Petroleum Equipment Institute PEI RP 200 Recommended Practices for Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems for Motor Vehicle Fueling

Question 1

To which types of tanks do the recommended practices in this document apply? (PEI RP200-13, Section 1.3)

Answer 1

aboveground, stationary, shop fabricated tanks and associated piping, and equipment intended to dispense gasoline, diesel and related petroleum products into motor vehicles at commercial an retail service stations and marinas

Question 2

What type of a plan may be required by federal regulations if a facility could reasonably be expected to discharge product to navigable waters? (PEI RP200-13, Section 1.8)

Answer 2

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan

Question 3

From whom should approval of aboveground storage facilities be sought? What other agencies may be involved in granting approvals for aboveground tank installations? (PEI RP200-13, Section 1.9)

Answer 3

Local authorites, in addition to state and national codes

Question 4

How must aboveground tanks be positioned with regard to property lines and buildings? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.3)

Answer 4

Aboveground tanks must be postioned to meet the setback and distance from buildings requirements of the local juristiction

Question 5

How much space should be provided between tanks to allow for passage and inspection? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.4)

Answer 5

To allow passage between tanks for inspection, provide a minimum spacing equivalent to 1/6 of the sum of the adjacent tank diameters, but not less than three feet.

Question 6

When aboveground tanks are installed at retail service stations, they are typically required to be separated by substantial distances from which parts of the facility? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.6)

Answer 6

dispenser islands, buildings, filling points, and property lines

Question 7

In general, how do requirements for commercial fleet facilities differ from requirements for retail service stations? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.7)

Answer 7

They are not open to the public and are limited to their own fleet usually so no mininmum separtion of tanks and dispensers may be required. Distance to property lines and buildings may be less restrictive as well

Question 8

What traffic flow characteristics are desirable for the off-loading area for an aboveground tank? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.10)

Answer 8

Dispensing should be easily accessible and located where it will not interfere with other traffic flow

Question 9

How shall aboveground tanks be protected from vandalism and accidental damage? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.13)

Answer 9

by Installing Bollards, concrete wheel stops, fencing, and other barriers

Question 10

Where should aboveground tanks be located with regard to underground utilities or overhead power lines? (PEI RP200-13, Section 2.15)

Answer 10

They should not be located above underground utilities or directly beneath over head lines

Question 11

When the ability of the soil beneath an aboveground tank to bear the weight of the fully loaded tank is questionable, what are three solutions that a storage system designer should consider? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.3)
a)

b)

c)

Answer 11

Replacing subsoil
Placing reinforced concrete slab on grade or on pilings
Stablizing fine soil with geotextile or compacted mixture of hydrated lime, dry cement, or pulverized soil

Only a qualified individulal should determine the method used

Question 12

When constructing an aboveground tank foundation, what are appropriate materials to use for the base course? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.5)

Answer 12

Crushed stone

Question 13

How can a suitable foundation for vertical tanks be constructed? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.6)

Answer 13

A suitable foundation for vertical tanks can be constructed with a finished course of clean, compacted sand, gravel, or crushed rock that is placed over the base course.

Question 14

Where is a sand cushion typically used when installing an aboveground tank? (PEI RP200-13, Figure 3.2)

Answer 14

Between a concrete slab and tank bottom

Question 15

How high above the surrounding ground surface should the surface on which a vertical tank bottom rests be located? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.6)

Answer 15

At least 6 inches

Question 16

What materials may be used for constructing saddle supports for horizontal tanks? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.7)

Answer 16

Saddle supports for hor­ izontal tanks may be constructed of steel or reinforced concrete, and must be installed on a firm and stable foundation.

