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Oisd Fire and Safety PDF
Oisd Fire and Safety PDF
OISD - STD
STD - 116
116
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY
Amended Edition - October 2002
FOR
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
AND
A ND
OIL/GAS PROCESSING
PROCESSING PLANTS
PL ANTS
OIS
OISD – STD - 116
116
Amended Edition, October 2002
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION ONLY
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
AND
A ND
OIL/GAS PROCESSING
PROCESSING PLANTS
PL ANTS
Prepared by
COMMITTEE ON FIRE PROTECTION
Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and
reliability of the data contained in these documents, OISD hereby
expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage
resulting from their use.
II
FOREWORD
With this in view, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) was established in
1986 staffed from within theindustry for formulating and implementing a series of
self regulatory measures aimed at removing obsolescence, standardising and
upgrading the existing
existing standards to ensure safer operations.
operations. OISD constituted a
number of committees comprising of experts nominated from the industry to draw
up standards and guidelines on various areas of concern.
The Co-ordinator
Committee on 'Fire Protection'
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
th
7 Floor, New Delhi House
27-Barakhamba Road
New Delhi 110001
III
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
ON
FIRE PROTECTION
LIST OF MEMBERS
Nam e Des i g n at i o n / Or g an i s at i o n St at u s
S/Shri
1. M.M.Kapoor Engineers India Limited Leader
(w.e.f. 1.1.95)
R.P. Bhatla Engineers India Limited Leader
(upto 31.12.94)
2. A.A. Raichur Hindustan Petroleum Member
Corporation Limited
3. S. Neelkanthan Madras Refineries Member
Limited
4. P.J. Joshuva Cochin Refineries Member
Limited
5. Sunil Kumar Indian Oil Corporation Member
Limited
6. V.P. Vaidhya Hindustan Petroleum Member
Corporation Limited
7. S.N. Mukharj ee Bharat Petroleum Member
Corporation Limited
8. A.K. Das Bongaigaon Refineries Member
& Petrochemicals Ltd.
9. R.P. Saxena Oil & Natural Gas Member
Corporation Ltd.
10. H.K. B. Singh IBP Co. Ltd. Member
11. Vijay M. Ranalkar Oil Industry Safety Member
Directorate Coordinator
In addition to the above, several other experts from industry contributed in the preparation, review and
finalisation of the document.
IV
FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES FOR
PETROLEUM AND OIL/GAS PROCESSING PLANTS
CONTENTS
5
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE
NO.
7.4 Control Room and Computer Room Protection
8.0 Carbon Dioxide Systems
8.1 Recommended Use
8.2 System Design
9.0 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment
10.0 Mobile Fire Fighting Equipment
11.0 Storage of Fire Fighting Agents
12.0 Detection and Alarm System Portable Fire Fighting Equipment
12.1 Areas to be covered with Detectors
13.0 Communication System
14.0 Fire Protection System-Inspection and Testing
14.1 Fire Water Pumps
14.2 Fire Water Ring Main
14.3 Fire Water Spray System
14.4 Fixed Foam System
14.5 Halon/its proven equivalent System
14.6 Mobile Fire Fighting Equipment and Accessories
14.7 Communication System
14.8 Detectors
15.0 Fire Fighting Organisation
16.0 Fire Protection Training
17.0 Mutual Aid
18.0 Fire Emergency Procedures
19.0 Fire Station/Control Room Mutual Aid
19.1 Location
19.2 Communication
19.3 General
20.0 Passive Fire Protection
References
A N N E X U R E S
I Typical example for calculation of Fire Water Flow Rate
II Typical example for calculation of Foam Compound
Requirement
III Broad specifications for Fire Fighting Equipment
IV Fire Training Ground - Facilities
V Typical Agreement of Mutual Aid
VI Fire Case in a large Floating Roof Tank after collapse of
floating roof
VII Automatic Actuated Foam Flooding System for larger Floating
Roof Tanks
VIII Types of foam compound
6
FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES FOR PETROLEUM REFINERIES
AND OIL/GAS PROCESSING PLANTS
Even though petroleum refineries and oil/ gas However, in case of LPG storage, handling,
processing installations are generally located bottling plants, Depots & Terminals, Pipeline
in remote areas, experience shows that Installations etc. located in close proximity of
residential/industrial units come up in close refineries and oil/gas processing plants under
proximity with the passage of time. Hence the same Management, this standard shall
these installations which store large quantity of apply and common water storage, pumping
flammable materials, pose threat to facilities may be considered to protect the
surroundings as well, in addition to their own both.
safety. Such conditions therefore, n ecessitates
the introduction of in-built fire protection 3.0 DEFINITIONS
facilities.
7
For the purpose of this Standard,
installation includes all the facilities as Class B Fires : Fires involving
listed in 3(i) to 3(iii) (located in a flammable liquids, petroleum
Refinery or Oil/Gas Processing Plant). products, or the like, where a
blanketing effect is essential.
vi) Deleted
Class C Fires : Fires involving
vii) CLASSIFICATION OF PETROLEUM flammable gases under pressure
PRODUCTS including liquefied gases, where it is
a) General Classification of Petroleum necessary to inhibit the burning gas at
Products: a fast rate with an inert gas, powder or
vapourising liquid for
Petroleum products are classified extinguishment.
according to their closed cup FLASH
POINTS as follows: Class D Fires : Fires involving
combustible materials such as
Class 'A' Petroleum: Liquids which magnesium, alluminium, zinc,
have flash point below 23 degrees C. sodium, potassium when the burning
metals are reactive to water and water
Class 'B' petroleum: Liquids which containing agents, and in certain
have flash point of 23 degrees C and cases carbon dioxide, halogenated
above but below 65 degrees C. hydrocarbons and ordinary dry
powders. These fires require special
Class 'C' petroleum : Liquids which media and technique to extinguish.
have flash point of 65 degrees C and
above but below 93 degrees C. 4.0 FIRE PROTECTION PHILOSOPHY
8
nature of the installation and risk - Fixed roof tanks storing Class 'A'
involved. and class 'B' petroleum products.
