Ethanol Conversion issues & solutions White paper
With the phase out of all Methyl Tertiary -Butyl Ether (MTBE) at commercial fuel marketing
terminals, ethanol is now the oxygenate compound for the reformulated gasoline (RFG).
Now that all 50 states have converted, and in light of the ongoing efforts by the Environmental
Protection Agency to further reduce damaging emissions, several new conditions are
emerging that require specialized protection for ethanol conversion facilities.
These include:
• Custom blending of basic 90%/10% “gasohol” and E85 at loading racks supported by a tank farm.
• Allocation of ethanol storage tank(s) that previously handled hydrocarbon based fuels.
• Addition of new tanks exclusively to store ethanol.
McDaniel Fire Systems has been involved with the subsequent fire system conversions
at marketing terminals where 100% ethanol is now present at the loading racks. Fire
fighting foam is the preferred choice for these hazards. Since most fire protection foam
system installations were designed and built for blended hydrocarbon based fuels, the
economical foam selection did not include an alcohol resistant concentrate. We are finding
in our examinations and surveys of the fire protection foam systems at these terminals that
consideration is not being given to this critical factor. A common known fact in fire fighting is
that Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and protein based foam concentrates are totally
ineffective in suppressing polar solvent fires. In addition to the selection of the concentrate
type, the following key elements are crucial for a properly operating system:
1. The application rate (expressed in gallons per minute over the square footage of protection area) of fire fighting foam water is 30-40% more for foam systems protecting against ethanol fires.
2. The existing water supply, pipe sizing of the system and discharge nozzles may not be adequate
to provide the 30-40% greater water demand.
3. “Dropping In” an alcohol resistant concentrate into the existing foam storage tank may not provide the quantity of solution required for the 30-40% increase in demand.
4. Fire Protection and detection may not be provided at the additional bulk ethanol
load-out/unloading area.
5. Your existing containment may not have the capacity for the 30-40% increase in demand
6. The local fire department(s) responding to your terminal location may not be equipped to handle your hazards. They do not have the quantities, proportioning capabilities, and more importantly the alcohol resistant type concentrates on hand. Your system was originally required and installed because of fire code and/or this limitation in mind.
7. Systems may not have been tested in the past five years or more.
If you are planning a conversion or expansion to ethanol blending or
storage, McDaniel Fire Systems can assist you in assuring that that
your fire protection is ready for the task. We can provide a site survey
at your facility to evaluate your particular situation and develop a cost
effective response.
An industry leader for more than 70 years, McDaniel Fire Systems is
one of the only companies that designs, installs, fabricates and services
both water and non-water based fire suppression systems. Servicing
customers nationwide, we specialize in the critical needs of complex
structures such as petroleum, gas and oil refineries, ethanol and gas
terminals, utilities and other heavy industrial facilities.
We look forward to serving you.
Please contact:
Dennis R. Miller
Account Representative, Special Hazards
McDaniel Fire Systems
4380 Sellers Street
Lawrence, Indiana 46226
800-637-4613 x 135
317-542-7420
Dmiller@mcdanielfire.com
