Introduction The NanoVapor™ Vapor Suppression System (VSS) is designed to rapidly reduce and maintain the concentration of fuel vapors at safe levels for inspection or maintenance of both aboveground and underground fuel storage tanks. The System consists of two components: a nano-droplet generator and a fuel vapor suppressant. The patented NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™...
Fuel tanks The NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit with the TankSafe™ product is generally applicable to the degassing of petroleum and diesel underground fuel storage tanks. Do not use on other fuels or types of tanks without prior approval from FFS. NOTE: Not approved for LPG tanks.
Definitions • Combustible Gas Meter – An instrument used to sample the atmosphere to indicate if any flammable vapors/gases are present. • Confined Space – A space having limited or constricted entry or exit – tanks and pits, for example. It is a space that is designed to not be continuously occupied by personnel. •...
• TankSafe™ – A proprietary vapor suppressant product that is applied to underground storage tanks by the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit. This chemical product is provided as a dilute, ready-to-use, aqueous solution. The proprietary chemical formula is a compound derived from natural resources. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-reactive. The use of the term “vapor suppressant”...
The Lower Explosive Level (LEL) is the lowest concentration of a flammable gas in air capable of producing a fire when contacted by an ignition source. Concentrations below the LEL will not propagate a flame front to create a fire (or cause an explosion if in a confined space) as these concentrations are considered too “lean.”...
Eliminating ignition sources As previously mentioned, one ignition source is a spark. Sparks can occur for various reasons. Spark production from Static Electric Discharge is common which is dangerous around flammable vapors. Due to rapid movement of air molecules, an electro-static charge can build up on a surface exposed to moving air.
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One method of accomplishing this second measure is to inert the tank with an inert gas such as nitrogen (N2). This is known as inerting, shown below. Some fuel vapor When you inert a tank with Nitrogen, it removes most of the oxygen from the tank headspace. Some of the fuel vapors are removed as well.
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As you can see, degassing the tank with air can result in a vapor-free environment. There is no asphyxiation risk and this method decreases the risk of explosion by removing the fuel side of the explosion triangle. On the other hand, this process can be time-consuming and the fuel vapor concentration can rise to dangerous levels from the evaporating fuel that remains in the tank.
The addition of the TankSafe™ product to the degassing process quickly removes the fuel leg of the explosion triangle as shown above in Figure 5. The TankSafe™ product droplets quickly deposit on all surfaces inside the tank and form a vapor barrier that is molecules thick. The TankSafe™...
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fuel. Simultaneously, the air stream delivering the TankSafe™ product to the tank purges out any pre-existing vapors in the headspace. This process reduces the exposure time of personnel to a hazardous environment and results in a gas-free tank. See Figure 6: Min.
Safety requirements Degassing a tank containing fuel vapors using standard techniques or the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit can have serious consequences to workers and equipment if not done properly. An example of the potential fire/explosion hazard is shown below: Figure 7 WARNING: The ignition of fuel vapors can cause significant damage, fire and even loss of life.
Conductive ducting WARNING: In addition to earting (grounding) the unit, the ducting used to connect the unit to the tank must be conductive. If it is not conductive, static electricity may buildup and discharge in the form of a spark. Equipment location and applicability WARNING: To ensure safe operation, application of the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™...
TankSafe™ product The TankSafe™ product is used to reduce the formation of new vapors from residual fuel in underground storage tanks during and after degassing. NanoVapor™ equipment has been specifically designed for the application of the NanoVapor™ TankSafe™ product to achieve this action.
Hardware The NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit has no moving or electrical parts. It is completely pneumatic and is powered by a twin tool air compressor. The air compressor must supply between 70 CFM (118.0 m3/hr / 1.98 m3/min) and 150 CFM (260 m3/hr / 4.3 m3/min) @ 7 bar (100 psi).
Description of system components This section describes each component of the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit in detail. The purpose, location, and specifications of each component are included. Part numbers Description Part Number TankSafe™, 5 Liter Container NV-TS-5 ST-1000 Delivery System NV-ST-1000 Vent Section (Top) (1x2 m long) NV-001...
NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit The NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit is the application hardware for degassing tanks with the TankSafe™ product. • Specifications: • Description: Two-man portable box • Dimensions: 356 x 825 x 1130 mm (14 x 34.5 x 44.5 in) •...
Earth (ground) wire WARNING: Proper earthing (grounding) is a critical safety requirement. When properly connected, the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit will be earthed (grounded) resulting in safe, reliable operation. • Location: The earth (ground) wire is located inside the unit towards the bottom on the outlet side.
Operating limitations Air pressure limit WARNING: Standard operating pressure of the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit is 7 bar (100 psi). Do not exceed 10 bar (145 psi). Regulate the air source to stay below this maximum. Operating in cold environments NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™...
Underground storage tank (UST) degassing Planning for implementation Equipment list Contact FFS to procure the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit, the TankSafe™ product, and ancillaries for UST degassing. As the operator of the system, you are responsible for ensuring you have the correct air compressor and hoses, inlet and outlet tank connections, and the correct combustion meter for measuring the vapor level in the tank.
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provided as in Fig. 9a. The flow path with the directional insert is provided in Fig. 9b. Figure 9a Figure 9b. If access is only available in the center of the tank, as shown in Fig. 10a below, an insert is required to direct the flow to both ends of the tank to ensure complete coverage if no directional flow is provided as in Fig.
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The next largest opening on the tank should be used to attach a temporary vent riser for the outlet flow. This opening is typically 75 mm to 100 mm (3” to 4”) in diameter. This port is preferably located on the opposite end of the tank from the inlet port but can be in a similar location (i.e.
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Single Direction Pipe Single Direction Pipe Dual Direction Pipe Dual direction flow drop tube Figure 12. Desired flow pattern for different UST tank configurations As shown in Fig. 12, always direct the flow to inaccessible ends of the tank where low-flow areas exist.
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The temporary vent risers should be 100 mm (4") in diameter. At minimum, one tank opening must be accessible that is 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4") in diameter with any internal pipework removed. Use low pressure drop, 100 mm (4”) diameter, flame arrestors. The vent riser should be reduced to fit at the tank top if required.
Preparing for installation Pre-start meeting Before a NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit is implemented, a meeting should be held with all personnel involved to ensure the work will be performed safely. The meeting should include a safety briefing and a review of work practices including identified hazards and controls along with a review of any required documentation, VFITSL should also be discussed and agreed.
Fuel removal Use ST-1000 to Provide Continuou Follow your established procedures to remove fuel from the tank safely. Fuel MUST be removed Working in Chamber from the tank down to “dead stock” level prior to degassing per standard procedure. The “dead Use ST-1000 to Provide Continuous Ventilation while stock”...
Connection variations If the following situations occur, contact FSS: • Piping or fittings cannot be isolated from the tank top (i.e. remote fill piping) • Inserted piping such as fill, or suction pipes cannot be removed from the tank and no other ports are available •...
Example configurations Suction System Pressure System OFFSET FILL Mini Rocket The Mini Rocket acts as a vapor collection vessel to link various small outlets on either the tank top or the pump line, VR line, or offset fill outlets. Figure 18...
Large Rocket The Large Rocket is a stand-alone, steel Rocket with its own vents and isolation valves for the pipes once connected to the system that is being degassed. Figure 19...
Installation Before beginning the startup procedure, the work site should be prepared for tank degassing following the operator’s standards and procedures. This includes (but is not limited to): • Draining and bottoming the tank of all good fuel and waste fuel/sludge •...
• Tank Chamber – The chamber is to be at the correct LEL for the work being conducted. Polluted water and contaminated brickwork / chamber walls can lead to LEL spikes inside the chamber and tank when the NanoVapor™ application connections have been removed the LEL from the tank chamber will flow into the tank causing a spike at the bottom of the tank similar to water flowing from a bath down the plug hole.