9
xi) Deleted on fire and situated in the same
2
dyke area, at a rate of 3 Ipm/m of
xii) Halon / its proven equivalent fire tank shell area.
protection system should be provided
for process control rooms, computer - Water flow calculated for all other
rooms and pressurised rooms. tanks falling outside a radius of
(R+30) mts from centre of the tank
xiii) Oil loading/unloading Tank Truck & on fire and situated in the same
2
Tank Wagon Gantries shall be dyke area at a rate of 1 Ipm/m of
provided with water spray and/or foam tank shell area.
system.
- Water flow required for applying
5.0 FIRE WATER SYSTEM foam into a single largest cone
roof or on a floating roof tank
Water is an essential and the most (after the roof has sunk) burning
important medium available for fire surface area of oil by way of fixed
protection. Water is used for fire foam system, where provided, or
extinguishment, fire control, cooling of by use of water/foam monitors.
equipment and protection of (Refer section 6.8 for foam rates).
equipment and personnel from heat
radiation. For these purposes water is - Fire water flow rate for
used in various forms such as straight supplementary stream, shall be
jet, water fog, water curtain, water based on using 4 single hydrant
spray, deluge/ sprinkler, for foam outlets and 1 monitor
making etc. simultaneously. Capacity of each
hydrant outlet as 36 m3/hr and of
The main components of the fire water each monitor as 144 m3/hr may
system are fire water storage, fire be considered at a pressure of 7
water pumps and distribution piping kg/cm2g.
network along with hydrants and ii) Fire water flow rate for LPG sphere
monitors. storage area shall be aggregate of
the following:
5.1 BASIS
- Water flow calculated for cooling
The fire water system in an installation LPG sphere on fire at a rate of
shall be designed to meet the fire 2
10.2 Ipm/ m of sphere surface
water flow requirement for fighting two area.
fires simultaneously requiring largest
water demand. - Water flow calculated for all other
spheres falling within a radius of
5.2 FLOW RATE (R+30) mts from centre of the
sphere on fire at the rate of 10.2
2
Two of the largest flow rates Ipm/m of surface area.
calculated for different sections as
shown below shall be added and that - If the water rate as calculated
shall be taken as design flow rate. A above works out to be more than
typical example for calculating design 2000 m3/hr the layout of the
fire water flow rate is given in spheres should be reviewed.
Annexure-1.
- Water flow for supplementary
i) Fire Water flow rate for tank farm stream shall be considered as 288
shall be aggregate of the m3/hr as indicated under item (i).
following:
- The spheres should be laid in two
- Water flow calculated for cooling a separate groups with each group
2
tank on fire at a rate of 3 Ipm/m limited to a maximum of 6 vessels
of tank shell area. The groups shall preferably be
separated by a distance of (R+30)
- Water flow calculated for all other mts.
tanks falling within a radius of
(R+30) mts from centre of the tank iii) Water flow rate requirements for
10
fire fighting in other major areas 5.4 b. MAKE UP WATER
shall be calculated based on
criteria as given in section 5.9. Suitable provisions shall be kept for
make up fire water during fire fighting
time. Provision to be made to divert
5.3 HEADER PRESSURE water from various sources like ETP,
Process Cooling Water, river, ponds
The fire water system shall be etc. to the fire water s ystem.
designed for a minimum residual
2
pressure of 7.0 kg/cm g at the 5.5 PUMPS
hydraulically remotest point of
application at the designed flow rate at Fire water pumps shall be used
that point. exclusively for fire fi ghting purposes.
11
No. of diesel driven pumps shall be 5.6.1 Looping
minimum 50% of the total no. of
pumps and diesel pump capacity shall The fire water network shall be laid in
also be minimum 50%. Power supply closed loops as far as possible to
to the pump motors should be from ensure multi-directional flow in the
two separate feeders. system. Isolation valves shall be
provided in the network to enable
isolation of any section of the network
5.5.4 Jock ey Pumps
without affecting the flow in the rest.
The fire water network shall be kept The isolation valves shall be normally
pressurised at minimum 7.0 kg/cm g
2 located near the loop junctions.
by jockey pumps. 2 Jockey pumps (1 Additional valves shall be provided in
working plus 11 standby) shall be the segments where the length of the
provided. The capacity of the pump segment exceeds 300 mts.
shall be sufficient to maintain system
5.6.2 Criteria for above / undergrou nd
pressure in the event of leakages from
network
valves etc. The capacity of jockey
pumps shall be 3% (minimum) and
The fire water network piping should
10% (maximum) of the design fire
normally be laid above ground at a
water rate and its head higher than the
height of 300 to 400 mm above
main fire water pumps.
finished ground level. However, the
fire water network piping shall be laid
5.5.5 Power Supply for Fire Water Pumps below ground level at the following
places.
i) A direct feeder dedicated only to
fire water pumps shall be laid from i) Road crossings
the sub-station to ensure reliable
power supply. The direct feeder ii) Places where the above ground
line shall not run along with other piping is likely to cause
HT cables. obstruction to operation and
ii) The diesel engines shall be quick vehicle movement, and get
starting type with the help of push damaged mechanically.
buttons located near the pumps,
or at remote location. iii) Where frost condition warrants,
the ring main system shall be laid
iii) Each diesel engine shall have an underground beneath the frost
independent fuel tank adequately layer.
sized for 6 hours continuous
running of the pump. 5.6.3 Protection for undergrou nd
pipelines
iv) Deleted
Where the pipes are laid underground
v) Main fire water pumps shall start the following protections shall be
automatically and sequentially provided:
with pressure switches on fire
water mains. i) The main shall have at least one
meter earth cushion in open
ground and 1.5 mtrs earth cushion
5.5.6 Location of pump s under the roads. In case of crane
movement areas, pipes may be
Fire water pumps shall be located as protected with concrete/steel
far away as possible ( not less than 60 encasement.
mtrs ) from hazardous areas to avoid ii) The mains shall be provided with
any damage in case of f ire/explosion. protection against soil corrosion
by suitable coating/wrapping.
