Petroleum Tank Management Association of Alberta

API Tank Upgrading Seminar

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:13:42 +0000

The PTMAA is hosting an API 12F Tank upgrading seminar in Edmonton on August 24, 2010. This meeting will bring together tank manufacturers, engineers that will assist with applications, tank owners, vent vendors and government officials. The focus of the meeting will be emergency venting and provide you with an understanding of venting requirements and modifications that will meet Code. To register contact the PTMAA office at 1-866-222-8265. For a complete copy of the invitation, please click here.

API Tanks May Not Meet the Fire Code

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:24:13 +0000

Companies that provide chemicals and other products to the ‘upstream’ oil industry often have tanks that do not comply with the Alberta Fire Code. Unless the tank is located and used by a company with an ERCB license the tank must be installed in accordance with the Fire Code. The Fire Code does not permit use of API 12F specification tanks. The Alberta Government has issued a Standata allowing existing tanks to be upgraded. The most significant deficiency with existing 12F tanks is the lack of emergency venting. The Fire Code Variance can be viewed by clicking here. A venting guide has been prepared by the PTMAA. It should be noted that the Fire Code permits use of API 650 tanks but the PTMAA has identified tanks that are labeled API 650 but do not meet all of the requirements of the specification. The customer purchasing API tanks has to be informed of regulatory and technical requirements as the tank manufacturer may not be building tanks to a standard that is audited by the American Petroleum Institute. On the other hand, tanks which have a ULC marking offer a consistency in line with Underwriters Laboratory of Canada qualification requirements. Do not hesitate to contact the PTMAA office with inquiries about API tanks installed before April 1, 2009 or if you are contemplating the installation of new tanks.

Maximum Tank Capacity

admin — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:00:19 +0000

The Fire Code limits individual capacity of storage tanks (where flammable liquids are stored) at fuel dispensing facilities to 50,000 litres. Regardless of the number of compartments in an individual vessel, the maximum capacity of all compartments added together may not exceed 50,000 litres. An exception to this requirement is where only diesel fuel is stored and dispensed at a non-retail facility. In that case an individual storage tank may be up to 75,000 litres. The maximum total capacity for a fuel dispensing facility is 150,000 litres. A province-wide variance was released by Alberta Municipal Affairs permitting individual tank size to be a maximum of 80,000 litres. The maximum aggregate capacity changes to 200,000 litres. An option is available to have individual tank capacity larger than 80,000 litres but the tank must be constructed to the protected tank standard of ULC-S655. To view the conditions for qualifying for the variance click here. The PTMAA strongly supports this change which we believe will result in fewer spills and hazardous conditions with tanks able to accept larger deliveries.

Permit Application For Tank Installation and Removals

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:00:32 +0000

The Permit Regulation which came into affect April 1, 2008 brought about several changes to Alberta’s tank application process. PTMAA fees for permits are as follows:

You can download a copy of the permit application from our website. This file includes instructions on how to complete the application along with a summary of all the steps required to obtain your permit.

New Tank / Piping Installation – $200.00
Tank Removal / Replacement – $200.00
Tank Removal – $50.00
Minor Alterations – $50.00

If you have any questions please contact our office at 1-866-222-8265.

Contractor Certificiation

admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:00:29 +0000

To learn about qualification as a tank installer, visit the CPCA website.

Engineered Drawings

admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:00:09 +0000

The Alberta Fire Code mandates that all petroleum storage tank installations must be designed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Alberta. Items which must appear on drawings submitted to the PTMAA for approval are listed here.

Past Newsletters

admin — Mon, 08 May 2000 19:00:57 +0000