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2012 SFPA and IFC code updates
STI consultants Marshall Klein, PE; and Jeff Shapiro, PE, FSFPE, of International Code Consultants, provide detailed updates of 2012 NFPA and IFC codes. We extend our thanks and appreciation to these code experts for this important industry information. Click the link and then click Resources: |
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Expert Opinions
We at STI/SPFA have frequent exchanges with experienced industry people, on a variety of issues.
Click here for expert opinions from Jeff Shapiro, International Code Consultants; Wayne Geyer and Lorri Grainawi, STI/SPFA; and Chip Stein, Tank Industry Consultants: - Permatank backfill and ballast
- Fire water storage tank inspection standards
- Vent pipe and fill pipe relative size
- Jacketed tanks and corrosion
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EPA hires Battelle for UST leak detection study
 To gauge whether traditional protocols are viable for new fuels storage leak detection, Battelle Memorial Institute Laboratories is performing a technology assessment.
The project will analyze existing information on leak detection technology operating principles and characteristics of ethanol-blended fuels to assess any potential leak detection technology issues.
Read more...
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Counterfeit "Made in USA" pipe failure
 A steamline split recently in a 300MW unit at the Datong Power Station Unit 2 in China.
The investigation indicates that the pipe, while marked "Made in USA," was actually manufactured by a Chinese pipe mill.
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Tank and Petroleum Mishaps
 | | Explosion at Pemex in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico |
Mexico: A tank explosion at a Pemex refinery in Mexico killed 31 and injured 47 people on September 18, 2012.
The video at left is from a security camera, showing that the incident originated in a central gas and condensate receiver. Visible are a couple of vehicles and at least two workers hit by the explosion.
Florida: Tiny pinholes in FRP storage tanks allowed brine to leak into stored gasoline, causing expensive problems for some Florida motorists recently. Read more...
Read more Tank and Petroleum Mishaps...
Azerbaijan: Two powerful explosions at a detergent factory...killed six people and injured seven...
Germany: Fire incident at biodiesel production plant... Des Moines, IA: A 20,000-gallon, above-ground storage tank...spilled an undetermined amount of oil, and possibly chemicals, into the North Raccoon River, which feeds into the Des Moines area's drinking water supply... Venezuela: Two oil tanks at an oil refinery in Venezuela's northern state of Carabobo caught fire due to lightning during a storm...
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Water infrastructure: rising concern
More than 22% of US and Canadian potable water pipe is over 50 years old, generating more attention to the need to upgrade our infrastructure.
In the US, an investment of $334.8 billion is needed to improve the water infrastructure.
Click here for more...
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"What caused this tank fire?" continued...
The September 2012 issue of Tank Talk reported an unusual tank fire in Alberta, Canada. While officials offered an explanation, readers were asked to send in their own opinions. |
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Steel stands up to F5 tornado
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Photo: Bruce Cunningham, South Harrison (Indiana)
Water Corp.
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"When a band of tornadoes cut across the Midwest last spring, one of the hardest hit communities was Henryville, Indiana. There, one resident died and nearly 100 homes, several businesses and the community's school were heavily damaged or destroyed."
That's the beginning of an article titled "Helping Hands" in the November/December issue of Water Storage Operator magazine.
The devastation was horrific, but Henryville's steel water storage tank stood up to the tornado. The 280,000 gallon tower needed $200,000 in repairs and updates (including a new epoxy lining), "but engineers said the basic structure was still sound."
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Fast lubes thrive for steel tank market
"Fast lube" outlets are a rich market for steel tanks, in both upstream and on-site locations. According to National Oil & Lube News, that industry is thriving.
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Ford, GM: E15 OK only in new vehicles
The trade publication Oil Express reported in October 2012 that Ford Motor Co. and General Motors have approved gasoline blends with up to 15% ethanol for use in 2012 and 2013 model year cars and light trucks. These two automakers produce more than a third of the light-vehicles sold in the US, according to Automotive News.
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Online learning--does it work?
By Ben Thomas
In May of 2009, I delivered what I believe was the nation's first live, online state-approved Class A/B UST operator webinar.
From the comfort of my Washington-based office, I was able to guide thirty-five or so slightly bewildered Colorado operators through everything from tank registration to spill bucket cleaning.
Read more...
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Online learning from STI/SPFA
Cost-effective and convenient, online education and training is a rich resource for you and your employees. STI/SPFA offers these e-learning modules and archived webinars:
- NEW! Regulation of Tanks Inside Buildings:
A Guide for Users and Enforcers - NEW! Steel Water Pipe Installation and Inspection
- Tank Venting Essentials: PreVENTing Catastrophe
- Steel Water Tank Standards
- Steel Water Tank Construction
- Steel Water Tank Coatings and Linings
- Steel Water Pipe Installation
- Steel Water Pipe Coatings and Linings
Take advantage of these easy-access, low-cost presentations by industry experts.
Click here for e-learning modules
Click here for archived webinars
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Get the facts about the benefits of steel
STI/SPFA presents our series of STEEL FACTS informational flyers. These single-page handouts dispel the myths and present the simple facts about the benefits of using steel, all of which have been researched by industry experts:
- The Strength of Steel
- Choose Steel for Lifetime Value
- Cathodic Protected Tank Inspection
- Steel Tanks: Compatible with All Biofuel Blends
Click here to get your own copies of Steel Facts
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Did you know?
Since Oct.1, 2012,every gallon of heating oil in New York City must contain at least 2% biodiesel. The blend is known as Bioheat fuel, a greener heating oil that is gaining popularity in Northeastern and
Mid-Atlantic states.
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Tank Talk is published by STI/SPFA. For additional information or to enter a complimentary subscription for yourself or a colleague, please visit our website.
Recent and archived issues of Tank Talk are available on the subscription page.
Tank Talk Editor
Noël Zak, CAE
STI-SPFA
944 Donata Ct.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
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Volume 28 No 1 
