bulk storage of

vinyl acetate
contents
1. INTRODUCTION 2

2. COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF BULK STORAGE 2

3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF BULK STORAGE 2

4. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY 3

5. AVOIDANCE OF CONTAMINATION 3

6. LOCATION OF STORAGE TANKS 3

7. TANKER DISCHARGE 4

8. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TANKS 5

9. LEVEL MEASUREMENT 6

10. PIPEWORK 6

11. PUMPS 7

12. VALVES 8

13. ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS 8

14. FIRE HAZARD 8

15. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT 8

16. LABELLING AND SAFETY NOTICES 9

17. PRODUCT TRAINING 9

18. OPERATING PROCEDURES 9

19. FURTHER TECHNICAL LITERATURE 9

Appendix 1 Minimum Tank Separation Distances 10

Appendix 2 Typical Weights And Dimensions Of Fully Laden Road Tankers 10
Appendix 3 Diagram Of Typical Above Ground Storage Installation 11
Appendix 4 Diagram Of Typical Above Ground Fixed Roof Storage Installation 12
Appendix 5 Diagram Of Typical Under Ground Storage Installation 13
Appendix 6 Area Classification 14
Appendix 7 Suitable Fittings For Tank Inlet Connections 15
Appendix 8 Physical Properties of Vinyl Acetate Relating To Fire Hazard 15

1
bulk storage of vinyl acetate

1. INTRODUCTION frequently. There may be cost savings from reduced

handling. The time taken to recover the capital cost
1.1 This booklet has been produced for the of the bulk installation will depend on its size and the
guidance of customers who are interested in rate at which vinyl acetate is used.
installing bulk storage facilities for vinyl acetate. It
describes in general terms the requirements for a 2.2 Bulk deliveries are normally made by road
suitable installation. tankers. Customers should carefully consider the
optimum storage capacity for the installation, bearing
1.2 Our experience has shown that each bulk in mind delivery load sizes as well as current and
storage installation requires individual consideration, estimated future use. Adequate capacity should be
because of the nature of the site, the users specific provided to allow a delivery to be taken well before
requirements and the impact on any existing the previous supply is exhausted and also hold
facilities in the vicinity. BP offers a Technical sufficient stock to meet contingencies.
Advisory Service, free of charge, to customers who
wish to make use of it. We consider that our 3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF BULK
Technical Advisory Service is most useful to a STORAGE
customer when discussions are held at the earliest
possible stage and certainly before the design of the 3.1 Vinyl acetate has a flash point of minus 8
unit has been finalised. Our local Sales degrees C. It is a highly flammable liquid which can
Representative will be pleased to make the polymerise vigorously under certain conditions. It is
necessary arrangements. therefore important that it is stored and handled
1.3 The storage and handling of highly flammable safely. This can be achieved by ensuring that the
liquids such as vinyl acetate is subject to legislative storage and handling facilities are correctly designed
controls in many countries. The definition of highly and constructed and that safe operating procedures
flammable in legal terms may vary from country to are followed.
country. For the purpose of this technical booklet, 3.2 Vinyl acetate should be stored in containers of return to contents
the definition of highly flammable liquid is any stainless steel, aluminium, or carbon steel. Vinyl
liquid which has a flash point below 32 degrees C. acetate has a high electrical resistivity and can
However customers are recommended to obtain readily accumulate static electricity. All equipment
and make themselves familiar with any relevant must therefore be earthed and bonded. Because of
regulations, as and when these apply. Information the highly flammable nature of vinyl acetate, relevant
contained within this booklet is not intended to local and national regulations should be observed.
replace any legal requirements which may be
applicable to the storage and handling of vinyl 3.3 Vinyl acetate can be stored under air or a
acetate in particular circumstances. It is nitrogen blanket. Storage under nitrogen will prevent
recommended however, that the guidance outlined any possibility of the formation of an air/vapour
in this booklet is followed, provided that it does mixture within the flammable range in the tank
conflict with any specific legal obligations. vapour space.
1.4 A Material Safety Data Sheet has been issued 3.4 The following aspects need to be considered
describing the health, safety and environmental for the storage and handling of vinyl acetate:
properties of vinyl acetate, identifying the potential Stability and reactivity
hazards and giving advice on handling precautions Avoidance of contamination
and emergency procedures. This must be consulted Location of storage tanks
and fully understood before handling, storage or use. Design and construction of tanks
Level measurement
2. COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF BULK Pipework
STORAGE Pumps
Valves
2.1 The receipt of chemicals in bulk, as opposed to Electrical considerations
packages, is often more convenient for the Fire hazard
customer. Bulk storage is more compact than Fire fighting equipment
storage in drums and therefore releases space and Labelling and safety notices
handling equipment for other duties. Stock control is Product training
made easier and deliveries can be received less Operating procedures

