New York City has some of the most stringent fuel storage regulations in the world. Updated codes and standards has resulted in planned systems being rejected by NYC Inspectors during the Fuel Storage Inspection.
Common Reasons for Failed Inspections
1. Fuel-oil tanks built to standards of UL142 being improperly vented as opposed to the alternate tank design and construction standards of Section 1305.14, which does not require emergency relief venting per Section 1305.8.
2. Rooftop tanks being vented openly as opposed to in compliance with Section 305.8.3, which require that the vent piping shall be piped, in an approved manner, into the vent or top of the tank of the lowest floor storage tank that supplies the fuel to such tank.
3. Rooftop tank vent lines being combined with the fuel-oil return line as opposed to running in separate fuel-oil vent line as per the approved manner that is discussed in Section 1305.8.3.
Definitions
1. UL142 Fuel-Oil Tank – A tank that is designed and manufactured in conformance with Underwriters Laboratories’ UL-142 specifications and so labeled. The tank will be designed and constructed to 5PSI and will be provided with emergency relief venting on both the primary and secondary.
2. NYC Alternate Design and Construction Tank (“NYC 25PSI Tank”) – A tank that is designed and manufactured in conformance with Section 1305.14 Alternate tank design and construction standards. The tank will be designed and constructed to 25PSI and will NOT be provided with emergency relief venting
Recommended Solutions
1. For tanks located inside of buildings on the lowest floor (i.e., basement tanks), it is best to provide a single-wall, NYC 25PSI Tank with proper labels, inside of a 100% open-rupture basin. Note: Only fuel-oil tanks greater than 660-gallons in storage capacity require a rupture basin per Section 1305.13.2(4), but it is always recommended.
This design eliminates the necessity for emergency vents and, moreover, it meets the requirement to extend these vents outside. Only the normal vent (typically 2”) will need to extend outside.
2. For tanks located inside of buildings above the lowest floor (i.e., rooftop tanks), it is best to provide a single-wall, NYC 25PSI Tank with proper labels, inside of a 200% closed-rupture basin. Note: All fuel-oil tanks above the lowest floor require a rupture basin per Section 1305.13.3(5).
This design eliminates the necessity for emergency vents and, moreover, it meets the requirement to extend these vents back down through the building to the basement tank. Only the 2” normal vent will need to extend to basement.
3. For tanks located inside of buildings above the lowest floor (i.e., rooftop tanks), it is required to extend a fuel-oil vent pipe, in an approved manner, into the vent or top of tank of the lowest floor storage tank that supplies fuel to such tank.
a. This vent cannot open on the roof.
b. This vent must use a pipe solely intend for venting. It cannot be combined with the fuel-oil return piping.
Compliance Expertise
Core Engineered Solutions (CES) has specialized in the design and supply of integrated fuel storage and transfer systems in New York for over 30 years. CES can help. We work with all the principals involved with fuel storage design, installation and operation: code officials, owners, engineers and contractors. It is our mission to ensure the highest standards for safety, compliance and reliability
