I received this question to one of my Emerson Process Experts posts, API 2350 Overfill Prevention Systems (specifics omitted to protect confidentiality) :
With regards to API Std. 2350, I would like to know if this standard is applicable to determine the tank level settings for non-petroleum based storage tanks such as non-organic product storage tanks (xxxxxxx).
Currently, I am involved in a xxxxxxx blending plant project and given the task to determine the tank level settings for xxxxxx and yyyyyy storage tanks. My past experience in refinery projects required me to use API 2350. Currently, my superior is in disagreement with me over the use of API 2350 for xxxxxx service.
I would like to know your opinion over the use of API 2350 for xxxxxx service. If it inapplicable, may I know your suggestions to determine the tank level settings for xxxxxx storage tanks.
After checking with my friends who manage the Rosemount Tank Gauging line of products, I was copied on this great response back to the customer from Johan Sandberg:
You are right, the API 2350 Ed. 4 is intended for atmospheric above ground storage tanks containing petroleum products.
The standard is made to prevent overfill of potentially dangerous liquids so it can very well be applied to tanks containing calcium nitrate.
Overfill prevention systems can be designed in many ways. For automatic over fill prevention the IEC 61511 standard should be followed. Most risk assessments of storage tanks points to a Safety Instrumented System with a SIL level of 2. The IEC 61511 covers the over fill safety system only. The API 2350 covers this plus many other aspects of operating the tank and establishing safe fill levels. The API 2350 standard is quite comprehensive. To make things easier we have developed a guide on how to get API 2350 compliant. http://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/31368.pdf
We have also written an engineering guide on overfill prevention: http://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/79906.pdf
In addition we also have a guide for tank gauging in general: http://www.emerson.com/documents/automation/175314.pdf
I also would like to add that we can offer a unique safety solution with our 2-in-1 Radar. This is shortly explained here:
Feel free to come back to me if you have further questions.
I hope this helps with anyone here in the community with similar questions.