hc

1. GS EP SAF 341
LOCATION AND PROTECTION OF ONSHORE
HYDROCARBON STORAGE
REVISION 03

2. 2
• Integration of the 12 design requirements of the REX
Buncefield,
• Simplification (avoidance of repetitions of what is written
in other GSs),
• General revision (old version based on obsolete
regulations, development of some chapters and
rearrangement).
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
MAIN CHANGES

3. 3
12 design requirements based on API 2530:
1- Four level measures : maximum Operating level, HL (alarm),
HHL (actions), Overfill level.
2- Each tank to be equipped by ATG (continuous monitoring), a
HL and HHL sensors all independent from each others OR
ATGS be able to be read from the control center providing
also HL measurement + independent HHL sensor.
3 and 4- HL and HHL generates an alarm in the control center. A
default of the sensor as well.
5- On HL and HHL alarms, stop of transfer of liquids.
Communication means shall be tested before the transfer or
done via a audible and visual alarm at transporter control
location. If automatic, watchdog system to be implemented
(test of the link and send a warning).
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
REX BUNCEFIELD

4. 4
6- If HHL detection -> flow to the tank is over automatically via
pump shutdown or valve closure except for tank transfer from
other tank or from production units operated by the same
operator. Attention shall be paid to water hammer effects.
System to be designed in accordance with API 2530
requirements and ANSI/ISA 84.00.01 for new facilities.
7- Actions related to HHL detection shall be done manually in case
of failure of the instrumentation loop.
8- In case of failure of the HHL instrumentation loop, redundant
means to terminate the flow to the tank, different from the HHL
automatic action (see item 6) shall be provided. This
redundancy shall be operational manually or automatically in
case of overfill or pool fire in the bund. This may be done, for
instance, via a valve situated at the battery limit.
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
REX BUNCEFIELD

5. 5
9- Additional requirements are applicable in case of transfer to
unattended facilities:
• Data and alarms monitored by Transporter
• If HL detection -> automatic actions to terminate flow to tanks.
• HHL shutdown loop shall not be based on actions of a remote
location/third party.
• Entire overflow prevention system shall be compliant with IEC
61511-2 requirements. Termination of the transfer shall be done
by two independent equipment at least and SIL certified.
10- A secondary containment shall be provided and fully tight. The
need of a third shall be studied if needed.
11- Congested areas (bushes and trees for instance) shall be avoided
in tanks bunds and farms.
12- HC detection sensor shall be located in the bund of the tank. It may
be a gas and/or a liquid detector according to TRA and site
constraints. Detection shall initiate an alarm in the control room.
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
REX BUNCEFIELD

6. 6
• References to appropriate GSs have been done instead
of repeating the content in the GS EP SAF 341.
• It mainly concerns the GS EP SAF 253, GS EP SAF 021
and GS EP SAF 228.
• In a general way, repetitions will be avoided to prevent
from any shift being able to generate derogations…
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
SIMPLIFICATION

7. 7
Update versus French Regulation:
• AM 03rd of October 2010 for HC liquid storage (distance between tanks…)
• AM 02nd of january 2008 for liquefied HC (isolation, overfill and fire protection,…)
Deletion of some undocumented references such as, for HC liquid tanks:
• For emptying operation duration less than 8h, provide a gas blanketing system.
• Maximum distance between fixed foam pourers and any point of the bund
• …
Pressure control: precision on breathing system.
Blanketing:
• Mandatory for fixed roof tanks to prevent air from entering the tank during emptying
operations and to compensate the ambient temperature changes.
• Not mandatory for internal floating roof within fixed roof tanks. However, the risk of tank
collapse during emptying operations remains to be studied.
Bunding for HC liquid tanks:
• In line with French Regulation for the capacities,
• Limit of capacity set at 6000 m² instead of 7000m²,
• Expectations concerning possible configurations of sub-compartimentation of bunds.
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
GENERAL REVISION: MAIN MODIFICATIONS FOR HC LIQUID TANKS

8. 8
• Active fire protection : application rate and duration
following AM 02/01/2008,
• Fire & Gas detection : Fire and Gas detection coverage
details (in accordance with RC referential),
• Passive Fire Protection - > NFPA 58,
• Isolation system: changes on overfill detection levels.
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
GENERAL REVISION: MAIN MODIFICATIONS FOR VESSELS FOR
LIQUEFIED HC

9. 9
Addition of a new section : particular cases
• Geodesic domes,
• Double wall tanks,
• Storages of polar and sulfur laden products,
• Tanks with handling temperature above 100 °C.
GS EP SAF 341 rev 03 – Location and protection of onshore HC storage
GENERAL REVISION: MAIN MODIFICATIONS