Question 17

After setting a horizontal tank, how should any residual tilt be corrected? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.7)

Answer 17

with full width shims

Question 18

Under what circumstances should the saddle supports for horizontal tanks have two-hour fire protection? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.7)

Answer 18

When the tank saddles are higher than 12 inches

Question 19

When tank saddles are not seal-welded to the tank shell, what materials should be used to isolate the tank shell from the saddle support? What materials are NOT acceptable? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.7.1)

Answer 19

To protect the tank coating, which provides protection against corrosion, carefully isolate the saddles from the tank shell through the use of a dielectric mate­rial.
Information on appropriate isolation materials is available from the tank manufacturer. Roofing felt or concrete expansion joint material is not acceptable

Question 20

Aboveground tanks located in what type of area must be protected against flotation? (PEI RP200-13, Section 3.9)

Answer 20

Areas subject to flooding

Question 21

What is the purpose of constructing dikes around aboveground tanks and associated piping? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.1)

Question 22

What should be the minimum volumetric capacity of a diked area? Can local jurisdictions require additional capacity? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.2)

Answer 22

A dike must be able to hold the greatest volume of product that may be released by the largest tank within the dike. Additional dike capacity may be required to allow for rainwater accumulation in the dike or to provide an additional margin of safety.

Question 23

Within the diked area, what should be the slope from the tank to the dike base? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.7)

Answer 23

Minimum 1inch per 8 linear feet

Question 24

What are appropriate materials for construction of dike walls? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.3)

Answer 24

Dike walls may be constructed of earth, steel, concrete, or solid masonry

Question 25

What types of materials may be used to form an impervious barrier on the walls and bottom of a diked area? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.4)

Answer 25

The walls and bottom of a diked area may consist of specially formulated and well­ compacted clay, solid pavement, coatings, or impervious-membrane liners. Concrete, made impervious, may be used.

Question 26

How should piping and conduit be routed with respect to the dike walls and floor? What should be done if penetration through the dike wall is absolutely unavoidable? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.5)

Answer 26

Piping and conduit should pass over the top of the dike. Where penetration of the dike wall or floor is absolutely unavoidable, the penetration should be sleeved and sealed so that it is liquid tight

Question 27

What is the usual minimum distance between the outside base of the dike and any property line? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.6)

Answer 27

NO closer than 10 feet

Question 28

Where should drainage control points for diked areas be located? (PEI RP200-13, Section 4.7)

Answer 28

outside the diked area

Question 29

What is the definition of “special enclosure” when referring to a flammable liquid storage tank? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.10)

Answer 29

Special enclosures are liquid and vapor tight, not backfilled, and constructed of at least 6 inches of reinforced concrete. They may have openings for inspection only in the top. Tank connections should be designed to prevent liquids and vapors from entering the space between the tank(s) and the special enclosure

Question 30

What types of forces should tank vaults be designed to resist? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.2)

Answer 30

Vaults should be resistant to earthquakes, hurricane-force winds, and hydrostatic forces

Question 31

For vaults located aboveground, roofs should be constructed of materials weaker than materials used for construction of the walls and floor. Why is this? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.2)

Answer 31

Vaults located above ground should have roofs constructed of materials that are weaker than materials used for construction of the walls and floor to ensure that in the event of an explosion, the thrust of the explosion will be directed upward.

Question 32

What type of safety procedures must be followed when entering a tank vault? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.3)

Answer 32

Confined space entry safety procedures

Question 33

What are three requirements for normal tank vents for tanks installed inside of vaults? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.4) a) b) c)

Answer 33

extend outside the vault, terminate not less than 12ft above general grade, and be located at least 5ft from building openings

Question 34

How should tank vaults be protected from vehicular collision? (PEI RP200-13, Section 5.8)

Answer 34

bollards, posts, curbs, or berms.

Question 35

Under what circumstance can a tank designed for use underground be used for aboveground storage? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.1)

Answer 35

never

Question 36

Underwriters Laboratories standard 142 prescribes requirements for what type of tanks? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.2.1)

Answer 36

the UL 142 standard prescribes details for welds, flanges, bracing, and flat bulkheads of compartmented tanks

Question 37

What items should be checked for damage or imperfections prior to installation? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.4)

Answer 37

Inspect tanks and all other materials when they are delivered and before they are installed to verify that they are not visibly damaged and that their coatings are intact

Question 38

How should tanks be handled at the job site? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.5 and WARNING)

Answer 38

Tanks should not be dropped, dragged, or handled with sharp objects. Any movement of the tank on the job site should be accomplished with lifting cable or chains attached to lifting lugs provided

Question 39

What are two methods that should NOT be used to dispense product from aboveground tanks? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.2) a) b)

Answer 39

Product dispensing from aboveground tanks should not be accomplished by pressurizing the tank or by gravity flow.