2
3.5 These aspects are considered in detail in the 5. AVOIDANCE OF CONTAMINATION
following sections.
5.1 Contact with rust and moisture should be
4. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY avoided for the following reasons:
a) hydroquinone forms a complex with rust which
4.1 The principal reaction of vinyl acetate is reduces the inhibitor level and thus increases
polymerisation involving the vinyl side chain. It is the chance of polymerisation.
primarily used in the preparation of thermoplastic b) hydrolysis will take place giving rise to an
polymers and copolymers that are important increase in acetaldehyde and acetic acid levels.
constituents of many paints, adhesives, coatings c) the vinyl acetate can become discoloured to a
and textiles treatments. To inhibit oxidation and yellow or yellow/green colour.
polymerisation in normal handling, transport and
storage, a small quantity of hydroquinone inhibitor is 5.2 Contact with copper or copper alloys must be
added to vinyl acetate. avoided as copper dissolves in vinyl acetate causing
discolouration and inhibits polymerisation.
4.2 Because of its high reactivity, vinyl acetate
must not come into contact with strong acids, 5.3 It is also vital that vinyl acetate should be
alkalis, oxidising agents, amines and anhydrides. protected from contact with the following
categories of chemicals.
High temperature and exposure to direct sunlight
must be avoided as they could initiate a) Strong acids, since these will initiate violent
polymerisation. Other initiators such as peroxides, polymerisation.
hydroperoxides and azo compounds should also be b) Alkalis, since hydrolysis will occur forming
kept away from vinyl acetate. acetaldehyde and acetic acid.
c) Oxidising agents, e.g. peroxides, since these
4.3 The hydroquinone inhibitor concentration will accelerate free radical polymerisation.
reduces during storage. However the rate at which d) Amines
it is depleted varies with storage conditions, e) Acid anhydride
particularly with increase in temperature, but also
on contact with impurities such as moisture and 6. LOCATION OF STORAGE TANKS
rust. The inhibitor content should be monitored return to contents
regularly. The industry accepted practice is that vinyl 6.1 The arrangement and grouping of tanks
acetate monomer may be stored in bulk when there requires careful consideration. Important factors to
is turnover of the tank contents every 60 days or be considered include access for following:
less. During periods of hot weather, the storage
temperature should be checked weekly. If the a) normal operations
storage temperature reaches or exceeds 30 deg C, b) emergency evacuation
the inhibitor content should be checked c) fire fighting
immediately and an appropriate amount of 6.2 The design of the tank farm should take
hydroquinone added to restore the level. BP account of the likely consequences of any
supplies vinyl acetate monomer with varying accidental spillage or fire. Products which react
concentrations of hydroquinone to suit individual chemically with vinyl acetate should be kept in
customer requirements, although the most segregated storage.
common dosage levels in bulk storage terminals are
3 to 5 ppm and 8 to 12 ppm. 6.3 Storage at ground level and in the open air is
preferable because in the unlikely event that a leak
4.4 During storage it is possible that some occurs, it is more likely to be detected.
breakdown of vinyl acetate will occur, leading to Examination, modifications and repairs are also
small increases in the concentration of easier and corrosion can be more readily identified
acetaldehyde and acetic acid. However experience and controlled. Where the space available is
suggests that there is little danger of spontaneous restricted, tanks may be buried below ground, but
polymerisation occurring provided that adequate not under buildings or in cellars.
care is taken to prevent contamination by materials
which contain or could give rise to polymerisation 6.4 Storage tanks should not be located:
initiators. Should spontaneous polymerisation occur a) on the roof of a building,
this would be accompanied by an elevation in the b) in an elevated position,
product temperature. Cooling operations should c) inside buildings if it is reasonable practical to
then be performed as soon as possible. locate them elsewhere,
d) on top of each other,
e) close to a heat source.

