Directive: Propane Tank Pressure Relief Device Requirements

This directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act

 

Scope 

This directive details visual inspection and servicing intervals for pressure relief devices (PRDs) installed on propane storage tanks that are in operation, and under the scope of CSA B149.2 Propane storage and handling code (CSA B149.2).  

The implementation timelines provided in this directive allow owners reasonable time to establish a servicing program for propane storage tank PRDs to comply with the CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code (CSA B51).

Definitions

In operation – means a propane storage tank pressurized above 103 kPa (15 psig) and with relief devices set at a pressure of greater than 103 kPa (15 psig).

Pressure Vessel – for the purposes of the Safety Standards Act, means a vessel and its fittings, other than a boiler, that is capable of being used to contain, store, distribute, transfer, distil, process or otherwise handle gas, vapour or liquids under pressure.

Propane storage tank – means the class of container for the storage of propane, designed and fabricated in accordance with CSA B51, as defined in CSA B149.2.  

Details

The CSA B51 boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code (CSA B51) includes specific PRD servicing requirements. These requirements do not apply to cylinders defined under CSA B149.2.  

Maximum PRD servicing intervals for pressure vessels in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) service governed by the CSA B149.2 propane storage and handling code, are:

• vessels greater than 2500 USWG shall have a maximum servicing interval of 10 years;
• vessels 2500 USWG or less using an external PRD shall have a maximum servicing interval of 10 years; and
• vessels 2500 USWG or less with an internal PRD shall have a maximum servicing interval of 25 years.

The periodic visual inspection frequency for propane storage tank PRDs depends on the operating environment and the manufacturer’s recommendations but it shall not exceed five years.

Implementation timelines provided in this directive apply only to PRDs on propane storage tanks that were in operation prior to January 1, 2017.Propane storage tanks placed into operation January 1,  

2017 or after, shall comply with the PRD visual inspection and servicing intervals detailed under CSA B51.

Owners of propane storage tanks shall establish a documented program that addresses the required inspection, testing, and servicing or replacement of PRDs in accordance with the requirements of CSA B51 and this directive. Owners shall implement the program by prioritizing the servicing and inspection of vessels with the highest safety risk, e.g.; age of tank and time passed since last servicing or inspection.  

Documentation shall be maintained by the owner(s) demonstrating the required visual inspections and servicing of propane storage tank PRDs are compliant with CSA B51 and this directive. The owner shall make this documentation available to a Technical Safety BC safety officer upon request.

Implementation Timelines

All operating propane storage tanks shall be in compliance with CSA B51 Table 5 by: :

• January 1, 2024, for vessels greater than 2500 USWG;
• January 1, 2024, for vessels 2500 USWG or less with an external PRD; and
• January 1, 2027, for vessels 2500 USWG or less (excluding cylinders as defined by CSA B149.2) with an internal PRD.

Servicing of a propane tank PRD includes; disassembly, inspection of all internal components, refurbishing, replacement of parts, testing and recertification.  

Servicing and recertification of PRD’s to be installed to propane tanks shall be performed by the original manufacturer of the PRD, an organization holding a current and valid valve repair (VR) stamp Certificate of Accreditation issued by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, or by an organization holding a Technical Safety BC contractor licence, class “SRV” for PRD service.  

PRD Visual Inspection

Owners shall ensure that periodic visual inspection of propane storage tank PRDs are performed in compliance with CSA B51.

Owners of propane storage tanks shall have the means to demonstrate compliance with the visual inspection requirements of CSA B51  before January 1, 2022.

CSA B51 requires personnel performing in-service inspections to be trained and competent in the duties for which they are responsible. The owner’s PRD servicing and inspection program shall have the means to demonstrate compliance with this requirement.  

Technical Safety BC will enforce the PRD servicing and inspection requirements in accordance with the implementation timelines set out in this directive.   

Provincial Safety Manager, BPVR and Gas

 

References:
Safety Standards Act

Gas Safety Regulation

Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel & Refrigeration Safety Regulation

CSA B149.2 Propane storage and handling code

CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code