6 UL 142 DECEMBER 15, 2007

INTRODUCTION

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover steel primary, secondary and diked type atmospheric storage tanks
intended for noncorrosive, stable flammable and combustible liquids that have a specific gravity not
exceeding 1.0 in aboveground applications.
1.1 revised December 15, 2007

1.1.1 Each tank type may be fabricated in a combination of various shapes (cylindrical, rectangular or
obround) and orientations (horizontal, vertical) with or without multiple compartments, as covered in this
Standard.
1.1.1 added December 15, 2007

1.2 These tanks are intended for installation and use in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible
Liquids Code, NFPA 30; the Standard for Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, NFPA 31; the Motor Fuel
Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, NFPA 30A; the Standard for the Installation and Use of
Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, NFPA 37; the Uniform Fire Code, NFPA 1; and the
International Fire Code published by the International Code Council.
1.2 revised December 15, 2007

1.3 The tanks covered by these requirements are fabricated, inspected and tested for leakage before
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shipment from the factory as completely assembled vessels.

1.3 revised December 15, 2007

1.4 These requirements do not apply to tanks covered by the Specification for Field-Welded Tanks for
Storage of Production Liquids, API 12D; and the Specification for Shop-Welded Tanks for Storage of
Production Liquids, API 12F.
1.4 revised December 15, 2007

1.5 Deleted December 15, 2007

1.6 These requirements do not cover special evaluations for resistance to hurricanes, tornadoes,
earthquakes, floods, or other natural disasters; or resistance to vehicle impact.
1.6 revised December 15, 2007

1.7 These requirements do not cover portable tanks intended for transporting flammable or combustible
liquids (such as shipping containers), or mobile use applications (such as mounted on a trailer). These
types of products are covered by separate UN, DOT, or equipment product standards.
1.7 revised December 15, 2007
DECEMBER 15, 2007 UL 142 7

2 General

2.1 Units of Measurement

2.1.1 Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or
approximate information.

2.2 Undated references

2.2.1 Any undated reference to a code or standard appearing in the requirements of this standard shall
be interpreted as referring to the latest edition of that code or standard.

3 Glossary

3.1 For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply.

3.1.1 ABOVEGROUND TANK (ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK or AST) – A storage tank that is
intended for installation above grade, at grade or below grade without backfill.
3.1.1 added December 15, 2007

3.2 ATMOSPHERIC TANK – A storage tank that has been designed to operate at pressures from −
0.5 psig to 1.0 psig (− 3.4 kPa to 6.9 kPa) measured at the top of the tank.
3.2 revised December 15, 2007

3.3 Deleted December 15, 2007

3.3.1 DIKE – A single wall construction forming a bottom and sides with open or closed top intended
to provide secondary containment of aboveground tank(s) but not intended to be pressurized for leak
testing. Dike types include combinations of rectangular or cylindrical shapes or horizontal or vertical
orientations. Open top dike constructions do not have covers to prevent precipitation or debris from
entering the dike area. Closed top dike constructions have covers to resist precipitation or debris from
entering the dike area.
3.3.1 added December 15, 2007

3.4 DIKED TANK – A primary or secondary containment tank within a steel open or closed dike
intended to provide at least 110 percent containment capacity of the primary tank(s) and spill
containment.
3.4 revised December 15, 2007

3.5 Deleted December 15, 2007

3.6 EMERGENCY VENT – A storage tank opening or device that automatically relieves excessive
internal pressure due to an external fire exposure or blockage of the normal vent.
3.6 revised December 15, 2007

3.6.1 INTERSTITIAL SPACE (ANNULAR SPACE or INTERSTICE) – A space between the walls of a
multiple wall tank that is capable of communicating fluid from a leak in an adjacent wall to a collection
point for monitoring.
3.6.1 added December 15, 2007
8 UL 142 DECEMBER 15, 2007

