Seeking Guidance on LPG Bulk Storage Installation and Fire Safety Requirements

Dear All, We want to install LPG bulk storage (20 KL - 4 Tanks). Can anyone guide us about the statutory process (activities) for the same? Also, for the same storage, how much water quantity storage is required for fire fighting?

Regards,
Abhay

For statutory processes (Activities), you will have to refer to the [Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 1981](http://peso.gov.in/smpv.aspx).

Regards,
Shashikant Fand.

Dear Abhay,

We have 200 MT of LPG storage divided into 2 bullets of 100 MT each.

Information Overview

Name: Propane / LPG
Location: Propane / LPG Storage Yard & associated transfer lines and equipment
Fire Hazards: Pool Fire, Jet Fire, Flash Fire
Explosion Hazards: Vapour Cloud Explosion (VCE), Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE)

Precautions

1. The pipeline is painted to prevent corrosion, and visual inspections are carried out regularly along the route.
2. Pressure indicators, temperature indicators, and safety valves with adequate discharge capacity are provided.
3. Pressure regulators and excess flow check valves are placed appropriately to manage pressure fluctuations and prevent infinite flow in case of pipeline bursting.
4. LP gas detectors and a gas detection system are installed in the burner section to identify gas leakage from the supply system.
5. Active and passive fire protection systems are in place to handle potential fires in the storage, pump house, and compressor areas.
6. Separate feed lines for starting gas and liquid fuels are used to prevent gas migration into the liquid fuel system during startup.
7. A permit system is in place for any hot or cold work in the storage area, pump house, compressors, and transfer lines.
8. Access control is implemented for the storage area.

I am searching for more information that could help address your query better.

Regards,
Hansa Vyas

Dear All,

Thanks for the comments.

@Hansaji, thank you for the precautions.

List of Activities for LPG Bulk Storage Installation

Actually, I am in need of a list of activities for this. For example, what needs to be communicated to DISH for this installation (MAH unit)? Is permission required from the Pollution Control Board? How much quantity of water storage is required for emergencies, etc.

Regards,
Abhay

Dear Abhay,

My personal advice: "Please don't take any chances and seek general guidance on LPG storage and usage." The guidance should come from professionals who have many years of experience in handling safety and statutory requirements. Remember, you or your company will be held responsible for any mishap.

For expert advice, please contact Mec Elec Industries in Mumbai. I believe the contact person is Divekar or Godbole. You can find more information on their website: http://www.mecelec.in/index.php

I had the opportunity to work with them some years ago, and I found them to be very proficient in SMPV act-related tasks, including audits, guidance, and license management.

Remember, safety is paramount. All the best!

Regards,
Rajeev

You may also refer to the following codes:

- IS 6044(PT 1):2000 Code of practice for liquefied petroleum gas storage installations: DEC 00 Part 1 Commercial and industrial cylinder installations (first revision)
- IS 6044(PT 2):2001 Code of practice for liquefied petroleum gas storage installations: FEB 01 Part 2 Commercial, industrial, and domestic bulk storage installations (first revision)

These references may be of some help to you.

Regards,
Hansa