There is a conflict in the spacing requirements for LPG vaporizers to a container in NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, and NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code. NFPA 58 Table 6.22.3.6 provide the minimum distance for all vaporizers to a container as 10 feet whereas NFPA 59 Table 9.5.2.4 is listed at 50 feet. These spacing requirements were believed to be based on the larger potential release from the “utility systems” covered by the NFPA 59 standard. However, the NFPA Technical Committees wish to gain a better understanding of the different vaporizer system hazards to better evaluate the potential risks.
Research goal: This main goal of the project is to conduct a technical literature review to collect quantitative data on the following from publications/research papers: (1) amount of radiant heat emitted by various sized LPG pool fires at various distances; (2) determine the heat flux values that will cause LPG storage tanks to fail. Compile these information and document knowledge gaps in a report. The final report from this research will provide quantitative information on LPG fire hazards to the NFPA 58 and 59 Technical Committees, which may be used in revisions to the standards.
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