12
5.6.4 Protection for above ground Fixed water monitors shall be provided
pipelines on the fire water network (Ref. Section
5.7 for details). Each of these
Where the pipes are laid above connections shall be provided with
ground, the following protection shall independent isolation valves.
be provided:
5.6.8 Layout
i) The fire water m ains shall be laid
on independent sleepers by the i) Fire water mains shall not
side of road. These shall not be pass through buildings or
laid along with process piping on dyked areas.
common sleepers.
ii) Hydrants / monitors shall not
ii) The mains shall be suppor ted at be located inside the dyke
regular intervals not exceeding 6 area.
mtrs.
5.6.9 Elevated/ oscill ating/ remote op erated
iii) The system for above ground monitors
portion shall be analysed for
flexibility against thermal The requirement of
expansion and necessary elevated/oscillating/ remote operated
expansion loops shall be provided monitors may become necessary for
wherever called for. protection of critical equipment at
higher elevation / inaccessible areas.
5.6.5 Sizing This aspect should be given due
consideration.
Fire water distribution ring main shall
be sized for 120% of the design water 5.7 HYDRA NTS AND MONIT ORS
rate. Design flow rates shall be
distributed at nodal points to give the
most realistic way of water 5.7.1 Hydrants
requirements in an emergency.
Several combinations of flow i) Hydrants shall be located
requirements shall be assumed for keeping in view the fire
design of network. For large water hazards at different sections
requirement for floating roof tank of the premises to be
(Annexure-vi), the network around protected and to give most
tank farm shall be suitably designed. effective service. At least one
The hydraulic analysis of network shall hydrant post shall be provided
be done. for every 30 mtrs of external
wall measurement or
perimeter of unit battery limit
5.6.6 Fi re h yd ran ts
in case of high hazard areas.
Hydrants protecting utilities
Fire hydrants shall be provided in the
network to ensure protection to all the and miscellaneous buildings
facilities. The location of the hydrants in high hazard areas may be
shall be carefully decided keeping in spaced at 45 mtrs intervals.
view the easy accessibility. The The horizontal range and
maximum distance between two coverage of hydrants with
hydrants, however, shall not exceed hose connections shall not be
30 mtrs around hydrocarbon storage considered more than 45
and hazardous areas and 45 mtrs in mtrs.
other areas. Each hydrant shall have
ii) The hydrants shall be located
two outlets inclined towards the
at a minimum distance of 15
ground. The outlets shall be of female
mtrs from the periphery of
instantaneous type having a standard
storage tank or hazardous
size of 63.5 mm conforming to Indian
equipment under protection.
Standards.
For process plants location of
hydrants shall be decided
5.6.7 Fixed water monito rs based on coverage of all
13
areas. In the case of 5.7.4 Mobil e/Fixed High Volum e
buildings, this distance shall Water/Foam Monitors
not be less than 5 mtrs and
more than 15 mtrs from the Provision for fighting storage tank fire
face of building. Provision of from road side through mobile/fixed
hydrants within buildings shall high volume long range monitors
be in accordance with should be considered at critical
Standard IS Standard 3844. storage locations.
Hydrants/Monitors shall be
located along road side berms 5.7.5 Hose Box es
for easy accessibility as far as
possible. Provision of hose boxes may be
considered at critical locations for
iii) Double headed hydrants with housing hoses and nozzles.
two separate landing valves
on 4" stand post shall be
5.7.6 Miscellaneous
used. All hydrant outlets shall
be situated at a workable
i) Hydrants and monitors shall
height of about 1.2 mtrs above
not be installed inside the
ground level.
dyked areas.
ii) Tank Wagon & Tank Lorry
iv) Hydrants / Monitors shall be Loading/ unloading gantry
preferably located with branch area should be provided with
connections and not directly alternate water cum foam
over main header for easy monitors having multipurpose
accessibility. combination nozzles for jet
spray & fog arrangement and
5.1.1 Mon ito rs fire hydrants located at a
spacing of 30 mtrs on either
i) Monitors shall be located at sides of the gantry.
strategic locations for protection of
cluster of columns, heaters, 5.8 M ATERI AL SPECIFICA TIONS
gassifiers, etc., and where it may
not be possible to approach the All the materials used in fire water
higher levels. A minimum of 2 system using fresh water shall be of
monitors shall be provided for the approved type as indicated below.
protection of each such area.
Water monitors for protection of In case of saline water service the fire
heaters shall be installed so that water main pipes shall be cement
the heater can be isolated from mortar lined internally.
the remainder of the plant in an
emergency. i) Pipes: Carbon Steel as per IS: 3589/
IS:1239 or its equivalent.
ii) Monitors shall be located to direct
The use of Cl pipes is not
water on the object as well as to
recommended for fire water service
provide water shield to firemen
within installations.
approaching a fire. The monitors
should not be installed less than ii) Isolation Valves : Cast Iron in offsite
15 mtrs from hazardous area : Cast Steel in unit areas and fire
equipment. water pump stations.
14
iii) Hydrant: temperature rise. The system
Standpost: Carbon Steel shall, therefore, be designed
to discharge effective water
spray within shortest possible
Outlet valves/ .. Gunmetal / Aluminium time.
