AS 3961-1991

1 - AS 3961:1991 LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS - STORAGE AND HANDLING
4 - PREFACE
5 - CONTENTS
7 - FOREWORD
7 - FIRE SAFETY
7 - GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
7 - ENGINEERING FOR FIRE SAFETY
8 - TREATMENT OF EMERGENCIES
9 - SECTION 1 - SCOPE AND GENERAL
9 - 1.1 SCOPE
9 - 1.2 NEW DESIGNS, INNOVATIONS
9 - 1.3 INTERPRETATIONS
9 - 1.4 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
9 - 1.5 DEFINITIONS
9 - 1.5.1 Automotive refuelling station
9 - 1.5.2 Approved, approval
9 - 1.5.3 Authority
9 - 1.5.4 Atmospheric tank
9 - 1.5.5 Boundary
9 - 1.5.6 Bund
9 - 1. 5.7 Capacity (of a tank)
9 - 1.5.8 Combustible liquid
9 - 1.5.9 Compound
9 - 1.5.10 Emergency shut- down system
9 - 1.5.11 Excess-flow valve
9 - 1.5.12 Fire-resistance level
9 - 1.5.13 Fire wall
9 - 1.5.14 Flammable liquid
10 - 1.5.15 Holding time
10 - 1.5.16 Ignition source
10 - 1.5.17 Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
10 - 1.5.18 Maximum filling level
10 - 1.5.19 Non-return valve (check valve)
10 - 1.5.20 On-site facilities
10 - 1.5.21 Pressure tank
10 - 1.5.22 Protected works
10 - 1.5.23 Public place
10 - 1.5.24 Restricted area
10 - 1.5.25 Safety valve
10 - 1.5.26 Tank
10 - 1.5.27 Tanker
10 - 1.5.28 Transfer connection
10 - 1.5.29 Trycock
10 - 1.5.30 Vapour barrier
11 - SECTION 2 - GENERAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
11 - 2.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
11 - 2.2 TANKS
11 - 2.2.1 General tank design
11 - 2.2.2 Tank data plate
11 - 2.3 PRESSURE AND VACUUM RELIEF
11 - 2.3.1 Relief devices for tanks
11 - 2.3.2 Other equipment
11 - 2.3.3 Discharge from relief devices
12 - 2.4 GAUGES AND CONTROLS
12 - 2.4.1 Reserve instrumentation
12 - 2.4.2 General failsafe requirement
12 - 2.4.3 Vacuum jacket gauges
12 - 2.4.4 Leak detection
12 - 2.5 PLANT EMERGENCY SHUT-DOWN SYSTEMS
12 - 2.5.1 Where required
12 - 2.5.2 Exceptions
12 - 2.5.3 Principles of design
12 - 2.5.4 Actuation
12 - 2.5.5 Monitors and alarms
12 - 2.6 LOCATIONS
12 - 2.6.1 General
12 - 2.6.2 Risk assessment
13 - 2.6.3 Tank location and spacing
13 - 2.6.4 Liquefaction equi pment
13 - 2.6.5 Vaporizers
13 - 2.6.6 Changed site conditions
14 - 2.6.7 Overhead electricity lines
14 - 2.6.8 Storage of materials other than LNG
14 - 2.6.9 Ignition sources
14 - 2.6.10 Use of vapour barriers and fire walls
14 - 2.6.11 Construction of vapour barriers
14 - 2.6.12 Construction of fire walls
14 - 2.6.13 Use of existing construction
14 - 2.6.14 Ventilation and access
15 - 2.7 POTENTIAL FLAME IMPINGEMENT
15 - 2.8 ROAD AND RAIL TANKER TRANSFER INSTALLATIONS
15 - 2.8.1 Tank filling connection
15 - 2.8.2 Tanker-loading connection
15 - 2.8.3 Remote transfer connection
15 - 2.8.4 Drive-away protection
16 - 2.8.5 Emergency shut-down for transfer facilities
16 - 2.8.6 Separation distances
16 - 2.8.7 Access for contents gauging
16 - 2.9 PIPING, VALVES AND ACCESSORIES
16 - 2.9.1 General design
16 - 2.9.2 Tank connections
16 - 2.9.3 Piping joints
17 - 2.9.4 Interconnected tanks
17 - 2.9.5 Underground piping
