ETANKFIRE - Ethanol Tank Fire Fighting project

Published: 18 August, 2011

The use of ethanol is increasing rapidly worldwide and consequently the importance of appropriate ethanol production, handling, and storage operations is increasing as well. The ETANKFIRE project will provide a platform of knowledge ensuring proper investment in the fire protection of ethanol storage facilities. A full report on the recent ETANKFiRE Conference will be available in the next issue of Fire and Rescue magazine.

Currently, ethanol storage tank fires are treated in the same manner as petroleum-based fuels, however, there are significant differences in the water solubility and burning behavior of these fuel types that must be considered carefully when developing fire protection strategies.

Financially, it is prudent to plan and design costly ethanol infrastructure based on the best available knowledge. Only limited scientific research has been conducted yet that is appropriate for ethanol storage tank fire suppression. The public relations fallout resulting from inappropriate response to an ethanol storage tank fire could be quite damaging as well. The ETANKFIRE project is an excellent opportunity for stakeholders to leverage their resources to acquire this essential knowledge and to be involved in shaping the future of safe, effective fire protection practices for ethanol storage tank fires.

Funding: 400-450 k€, which could be obtained by 8 - 9 participants contributing 50,000 € each, is needed to launch the first phase of the ETANKFIRE project. Phase One is estimated to take two years after funding has been secured. The timing, cost, and extent of the second phase will depend on the results of the first phase. It is, however, estimated that in order to complete the entire project as proposed, a total of 1.5 - 2 M€ will be needed.

A small number of stakeholders are already committed to funding the first phase of the ETANKFIRE project and we are looking for additional stakeholders at this time.

For further information please contact: etankfire@sp.se

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