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1. Make sure the air compressor is located outside the hazardous area, is turned off, and the compressor valves are closed. 2. Make sure all rubber seals at the connection point on the air hoses, air compressor, and NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit are intact and in good condition. If any are not, replace them.
NOTE: You may notice condensation inside the TankSafe™ product container. This is normal and will not affect proper operation. 9. Use a duct bridging clamp to connect a 200 mm x 3 m (8 in x10 ft), ATEX approved, flexible duct to the outlet side of the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™...
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6. Depress the nozzle plunger two times to make sure the nozzle is not plugged. Repeat if necessary. Nozzle plunger CAUTION: Make sure no personnel put their faces into the outlet air stream 7. Make sure the TankSafe™ product is spraying out of the nozzle through the side port or through the inlet side of the unit.
Operation Application time guidelines The length of time NanoVapor™ should be applied to the tank depends on the work being performed. Guidelines for application time are provided by dividing retail fuel station work into short- and long-duration work. Short-duration work is defined as a scope of work that requires the tank to remain at safe levels for up to one working day.
Long-duration work guidelines Jobs that fall under this category include tank removals and pipe replacements. Generally, the long-duration method is used after a short-term application, tank wash, and waste product removal. For this type of work: • Apply the TankSafe™ product until the tank is <10% of LEL (or the required % of LEL for cold works) at the vent riser port.
Application variations Diesel tanks Prior to any work being conducted on a Diesel Tank the LEL inside the tank must be ascertained and recorded. The vent pipework is to be inspected by a qualified person to ascertain if the vents are connected and are allowing petrol vapors to enter the diesel pipework and tank. The Vapor recovery line should also be included in this inspection.
Shutdown checklist □ Compressor: Off Shut down the compressor according to the manufacturer's recommended procedures. Allow air pressure to bleed down before proceeding. □ Compressor Air Valves: Closed Close both air valves supplying the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™ Delivery Unit on the compressor. □...
Emergency shutdown checklist In the event that immediate shutdown is needed (in case of an emergency): □ Compressor: Off Shut down the air compressor. □ Safety Assessment: Perform Do a Safety Analysis to determine next actions. Call emergency responders, if necessary. When the situation has been corrected and the job site has been deemed safe to resume work, re-start the compressor and the NV-ST-1000 TankSafe™...
Operational data collection During the degassing event, please fill out the form as shown by the following example. (Forms may be reproduced or copied.) Collection of this data allows FFS to assess if the system is operating safely and efficiently and to optimize the process for your benefit. After the information has been recorded, please photograph or scan the form and email it to: FFSTechSupport@ franklinfueling.com, or fax it to: +1 608 838 6433.
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Time Vent Outlet % LEL TANK TOP % LEL TANK MIDDLE % LEL TANK BOTTOM % LEL...
Accessories The following accessories are available and may be applicable: • Type of flexible ducting to use • Vent risers and filters • Tank top connection methods and systems • Vapour collection vessel (Rocket) • Gas detector types and use •...
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Diffuser Diffusers are installed inside the drop tubes here. Fig 26. 3- inch and 4- inch Single and Double Exit Drop Tubes and Drop Tube Diffuser...
Maintenance • Inspect the compressed air connections before each use to make sure the rubber seal (part number NV-020d) is in good condition. If the seals are not in acceptable condition, replace them before use. Rubber Seal • Inspect the whole length of the air hose for splits, abrasion, or holes. •...
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Air Filter Bowl Assembly • Check that the electrical resistance between the nozzle plunger and the clamp on the earth (ground) wire is less than 10 Ohms before each use. If it is greater than 10 Ohms, identify and repair the issue before use. Contact FFS if you have questions or need assistance. •...
Troubleshooting Problem Solution • Check the TankSafe™ product supply container. It should contain at least 40 mm (1.6 in) of liquid. If it does not, replace it with a full supply container. • Check for proper connections between the TankSafe™ product Low/no TankSafe™...
Vapor suppression flow chart Short-duration tank work Commence degassing using NanoVapor. Test outlet for VOC level every 10 minutes or sooner. Once the required LEL is reached, continue for 10 minutes.
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