17 - 2.9.6 Liquid lines between valves
17 - 2.9.7 Protective valves
17 - 2.9.8 Piping drain or bleed valves
17 - 2.9.9 Support of piping
17 - 2.9.10 Cold-contact hazards
17 - 2.9.11 Vapour-phase piping
17 - 2.9.12 Piping within buildings
17 - 2.9.13 Identification of pipes
17 - 2.9.14 Testing and inspection
18 - 2.9.15 Vent and discharge piping
18 - 2.9.16 Transfer hoses
18 - 2.9.17 Transfer hose coupling
18 - 2.10 INSULATION
18 - 2.10.1 Combustibility
18 - 2.10.2 Exposed insulation
18 - 2.10.3 Tank insulation
18 - 2.11 VAPORIZER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
18 - 2.11.1 Design and construction
18 - 2.11.2 Marking
18 - 2.12 VAPORIZER INSTALLATION
18 - 2.12.1 Compatibility check
18 - 2.12.2 Shelter
18 - 2.12.3 Isolation valves
19 - 2.13 PUMPS AND COMPRESSORS
19 - 2.13.1 Suitability
19 - 2.13.2 Isolating valves
19 - 2.13.3 Output pressure control
19 - 2.13.4 Internal pressure control
19 - 2.13.5 Foundations
19 - 2.13.6 Cool-down provisions
19 - 2.13.7 Compressor venting
19 - 2.13.8 Pumps
19 - 2.13.9 Compressors
19 - 2.13.10 Location
19 - 2.14 SECURITY AND DAMAGE PROTECTION
19 - 2.14.1 Tank security
19 - 2.14.2 Security fence
19 - 2.14.3 Damage protection
20 - 2.15 EARTHING AND BONDING
20 - 2.15.1 Earthing provision
20 - 2.15.2 Bonding to tanker
20 - 2.16 PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
20 - 2.16.1 Emergency protective equipment
20 - 2.16.2 Operational protective equipment
20 - 2.16.3 Requirements
20 - 2.17 LADDERS, STEPS, AND PLATFORMS
20 - 2.18 ODORIZERS
20 - 2.19 MARKINGS AND NOTICES
20 - 2.19.1 Signs, notices
20 - 2.19.2 Equipment identification
20 - 2.20 ILLUMINATION
21 - SECTION 3 - PRESSURE TANK STORAGES
21 - 3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
21 - 3.2 TANK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
21 - 3.2.1 Tank design requirements
21 - 3.2.2 Holding time
21 - 3.2.3 Maximum filling level
21 - 3.2.4 Marking of openings
21 - 3.3 CONTROLS AND GAUGES
21 - 3.3.1 Protection of openings
21 - 3.3.2 Operational flow control system
21 - 3.3.3 Openings for gauges
21 - 3.3.4 Vapour pressure gauges
22 - 3.3.5 Liquid level gauging
22 - 3.3.6 Boil-off and flash gas
22 - 3.3.7 Vacuum jacket gauges
22 - 3.3.8 Temperature indicators
22 - 3.4 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION
22 - 3.4.1 Tank location and spacing
22 - 3.4.2 Foundations and supports
22 - 3.4.3 Fire resistance of supports
22 - 3.4.4 Thermal effects
23 - SECTION 4 - ATMOSPHERIC TANK STORAGES
23 - 4.1 SCOPE OF SECTION
23 - 4.2 TANK DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
23 - 4.2.1 Tank design requirement
23 - 4.2.2 Concrete containment
23 - 4.2.3 Maximum filling level
23 - 4.3 GAUGES AND CONTROLS
23 - 4.3.1 Flow control system
23 - 4.3.2 Liquid level gauging
23 - 4.3.3 Vapour pressure and vacuum gauges
23 - 4.3.4 Temperature indicators
23 - 4.3.5 Boil-off and flash gas
23 - 4.4 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION
23 - 4.4.1 Location
23 - 4.4.2 Foundations
24 - 4.5 SPILLAGE CONTAINMENT AND CONTROL
24 - 4.5.1 Containment
24 - 4.5.2 Ground spillage control
