Oil tank vent clearances

[Reis Pearson]

I know there are gas meter regulator relief vent clearances to features such as openings, electrical, etc. Is the same true for the vent for underground oil tanks. I would assume no, since it seems to me that the oil tank vent is to allow air to flow to the tank so a vacuum is not created.

Thanks in advance.

[James Duffin]

This is the NC Mech Code says:



1305.7 Vent piping.

Liquid fuel vent pipes shall terminate outside


of buildings at a point not less than 2 feet (610 mm) measured

vertically or horizontally from any building opening.
Outer ends of vent pipes shall terminate in a weatherproof vent
cap or fitting or be provided with a weatherproof hood. All vent
caps shall have a minimum free open area equal to the
cross-sectional area of the vent pipe and shall not employ
screens finer than No.4 mesh. Vent pipes shall terminate sufficiently
above the ground to avoid being obstructed with snow
or ice. Vent pipes from tanks containing heaters shall be
extended to a location where oil vapors discharging from the
vent will be readily diffused. If the static head with a vent pipe
filled with oil exceeds 10 pounds per square inch (psi) (69 kPa),
the tank shall be designed for the maximum static head that will
be imposed.
Liquid fuel vent pipes shall not be cross connected with fill
pipes, lines from burners or overflow lines from auxiliary tanks.

[John Kogel]

Gas water heater vents are required to be kept min 36" away from oil tank vents.
So by reverse logic ......... :confused::confused:

The fumes are considered to be flammable so must be kept away from an ignition source.

[Darren Miller]

Go here-

NFPA (http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp?src=nfpa)

NFPA 31-

There's really not too many restrictions, must be outside, not within 2 feet of any opening, protected from physical damage, sloped towards tank; things like that.

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