3
Tanks above ground in the open except when water is being removed. Vinyl acetate
is not miscible with water. The surface water drained
6.5 Tanks should be located: from the bund should be routed through an
a) in a well ventilated position away from potential interceptor to prevent vinyl acetate from entering the
sources of ignition, main drainage system.
b) so as to minimise the effect of radiation from 6.11 No combustible material or full or empty
any fire which could possibly occur in any drums should be stored in the bund or against the
adjacent area. bund wall.
6.6 The distance between any point on the tank and
any building, boundary, process unit, filling point or Underground tanks
fixed source of ignition should be at least that shown
in Appendix 1. It should be noted that these 6.12 When excavating for underground tanks care
distances may not give complete protection from should be taken to avoid undermining the
fires in adjacent areas. However, they should allow foundations of existing structures. The excavation
time for evacuation of personnel and mobilisation of should be large enough for ease of installation
fire fighting equipment. Consideration should be without damage to any protective coating. The
given to increasing the separation distance shown in distance from any part of a tank to the sides of the
Appendix 1 when any of the following conditions excavation, any building line, wall of basement, or pit
apply: should be at least one metre.
a) the local supply of water for fire fighting is poor, 6.13 The floor and sides of any excavation for an
b) the site is a considerable distance from the under ground tank should be concreted or otherwise
nearest fire station, rendered impervious to liquid, in order to contain any
c) the site is close to a process plant or populated tank or pipe leakage which could otherwise
area. contaminate rivers or water sources.
6.7 Tanks above ground should be discharged by 7. TANKER DISCHARGE
pump. Horizontal tanks should be positioned just
high enough above ground level to provide clearance 7.1 The provision of vehicle access needs to be return to contents
for convenient operation and maintenance of valves. taken into account when selecting the site for the
Tanks should not be raised to allow gravity storage installation. The following aspects need to
discharge, because of the difficulties of stopping be considered:
gravity flow in the event of a fire.
a) a clear, safe access for the vehicle with
6.8 All tanks should be surrounded by a bund wall sufficient room to manoeuvre to and from the
capable of containing 110% of the capacity of the discharge point (this must allow the vehicle to
largest tank within the bund. The walls and floor of be driven forward from the unloading point in an
the bund should be impervious to liquid and emergency rather than being reversed),
designed to withstand the full hydrostatic head. b) the width, corners, type of surface and load
Bund walls should not be higher than 1.5 metres in bearing capacities of the approach road,
order to ensure adequate natural ventilation of the c) headroom under any overhead gantries,
bunded areas, ready access for fire fighting and good d) any bridge or other restrictions.
means of escape.
Typical weights of fully laden vehicles with
6.9 Intermediate lower bund walls are dimensions and turning circle are shown in
recommended to divide tanks into groups to contain Appendix 2.
small spillages and to minimise the surface area of
any spillage. 7.2 A trial run with an empty tanker may be
appropriate if the access is doubtful.
6.10 The floor of the bund should be sloped to
prevent minor spillages remaining below any tank. 7.3 The unloading point should be located facing
Provision should be made for the removal or the tankers outlet connection to avoid the need to
drainage of surface water from the area within the run flexible hoses under the vehicle when
bund. Surface water should preferably be pumped discharging. Ideally only one short length of flexible
out of bunds using an air driven pump or electric hose should be used for the discharge operation.
pump with a flame proof motor. If bund drains are 7.4 Vehicles must not stand on a road or path used
used they should be provided with valves outside of by the public while being discharged and must be at
the bund walls, with procedures in force to ensure least 6 metres from a right-of-way. The area
these valves remain closed, and preferably locked, extending 2 metres from the hose connections on

4
both vehicle and discharge should be regarded as a 8.2 The tank may be constructed from either
zone 1 area (see section 13) and for a further 2 stainless steel, carbon steel or aluminium. Stainless
metres as a zone 2 area while discharging is taking steel is preferred but is more expensive, and
place and for a reasonable time afterwards to allow therefore carbon steel is more commonly used.
vapour and any spillage to disperse. This restricts 8.3 Carbon steel should be cleaned, either by
other operations which can be carried out in the chemical or physical means, before initial use to
vicinity. It is preferable if the immediate area is remove rust.
closed to all except those directly concerned with
the operation while it is being carried out. 8.4 In storage, vinyl acetate may vaporise then
condense in the upper part of the tank. When this
7.5 The unloading area should be surfaced with a vaporisation takes place, the inhibitor is left behind in
material resistant to the products being handled in the bulk of the liquid, and the condensed vinyl
the area. Drainage should be provided designed to acetate containing no inhibitor has a greater
minimise the surface area of any spillage and lead it tendency to polymerise. The interiors of tanks for
to a tank, pit or interceptor large enough to contain vinyl acetate therefore should be as smooth as
the largest foreseeable spillage. possible and contain a minimum of supports, pipes
7.6 Facilities should be provided to guard against and internal projections where polymer may collect
spillage due to vehicles being moved with hoses still and eventually fall back in the liquid.
being connected. This may be done by providing 8.5 To prevent contamination by rust, and to
barriers across the unloading bay, brake interlocks on minimise the quantity of condensed vinyl acetate
the vehicle or breakaway couplings on the hose adhering to the vapour space surface, tanks can be
connectors. lined with a suitable baked phenolic or catalysed
7.7 Earthing facilities for the vehicles must be epoxy resin. These coatings are non-conductive and
provided at the unloading point. An earth proving if they are used, the bottom 15-20 cm of the tank
unit is recommended for this duty as this will ensure must be left bare or treated with separate
that satisfactory earthing is obtained prior to, and conductive coating, e.g. inorganic zinc silicate, to
throughout discharge. Resistance to earth should not prevent the build up of static electricity.
be greater than 10 ohms. 8.6 The use of a multi compartmented tank is not return to contents
7.8 Compressor vehicles are not used for the recommended because of the risk of product
discharge of vinyl acetate. contamination or heating from the adjacent
7.9 The rate at which the discharge takes place is compartment.
normally about 600 litres per minute whether by
gravity flow or by the vehicles pump. This depends 9. LEVEL MEASUREMENT
to some degree on the pipework to the storage tank 9.1 Every tank should be provided with a suitable
and the height or depth above or below ground. means of determining the volume of contents. A
When the customers own pump is to be used, a contents indicator is preferred to manual dipping.
similar rate should be planned
The following types of contents indicator may be
8. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF used:
TANKS a) Float type gauge
There are a variety of float type gauges which
8.1 The storage tank must be of adequate strength will provide either a direct level indication at
and capacity for the proposed duty. If above ground, the tank, or a reading at a remote location,
it should be sited on an impervious base and e.g., plant instrument panel.
surrounded by a bund of adequate size and strength.
If below ground double skin tanks are b) Hydrostatic gauge
recommended, with a suitable system to detect any Hydrostatic gauges provide a level
leakage between the skins. These tanks should be measurement system requiring no external
surrounded by suitable impervious material. power source or adjustment. They are simple
Diagrams of typical storage installations are shown but robust in construction and require little
in Appendix 3, 4 and 5. maintenance.
The tank and its supports should be designed and c) Pneumacator
constructed in accordance with an appropriate This is a simple type of level indicator which is
recognised standard of good engineering practice. relatively cheap but effective. Care should be
taken that all parts of the system are
compatible with vinyl acetate.