3.7 NORMAL VENT – A storage tank opening or device that automatically relieves internal pressure or
vacuum during normal storage (atmospheric pressure equalization) and during normal operations (fill or
withdraw). Normal vents are designed so as not to exceed 1.0 psig (6.9 kPa) pressure and minus 0.5
psig (minus 3.4 kPa) in the tank.
3.7 revised December 15, 2007

3.8 Deleted December 15, 2007

3.8.1 PERFORMANCE TESTS – A complete evaluation conducted on a limited quantity of

representative tanks. These tests are intended to verify compliance with all applicable performance
requirements in a standard.
3.8.1 added December 15, 2007

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3.8.2 PRIMARY CONTAINMENT – The ability of a tank design and construction to contain a liquid
while in normal use.
3.8.2 added December 15, 2007

3.9 PRIMARY CONTAINMENT TANK – The wall of a tank construction that provides primary
containment.
3.9 revised December 15, 2007

3.9.1 PRODUCTION TESTS – A limited evaluation conducted on each tank prior to shipping. These
tests are intended to verify compliance with production requirements in a standard, such as leakage.
3.9.1 added December 15, 2007

3.9.2 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT – The ability of a tank design or construction to contain a liquid
only in abnormal use (from primary containment leakage or rupture).
3.9.2 added December 15, 2007

3.10 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT ABOVEGROUND TANK FOR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS – A primary

containment aboveground tank contained within a steel secondary containment shell forming an
interstitial (annular) space, which is capable of being monitored for leakage into the space from either
the interior or exterior walls. Secondary containment aboveground tank types include: horizontal
cylindrical, vertical cylindrical, and rectangular.
3.10 revised December 15, 2007

3.11 STORAGE TANK (TANK) – A vessel having a liquid capacity that exceeds 60 gal (230 L), is
intended for stationary installation, and is not used for processing.
3.11 revised December 15, 2007

3.12 TANK ACCESSORY – Optional devices or components of an aboveground tank intended to

provide a specific function, such as walking or climbing access, load bearing support, spill containment,
venting or heating.
3.12 added December 15, 2007
DECEMBER 15, 2007 UL 142 8A

CONSTRUCTION – ALL TANKS

4 Capacities and Dimensions

4.1 Capacities, dimensions, and construction details shall comply with the applicable requirements of this
standard.

4.2 Capacities per foot of length or height of cylindrical shells are given in Table A1 of Appendix A for
convenience in checking capacities of tanks of various diameters.

4.3 The total (actual) capacity of a tank shall not be:

a) Less than the rated nominal capacity and

b) More than 105 percent of the rated nominal capacity.

4.3 effective June 28, 2007

5 Materials

5.1 A tank shall be constructed of commercial or structural grade carbon steel per 5.2 or Type 304 or 316
stainless steel per 5.3. Only new material shall be used.
5.1 effective June 28, 2007

5.2 Carbon steel shall be in accordance with (a), (b), or both:

a) Comply with the Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, ASTM A36M; or Specification for
Steel, Sheet and Strip, Hot Rolled, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy and High-
Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, ASTM A1011/A1011M; or Specification for Steel,
Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Carbon, Hot-Rolled, ASTM A635/A635M.

b) Have a carbon content of 0.3 percent or less, or a carbon equivalency (CE) of 0.53 percent
or less as determined by the formula below, and mechanical strength and welding
characteristics at least equivalent to one of the steels specified in 5.2(a).

CE = C+ (Mn +Si)/6 + (Cr + Mo + V)/5 +(Ni + Cu)/15

in which:

(C = Carbon, Mn = Manganese, Si = Silicone, Cr = Chromium, Mo = Molybdenum, V =

Vanadium, Ni = Nickel and Cu = Copper)
5.2 effective June 28, 2007

5.3 Stainless steel shall comply with the Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chromium-Nickel
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Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip, ASTM A167; or Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium and
Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels, ASTM A240/A240M.