permit effective fire control.
Mobile foam apparatus shall be provided if deem necessary.
Automotive and trailer mounted fire apparatus, where determined necessary, shall not be used
for any purpose other than firefighting or training.
Fixed Fire Control Equipment for Tank Buildings.
A reliable water supply or other suitable fire control agent shall be available in pressure and
quantity to meet the fire demands indicated by special storage hazards or exposure.
Hydrants, with or without fixed monitor nozzles, shall be provided in accordance with accepted
practice. The number and placement shall depend on the hazard of the storage, or exposure.
Where the need is indicated by the hazards of storage or exposure, fixed protection sha ll be
required utilizing approved foam, foam water sprinkler systems, sprinkler systems, water spray
systems, deluge systems, fire resistive materials, or a combination of these. When foam or foam
water fire protection systems are provided, discharge densities shall be determined based on the
listing criteria for selected foam discharge devices, the foam concentrate, and the specific
flammable or combustible liquids to be protected.

Fire Prevention and Control.

Tank storage facilities shall have fire prevention and control for life safety, for minimizing
property loss, and for reducing fire exposure to adjoining facilities resulting from fire and
explosion.
Precautions shall be taken to prevent the ignition of flammable vapors from sources such as the
following: Open flames, Lightning, Hot surfaces, Radiant heat, Smoking, Cutting and welding,
Spontaneous ignition, Frictional heat or sparks, Static electricity, Electrical sparks, Stray currents,
Ovens, furnaces, and heating equipment.
Smoking shall be permitted only in designated and properly identified areas.
Welding, cutting, and similar spark producing operations shall not be permitted in areas
containing flammable liquids until a written permit authorizing such work has been issued. The
permit shall be issued by a person in authority following inspection of the area to assure that
proper precautions have been taken and will be followed until the job is completed.

Static Electricity.
All equipment such as tanks, machinery, and piping shall be designed and operated to prevent
electrostatic ignitions.
All metallic equipment where an ignitable mixture could be present shall be bonded or grounded.
The bond or ground or both shall be physically applied or shall be inherently present by the nature
of the installation.
Any electrically isolated section of metallic piping or equipment shall be bonded or grounded to
prevent hazardous accumulation of static electricity.
All nonmetallic equipment and piping where an ignitable mixture could be present shall be given
special consideration.

Management of Fire Hazards.

The extent of fire prevention and control provided for tank storage facilities shall be determined
by an engineering evaluation of the installation and operation, followed by the application of
sound fire protection and process engineering principles. The evaluation shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
 Analysis of fire and explosion hazards of the facility.
 Analysis of local conditions, such as exposure to and from adjacent properties, flood
potential, or earthquake potential.
 Fire department or mutual aid response.

Fire Control.
A fire extinguishing system in accordance with an applicable NFPA standard shall be provided or
shall be available for vertical atmospheric fixed roof storage tanks larger than 190 𝑚3 (50,000 gal
or 1190 bbl.) capacity, storing Class I liquids, if located in a congested area where there is an
unusual exposure hazard to the tank from adjacent property or to adjacent property from the
tank.
Fixed roof tanks storing Class II or III liquids at temperatures below their flash points and floating
roof tanks storing any liquid generally shall not require protection.
Emergency Planning and Training.
An emergency action plan, consistent with the available equipment and personnel, shall be
established to respond to fire or other emergencies. This plan shall address the following:
 Procedures to be used in case of fire, such as sounding the alarm, notifying the fire
department, evacuating personnel, and controlling and extinguishing the fire.
 Appointment and training of persons to carry out fire safety duties.
 Maintenance of fire protection equipment.
 Holding fire drills.
 Shutdown or isolation of equipment to reduce the escape of liquid.
 Alternate measures for the safety of personnel while any fire protection equipment is
shut down.
Personnel responsible for the use and operation of fire protection equipment shall be trained in
the use of that equipment. Refresher training shall be conducted at least annually. The personnel
responsible shall be able to demonstrate knowledge of the use or operation of the fire protection
equipment.
Planning of effective fire control measures shall be coordinated with local emergency response
agencies. This planning shall include, but not be limited to, the identification of all tanks by
location, contents, size, and hazard identification as required.
Procedures shall be established to provide for safe shutdown of tank storage facilities under
emergency conditions. Provisions shall be made for periodic training, inspection, and testing of
associated alarms, interlocks, and controls.
The emergency procedures shall be kept readily available in an operating area and updated
regularly.
Where premises are likely to be unattended for considerable periods of time, a summary of the
emergency plan shall be posted or located in a strategic and accessible location.
Inspection and Maintenance.
All fire protection equipment shall be properly maintained and periodic inspections and tests
shall be done in accordance with both standard practice and equipment manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Maintenance and operating practices at tank storage facilities shall control leakage and prevent
spillage of liquids.
Ground areas around tank storage facilities shall be kept free of weeds, trash, or other
unnecessary combustible materials.
Access ways established for movement of personnel shall be maintained clear of obstructions to
permit orderly evacuation and ready access for manual firefighting.
Combustible waste material and residues in operating areas shall be kept to a minimum, stored
in covered metal containers, and disposed of daily.