5
d) Capacitance Level Indicator 10. PIPEWORK
Capacitance level indicators are available for
use with highly flammable liquids such as 10.1 The general layout of pipelines directly
vinyl acetate. Care should be taken to ensure connected to the tank is shown in Appendix 3, 4 and
that they are intrinsically safe to BASEEFA 5. These should normally be of the same material as
(British Approvals Service for Electrical the tank.
Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres) 10.2 The tanker hose connection point (inlet
standard SFA 3012 for zone 0, with certified connection) should be provided with a suitable fitting
Ex head units and probes, or to an equivalent to connect to the delivery hose. Suitable fittings are
standard. described in Appendix 7. The inlet connection should
e) Radar Level Indication be at least 2 metres away from any opening to a
Radar Level Indicators are available for use building, such as a door, window or ventilator. It
with highly flammable liquids such as vinyl should be positioned as near as possible to where
acetate. Care should be taken to ensure that the vehicle will stand during discharge, and should
they are intrinsically safe to BASEEFA (British be protected from accidental damage. Ideally, only
Approvals Service for Electrical Equipment in one short length of flexible hose should be used for
Flammable Atmospheres) standard SFA 3012 the tanker discharge operation. For above ground
for zone 0, with certified Ex head units and tanks, the inlet connected should be located at a
probes, or to an equivalent standard. convenient height, facing outwards, for hose
coupling (1 metre above ground level). The inlet line
9.2 Gauge glass type indicators should not be used should be fitted with an isolation valve as close as
since vinyl acetate when exposed to light can possible to the inlet connection.
polymerise and a blockage could occur.
An inlet line of 80 mm nominal bore is a suitable size
9.3 Consideration should also be given to the fitting for transferring vinyl acetate from the road tanker to
of an independent high level alarm in addition to the a tank. To prevent splash filling, the line should enter
level indicator. the top of the tank and extend to within 80 mm of
9.4 Where manual dipping is necessary the the tank bottom in the case of horizontal tanks, or
following precautions should be applied: through the side, below the liquid level, of vertical return to contents
storage tanks.
a) tank should be fitted with a dip tube extending
down to close to the bottom of the tank, with a For above ground tanks, where the inlet line enters
wear pad welded to the tank bottom beneath through the top, a small hole (6 mm diameter)
the dip tube. (On underground tanks the inlet should be drilled in the inlet line, just below the top
point is located on the tanks manlid, and of the tank, to prevent it acting as a syphon. Suitable
usually doubles as a dip tube). arrangements should be provided for draining the
b) The top of the dip should have a vapour tight inlet line at the completion of tanker discharge. The
cap which should always be in position except inlet line should be sloped towards the tank as
when gauging is actually taking place. shown in Appendix 3. A drain cock should also be
c) Wooden dip rods are recommended. Ferrous or fitted to the lowest point of the inlet connection.
aluminium dip rods should never be used on Space for a small receptacle (20 litres capacity)
tanks containing vinyl acetate because of the should be left under this drain cock.
possibility of generating an electrostatic 10.3 A tank discharge line should be provided
discharge. which should be a minimum of 25 mm nominal
d) Dip rods should be substantially smaller in bore. This line should terminate approximately 80
diameter that the dip tube to reduce any mm above the bottom of the inlet line so as to
inaccuracy in measurement. maintain a liquid seal. In the case of underground
e) Where samples are taken though the dip pipe, tanks, the line should extend up to the top of the
only natural fibre rope or metal chain should be tank and to the outlet pump (see Appendix 5). For
used for the dip cans. Man made fibres should above ground tanks, the discharge line is usually
not be used as this leads to the generation of taken through the bottom or side of the tank to an
static discharges. isolating valve. This valve should be located as close
9.5 Dipping should never take place through open as is possible to the tank. In all cases, discharge
manholes. should be by pump. The pump and controls should
be located outside the bund. Tanks should not be
emptied by gravity discharge, because of the
difficulties of stopping gravity flow under fire
conditions.

