Fire code

[chaker05]

what is the minimum application rate of water to protect a hydrocarbon storage tank (floating roof)?

[DM2]

I don't think you'll find an application rate for water on a floating roof. Water has the potential for damaging the roof and causing it collapse into the tank due to the weight. Most would use foam due to it's lighter weight and would only apply the foam at the edge of the tank where there is the potential to leak hydrocarbons.

[lecciohl]

I am in agreement of DM2. You cannot provide water spray on the roof of the floating roof as it was never a safe practice to provide. However on the tank shell (sides) you can. That is . . . if you principle of protection is water cooling your minimum application rate shall be 0.1 gpm/sq ft. and if your principle of protection of protection is exposure protection your minimum application rate shall be 0.25 gpm /sq. ft.

Protection of the floating roof annular ring shall be then by low expansion foam with the use of foam pourers/ foam chambers or foam makers.