Question 40

In remote pumping systems, does the supply piping operate under pressure, suction or gravity? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.2)

Answer 40

Remote-pumping systems employ a pump that is located in, on, or near the aboveground tank to move product under pressure to a remote-dispensing location.

Question 41

At which tank openings should fire valves be installed? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.3)

Answer 41

Install a fire valve at any tank opening where stored product could flow by gravity.

Question 42

How many block valves should a piping system contain? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.4)

Answer 42

A piping system should contain a sufficient number of lockable block valves to allow the tank and piping to be isolated and secured. Each connection to an aboveground tank, through which product normally flows, should be provided with a block valve that is located as close as practical to the shell of the tank.

Question 43

Under what condition will a pressure regulating valve installed underneath a suction pump allow product to flow? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.2.1, Figure 7.2)

Answer 43

The pressure-regulating valve is open only when the suction pump is operating and a vacuum is present on the pump side of the valve. To function properly, install the pressure-regulating valve directly under the suction pump and limit the hose length to 14 feet. Longer hose lengths or pressure-regulating valves located away from the suction-pump inlet may delay the closing of the valve, resulting in a release of fuel from the air eliminator.

Question 44

If a pressure regulating valve is installed in a suction pumping system, what is the maximum dispensing hose length allowed? Why is this? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.2.1)

Answer 44

14 ft

Question 45

External fire valves should be constructed of what material? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.3)

Answer 45

steel or nodular iron to prevent failure under fire conditions.

Question 46

What does an anti-siphon valve prevent? Where should it be located? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.5)

Answer 46

Where the liquid level in a tank is at a higher elevation than the supply piping or dispensing unit, a leak in the piping or dispenser can create a siphon and result in a continuous release. For both suction- and remote-pumping systems, install a valve to prevent gravity-discharge flow into the supply piping when the dispenser is not in use. Locate the valve adjacent to and downstream of the block valve at the tank outlet.

Question 47

Which portions of aboveground piping should be equipped with a pressure relief device? (PEI RP200-13, Section 7.7)

Answer 47

Pro­ vide pressure relief for any segment of piping that could be subjected to thermal expansion.

Question 48

How close to the tank bottom should an internal fill tube be installed? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.2.1)

Answer 48

To minimize the generation of static electricity, fire codes typically require that product inlets entering the tank top extend to within 6 inches of the tank bottom and that they be installed to minimize vibration. A 1/8 inch hole may be drilled in the submerged-fill tube near the top of the tank to prevent fuel from siphon­ing through the fill piping. To protect the tank bottom, the lowest point of the fill tube should be no less than 4 inches above the tank bottom

Question 49

Should gasoline and diesel tanks share the same fill piping? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.2.1)

Answer 49

NO they can not share the same fill piping

Question 50

What should be installed on the fill pipe if deliveries are to be made directly into the top of the tank? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.2.2)

Answer 50

Provide a spill container around the fill pipe to prevent the spillage of fuel when the delivery hose is discon­ nected. An oveifill prevention valve that automatically clos­ es when the liquid level in the tank reaches a set point can be used to partially fulfill overfill protection requirements.

Question 51

What is the leading cause of product release from aboveground tanks? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.2.3)

Answer 51

Overfilling

Question 52

At what liquid level in an aboveground tank should an overfill alarm sound? At what liquid level should flow into the tank be stopped? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.2.3)

Answer 52

Overfill-protection systems should sound an audible or visual alarm when the liquid level of the tank approaches the maximum allowable fill level and should automatically shut off the flow of fuel to the tank when the maximum allowable fill level is reached.