24 - 4.5.3 Compound capacity
24 - 4.5.4 Compound design and construction
24 - 4.5.5 Compound drainage
25 - 4.6 MARINE TRANSFER INSTALLATIONS
25 - 4.6.1 Installations
25 - 4.6.2 Pipeline safety
25 - 4.6.3 Cargo control valves
25 - 4.6.4 Shore isolation valves
25 - 4.6.5 Reverse flow protection
25 - 4.6.6 Vapour return
26 - SECTION 5 - AUTOMOTIVE REFUELLING STATIONS
26 - 5.1 APPLICATION
26 - 5.2 CONTROL OF IGNITION SOURCES
26 - 5.3 TANK AND PIPING
26 - 5.3.1 Tank installations
26 - 5.3.2 Line isolation
26 - 5.3.3 Emergency shut-down system
26 - 5.4 FILLING AREA
26 - 5.4.1 Vehicle standing area
26 - 5.4.2 Location
26 - 5.4.3 Illumination
26 - 5.4.4 Dispenser protection
26 - 5.5 DISPENSERS
26 - 5.5.1 Dispensing hose
26 - 5.5.2 Dispensing nozzle
26 - 5.5.3 Filler caps
26 - 5.6 NOTICES, SIGNS, AND INSTRUCTIONS
26 - 5.6.1 Precautionary sign
27 - 5.6.2 Emergency procedures
28 - SECTION 6 - OPERATIONS
28 - 6.1 APPLICATION
28 - 6.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES
28 - 6.2.1 Procedures required
28 - 6.2.2 Promul gation of procedures
28 - 6.2.3 Review and upkeep of procedures
28 - 6.2.4 Operating procedures
28 - 6.2.5 Construction and maintenance procedures
29 - 6.2.6 Emergency procedures
29 - 6.2.7 Training of personnel
29 - 6.2.7.1 Employees
29 - 6.2.7.2 Contractors
29 - 6.2.7.3 Visitors
30 - 6.2.7.4 Specialists
30 - 6.2.7.5 Refresher training
30 - 6.3 SUPERVISION
30 - 6.4 RECORDS
30 - 6.5 COMPLIANCE
30 - 6.5.1 Compliance with procedures
30 - 6.5.2 Supervision of compliance
30 - 6.6 SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES
30 - 6.6.1 Commissioning new or modified equipment
30 - 6.6.2 Outlets not in use
30 - 6.6.3 Personnel safety
30 - 6.6.4 Ignition sources
30 - 6.6.5 Security procedures
30 - 6.6.6 Vehicles
31 - 6.6.7 Illumination
31 - 6.6.8 Contract work
31 - 6.6.9 Post-installation site work
31 - 6.7 MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION, TESTING
31 - 6.7.1 Scheduled checks
31 - 6.7.2 Authorization of work
31 - 6.7.3 Work permit
31 - 6.7.4 Safe procedures
31 - 6.7.5 Preparation of work site
31 - 6.7.6 Completion of work
32 - 6.7.7 Hot work
32 - 6.7.8 Routine work
32 - 6.7.9 Open areas
32 - 6.7.10 Equipment alterations
32 - 6.7.11 Work within hazardous zones
32 - 6.7.12 Pits
32 - 6.7.13 Site upkeep
32 - 6.8 TANK TRANSPORT OR REMOVAL
32 - 6.8.1 Storage tanks
32 - 6.8.2 Portable tanks
32 - 6. 9 ROAD TANKER OPERATION
32 - 6.9.1 Delivery vehicle
32 - 6.9.2 Tanker loading procedures
32 - 6.9.3 Check of accessories
32 - 6.9.4 Fire extinguishers
33 - 6.9.5 Holding time
33 - 6.9.6 Parking and garaging
33 - 6.9.7 Tanker servicing and repair
33 - 6.10 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS FOR BULK TRANSFER
33 - 6.10.1 Condition of tank
33 - 6.10.2 Delivery to an unattended tank
34 - 6.10.3 Initial delivery check
34 - 6.10.4 Subsequent delivery check
34 - 6.10.5 Night lighting
34 - 6.10.6 Safe use of hose
34 - 6.10.7 Use of protective equipment
34 - 6.10.8 Tanker location
34 - 6.11 SUPERVISION OF TRANSFER
34 - 6.11.1 Number of attendants
34 - 6.11.2 Driver in attendance
