One thing to also consider is how the raw materials are being introduced into the process (open or closed process) and where they are stored, type of containers, what is done with emptied containers, where is the filling taking place and into what type of containers, where are filled containers stored?
A big thing I picked up at a recent Underwriter's meeting was the increase in use of PLASTIC containers, vessels and pallets being used in modern industrial facilities along with the unplanned short term storage for such items in areas not planned as storage areas when real estate gets tight. Emptied plastic totes and knock down crating create some unique fire fighting challenges. The IBC also limits the amount of these materials in process areas, it's probably unlikely you'll exceed that qty for a IIIB in the sq. ft. of area you mentioned. But also find out what the other ingredients will be and what is and isn't allowed for those items. Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Group Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.lg.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Pinigis Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 5:18 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Biodiesel mfg Biodiesel is vegetable oil, and likely a Class IIIB combustible liquid. You should question the classification considering that the flash point of vegetable oil is very high. The following is from an FM document: "The closed cup flash point of the tested vegetable oil was 450°F (232°C)" Even if this was an oil-cooking facility the density would only be 0.25 gpm/sf over 3,000 sq ft (per FM standard on oil cooking equipment). Paul J. Pinigis, P.E. Chief Life Safety Engineer -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Todd Williams - work Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 5:02 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Biodiesel mfg I have been asked to look at some criteria for a small (2500 sqft) biodiesel processing facility. Someone (I'm not sure who) defined this as a Class !B flammable liquid and called for a 0.40 gpm/sqft density over the entire building area. While I'm not necessarily challenging this, I cannot find anything to verify it. NFPA 13 and 30 seem to focus more on storage than processing. Has anyone else run into this yet? Todd G. Williams, PE Fire Protection Design/Consulting Stonington, Connecticut 860-535-2080 www.fpdc.com _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
