NFPA World Fire Safety Congress

May 15, 2000

Container ProtectionContainer ProtectionCriteria Changes inCriteria Changes in

Chapter 4 of NFPA 30Chapter 4 of NFPA 30(2000)(2000)

Presented byPresented by

Joseph L. Joseph L. ScheffeyScheffey, P.E., P.E.Director of R&DDirector of R&D

Project ofProject of

The Fire Protection ResearchThe Fire Protection ResearchFoundationFoundation

!! Dow CorningDow CorningCorporationCorporation

!! Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company

!! Greif Greif BrothersBrothersCorporationCorporation

!! Hoover MaterialsHoover MaterialsHandling Group, Inc.Handling Group, Inc.

!! HSB Industrial RiskHSB Industrial RiskInsurersInsurers

!! J&H Marsh &J&H Marsh &McLennanMcLennan

!! National FireNational FireProtection AssociationProtection Association

!! Phoenix FirePhoenix FireDepartmentDepartment

!! Schultz ContainerSchultz ContainerSystems, Inc.Systems, Inc.

!! SiliconesSiliconesEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Health& Safety Council& Safety Council

!! UnderwritersUnderwritersLaboratories, Inc.Laboratories, Inc.

!! Van Leer Containers,Van Leer Containers,Inc.Inc.

!! Viking CorporationViking Corporation

!! Westland Westland OilOilCompany, Inc.Company, Inc.

Technical DirectionTechnical Direction

Technical Advisory CommitteeTechnical Advisory Committee

Hughes Associates, Inc.

ObjectiveObjective

Identify methods to protectIdentify methods to protectIBCsIBCs Storing Combustible and Storing Combustible andFlammable Liquids when storedFlammable Liquids when storedin racksin racks

ApproachApproach

!! Repeat IRI plastic drum faceRepeat IRI plastic drum facefire test scenariofire test scenario-- 1:1 Comparative results1:1 Comparative results

!! Start with current NFPA 30Start with current NFPA 30water protection criteriawater protection criteria-- If successfulIf successful

•• Different protection schemesDifferent protection schemes(AFFF)(AFFF)

•• Effects of Class IIIB (motor oil)Effects of Class IIIB (motor oil)commoditycommodity

-- If unsuccessfulIf unsuccessful•• Use IRI “surround and drown”Use IRI “surround and drown”

General Plan View of Rack Storage Array ShowingCurrent NFPA 30 Water Protection of Portable Tanks

(Table 4-8.2a)

General Plan View of Rack Storage Array ShowingCurrent AFFF Protection of Portable Tanks

(Table 4-8.2(c))

!! MaterialsMaterials-- IBC Units 9, 20 and 21 fromIBC Units 9, 20 and 21 from

previous test seriesprevious test series

-- Blow molded: 275 gal.Blow molded: 275 gal.

!! SetupSetup-- Water-filledWater-filled IBCs IBCs with 1 gal. with 1 gal.

HeptaneHeptane at at ullage ullage

-- 22 gpm gpm face fire face fire•• No initial spillNo initial spill

Test 1Test 1

Plan View for Test 1

Using NFPA 30 Protection Criteria

Results of Test 1Results of Test 1

Fire Test No. 1 Storage Array Collapse

Fire Test No. 1 – Storage Array Collapse

Fire Test No. 1 – Damage to East Upright Fire Test No. 1 – Damage to West Upright

Test 2Test 2

Plan View for Test 2

Using Horizontal Barrier Protection Scheme

Results of Test 2Results of Test 2!! 7 sprinklers in main array7 sprinklers in main array

!! 6 sprinklers in target array6 sprinklers in target array

!! 2 ceiling sprinklers2 ceiling sprinklers

(5:15 and 5:36)(5:15 and 5:36)

Test 3Test 3

Plan View for Test 3

Using Modified Horizontal Barrier Protection Scheme

Results of Test 3Results of Test 3!! 9 sprinklers in main array9 sprinklers in main array

!! 2 sprinklers in target array2 sprinklers in target array

!! 2 ceiling sprinklers2 ceiling sprinklers

(5:07 and 5:43)(5:07 and 5:43)

Plan View for Test 4R

Modified NFPA 30 Protection Criteria

Using AFFF

Test 4R

Results of Test 4RResults of Test 4R

THE FIRE RESEARCH FOUNDATION IBC RACK STORAGE TEST #4RUPRIGHT STEEL TEMPERATURES

ALTERNATING LEVEL FLUE SPRINKLERS ON 4 FT. CENTERS, 30 GPM AFFF SOLUTION

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

Time (Min)

(Deg

C)

WEST UPRIGHT

EAST UPRIGHT

CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:IBC TEST SPECIFICIBC TEST SPECIFIC

For the Scenario TestedFor the Scenario Tested

!! Rack elements must be protected to preventRack elements must be protected to preventstructural failurestructural failure-- Close proximity sprinklers (e.g., at least on the sameClose proximity sprinklers (e.g., at least on the same

level)level)

-- Actuation in a timely manner (e.g., within one minuteActuation in a timely manner (e.g., within one minute))

!! IBCs were protected using a combination of:IBCs were protected using a combination of:-- Horizontal barriersHorizontal barriers

-- In-rack water sprinklersIn-rack water sprinklers

!! Fire spread to target arrays occurredFire spread to target arrays occurred-- Controlled by in-rack and ceiling sprinklersControlled by in-rack and ceiling sprinklers

!! AFFF had no significant impact on the Test 1AFFF had no significant impact on the Test 1protection schemeprotection scheme-- Timely sprinkler actuation and proximity of dischargeTimely sprinkler actuation and proximity of discharge

were key factorswere key factors

Questions orQuestions orCommentsComments

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