A range of governmental regulations and technical standards may affect the configuration and construction of a specific propane system. In the U.S., the National Fire Protection Association's publications ANSI /NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code and the more general, ANSI/NFPA 58, LP-Gas Code, are commonly-applied minimum standards affecting utility-owned peak shaving installations.(See also: Standards, for a discussion of 'revisions' affecting published sources ) |
Among other things, NFPA 59 mandates minimum distances between LPG systems and various exposures. For storage containers (tanks), minimum separations are needed from other tanks, important buildings, adjoining property which may be built upon (See e.g., NFPA 59, TABLE 5.4.1.2) and from other exposures.
NFPA 59 Table 5.4.1.2 (Partial Data, 2004 Ed.)
| Water capacity of each container in gallons (m3) |
Minimum Distances* |
2,001
(7.6 |
to
to |
30,000
114 m3) |
50 ft
(15 m) |
30,001
(114 |
to
to |
70,000
265 m3) |
75 ft
(23 m) |
70,001
(265 |
to
to |
90,000
341 m3)
|
100 ft
(30 m) |
90,001
(341
|
to
to
|
120,000
454 m3) |
125 ft
(38 m) |
120,001
(454 |
to
to
|
200,000
757 m3) |
200 ft
(61 m) |
200,001
(757 |
to
to
|
1,000,000
3785 m3)
|
400 ft
(122 m) |
* Minimum distances from non-refrigerated container to nearest important building or groups of buildings not associated with the utility gas plant, or a line of adjoining property that may be built upon.
Propane vaporizers and most fuel transfer stations (truck or rail delivery) also require separation from each other and from other exposures.
Review of a proposed LPG facility by state and local agencies is often required. NFPA 59, Chapter 13, Fire Protection, Safety, and Security, mandates fire protection and other safety measures based on a thorough analysis of hazards within and around a facility. Guidelines are provided for preparing and managing emergency-response plans, personnel training, and the application of fire protection and other safety systems. (See also, 9: Safety Systems.) |
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