/ landing valves Stainless Steel / AI-
Zn 5.9.2 Water Spray App lic ation Rates
Alloy
The following water spray application
iv) Monitors : Carbon Steel/ Gun
rates are recommended for general
Metal
guidance. These rates may be
reviewed on case to case basis and
v) Fire Hose IS 636: Reinforced rubber
increased, if required. While
lined of Type A or
calculating the water rates for spray
Synthetic hose of
application for cases other than
Type B
tanks/vessels, the area should be
vi) In case of underground mains the divided into suitable segments so that
isolation valves shall be located in maximum water requirement for spray
RCC/brick masonary chamber. application should generally not
vii) The above ground fire water mains and exceed 1200 m3/hr.
the fire hydrant standpost shall be
painted with corrosion resistant "Fire
Red" paint. Item Water application
rate
viii) Water monitor and hose box shall 2
also be painted "Fire Red". Atmospheric storage 3 Ipm/m2 of tank shell
tanks area for tank on fire
2
5.1 FIXED WA TER SPR AY SYST EM 3 Ipm/m of tank shell
area for exposure
protection for tanks
5.9.1 General
located within
(R+30)mts from centre
of tank on fire within the
Fixed water spray system is a fixed
same dyke area.
pipe system connected to a reliable 2
1 Ipm/m of tank shell
source of water supply and equipped
area for exposure
with water spray nozzles for specific
protection for tanks
water discharge and distribution over
located outside (R+30)
the surface of area to be protected.
mtrs from centre of tank
The piping system is connected to the
on fire within the same
hydrant system water supply through
dyke area.
an automatically or manually actuated
valve which initiates the flow of water.
Pressure Storage 10.2 lpm/sq. m of
i) Fixed water spray system Vessels shell area
should be provided in high
hazard areas where Process Unit Area
immediate application of water - Pumps(Volatile product 20.4 lpm/sq. m
is required (refer 4.2 ix service located under
above). pipe rack)
- other extremely hazardous 10.2 lpm/sq. m
ii) Water supply patterns and area
their densities shall be
selected according to need. LPG pump house 20.4 lpm/sq. m
Fire water spray system for
exposure protection shall be LPG Tank Truck 10.2 lpm/sq. m
designed to operate before & Tank Wagon loading/
the possible failures of any unloading gantries
containers of flammable
liquids or gases due to LPG Bottling plants :
15
- Carousel machine 15.3 lpm/sq. m be used if called for depending on
- Filled cylinder storage 10.2 lpm/sq. m risk involved.
- Empty cylinder storage 10.2 lpm/sq. m
6.0 FOAM SYSTEMS
- LPG cylinder cold repair. 10.2 lpm/sq. m
shed 6.1 TYPES OF FOAM
2
Oil Tank Truck & 10.2 Ipm/m
Tank Wagon loading/ For detailed description of Fire
unloading gantries Fighting Foam Compounds, please
refer Annexure-VIII.
2
Cable Trays 10.2 Ipm/m area
2
Transformers 10.2 Ipm/m area 5.1 L OW EXPANSION FOAM
16
solution, fixed piping system for PROTECTION
onward conveying to foam makers for
making foam, vapour seal box, and For floating roof tank, foam shall be poured at
foam pourer. Suitable detection the foam dam to blanket the roof seal.
system may be provided to activate Features of foam system for floating roof tank
the foam system. protection shall be as follows:
Under the Seal Foam application: This i) The vapour seal chamber shall be
is a system for floating roof tank provided with an effective and
where the foam travels through a durable seal, fragile under low
flexible pipe inside the tank upto the pressure, to prevent entrance of
center of the tank roof and exits at the vapour into the foam conveying
seal rim of the floating roof precisely piping system.
where the fire is located thus rapidly
flooding the seal rim area and quickly ii) Where two or more pourers are
extinguishing the fire. required these shall be equally
spaced at the periphery of the
Automatic Actuated Foam Flooding tank and each discharge outlet
system: In this system all the shall be sized to deliver foam at
components and ingredients including approximately the same rate.
premix solution are contained within
the system. Such systems usually iii) Tanks should be provided with
have a premix solution supply tank foam discharge outlets/pourers as
pressurised by air or inert gas. The indicated below :
Tank Di am et er in mt rs . Mini mum nu mber
automatic sensing of fire releases this
of foam disc harge
pressure and places the system into
operation. (Refer Annexure-VII for outlet
details and typical sketch) upto 20 2
>20 upto 25 3
>25 upto 30 4
6.4 FL OATING ROOF TANK >30 upto 35 5
17
>35 upto 40 6 Tanks containing Class 'A' & 'B'
>40 upto 45 8 Petroleum or liquids heated
>45 upto 50 10 above their flash points --- 60 minutes
The estimation of number of foam
discharge outlet is based on pourer iii) Where the system's primary
capacity of 1000 Ipm at a pressure of purpose is for spill fire
2
7 kg/cm g upstream of eductor. This protection ---
can be suitably adjusted for different 30 minutes
pourer capacity in accordance with
para 6.4 (iii).
6.10 WATER FOR FOAM MAKING
6.6 FLOATING CUM FIXED ROOF Water quantity required for making
TANK PROTECTION foam solution depends upon the type
of foam used. Protein foams in normal
Protection facilities shall be provided use have a 3% to 6% proportioning
as required for fixed roof tank. ratio. However, foam supplier data
shall be used for determining water
6.7 DYK E A REA /SPIL LS/OIL
quantity required.
SEPARATOR PROTECTION
6.11 FOA M QUA NTITY
Portable monitors/Medium Expansion REQUIREMENT
foam generator/foam hose streams
shall be considered for fighting fires in Calculation of foam compound
dyked area, spills and oil separator. storage should be based on the
design criteria as per item 4.2.