Question 53

When gauging systems are installed in aboveground tanks, what type of cover should be provided for the tank opening? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.4)

Answer 53

tank-top opening that is equipped with a lockable, vapor­ tight, non-sparking cover that can be used to manually gauge the tank contents.

Question 54

What is the maximum normal operating pressure for an aboveground tank? What is the maximum pressure allowed under emergency venting conditions? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.5)

Answer 54

Aboveground tanks are limited to ser­ vice at 1.0 psig maximum internal operating pressure and to 2.5 psig under emergency-venting conditions

Question 55

Why is normal venting necessary? What features may normal tank vents also include? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.5.1, Figure 8-3)

Answer 55

Normal venting is nec­essary to prevent tank distortion due to excess internal pressure or vacuum resulting from filling, emptying, or ambient-temperature changes. In addition to allowing tanks to "breathe," normal tank vents may include features to exclude precipitation, prevent flame propagation, or remain closed until certain pressure or vacuum conditions are met.

Question 56

What do emergency vents provide for? Where are emergency vents required? (PEI RP200-13, Section 8.5.2)

Answer 56

Emergency vents provide for vapor release in the event of excessive pressure build-up resulting from exposure of the tank to fire. Emergency venting is required for both the tank and the interstice of secondarily contained tanks. Interstices of double-walled tanks are required to vent with sufficient capacity to vent the combined volume of the primary tank and the interstice by use of a properly sized emergency vent or by form of construction.

Question 57

What are acceptable materials for aboveground piping? (PEI RP200-13, Section 9.2)

Answer 57

. Aboveground pip­ing may be threaded, flanged, or welded Schedule 40 galvanized or painted/coated black steel pipe. Use com­patible 150# nodular iron or steel fittings, flanges, and couplings and 250/300# ground joint unions. Do not use low-melting-point materials such as fiberglass, brass, or aluminum for aboveground piping. Nonmetallic piping and flexible connectors should be listed specifically for aboveground use.

Question 58

What piping material should not be used for diesel fuel? (PEI RP200-13, Section 9.2)

Answer 58

Do not use galvanized pipe for diesel fuel, kerosene, or jet fuel storage systems

Question 59

How should underground piping associated with an aboveground tank be sloped? (PEI RP200-13, Section 10.4)

Answer 59

slope of 1/8 inch per foot to a low-point.

Question 60

In traffic areas, piping trenches for underground piping should be deep enough to allow for what thickness of bedding material? What thickness of compacted backfill material and paving? (PEI RP200-13, Section 10.4)

Answer 60

In traffic areas, ensure that the trench is sufficiently deep to permit 6 inches of bedding and at least 18 inches of compacted backfill material and pave­ment over the piping.

Question 61

When galvanic cathodic protection is applied to underground steel piping, what must be done to submerged pumps, dispensers, tanks and other metallic components that are NOT intended to be protected by the galvanic cathodic protection system? (PEI RP200-13, Section 11.5) NOTE: When impressed current cathodic protection is used, all metallic components should be electrically continuous.

Answer 61

Galvanic cathodic protection, using magnesium or zinc anodes, may be used to provide corrosion protection to steel structures that are in contact with the soil. Verify that protected structures are electrically continuous. Bond isolated piping that is to be protected with #12TW or THHN stranded or solid wire. Electrically isolate structures that are protected with galvanic anodes from all other unprotected storage­ system components through the use of isolation bushings or flanges. Take special care to isolate galvanically pro­tected components from metallic conduit and the facility electrical ground.

Question 62

What three items should tank coatings be inspected for prior to installing the tank? (PEI RP200-13, Section 11.3)

Answer 62

inspected for thickness, pinholes (holidays), and hardness prior to installing the tank.

Question 63

What type of leak detection should be installed on underground pressurized piping? (PEI RP200-13, Section 12.2.3)

Answer 63

Install a line-leak detector that is capa­ble of detecting leaks of 3 gallons per hour (at 10 psi pressure) whenever a remote-pumping system (see Section 7.2) is used with below-grade piping. For maximum environmental protection, second­ ary containment of the below-grade piping with continuous monitoring in addition to a line-leak detector is recommended.