Vapour Control.
There is the potential for fire or explosion whenever a flammable vapor–air mixture exists. Areas
typically associated with flammable vapor–air mixtures include, but are not limited to, the
following:
 Within the vapor space of tanks.
 Within the vapor space of barges and tank cars/trucks, when loading or unloading.
 Within portions of vapor-recovery and vapor-disposal systems.
 Near the discharge of atmospheric vents on tanks.
 Near the discharge of pressure–vacuum (P-V) vents on trucks, railcars, and barges.
 Near a leak or spill.
 When a tank inbound or outbound movement is in progress within or near the secondary
containment area.
Control of an acceptable flammable vapor–air mixture [lower explosive limit (LEL)] may be
accomplished by the following means:
 Proper design and maintenance of facility system components.
 Proper selection of storage tank type for the product being stored.
  Use of safe work practices.
 Operating procedures.

Operations and Maintenance of Tanks.

Prevention of Overfilling of Tanks.
Aboveground tanks at terminals that receive and transfer Class I liquids from mainline pipelines
or marine vessels shall follow formal written procedures to prevent overfilling of tanks utilizing
one of the following methods of protection:
Tanks gauged at frequent intervals by personnel continuously on the premise during product
receipt with frequent acknowledged communication maintained with the supplier so flow can be
promptly shut down or diverted.
Tanks equipped with a high level detection device that is independent of any gauging equipment.
Alarm shall be located where personnel who are on duty throughout product transfer can
promptly arrange for flow stoppage or diversion.
Tanks equipped with an independent high level detection system that will automatically shut
down or divert flow.
Formal written procedures required shall include the following:
 Instructions covering methods to check for proper lineup and receipt of initial delivery to
tank designated to receive shipment.
 Provision for training and monitoring the performance of operating personnel by terminal
supervision.
 Schedules and procedures for inspection and testing of gauging equipment and high level
instrumentation and related systems. Inspection and testing intervals shall be acceptable
to the authority having jurisdiction but shall not exceed 1 year.
An underground tank shall be equipped with overfill prevention equipment that will operate as
follows:
 Automatically shut off the flow of liquid into the tank when the tank is no more than 95
percent full.
  Alert the transfer operator when the tank is no more than 90 percent full by restricting
the flow of liquid into the tank or triggering the high level alarm.

Fire Extinguisher Number & Letter.