6.8 FOAM APPL ICATION RA TE
The aggregate quantity of foam
The minimum delivery rate for primary solution for a single largest tank fire
protection based on the assumption should be calculated as sum total
that all the foam reaches the area indicated below under items (i), (ii)
being protected shall be as indicated and (iii) for a minimum period of 65
below. In determining total solution minutes. The quantity of foam
flow requirements, potential foam compound required should be
losses from wind and other factors calculated based on 3% or 6%
shall be considered. For cone roof concentrate.
tanks containing liquid hydrocarbons,
the foam solution delivery rate shall be i) Foam solution application at the
2
at least 5 Ipm/m of liquid surface area 2
rate of 5 Ipm/m for the liquid
of the tank to be protected. For surface of the single largest cone
floating roof tanks containing liquid roof tank or at the rate of 12
hydrocarbons foam solution delivery 2
Ipm/m of seal area of the single
2
rate shall be at least 12 Ipm/m of seal largest floating roof tank whichever
area with foam dam height of 600 mm is higher.
of the tank to be protected. In case of
floating roof sinking, the rate However, a foam solution application
2
considered should be 8.1 Ipm/m of 2
rate of 8.1 Ipm/m of the liquid surface
liquid surface areas. of the largest floating roof tank for 65
minutes may be considered for a roof
6.9 DURA TION OF FO AM DISCH ARGE sinking case. (Refer Annexure-VI for
sample calculation)
The equipment shall be capable of
providing primary protection at the ii) One portable foam monitor of
specified delivery rates for the 4500 Ipm foam solution capacity.
following minimum period of time. iii) Two hose streams of foam each
with a capacity of 1140 Ipm of
Tanks containing liquid foam solution. A typical example
hydrocarbons - Class 'C' showing calculation of foam
Petroleum ....30 compound requirement is given at
minutes Annexure - II.
18
6.12 FOAM COMPOUND STORAGE The system is recommended for
protection of floating roof tanks,
- Foam compound should be stored in control rooms and computer rooms.
containers of 20-30 Its capacity or
200/210 Its capacity barrels in case of 7.2 QUANTITY AND STORAGE
protein, fluoroprotein or AFFF. Foam
compound can also be stored in Each hazard area to be protected by
overhead storage tank of suitable the protection system shall have an
capacity for quick filling of foam independent system.
tender/nurser during emergency. The time needed to obtain the gas for
replacement to restore the systems
- Type of foam compound used can be shall be considered as a governing
protein or fluoroprotein or AFFF. factor in determining the reserve
Alcohol Resistant Foam can be used supply needed. 100% standby
for specific application. Minimum of containers shall be considered for
90% of storage of foam compound each protected hazard.
shall be of AFFF type. Minimum life of
foam compound shall be taken as per Storage containers shall be located
manufacturer's data. as near as possible to hazard area
but shall not be exposed to fire.
- Foam compound shall be tested
Storage containers shall be carefully
periodically for ensuring its quality and
located so that they are not subjected
the deteriorated quantity replaced.
to mechanical, chemical or other
The deteriorated foam compound can
damage.
be used for fire training purposes.
All the components of the system
- Quantity of foam compound equal to shall be capable of withstanding heat
100% of requirement as calculated in of fire and severe weather conditions.
6.11 should be stored in the
Installation, subjected to a minimum of
7.3 FLOATING ROOF TANK
60,000 liters, for installations having
PROTECTION
tankages larger than 60 mtrs
diameter, minimum of 77000 liters
Floating roof tank can be protected by
foam should be stored. (Ref Section
Halon or its proven equivalent for its in
14.0) or foam sufficient to fight two
built detection, control and actuation
major fires whichever is more.
mechanism. If a rim seal fire occurs,
its heat causes one or more spray
7.0 HALON / ITS PROVEN EQUI-
nozzles to open and the gas is applied
VALENT PROTECTION SYSTEM on the surface of fire and alarm is
Halon is a liquefied gas extraordinarily sounded.
effective as fire extinguishing age
However, due to its ozone depleting As an alternative to the a bove system,
properties it is being phased out as automatic actuated proven foam
per the Montreal Protocol. Hence, flooding system as described in
Halon / its Proven Equivalent shall be section 6.3 may be considered. This
considered for such protection should be in addition to water spray
system. and foam protection system as
described in section 6.4.
The Protection System broadly
consists of container, feed lines, ring Floating roof tanks of 60 mtrs and
mains/ laterals as required, spray above diameter should be considered
nozzles, signalling equipment and for protection by installing such
cables, heat detection and activation system.
devices.
7.4 CONTROL ROOM AND COMPUTER
"The Protection System can detect,
control and extinguish the fire and ROOM PROTECTION
also simultaneously give audio visual
Halon / its proven equivalent is
indication on the control panel.
recommended for protection of control
7.1 RECOMMENDED USE rooms and computer room.
19
It is considered good practice to avoid Concentration(%)
unnecessary exposure to Halon /its kg of CO2/cu.mt
equivalent. In order to minimise the Control rooms, switch 50 1.60
exposure, persons should be gear rooms, cable
evacuated from the areas after the ducts
system comes into operation. Record rooms 65 2.0 Etc.
20
Description Norms/criteria to determine the quantit y needed
i) Dry chemical powder fire To be located in process units, p ump houses, pump area,
extinguishers -10 kg LPG storage area, LPG bottling plant, TEL blending plant,
capacity Oil separator, tank truck/ tank wagon loading areas, substations,
work shops, laboratory, power station buildings etc.
The number should be determined based on the max. travelling
distance of 15 mtrs in above areas. At least one fire extinguisher
should be provided for every 250 sq.mt of hazardous operating
area.
ii) Dry chemical powder fire To be located in critical operating areas. At least one fire
extinguishers 25/50/75 kg extinguisher should be provided for every 750 sq. mt of of
capacity hazardous operating area.
iii) CO2 extinguishers of 4.5 To be located in substations and power stations. The number
Kg or 6.8/9.0 kg on wheels should be determined based on the max. travelling distance of 15
mtrs. At least one fire extinguisher should be provided for every
250 sq.mt of hazardous operating area.
v) Deleted
vi) Steam lancers(as a part For fighting incipient fires at flange leakages & hot pumps.
of utility station)
vii) Rubber hose reel To be located in Process (25mm)unit battery limits and other
process area.
v) Personal Protective Equipment required during Fire Fighting like Water based jet blanket, Fire
Proximity Suit, Fire Entry suit, Self contained breathing apparatus, Air line breathing apparatus,
Safety Helmets, Fire Helmets, Stretcher, Fibre glass First Aid box, Rubber hand gloves etc.
