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Storage Tank Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Foam Application Method: Fixed Surface Systems
(Design Reference NFPA 11)

General:
Fixed Surface Application Systems provide a potentially effective method of foam fire protection for vertical, atmospheric
cone roof, internal floating roof, or open floating roof storage tanks containing hydrocarbon or alcohol (water miscible) liquids.
For this application, discharge outlets are commonly referred to as “NFPA 11, Type II foam Chambers”. Foam Chambers can
be sized and installed to provide either full surface fire protection, or seal protection only, when installed on floating roof tanks
with foam dams.

In general, ThunderStorm® solution is proportioned and delivered into the system inlet piping which supplies one or more
topside-mounted foam chambers. Upon entering the foam chamber, foam solution is then: introduced at the designed applica-
tion rate through a calculated orifice and frangible vapor seal; aerated and expanded a nominal 8:1 with air; directed into the tank
through a flanged penetration; deflected down the interior tank shell where it reaches the fuel surface; and (ultimately) delivered
across the burning liquid surface to extinguish the fire.

FUEL STORAGE TANKS- Basic Configurations

Cone Roof Tank Covered Floating Open Floating

Roof Tank Roof Tank

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Storage Tank Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Fixed, Full Surface Foam Application

Design Considerations

• Minimum Application Rates

To determine the minimum application rate, use the following calculations (where tank diameter = D).

Minimum Application Rate =

(D x D) x 0.785 X Min. Application Density

When Application Density is 0.1 Gpm per Sq. Ft:

(D x D) x 0.785 X 0.1

Example for an 80’ Diameter Crude Oil tank:

80 x 80 x 0.785 x 0.1 = 503 gpm minimum application rate.

When Application Density is 0.16 Gpm per Sq. Ft.:

(D x D) x 0.785 X 0.16

Example for an 80’ Diameter Ethanol tank:

80 x 80 x 0.785 x 0.16= 804 gpm minimum application rate.

• Minimum Foam Application Durations.

Combustible liquids (flash point > 100 degree F.)- 30 minutes
Flammable liquids (flash point < 100 degrees F.)- 55 minutes
Crude oils- 55 minutes
Alcohols- 55 minutes

NFPA 11 Recommendation for Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area -

(Hose Streams)*.

Note:
NFPA 11 recommends the following minimum rates for “supplementary foam hose streams” to protect the diked area
from small spills or fires. Minimum flow rates are based on 50 gpm per handline.

Hose Stream Operating Times

Number of Hose Streams Simultaneous operation of required minimum
number of hose streams discharging
Diameter of Minimum No. of at a rate of 50 gpm.
Largest Tank Hose Streams
Diameter of Minimum Operating
up to 65’ 1 Largest tank Time
65’ to 120’ 2 up to 35’ 10 minutes
over 120’ 3 35’ to 95’ 20 minutes
over 95’ 30 minutes

* Refer to Page K9 for Williams’ recommendations regarding Dike Protection.

07012007

PRODUCT INFORMATION 24-HR EMERGENCY

409 - 745 - 3232 409 - 727 - 2347
K3
 www.williamsfire.com

Storage Tank Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Storage Tank Fire Protection

Fixed, Full Surface Foam Application

Design Considerations

• Minimum Foam Concentration Inventories

Calculation for minimum foam inventory:
πr2 x Application Rate x % of Proportioning x Application Duration +
Supplemental Dike Protection (As per NFPA 11)

Example for an 80’ Diameter Tank in Crude Oil Service:

(Foam Concentrate Inventory is ThunderStorm® ATC 1 x 3 AR/AFFF @ 1%)

40 x 40 x 3.14 x 0.1 x 0.01 x 55 + 60 = 889 gallons

Add for 100% Reserve Inventory (if required) + 889 gallons

Total Minimum Foam Inventory 1,778 gallons

Example for a 120’ diameter Tank in Ethanol Service:

(Foam Concentrate Inventory is ThunderStorm® ATC 1 x 3 AR/AFFF @ 3%)

60 x 60 x 3.14 x 0.16 x 0.03 x 55 + 135 = 6,104 gallons

Add for 100% Reserve Inventory (if required) + 6,104 gallons

Total Minimum Foam Inventory 12,208 gallons

• Discharge Outlets (Foam Chambers)

Minimum number of topside foam discharge outlets (chambers for full surface application is listed below). Where two
or more outlets are used the foam chambers should be spaced equally around the tank and each should be designed to deliver
foam at approximately the same discharge rate. Foam chambers should be installed at the top of the tank shell, located above
the product’s highest level. Each chamber should be secured to the tank shell in a way that minimizes the possibility of dam-
age, in the event that the tank’s roof is displaced by a vapor-air explosion. Each chamber should be equipped with a low
pressure frangible vapor seal, as well as a suitable means for inspection.

Tank Diameter Minimum No. of

Discharge Outlets
up to 80’ 1
> 80’-120’ 2
> 120’-140’ 3
> 140’-160’ 4
> 160’-180’ 5
> 180’-200’ 6

07012007

PRODUCT INFORMATION 24-HR EMERGENCY

409 - 745 - 3232 409 - 727 - 2347
K4