34 - 6.11.3 Tanker in a street
34 - 6.12 TRANSFER PROCEDURES
34 - 6.12.1 Procedures prior to transfer
35 - 6.12.2 Procedures during transfer
35 - 6.12.3 Procedures after transfer
35 - 6.13 MARINE TRANSFER
35 - 6.13.1 Cargo and stores
35 - 6.13.2 Traffic control
35 - 6.13.3 Pre-transfer check
35 - 6.14 AUTOMOTIVE-REFUELLING STATION OPERATIONS
35 - 6.14.1 Refuelling personnel, supervision, and control
35 - 6.14.2 Vehicle engine
35 - 6.14.3 Filling level
36 - SECTION 7 - FIRE SAFETY
36 - 7.1 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
36 - 7.1.1 Design for fire safety
36 - 7.1.2 Integration with existing facilities
36 - 7.1.3 Variations to requirements
36 - 7.1.4 System compatibility
36 - 7.1.5 Location
36 - 7.1.6 Site evaluation, tank installations
36 - 7.1.7 Automotive refuelling installation
37 - 7.2 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
37 - 7.2.1 Hydrant system
37 - 7.2.2 Hose reels
37 - 7.2.3 Monitors
37 - 7.2.4 Fire extinguishers
37 - 7.2.5 Water supply
39 - APPENDIX A - LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
41 - APPENDIX B - METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF HOLDING TIME
41 - B1 INTRODUCTION
41 - B2 BASIC METHOD
41 - B3 ALTERNATIVE BOIL-OFF FLOW RATE METHOD
41 - B4 ROUNDING THE RATED HOLDING TIME
41 - B5 MULTIPLE VESSELS OF THE SAME DESIGN
42 - B6 APPLICATION TO OPERATIONAL CONTROL
42 - B6.1 Object
42 - B6.2 Preparation of data
42 - B6.3 Application
43 - APPENDIX C - CHARACTERISTICS OF LNG
43 - C1 GENERAL
43 - C2 CHARACTERISTICS
45 - APPENDIX D - TANK AND CYLINDER LOCATIONS
46 - APPENDIX E - HAZARDOUS ZONES
48 - APPENDIX F - TRANSFER CONNECTION
49 - APPENDIX G - MAXIMUM FILLING LEVEL OF PRESSURE TANKS
50 - APPENDIX H - NOTICE OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR LNG
51 - APPENDIX I - TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF WORK PERMIT

Specifies requirements for the design, construction and operation of installations for the storage and handling of liquefied natural gas. It deals with two basic types of installation: major installations of atmospheric-type tanks for supplying marine tanker terminals, for pipeline peak saving, and the like; the other type concerns pressure tanks, usually part of a system for distribution by road tanker. It does not deal with any aspects of transport or piped distribution outside the perimeter of the static storage installation.

This Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction and operation of installations for the storage and handling of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It does not apply to or deal with-(a) the functional design of liquefaction equipment; (b) frozen-ground storage techniques; (c) aspects of natural gas distribution and use that are covered by other Standards and publications such as pipeline and reticulation codes, appliance and vehicle installation codes, and the like; (d) any transport operations that are covered by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code; or (e) the transport of LNG by ship.

First published as AS 3961-1991.