The number of unit required for these may be decided by local management, on case to case basis.
vi) Miscellaneous Equipment like Portable Gas detectors, Explosimeters, Oxygenmeter, Hand operated
siren, Red/Green Flag for fire drill, static charge meter, Safe walk roof top ladder, emergency lighting
etc.
21
9.3 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
The extinguishing system comprises of supplying the Dry Chemical agent, manually or
automatically, through a distribution system onto or into the protected hazard.
Dry chemical powder extinguishing system can effectively be used on following hazards.
- Combustible solids having burning characteristic like naphthalene or pit which melts while on
fire.
- Class 'A','B','C' & 'D' fire using multipurpose dry chemical. Requirement for each item should
be finalised while deciding design basis.
System consists of dry chemical powder and expellent gas container assemblies of capacity
sufficient for given hazard with distribution piping and discharge nozzles. System can be
actuated manually or automatically on visual or automatic means of detection. Alarm and
indication shall be provided to show that the system has operated and personnel response is
needed.
Personnel safety shall include training, warning signs, discharge alarm, respiratory protection and
prompt evacuation of personnel.
d. `Pre-engineered system
(Refer NFPA-17 for limitations & precautions for use of dry chemical and for system design)
10.0 MOBILE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
10.1 The exact number of mobile fire fighting equipment shall be higher of the following items (a) or (b):
(a) The quantities firmed up in each case based on two simultaneous major fires taking into
consideration the size, location of the plant a nd statutory requirements.
ii) Deleted
22
iii) One DCP tender having 2 spheres of 2000 kg capacity each with Nitrogen as expellent gas.
These are required for fighting LPG/Gas fires.
A long range monitor should have a variable throw of 15/25/40 kg/sec. The throw of the monitor
shall be 40 to 50 mtrs of Monex or equivalent DCP charge.
Capacity of DCP tender may be reduced to 2000 kg if considered necessary.
iv) Emergency rescue equipment like cutters, expanders, inflatable lifting bags, leak pads,
protective clothing, breathing apparatus etc.
v) 2 nos. of foam tank trailers with water cum foam monitors having foam tank capacity of 1000
liters and monitors capacity of 2500 to 3200 Ipm.
vi) 2 nos. of Trolley mounted water cum foam monitors of capacity of 5000 to 10000 Ipm.
vii) 1 to 2 numbers of mobile Foam Nurser (Trailer mounted foam compound supply tank) with
foam compound tank of 7000 - 16000 Itrs capacity with suitable pump for foam transfer.
viii) 1 to 2 nos. of Mobile fire trailer pumps of capacity ranging from 1800 to 2250 Ipm at discharge
2
pressure of 7 kg/cm g.
i) For installation with hydrants upto 100 Nos: - One 15mtrs hose length/hydrant.
The hose length so calculated may be suitably divided into hose lengths of 15mtrs, 22.5 mtrs or 30
mtrs. Of the total requirement of the hoses, minimum 50% of hoses shall be of type B.
x) Fire jeep (s) with two way radio communication facility and towing facility.
xi) One ambulance fitted with medical aid and suitable arrangements.
xii) Other accessories, foam making branch pipes, nozzles, etc. as per requirements.
xiii) 4" Hoses of suitable length for feeding to large capacity monitors wherever installed.
10.2 In addition to above, provision of following equipment may also be considered:
ii) Multipurpose fire fighting skid may be used as a single self sufficient unit of having capacity of
discharging foam, water and DCP and thus performing multiple functions effectively,
individually or together, saving power and time in combating a fire. Such a Multipurpose fire
fighting skid may be used in lieu of one foam tender/ DCP tender as described in 11.1 (i)/(ii).
Broad specifications of the fire fighting equipment listed above are given in Annexure-lll.
The following quantities of fire fighting agents shall be stored in the Refinery.
23
i) Dry chemical powder 4000 kg for the DCP
Monex or equivalent tender plus 500 kg
(Potassium-urea based for addi-tional
as spare charge for DCP requirement. This is
the DCP tender. in addition to the
charge loaded on
tender).
ii) Siliconised Sodium/ As required based
bicarbonate DCP powder on shelf life.
for recharging of fire
extinguishers.
iii) Foam compound: 60,000 lts.
(excluding that in
foam tender) for
installation having
largest tank as60m
dia.
77,000 lts.
(excluding that in
foam tender) for
installation having
largest tank as79m
dia.
Human beings are excellent fire detectors since they possess sense of smell, sight, and touch.
But since human senses are also unreliable due to the need for frequent rest and relaxation, a
number of mechanical, electrical and electronic devices have been developed to mimic human
senses in the detection of gases / smoke / heat and flame.
A flammable gas detector is designed to give a warning of the presence of flammable gases or
vapours in air, well before they reach explosive concentrations. Normally, the detector
provides visible and audible alarm signals, but frequently it performs a further function by initiating
control action such as increasing ventilation or shutting off the source of gas. A flammable gas
detector can also be used for tracing leaks and checking that vessels or tunnels are gas free
before entering.
12.1.1 The following areas should be provided with hydrocarbon gas detectors:
24
- LPG bottling, storage, repair sheds.
- Gas compressor
The exact location and number of points should be decided on need basis.
