1 Module 4: Storage and Dispensing Locations

2 Objective Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to discuss common locations for storage & dispensing of ethanol-blended fuels. It will provide a basic understanding of these storage/dispensing sites.

3 Introduction Recognition of storage locations in the community: –Production facilities –Bulk tank farms –Rail transload –Farm cooperatives –Construction sites –Retail fueling stations

4 Storage of EBFs Production Facility Ethanol storage at production facility: –Ethanol tanks (1 & 2) –Denaturant tank (3) Tanks are identified by markings 12 3

5 Copyright 2009, IAFC Storage of EBFs Production Facility

6 Typically stored in conventional carbon steel storage tanks –May be smaller than other tanks at terminal 3 general types of storage tanks: –Cone roof (closed-top) tanks –External floating roof (EFR) tanks have open top with a floating pan –Internal floating roof (IFR) tanks with closed top & internal floating pan Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

7 Internal floating roof (IFR) tanks: –Closed roof –Internal floating pan –Eyebrow venting –Proper markings –Fire protection Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

8 Built-in fire protection systems: –Fixed systems: Combination of devices permanently installed Provide fire protection Can be activated manually and/or by detection device Fire protection systems should meet current industry standards & codes Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

9 Fixed foam system Copyright 2009, IAFC Built-in fire protection systems Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

10 Fire Protection Systems

11 Pre-planning for potential incidents at tank farm facilities is extremely important Fire departments that help provide protection to tank farm facilities should have: –Access to high-flow fire fighting foam equipment –Large supplies of compatible AR-AFFF foam available on hand Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

12 Consortiums between multiple tank farm operations & fire department Built-in fire suppression systems currently best protection for large storage tanks Fire department personnel should be familiar with systems & pre-calculate required flow rates Pre-plan operations supplying systems Practice exercise at least annually Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

13 Challenges: –Provide limited access for fire fighting equipment –Ensure adequate water supplies in area –Contend with containment dikes & their systems –Include miles of exposed product piping –Include loading rack facilities Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

14 Spill containment dikes usually designed to contain largest tank in facility Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals Copyright 2009, IAFC

15 Pre-fire planning extremely important Pre-established working relations between fire department & facility operators Property of Wikimedia ® Commons, reprinted with permission Property of Wikimedia ® Commons reprinted with permission Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

16 Small bulk plant & distribution facilities –Smaller bulk distribution storage facilities may pose greatest challenge to local fire departments Possibilities include: –No fire protection –Unstaffed –Limited site resources Flammable liquid fuels stored at facilities in modest quantities Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Terminals

17 Vertical storage tanks –Also known as “dome roof” tanks –Bolted vs. welded construction –Differences in fire behavior if not constructed to API 650 specifications Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Facilities

18 Small storage tanks –Horizontal –Vertical Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Facilities

19 Storage of EBFs Bulk Storage Facilities

20 Transloading Sites

21 Majority have underground storage tanks Relatively small in storage volume, large in number throughout the U.S. May/may not have vapor recovery systems associated with sites Larger volume retail fueling stations may have above-ground storage tanks Storage of EBFs Retail Dispensing Stations

22 EBF normally stored in: –Underground tanks –Small volume above-ground steel tanks Vertical/horizontal design Filled by highway cargo tankers E10 distributed to ~160,000 fueling sites E85 distributed to thousands of fueling sites Storage of EBFs Retail Dispensing Stations

23 Stored in horizontal underground tanks –Location of: Emergency shut-off valves Loading & unloading points vary Risers for multiple tanks color-coded/marked to identify product Property of Hildebrand and Noll, reprinted with permission Storage of EBFs Retail Dispensing Stations

24 Summary Most commonly found ethanol-blended fuel at terminal facilities is denatured fuel ethanol Facilities that are equipped with fixed fire suppression systems should be pre-planned Pre-planning for potential events at tank farm facilities extremely important Small, bulk, & farm sites have varying amounts of EBFs stored Retail fueling stations may have small storage, however sheer number may require additional planning

25 Activity 4.1: Ethanol in Your Jurisdiction Purpose: –To allow participants to determine the potential for ethanol emergency in their jurisdictions.