Illinois Administrative Code
Title 35 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part 218 - ORGANIC MATERIAL EMISSION STANDARDS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE CHICAGO AREA
Subpart B - ORGANIC EMISSIONS FROM STORAGE AND LOADING OPERATIONS
Section 218.127 - Testing VOL Operations

1) Visually inspect the internal floating roof, the primary seal, and the secondary seal (if one is in service) prior to filling the storage vessel with VOL. If there are holes, tears, or other openings in the primary seal, the secondary seal, or the seal fabric or defects in the internal floating roof, or both, the owner or operator shall repair the items before filling the storage vessel.

2) For vessels equipped with a liquid-mounted or mechanical shoe primary seal, visually inspect the internal floating roof and the primary seal or the secondary seal (if one is in service) through manholes and roof hatches on the fixed roof at least once every 12 months after initial fill. If the internal floating roof is not resting on the surface of the VOL inside the storage vessel, or if there is liquid accumulated on the roof, or if the seal is detached, or if there are holes or tears in the seal fabric, the owner or operator shall repair the items or empty and remove the storage vessel from service within 45 days. If a failure that is detected during inspections required in this subsection cannot be repaired within 45 days and if the vessel cannot be emptied within 45 days, the owner or operator may request a 30-day extension from the Agency in the inspection report required in Section 218.129(a)(3) of this Subpart. Such a request for an extension must document that alternate storage capacity is unavailable and specify a schedule of actions the owner or operator will take that will assure that the control equipment will be repaired or the vessel will be emptied within 30 days.

3) For vessels equipped with both primary and secondary seals:

4) Visually inspect the internal floating roof, the primary seal, the secondary seal (if one is in service), gaskets, slotted membranes, and sleeve seals (if any) each time the storage vessel is emptied and degassed. If the internal floating roof has defects, the primary seal has holes, tears, or other openings in the seal, or if the seal fabric or the secondary seal has holes, tears, or other openings in the seal, or if the seal fabric or the gaskets no longer close off the liquid surfaces from the atmosphere, or if the slotted membrane has more than 10 percent open area, the owner or operator shall repair the items as necessary so that none of the conditions specified in this subsection exists before refilling the storage vessel with VOL. In no event shall inspections conducted in accordance with this provision occur at intervals greater than 10 years in the case of vessels conducting the annual visual inspection as specified in subsections (a)(2) and (a)(3)(B) above and at intervals no greater than 5 years in the case of vessels specified in subsection (a)(3)(A) above.

5) Notify the Agency in writing at least 30 days prior to the filling or refilling of each storage vessel for which an inspection is required by subsections (a)(1) and (a)(4) above to afford the Agency the opportunity to have an observer present. If the inspection required by subsection (a)(4) above is not planned and the owner or operator could not have known about the inspection 30 days in advance of refilling the tank, the owner or operator shall notify the Agency at least 7 days prior to the refilling of the storage vessel. Notification shall be made by telephone immediately followed by written documentation demonstrating why the inspection was unplanned. Alternatively, this notification including the written documentation may be made in writing and sent by express mail so that it is received by the Agency at least 7 days prior to the refilling.

1) Determine the gap areas and maximum gap widths between the primary seal and the wall of the storage vessel and between the secondary seal and the wall of the storage vessel.

2) Determine gap widths and areas in the primary and secondary seals individually according to the following procedures:

3) Add the gap surface area of each gap location for the primary seal and the secondary seal individually and divide the sum for each by the nominal diameter of the tank and compare each ratio to the respective standards in subsection (b)(4) below.

4) Make necessary repairs or empty the storage vessel within 45 days after identification in any inspection for seals not meeting the requirements listed in subsections (b)(4)(A) and (B) below:

5) Notify the Agency 30 days in advance of any gap measurements required by subsection (b)(1) above to afford the Agency the opportunity to have an observer present.

6) Visually inspect the external floating roof, the primary seal, secondary seal, and fittings each time the vessel is emptied and degassed.