12.1.2 Following areas shall be provided with Smoke/ Flame / Heat detectors with alarm and/or system
to actuate relevant fire suppression system:
- LPG spheres
- LPG pumps/compressors
- LPG loading/unloading, both tank truck and tank wagon gantry
Good communication is an essential element in the fire protection system of any plant. The
following communication systems should be provided in the Refinery/Process plants.
i) TELEPHONE
Fire Station Control Room shall be provided with 2 nos. of internal telephones which are
exclusively meant for receiving fire/emergency calls only. These phones should have facilities for
incoming calls only. For general communication a separate telephone should be provided.
Fire Station should also have a direct P&T telephone. Hot line, telephone for contacting mutual
aid parties shall be provided wherever possible.
Public address system should be connected to all control rooms, administration building (all
floors), all departmental heads, security etc. Telephone exchange should control and take care of
this system.
Air raid communication system (with civil defence) should be provided in the control room of fire
station. The details of such a system should be worked out in association with civil defence
authorities of the area.
Alternatively, alpha numerical pager system may be considered for group emergency
communication.
iv ) FIRE SIRENS
25
The Fire siren/s should be located suitably to cover the whole area with the operational control in
the Fire station control room. These should be tested at least once in a week to keep them in
working condition.
Fire siren code should be as follows:
2. MAJOR FIRE: A wailing siren for two minutes. Sirens will be sounded three times for thirty
seconds with an interval of fifteen second in between.
3. DISASTER: Same type of siren as in case of Major Fire but the same will be sounded for three
times at the interval of two m inutes.
4. ALL CLEAR (For fire): Straight run siren for two minutes.
v) WALKIE-TALKIE / WIRELESS
All the Fire Tenders shall be provided with a walkie-talkie/ wireless system which will help in
communicating with the people in case the other system fails. Besides, key personnel co-
ordinating emergency operations should also be provided with walkie-talkie.
Fire Alarms Points shall be provided at suitable locations like access point, approach roads,
walkways etc. to cover the critical areas with a control panel in the Fire station control room. The
location should be conspicuously marked for proper identification.
i) Every pump should be test run for at least half an hour minimum two times a week.
ii) Once a month each pump should be checked and tested and the shut off pressure observed and
logged.
iii) Once in six months each pump should be checked for performance. This may be done by
opening required number of hydrants/monitors depending on the capacity of the pump and by
verifying that the discharge pressure, flow and the motor load are in conformance with the design
parameters. For flow measurement suitable devices like ultrasonic instrument may be
considered.
The ring main should be checked once a year for leaks etc. by operating one or more pumps with
the hydrant points kept closed as required to get the maximum operating pressure.
The ring main, hydrants, monitors, valves should be visually inspected every month for any
pilferage, defects and damage.
All fire main valves should be checked for operation and lubricated once in a month.
26
14.3 FIRE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM
Fixed water cooling spray systems on storage tanks should be tested at least once in six months.
Deluge systems on LPG spheres and bullets should be tested at least once in every three
months, for proper performance.
Spray system in LPG bottling plant and in TEL Blending plant should be tested at least once in
every quarter.
14.8 DETECTORS
The operability of detectors should be tested once in every three months. Calibration of gas
detectors using test gas should be done once in every six months or as per manufacturer's
specification whichever is earlier.
A full-fledged fire fighting organisation shall be provided. A typical organisation for the fire and
safety department for a large size, Refinery/Process Plant is gi ven below:
27
CHIEF/SENIOR MANAGER
FIRE & SAFETY
MANAGER MANAGER
FIRE PROTECTION SAFETY
EACH SHIFT
SR. FIRE OFFICER & FIRE OPERATORS
The Fire Protection / Fighting organisation shall be manned by personnel having suitable
professional qualification & training.
All the plant personnel shall be trained on fire prevention and fire fighting aspects. Fire fighting
refresher training shall be given periodicall y. The fire crew belonging to the fire fighting department
shall be given intensive training for the us e of all equipment and in v arious fire fighting methods for
handling different types of fires.
A fire training ground with the following minimum training facilities should be set up :
A mock fire drill should be conducted once in a month to rehearse the fire emergency procedure
and to keep the fire fighting team trained and alert and facilities in top order.
A layout of typical fire training ground and a brief write up on the facilities in the training ground are
given in Annexure-IV.
Refineries/process plants should have written mutual aid agreements with similar neighbouring
industries fully detailing the responsibilities of the members of the scheme, the procedures to be
adopted, the minimum number of equipment and manpower and minimum quantity of
consumables to be exchanged/loaned. A model agreement of mutual aid is given in Annexure - V.
A chart showing the above arrangement shall be exhibited prominently at least in fire station.
28
Each installation shall prepare a detailed "Fire emergency procedures" manual for use by the
organisation.
The fire emergency procedures including fire fighting plan should be prepared for fighting fires in
the process units, in and around tanks, in the LPG storage and bottling plants, product loading
gantries, separators, electrical fire, warehouse and building fires etc.
Fire Station Control Room is of critical importance as it is main co-ordinating centre between the
emergency site and response crew. Important activities of control room are communication,
mobilisation, up-keeping and maintenance. The location and construction of control room
should therefore be suitable for these activities.
19.1 LOCATION
Fire station should be located at minimum risk area. It should be spaced at a safe distance from
any process plant and other hazardous areas. For details refer OISD-STD-118.
When planning for new fire station, adequate land should be provided for parking and
manoeuvring of fire appliances. Also, access and exits of the building should not be obstructed by
other vehicles.
Fire station control room should be close to parking bay for fire appliances and should have good
view of vehicles parked.
19.2 COMMUNICATION:
Reliable communication system is must for supporting effective fire service dept. operations.
Following equipment must be available in the Control Room, (i) Telephones (2) Wireless sets/
walkie-talkie (with a dedicated frequency) (3) Hotlines to neighbouring industries/civil Fire Brigade
(4) Fire Alarm system with central control in fire station
19.3 GENERAL:
a) Fire Station should have 2 overhead storage tanks for foam compound storage, so that during
emergency refilling is not delayed.
c) Fire Station should have prominently located pressure gauge showing fire water network
pressure.
