Q. Design Storage compounds for bulk solids?

Storage compounds for bulk solids, liquids and liquefied gases are normally included in a plant layout to provide short term storage of feedstocks, products, and other intermediaries and chemicals.

• Bulk liquids are normally stored in atmospheric or low pressure tanks.

• Bulk solids are typically stored in stockpiles, silos or stacks.

• Liquefied gases may be stored at high pressure or low temperature, in tanks, bullets or spheres.

• Chemicals may be stored in bulk or in smaller packages (intermediate bulk containers, drums, etc.).

Separation of storage compounds from process areas, other site facilities and site boundaries is important for minimizing the risk to people, assets and the environment. This stops potential fires and explosions from propagating to adjacent facilities and escalating in consequence.

Separation between storage containers is important for operations, design of transfer equipment, and maintenance access. Minimum separations can vary depending on the material to be stored in the container and the capacity of the container, these minimum separations must meet local fire codes and regulations.

For storage of liquefied gases, separation distances also need to consider vapor generation and dispersion resulting from a leak, as well as radiation levels if that vapor were to ignite. Groups of horizontal pressure tanks (or bullets) should be aligned in parallel with the ends pointed away from any nearby storages of hazardous, flammable or combustible materials (see local codes and regulations). For storage of bulk solids, access around stockpiles is needed for aeration/compaction or removal of hotspots before auto-ignition occurs (e.g. wood pellets, nickel concentrates, or coal). The storage area surface (concrete, paved, compacted ground, etc.) should be chosen with consideration of potential contamination. In addition, there may be a need to provide secondary containment under the stockpile (e.g. a below-slab liner in case of slab cracks).