6
10.4 A vent line needs to be provided, leading from may have to be disconnected for maintenance or
the vapour space at the top of the tank, for inspection, flange joints should be fitted. Flanges
dispersion of vinyl acetate vapour. This vent line conforming to American National Standards Institute
should be connected to the highest point of the tank (ANSI) 150lb are recommended. The following
and be as far removed as possible from the inlet line. gasket materials may be used on vinyl acetate duty:
To prevent possible damage to the tank, the vent line PTFE envelope or cross-linked polyethylene.
should not be smaller in diameter than either the A manhole should be provided on all tanks to
inlet or the discharge lines. The vent should
10.9

allow for internal inspection and cleaning. In the

terminate in a safe place, away from any source of case of underground tanks, all pipework entering the
ignition and from occupied areas, passageways or tank should pass through the manhole cover.
sheltered spaces where vapours could accumulate. It Connections to the external pipework should be
should also be at least 2 metres away from any provided by flanged joints above the manhole cover.
opening into a building such as a door, window or For vertical tanks a roof as well as side manhole
ventilator. The vent outlet should also be between 3 should be provided to aid ventilation during
and 6 metres above ground level but in any case not maintenance.
less than 1 metre above the top of the tank. Free
circulation of air round this vent is essential to 10.10 An earthing point should be fitted on the tank
disperse vapours, particularly while the tank is being and connected to a good earth. All pipelines should
filled. be fitted with an earthing strap across flange joints
and the resistance across them should be checked
As with most flammable storage, the tank vent periodically. The resistance across all pipe
should be fitted with a flame arrestor. However, it connections should be less than 0.1 ohms. Particular
should be noted that there may be a risk that care should be taken if polymer tape is used with
condensation of vinyl acetate vapour on the fine threaded joint, as the tape can provide an insulating
apertures of the flame arrestor could result in the barrier. The resistance to earth at any point of the
flame arrestor becoming blocked with polymer. It is installation should be less than 10 ohms. This also
recommended that a simple removable conical applies to the tanker earthing point, which preferably
weather cowl be fitted on the vent. This should be should be connected to the same earth, or, if
removed at regular intervals to check that there is no independent should have minimal resistance return to contents
build up of polymer in the vent and on the flame between this and the tank-pipework system.
arrestor.
The pipework system should be designed
Fire engulfment relief for the tank should be
10.11

such that liquid cannot be trapped between closed

provided such as a spring or weight loaded manlid. valves without some form of pressure relieving
Alternatively, for vertical tanks, a weak seam around device.
the roof of the tank could be considered.
Joints in pipework should not be located over
Pipework should be provided to allow
10.12
10.5
doorways, windows or close to possible sources of
circulation of the tank contents. This should consist ignition.
of a line running from the pump outlet to a point at
the bottom of the tank as far as practicable from the 10.13 Pipework should be routed to minimise the
tank outlet. A 13 mm sample point should be possibility of accidental damage.
provided at a convenient point on this line. 10.14 Where flexible hoses are used these should
10.6 A facility should be provided for draining above be manufactured from either butyl rubber or
ground tanks. A 25 mm nominal bore branch fitted at polypropylene.
the lowest point of the tank is suggested. The
branch should be fitted with a suitable isolating valve 11. PUMPS
and blanked off when not in use.
11.1 Pumps should be located outside tank bunds,
10.7 In order to reduce vapour emissions to on an impervious base, in an open space, and not in
atmosphere it is possible that legislation will in future walled or confined spaces. They should be at least 4
require that deliveries of vinyl acetate are made metres from buildings, boundaries and potential
using a vapour return system, i.e. vapours displaced sources of ignition.
from the storage tank during a delivery would be
transferred to the vapour space of the delivering 11.2 Centrifugal pumps are normally used for
tanker. A typical vapour return system is shown in transferring vinyl acetate from the storage tank, but
the sketches for storage tanks. positive displacement pumps can also be used.
10.8 Whenever possible, continuously welded 11.3 It should be noted that if centrifugal pumps are
pipework should be used. However, where pipework used, flow under gravity may occur when the pump
is stopped.