Question 64

Why is it important to control vapor emissions during fuel transfer operations? (PEI RP200-13, Section 12.3)

Answer 64

reducing air pollution and is required in some areas

Question 65

Why should sensing devices used in interstitial spaces be easily accessible? (PEI RP200-13, Section 12.2.1)

Answer 65

When sensing devices are utilized in interstitial spaces they should be easily accessed for testing and maintenance.

Question 66

Why should sensing devices used in interstitial spaces be easily accessible? (PEI RP200-13, Section 12.2.1)

Answer 66

When sensing devices are utilized in interstitial spaces they should be easily accessed for testing and maintenance.

Question 67

What are four ways of performing volumetric methods of release detection? (PEI RP200-13, Section 12.2)

Answer 67

visual inspection, Secondary containment, volumetric methods, piping release detection

Question 68

In addition to state and local electrical codes, aboveground tank installations should conform to national electrical codes as well. What abbreviation is commonly used to refer to the national electrical code? What organization publishes the national electrical code? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.1)

Answer 68

The National Electrical Code NFPA 70 published by the National Fire Protection Association

Question 69

In the national electrical code, what is the distinction between Division 1 and Division 2 locations? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.2)

Answer 69

In Division 1 locations, flammable vapors are usually present in ignitable concentrations. In Division 2 locations, flam­mable vapors can be expected to be present infrequently and only under abnormal conditions.

Question 70

What is an “emergency shut-off?” Where is it located? What does it do? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.4)

Answer 70

switch that will cut off the power to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency. Locate the switch between 20 and 100 feet from the dispensers.

Question 71

What should be used to protect vertical tank bottoms that rest directly on soil or concrete? (PEI RP200-13, Section 11.3.1)

Answer 71

with a coating and or cathodic protection

Question 72

What should be done to electrical conduits entering or leaving classified areas to prevent the migration of fumes or vapors? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.5)

Answer 72

Enclose wiring within Class I, Division 1 areas that is not intrinsically safe in rigid metal conduit. Use explosion-proof boxes, fittings, and joints. Explo­sion-proof flexible fittings up to 3 feet long are permit­ ted. Seal off conduits entering and leaving classified areas, as well as switches and other potential sources of ignition, to prevent the migration of fumes or vapors through the conduit. Route conduit over dikes

Question 73

What is an “intrinsically safe" device? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.6)

Answer 73

Intrinsically safe devices and wiring are incapable of producing a spark or sufficient heat to ignite flammable or combustible materials

Question 74

What should be done to protect aboveground tanks from lightning and static discharge? (PEI RP200-13, Section 13.7)

Answer 74

Grounding and Bonding

Question 75

What type of gauge is recommended when conducting an air-and-soap test? What should be the maximum limit of the gauge? What should be used to prevent over-pressurization of the tank? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.6.2)

Answer 75

Pressure gauges must have a scale that will permit detection of small pressure changes that might go undetected on gauges with a broader range. Because gauges are most accurate at mid­ range, and tank-test pressures should not exceed 5 psig, a gauge with a maximum limit of 10 or 15 psig is recommended. Use two gauges to reduce the chance of over-pressurizing the tank due to gauge failure. To prevent over-pressurization dur­ing testing, install a pressure-relief device that has the capability of relieving the entire output of the air source at 0.5 psig greater than the recommended test pressure relief device for proper operation and accuracy before each use

Question 76

When conducting an air-and-soap test, what is it that indicates the presence of a leak? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.6.3)

Answer 76

bubbles

Question 77

What is the maximum recommended pressure for testing vertical aboveground tanks? For testing horizontal aboveground tanks? (PEI RP200-13, Section 6.6.3)

Answer 77

Pressurize vertical tanks to 1.5-2.5 psig for Vertical Pressur­ize horizontal tanks to 3-5 psig