Area classification:Hydrocarbons handling areas

An area shall be classified as a hydrocarbon handling area if it contains any item in the facility
intended to process, convey, consume, or store hydrocarbon fluids (for example, oil, gas or
condensates, and fuel gas).
Areas containing significant quantities of flammable utility fluids (for example, diesel fuel, and
methanol) shall also be included as hydrocarbon handling areas.

Exceptions to classification as a hydrocarbon handling area are:

Pipe work (except for vessels) outside the boundary of production, process, drilling, utility, or
accommodation areas.
Turbine enclosures and other similar machinery enclosures that are described separately.

Nonhydrocarbon handling areas

Nonhydrocarbon handling areas shall be enclosed spaces other than those designated as
hydrocarbon handling areas and that have one of the following characteristics:
a. Is normally occupied.
b. Contains machinery or electrical and electronic equipment.
c. Contains significant inventory of flammable materials.
d. Is a designated escape route that could be affected by one of the above (even if it contains no fire
hazard of its own).

Special risk areas

Air intakes that require incoming air to be monitored for the protection of the facility or personnel
within the area shall have smoke detection fitted.

Type of Fire & Gas Detector used in process plant area & administrative building.

Triple IR flame detector: - These are not suitable for detecting smoldering fires. These detectors,
being dependent on the straight-line transmission of flame radiation, are the fastest detectors in
comparison with conventional detectors. These are most suited to surveillance of open large areas,
warehouses, yards, flammable liquid processing areas etc. These detectors require a clear and
uninterrupted line of sight.
Based on above criteria IR flame detector shall be considered in process plant area with average
40M
H2S Gas Detector:-

The following criteria for locating Fire & Gas detectors.

Methanol Gas Detectors: Gas detectors shall be located at expected leakage points and closed to leakage points.
For heavier than air detectors shall be located at low elevations.
For lighter than air detectors shall be located at high elevations.
Wind speed & direction also to be considered.
Location of detector such that they should not be disturbed by sand/dust/ spray water.
Gas detectors shall be located in HVAC air intake.
Triple IR Flame Detectors: Flame detectors shall be suitable for open large areas, yard, warehouse etc. of process plant area.
Flame detector should be given to foreseeable failures such as pump glands, compressor seals.
Flame detector shall be located in process area with an average 35M to 40M coverage straight
length.
Toxic Gas (H2S) Detectors: Detectors should be located closed to possible sources of leakage and manned areas such as
building (HVAC air intakes), analyzer house and other effected spaces (Pump or compressor houses).
Manual Call Points: Manual Alarm Call Points (MAC) should always be used in addition to automatic system in all areas.
They are provided to enable manual initiation in event of fire being detected by personnel and shall
be located at strategic locations in plant & buildings.
Location to be in conspicuous, accessible and well illuminated position.
MAC shall be located no more than 30M distance apart in process plant area.