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CO2 Tank Level and Fire Protection Standards

Low-pressure storage containers for CO2 must maintain a nominal pressure of 300 psi and include gauges and alarms for monitoring. Refills are necessary after initial installation, following a discharge, or if CO2 levels drop below minimum requirements for fire protection. The minimum CO2 concentration for effective fire protection is 34%, with specific volume factors used to calculate the required quantity based on the enclosure size.

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8 views3 pages

CO2 Tank Level and Fire Protection Standards

Low-pressure storage containers for CO2 must maintain a nominal pressure of 300 psi and include gauges and alarms for monitoring. Refills are necessary after initial installation, following a discharge, or if CO2 levels drop below minimum requirements for fire protection. The minimum CO2 concentration for effective fire protection is 34%, with specific volume factors used to calculate the required quantity based on the enclosure size.

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amalhas63
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CO2 TANK LEVEL

[CHEMETRON Manual – GE Manual - NFPA 12 Standard]

GENERAL
Low-Pressure Storage Containers:

Low-pressure storage containers shall be designed to maintain the carbon dioxide supply
at a nominal pressure of 300 psi (2068 kPa) corresponding to a temperature of
approximately 0°F (−18°C). [NFPA 12 Standard - 4.6.6]
Container Requirements:

Each pressure container shall be equipped with a liquid level gauge, a pressure gauge,
and a high/low-pressure supervisory alarm set to alarm at no more than 90 percent of the
pressure vessel's design maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) and no less
than 250 psi (1724 kPa). [NFPA 12 Standard - [Link]]
The CO2 tank needs to be refilled under three main conditions:

- After initial installation. [CHEMETRON Manual]


- Following a CO2 discharge. [CHEMETRON Manual]
- The quantity of CO2 below the minimum required for adequate fire protection.
[CHEMETRON Manual]
- If at any time a container shows a loss of more than 10 percent, unless the minimum
gas requirements are still provided.[NFPA 12 Standard - [Link].2]

PERIODIC SERVICE AND INSPECTION [CHEMETRON Manual]

The storage unit requires regular inspections to ensure proper operation and sufficient CO2
levels for fire protection.

Daily checks should include reading the liquid level gauge to confirm that the quantity
remains above the minimum required for adequate fire protection. Additionally, an annual
inspection should check the liquid level gauge and ensure Sufficient CO2 to provide
minimum level of fire protection.

Now the question is what is the minimum level of CO2 to provide the fire protection?

Referring to GE manual, fire protection tab, page 4/8 “To reduce the oxygen content, a
quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) is discharged into the compartment in one minute to bring
the CO2 concentration up to 34%. The system also provides an extended discharge to
maintain an extinguishing concentration of 30% for a prolonged period to minimize
potential re-flash conditions”

The next table describes the nozzle data including the discharge mode and time:

5.3.3 Volume Factor. [NFPA 12 standard]

The volume factor used to determine the basic quantity of carbon dioxide to protect an
enclosure containing a material requiring a design concentration of 34 percent shall be in
accordance with Table 5.3.3(b).

NOTE: The Volume in m3 = length x width x height.


Figure Diagram of Enclosure for Example:

Volume of space: 54 m3

Type of combustible: Gasoline

Design concentration: 34% CO2

Volume factor [See Table 5.3.3(b).]: 1.11 m3/kg CO2

Basic quantity of CO2 = 54/1.11 = 48.6 kg

Extended Discharge for Enclosed Recirculating Rotating Electrical Equipment (Cubic


Meters Protected for Deceleration Time [NFPA 12 standard - [Link].1]

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