It is very important to match the fire extinguisher to the fire hazard.
Letters and numbers represent the type and size of fire that an extinguisher can handle.
All fire belong to one of the five lettered classes:
 Class A: Wood, Paper and other ‘ordinary combustibles.’
 Class B: Flammable liquids and gases excluding grease and cooking oil.
 Class C: Fires worsened or sustained by energized electrical equipment.
 Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium.
 Class K: Fats, oils and greases used in food preparation.
These classes form the backbone of fire extinguisher classifications and the distinctions have
important implications for firefighting.
The letters on a fire extinguisher's label indicate which classes of fire it can effectively fight.
The numbers preceding the letters on the label indicate just how much fire the extinguishing
agent (the powder, gas, or other fire-fighting material) can put out. As part of a fire extinguisher's
classification, the numbers on the label can mean either:
How much water would be required to match the agent's power against Class A fires?
The square footage of Class B fires the agent can extinguish.
For each A, the extinguisher contains the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. Thus, an “8A”
extinguisher fights Class A fires as well as 10 gallons of water (8 x 1.25 = 10).
For each B, the extinguisher can stop one square foot of Class B fires. A 10B extinguisher can stop
10 square feet of Class B fire.
Class C fire extinguishers: electrical fires. Extinguishers with the power to fight electrical fires do
have a "C"—but it's never preceded by a number. All class C fires are just Class A or Class B fires
with electricity added into the mix. The letter "C" indicates only that the fire extinguisher uses an
agent that doesn't conduct electricity. Water-based and some foam extinguishers can't fight Class
A or Class B fires involving electrical equipment (thus, no “C” on the label). But extinguishers that
use inert gases and various powder mixtures can, meaning they have an “A:B:C” rating.
Class K fire extinguishers: oils, fats, and greases. These labels treat Class K fires (kitchen oils, fats,
and greases) in much the same way. Extinguishers that can fight Class K fires may have a letter
"K" on the label, but they won't have a number. That's because Class K hazards vary enormously.
The same volume of solid fuel (say, charcoal) may require significantly more extinguishing power
than liquid fuels (like deep fryer fat).
Class D fire extinguishers: metal fires. While they're required to be listed and labeled, purchasers
can't simply rely on a letter "D" to indicate an extinguisher's suitability against metal fires. Like
Class K hazards, one Class D hazard differs from another. The subject is so complex that the NFPA
has a whole standard just for combustible metals. Some Class D agents stop one type of metal
fire, while others can take on several. And even agents suited to multiple fire types will perform
better on some types of metals than others.

The table below shows a portable fire extinguishing media and their use.
Manual Fire Protection.
Portable fire extinguishers or pre-connected hose lines, either 38 mm (1½ in.) lined fire hose or
25 mm (1 in.) hard rubber hose, shall be provided where liquids are stored. If 38 mm (1½ in.)
lined fire hose is used, it shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard for the
Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems.
Portable fire extinguishers shall meet the following requirements:
At least one portable fire extinguisher having a capability of not less than 40:B shall be located
outside of, but not more than 3 m (10 ft.) from, the door opening into an inside liquid storage
area.
At least one portable fire extinguisher having a capability of not less than 40:B shall be located
within 9 m (30 ft.) of any Class I or Class II liquid storage area that is located outside of an inside
liquid storage area or liquid warehouse.
An acceptable alternative is at least one portable fire extinguisher having a capacity of 80:B
located within 15 m (50 ft.) of such a storage area.
Hose line connections shall meet the following requirements:
 In protected general purpose warehouses and in protected liquid storage areas, hose line
connections shall be provided as appropriate.
 The water supply for hose line connections shall be sufficient to meet the fixed fire
protection demand plus a total of at least 1900 L/min (500 gpm) for inside and outside
hose line connections.
 Water supplies for hose connections and hydrants shall be capable of supplying the
demand for at least 2 hours.

Operational Guideline.
Liquid processing equipment, such as pumps, heaters, filters, and exchangers, shall not be
located closer than 7.6 m (25 ft.) to property lines where the adjoining property is or can be built
upon or to the nearest important building on the same property that is not an integral part of the
process.
Processing equipment in which unstable liquids are handled shall be separated from unrelated
plant facilities that use or handle liquids by either of the following:
 7.6 m (25 ft.) clear spacing.
 A wall having a fire resistance rating of not less than 2 hours and explosion resistance
consistent with the expected hazard.
Loadbearing building supports and loadbearing supports of vessels and equipment capable of
releasing appreciable quantities of liquids so as to result in a fire of sufficient intensity and
duration to cause substantial property damage shall be protected by one or more of the
following:
 Drainage to a safe location to prevent liquids from accumulating under vessels or
equipment.
 Fire resistive construction.
 Fire resistant protective coatings or systems.
 Water spray systems designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 15, Standard for
Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.
Emergency drainage systems shall be provided to direct liquid leakage and fire protection water
to a safe location. Emergency drainage systems, if connected to public sewers or discharged into
public waterways, shall be equipped with traps or separators.
Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading facilities shall be separated from aboveground
tanks, warehouses, other plant buildings, or the nearest line of adjoining property that can be
built upon by a distance of at least 7.6 m (25 ft.) for Class I liquids and at least 4.6 m (15 ft.) for
Class II and Class III liquids, measured from the nearest fill spout or transfer connection. These
distances shall be permitted to be reduced if there is suitable protection for exposures. Buildings
for pumps or shelters for personnel shall be permitted to be a part of the facility.
Any electrical equipment provided shall not constitute a source of ignition for the flammable
vapor that might be present under normal operation or during a spill.