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API RP 2021 Document Information:
Title
Management of Atmospheric Storage Tank Fires
American Petroleum Institute
Publication Date:
May 1, 2001
Scope:
This recommended practice provides information to assist management and fire suppression personnel to manage the needs associated with safely fighting fires in above ground atmospheric storage tanks. The discussion includes planning, preparation, suppression, investigation and follow-up activities as shown in Figure 1.
If a liquid at a petroleum facility can burn and is stored in an unheated tank at atmospheric pressure, it fits the scope of this publication. Fires can be fueled by flammable or combustible liquids ranging from gasoline to lube oil, asphalt or crude oil. Some chemicals used in the petroleum industry fit this scope. Heated tanks are not addressed in this publication, but are the subject of API 2023.
This publication is based on industry experience. It emphasizes planning and preparation along with practical tank fire suppression strategy and tactical guidelines. Guidance and precautions address developing and implementing fire suppression plans for fighting fires in and around flammable and combustible liquid atmospheric storage tanks. A review of fire suppression agents is provided; emphasis is on firefighting foam, with dry chemical agents discussed for seal fires and vents. It should be understood that this document provides basic guidelines. Its application must remain flexible to relate to changing technology, philosophy and regulations. Appendix N provides “Lessons Learned” information organized in the same general categories shown in Figure 1.
This publication specifically excludes fighting fires in tanks containing pressurized gases (see API Publs 2510 and 2510A) and nonmetallic tanks. Detailed discussion of types of fire protection equipment and maintenance are also outside the scope of this publication. They are covered in publications such as API Publ 2001, NFPA 11, NFPA 30 and the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook ; further references are noted in Section 2.
There may be situations in which it may not be possible, or appropriate, to mount an aggressive attack to extinguish a fire (as noted in 6.6). In most cases, if sufficient resources are available, extinguishing tank fires is conceptually simple. When enough of an appropriate extinguishing agent (fire-fighting foam) is properly applied to the burning fuel surface, the fire goes out. If the foam blanket is maintained until the fuel and tank metal are sufficiently cooled, the fire stays out. Accomplishing these conceptual goals involves both art and science—and provides a significant logistical challenge in addition to the fire suppression challenge. This publication provides guidance to assist understanding and systematically addressing these challenges.
While this publication provides guidance for fighting tank fires, in considering tank fire issues it is prudent to review prevention of such fires. Preventing tank fires is preferable to fighting them. Section 5 and Appendix I provide brief discussions of fire prevention issues. Appendix O briefly reviews personal protective equipment for firefighters in the tank fire environment.
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