7
11.4 It is recommended that mechanical seals are Zone 2 An area within which explosive or ignitable
used wherever possible, e.g., Crane type 109 with concentrations of vapour are only likely to occur
PTFE wedges or similar. However packed glands under abnormal conditions.
may be used provided that confirmation is obtained 13.2 The table in Appendix 6 illustrates a typical
that the packing material is compatible with vinyl hazardous area classification for storage tanks
acetate. Typical materials used as packings are PTFE containing liquids with a flash point less than 32 C.
or graphite. It is therefore appropriate for vinyl acetate.
11.5 Any leakage from the pump seal should be 13.3 Wherever possible, the installation of electrical
contained by a low sill around the pump base, or be equipment should be confined to safe areas.
drained to a safe place. Monitoring devices can be Where this is not possible, electrical equipment
used to check for any seal leakage. should be specified as safe for the appropriate zone
11.6 The capacity of pumps should be such that the 13.4 Pumps, electric motors and all parts of the
linear velocity of the vinyl acetate being pumped system must be effectively earthed to prevent the
does not exceed 5 metres per second in the accumulation of static electrical charges. The
pipelines. resistance to earth must be checked, and should not
11.7 If pumps can be remotely controlled, then a be greater than 10 ohms.
stop button should be provided at the pump, and at 13.5 Working areas, i.e., tank stairs, platforms,
the delivery point. loading and unloading points should be adequately
11.8 Pumps should be constructed from either cast illuminated during working hours. Lighting fittings
steel or stainless steel. Plastic pumps should not be should be suitable for the area zoning.
used.
11.9 Pumps may be driven pneumatically, 14. FIRE HAZARD
hydraulically or electrically. 14.1 The important physical properties regarding the
fire hazard of vinyl acetate are shown in Appendix 8.
12. VALVES The appendix shows the flash point, autoignition
12.1 Valves should be mounted directly on all temperature, explosive limits in air, heat of return to contents
bottom outlets of a tank unless the branches are polymerisation, miscibility with water, and the
blanked off. The base isolating valves should be vapour density compared to air=1. The vapour of
either gate or ball valves. Where ball valves are used vinyl acetate is heavier than air, hence it has a
they should have PTFE seals. Diaphragm valves are tendency to flow to the lowest point and can
not recommended for the outlets on storage tanks accumulate in cellars, drains, etc.
because of the risk of the diaphragm splitting.
15. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
13. ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS 15.1 Adequate fire fighting equipment should be
13.1 The selection, installation and maintenance of provided in the vicinity of storage and handling
electrical equipment for use in storage installations areas, bearing in mind the quantities of vinyl acetate
containing vinyl acetate should be based upon an likely to be present. Advice on the appropriate fire
area classification system. fighting equipment and procedures should be
obtained from a Fire Prevention Consultant. Some
Hazardous areas are classified into zones 0, 1 and 2, installations may require a certificate of approval
to reflect the probability of flammable vapours from the local Fire Authority.
occurring in the zone.
15.2 The following extinguishing materials can be
The definitions of the zone classifications are as used against vinyl acetate fires: dry chemical
follows: powder, alcohol resistant foam, universal type foam
Zone 0 An area or enclosed space in which any or carbon dioxide.
flammable or explosive vapour or flammable liquid is Vinyl acetate and water are not readily miscible and
continuously present in a concentration within its therefore water may be ineffective in extinguishing
flammable limits. the fire but water should be used to keep fire
Zone 1 An area within which, during normal exposed tanks cool. Use carbon dioxide or dry
operations, an explosive or ignitable concentration of chemical extinguishers for small fires and alcohol
vapour is likely to occur in sufficient quantity to resistant foam, universal type foam or water fog for
produce a hazard. large fires. Water spray can be used to disperse a
vapour cloud or to flush spills.

