Fire Pumps & Electrical Area Classification

[ECH1]

Gents,
We are purchasing a couple of skids with complete fire pump system fully sheltered.
We are requesting, for the diesel fire skid, the diesel tank inside the shelter due to weather conditions.
The first question is if the diesel tank (+/- 700 gallons) inside the shelter could create an Electrical Classified Area?
The second question is which is the standard used for the first answer?
Regards.

[uzbarry]

Although I'm not able to answer it - but indeeeed, a very good question!

[safetyuser]

Gents,
The first question is if the diesel tank (+/- 700 gallons) inside the shelter could create an Electrical Classified Area?
The second question is which is the standard used for the first answer?
Regards.

From my experience usually diesel does not classify surrounding areas because of its high Flash Point, normally well above the maximum weather temperature.

BUT: in extreme weather countries may happen the diesel comes very light such as similar to kerosine and its flash point may be well close to 40degC. Moreover there may be hot surfaces in the aurrounding or the diesel itself is handled above its flash point and in this case the fire risk is high and area shold be classified as hazardous.

MORE: IP15 code of safe practice include also the chance that a release may occur in spray/mist form when the piping or vessel is pressurized. This case should also classify the area as hazardous.

Classification of areas due to diesel is a scabby matter because there are so much problems with diesel engines (internal combustion and hot surfaces) which can hardly be provided suitable for even a Zone 2 area.
If you have the chance to keep not-classified the internal of the sheltered area with mechanical ventilation (with high air hange rate) could be a good option to support the reduction of risks.

Hope this help.

[guhan.s.s]

Diesel is a combustible material due to high flash point and if any combustible material stored with in the shelter can crate electrical hazard area classification. The below mentioned standards clearly explains your question with detail figures.

Reference standards : NFPA 497, API 505 and IP 15