Are Your Nurse Tank Withdrawal Valves in Compliance?
We have received several inquiries from our members because of their most recent ammonia inspection by IDOA on what is the appropriately sized withdrawal valve that is required to meet the Illinois Department of Ag requirement that went into effect December 31, 2020:
Flow capacity of the excess flow valve shall not exceed 45 GPM for 1¼" tank connections and 60 GPM for 1½" tank connections. When using an open yoke type excess flow withdrawal valve in a tank opening, the opening shall not be reduced with bushings to accommodate the withdrawal valve. Each valve shall be tested through the Nurse Tank Inspection Program (NTIP) or be removed and inspected at an interval not to exceed 5 years. Records of the maintenance and inspections shall be kept at the facility for review. All valves shall be in compliance no later than December 31, 2020. Nurse tanks not meeting compliance shall be removed from service.
IDOA inspectors have noted some nurse tanks are still utilizing withdrawal valves rated at 75 and 90 GPM which does not meet the current rules. To avoid any regulatory issues, please make sure you are utilizing the appropriately sized withdrawal valve. Click here to find IFCA's Ammonia Compliance Guide. If you have any additional question, contact John Rebholz at 309-827-2774 or john@ifca.com