8
16. LABELLING AND SAFETY NOTICES c) only those personnel directly concerned with
the discharge operation should be in the area,
16.1 The display of labels on storage tanks and with appropriate protective clothing being worn.
safety notices may be subject to local legislative d) a customers representative must identify the
controls. It is recommended that the following discharge point to be used, and the earthing
guidance is observed, provided that it does not point, and must supervise all connections to the
conflict with any local legislation. vehicle.
16.2 All areas where vinyl acetate is handled should e) the road tanker must be connected to the
be clearly labelled to indicate that smoking and other earthing point before the delivery hose is
sources of ignition are prohibited. connected. This earth must be maintained
throughout the operation and not be broken
16.3 Above ground tanks should be clearly and until after the hose is disconnected, on
durably marked Vinyl Acetate. The words Highly completion of product transfer.
Flammable or Flashpoint below 32 degrees C f) during discharge, regular checks should be
should also be clearly and durably marked on the carried out to ensure that the load is being
tanks. An additional notice Not Miscible with Water correctly received into the appropriate storage
on storage tanks also provides valuable information tank. The customers representative should
to the fire services in the event of an incident. It is remain in attendance throughout the discharge
recommended that letters should be at least 100 operation.
mm high with a minimum line width of 20 mm, g) on completion of discharge, the pump on the
preferably in red lettering on a white background. vehicle (if used) should be stopped and the
Areas immediately above underground tanks should valves in the pipeline closed. The drain cock
be similarly marked. adjacent to the inlet valve should then be
16.4 At the tanker discharge point, the inlet opened carefully, to allow any product
connections to the storage tank should be clearly remaining in the inlet pipe to drain into a
and durably marked Vinyl Acetate as a precaution receptacle. Next the hose should be drained
against possible confusion between adjacent through the inlet valve and drain cock into a
connections during unloading. receptacle (5 to 10 litres of drainings may be
expected after discharge to an above ground return to contents
17. PRODUCT TRAINING tank). It is the customers responsibility to
provide adequate facilities for the disposal of
17.1 All personnel associated with the handling of these hose drainings.
vinyl acetate should be fully trained to enable them h) all equipment must be properly stowed before
to understand: the road tanker is given authorisation to depart
a) the nature of the potential hazards associated from the discharge point.
with the handling of vinyl acetate, i) finally, the quantity in the tank should be
b) the appropriate storage and handling checked against the amount expected. Dipping
precautions, including personal protection the tank or removal of a sample for testing
measures, should not take place until at least 30 seconds
c) the appropriate action to taken in the event of after completion of discharge. This is to allow
an emergency. for the relaxation of any electrostatic charge,
which may have been generated in the transfer.
18. OPERATING PROCEDURES 19. FURTHER TECHNICAL LITERATURE
18.1 Written operating instructions should be Further technical literature on vinyl acetate is
available for the unloading of bulk road tankers, and available from BP as follows:
operating personnel should be fully trained in their
implementation. The instructions should take a) BP Technigram, giving details of specification
account of the specific product hazards, and ensure and physical properties.
the correct operation of equipment in both normal b) Material Safety Data Sheet, giving occupational
and emergency situations. Key points of a typical health, safety and environmental data.
discharge operation are: Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets are normally
a) a customers representative must ensure that supplied automatically by our Sales Office. Further
there is sufficient ullage available in the copies are available either by direct request to the
receiving tank to accept the nominated delivery. Sales Office or by asking your local sales
b) prior to discharge, all appropriate safety representative to arrange copies from the Sales
equipment should be checked and suitably Office.
positioned.

9
APPENDIX 1 MINIMUM TANK SEPARATION DISTANCES

Tank Capacity Minimum separation distance from any part of a tank

Single tanks Total for a group (maximum) From building, boundary, Between tanks
source of ignition, filling
point or process unit
(m3) (m3) (m) (m)
Up to 1 3 1* 0.5
15 15 4 1
533 100 6 1
33100 300 8 1
100250 750 10 2
Above 250 15 2**

Key to symbols:
* But at least 2 metres from doors, plain-glazed windows, ventilation or other opening or means of escape,
from an upper floor, regardless of vertical distance.
** For tanks greater than 10 metres in diameter, see below.
The distance between a group of tanks and any other tank or group should be at least the appropriate distance
in the third column of the above table. For tanks greater than 10 metres in diameter the minimum distance
between tanks should be the lesser of: return to contents

a) the diameter of the smaller tank.

b) half the diameter of the larger tank.
c) 15 metres.
(with a minimum of 10 metres)

APPENDIX 2 TYPICAL WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS OF FULLY LADEN ROAD TANKERS

Net weight 2225 tonnes

Gross weight 3844 tonnes
Overall length 13.515.5 metres
Overall height 4 metres
Overall width 2.5 metres
Turning circle 1417 metres
Actual values will depend upon the vehicle design and construction regulations currently in force in the country
concerned.

10
 1 Max bund height 1.5m
2 Min bund wall to tank 1m
3 Tank recirculation system not shown

Intake point for 65mm

road tanker delivery intake
valve 38mm vapour
inlet connection return (where
male fitted)

80mm inlet line 600mm manhole Flame arrestor

with bolted cover
protective Slope to
1 metre cap and tank
maximum chain 25mm 50mm dip pipe
drain with screwed cap 80mm minimum vent pipe
valve local to stairs (replace with suitable pressure
relief system if a vapour return
Tank contents to system is used)
be clearly
marked on tank
LI
STORAGE INSTALLATION

Products to be
clearly marked Fixed access ladder
at delivery point

11
Drill 6mm
anti-syphon
1 m min
Pipes to be
Single short lengths
sealed in
of flexible hose 1 m min
Wear bund wall
plate

Slope 50mm ball

\` Tank valve
earthing To pump

25mm
drain
branch 50mm delivery line
Slope
APPENDIX 3 DIAGRAM OF TYPICAL ABOVE GROUND STORAGE INSTALLATION

Tanker earthing with 2m long common Tank supports

Bund wall Sump steel or concrete Impervious base Bund wall Sample point
bulldog clip copper earthing rod
return to contents
 return to contents

1 Max bund height 1.5m

2 Min bund wall to tank 1m
APPENDIX 4 DIAGRAM OF TYPICAL ABOVE GROUND FIXED ROOF STORAGE

Intake point for pressure/

road tanker delivery vacuum
600mm manhole fitted with valve
65mm
2 inch BSP intake hinged emergency relief
hatch 50mm dip pipe
male valve with screwed cap
Handrails local to stairs
Fixed access
LI stairs
750mm protective 25mm
approx. cap and drain
chain valve
150mm min
38mm vapour
return (where
fitted) LSH
Tank contents to
be clearly marked

12
on tank
Product to be
clearly marked at TI
Single short lengths delivery point Pipes to be
of flexible hose sealed in
bund wall
Mixing nozzle
INSTALLATION

Non-return Manhole
Tank
valve Pump recycle
earthing Wear
\` plate
Slope
To pump
80mm inlet line
Slope
Tanker earthing with
Bund wall Sump 25mm Common earth system Impervious base Bund wall Sample point
bulldog clip
drain
 Note: Tank recirculation system not shown Flame arrestor
80mm fill and dip pipe
fitted with lockable cap
38mm vapour 80mm minimum vent pipe to safe
Single short lengths location (to be fitted with a
return (where
of flexible hose pressure relief system if a vapour
fitted)
return system is used)

Inlet connection for

LI
Product and vapour
road tanker delivery return, where fitted, to be
clearly marked at delivery
To pump
point

50mm suction line

Tanker earthing

13
lead with bulldog
clip Tank earthing

Tank and pipes below ground to

2m long common be protected against corrosion
copper earthing rod

Sealed to keep out

water
Pit back filled with dry
sand

Tank supports
Wear plate
steel or concrete
APPENDIX 5 DIAGRAM OF TYPICAL UNDER GROUND STORAGE INSTALLATION

Reinforced
concrete
return to contents
APPENDIX 6 AREA CLASSIFICATION

Item Extent Of Area Classification

Above ground tanks a) Vertically from ground level to 1m above tank
connections, and horizontally to 1m outside the bund wall Zone 2
b) Within 2m of the tank shell Zone 2
Underground tanks a) Within any manhole chamber containing filling
connections Zone 0
b) within a horizontal radius of 4m from tank filling Zone 2
connections vertically from ground level up to 1m above
the connections
All tanks Within the vapour space Zone 0
Vent pipes a) Within a radius of 1.5m in all directions of the open end Zone 1
of any vent pipe. Where the vent discharges downwards,
the radius should be increased to 3m below the level of
the discharge point
b) The area below the Zone 1 area of any vent pipe, fora Zone 2
radius of 1.5m around the pipe and down to ground
level.
Pumps and sample Within 4m in all directions Zone 2
points in open air
return to contents
Road and rail tankers a) Within 300mm of any direction of any opening on the Zone 1
(at loading/ tank
unloading points)
b) Within a horizontal radius of 4m from tank discharge Zone 2
connections and vertically from ground level up to 1m
above the connections
c) Where the tanker is under a canopy or similar structure,
within a radius of 1.5m of any opening on the tank top. Zone 2

NOTE
1. Where an area is classified under more than one heading the more hazardous classification should be
adopted.
2. Any bunded areas, pit, trench or depression in Zone 1 or Zone 2 should be considered as a Zone 1 area
throughout.

14
APPENDIX 7 SUITABLE FITTINGS FOR TANK INLET CONNECTIONS

UK: 21/2 inch BSP parallel threaded male connection

France: symmetric coupling NF-E 29.572, 80mm nominal diameter (type Guillemin or Perolo or
equivalent)
West Germany: quick coupling DIN 28451, 3 inch male connection

APPENDIX 8 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VINYL ACETATE RELATING TO FIRE HAZARD

Flash point, degrees C: minus 8

Autoignition temperature, degrees C: 385
Explosive limits in air, % vol:
lower: 2.6
upper: 13.4
Vapour density: (air = 1) 2.97
Heat of polymerisation 21.3 Kcal/mole
Water solubility
return to contents
Vinyl acetate in water at 20C 2.3% by weight
Water in Vinyl Acetate at 20C 1.0% by weight

15
For further information
BP
Logistics Technical & Safety Unit
Building A
Chertsey Road
Sunbury-on-Thames
Middlesex
TW16 7LL
UK

www.bpchemicals.com
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY BP accepts no liability whatsoever (except as otherwise expressly
Information contained in this publication is accurate to the best of the provided by law) arising out of the use of information supplied, the
knowledge of BP p.l.c. application or processing of the products described herein, the use of
other materials in lieu of BP materials in conjunction with such other
Any information or advice obtained from BP otherwise than by means of materials.
this publication and whether relating to BP materials or other materials, is
also given in good faith. However, it remains at all times, the responsibility Published by BP p.l.c.
of the customer to ensure that BP materials are suitable for the particular BP p.l.c.
purpose intended. October 2001
Insofar as materials not manufactured or supplied by BP are used in bp, and the Helios mark are trade marks of BP p.l.c.
conjunction with or instead of BP materials, the customer should ensure Designed by LTD Design Consultants
that he has received from the manufacturer or supplier all the technical Printed by Clement & Foster
data and other information relating to such materials. 208a/2001/1000GB