Although adequate fire protection is provided in an installation, Passive fire protection measures
as indicated below should be adopted wherever required.
29
h) Venting Facilities of process equipment
i) Electrical Relays and Fuses, earth leakage circuit breakers, neutral current circuit breaker
j) Fire retardant coatings and tapes for cables
k) Fire resistant low smoke insulation cable
I) Flame proof and flame resistant electrical enclosure
REFERECES
13) 13) MODEL CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES - THE INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM (U. K. )
30
ANNEXURE-1
1. DESIGN B ASIS
The fire water system in an installation shall be designed to meet the fire water flow
requirement to fight two major fires simultaneously.
Various areas which can be under fire shall be considered and fire water demand for
each area shall be calculated based on design basis, as indicated below:
Cooling water rate @ 3 lpm/m2 of tank shell area for tank on fire,
Cooling water required = II x79x14.4 x 3
= 10721 lpm
= 643 m3/hr
Assuming that second tank is located within the tank dyke at a distance more than 30 mtrs from
the tank shell.
Therefore, in such case cooling water required at the rate of 1 lpm/m2 of tank shell area shall
be215 m3/hr.
31
Tank cooling 858 m3/hr
Foam application 143 m3/hr
Supplementary stream 288 m3/hr
Tot al 1289 m3/hr
a) Data:
Total storage capacity = 50,000 m3
= 4241 lpm
= 254 m3/hr
Cooling water required for other tanks at the rate of 3 lpm/m2 of shell area for
tanks falling within (R+30) mtrs from centre of tank on fire,
= 3 x 254 m3/hr
= 762 m3/hr
= 5522 lpm
= 331 m3/hr
32
e) Total water required :
a) Data:
a) Data:
Total No. of loading points = 40
Consider 20 loading points on each side = 7 mtrs.
centre to centre rail spacing
Length of Rail gantry = 160 mtrs
Width of cooling = 12 mtrs
Divide the whole areas into 4 segments and consider 2 segments operating at
any time :
33
c) Supplementary hose requirment: = 288 m3/hr
For process unit protection in case of fire, water is to be applied using fixed water
monitors and hose lines. Unit blocks separation is by 30 mts. Three following
alternatives are considered for fire water rate.
= 576 m3/hr
Consider a 10 mt x 10 mt portion of process unit area on fire. Provide water cover over an area of
30mtsx30mts at the rate of 10 lpm/m2,
= 540 m3/hr
Water required for portion of unit area provided with fixed spray system (Extreme
Hazardous Area)
34
Considering the maximum water under alternative I, II & III
Total design fire water rate is the sum of water rates for 2 m ajor fires:
= 3558 m3/hr
35
ANNEXURE - II
i) Data :
Number of tanks = 4
Consider foam solution application @ 5 lpm/m2 for the liquid surface of the
single largest cone roof tank in the dyke area.
= 5522 lpm
= 166 lpm
= 10790 lts
iii) Consider one portable foam monitor of 2400 lpm foam solution capacity :
iv) Consider 2 hose streams of foam with a capacity of 1140 lts/min of foam
solution capacity
v) Total foam compound required for cone roof tank area Protection:
36
Foam Compound required for 1 Foam Monitor = 4680 lts.
i) Data:
No. of Tanks = 2
ii) Consider foam solution application rate of 12 lpm/m2 of seal area of the
single largest floating roof tank in the dyke area :
= 198.5 m2
= 2382 lpm
iii) Foam Compound required for 1 foam monitor and 2 hose streams as
calculated for cone roof protection
iv) Total foam compound required for floating roof tank area Protection:
37
3. On the lines of the above example foam compound requirement should be calculated
for various dyke areas. Requirements to fight major fires in two dyke areas (with
maximum foam compound rates requirements) should be added, to arrive at the total
requirement of the installation.
For example, for 2 cone roof tank dyke areas with largest tank diameter of 37.5 mtrs in
each area, foam compound required works out as 2x20000 lts i.e 40000 lts.
Similarly for 2 floating roof tank dyke areas with largest tank diameter of 79 mtrs. in
each area, foam compound required works out as 2 X 14000 lts i.e 28000 lts.
38
ANNEXURE - III
III. DCP Tender - Diesel engine chassis –payload :13 - For gas
- 2 spheres of 2000 kg DCP each Fires and
- Expellent gas system (Nitrogen gas Spill fires
cylinders 28x50 lts at 140 kg/cm2 g
- Automatic regulator for output and range
- DCP monitor with range 15, 25 and
40 kg/second at operating pressure of 14 kg/cm2
g
- Monitor throw - 40 to 50 mtrs
39
IV. Emergency - Rescue equipment - For rescue
Rescue - Breathing equipment Operations
Tender - Protective clothing
- First Aid Equipment
XI. Fire jeep - Standard design with two-way radio - Towing trailer
Communication facility Type
equipment
- General
vigilence
40
ANNEXURE - IV
Fig. 1
LA YOUT OF TYPICAL FIRE TRAINING GROUND
41
Details of different facilities in the fire trainingground are described below.
2.1. Fac il it y f or st or ag e t an k f ir e
Storage tanks are provided with fixed foam line connection and fixed cooling water
system to fight tank fires. The foam is to extinguish the fire and cooling water is to
prevent spreading of fire in the neighbouring tanks. Training ground may have a tank
with fixed foam installation with isolation valves on product lines.
During operation of the refinery, sometimes hydrocarbon liquids get released from the
process equipment and accumulate in the open areas/ pit. To fight such fires, the
facility may be provided on the ground.
In the refinery equipment are connected by pipelines and to rundown the products
from the process units to storage tanks. These pipes can leak at flange joints and
result in a fire. Facilities may be provided to simulate such fires.
Gantry fires are difficult to control due to rapid spreading of fires all around the gantry.
Such fires can be controlled with the following arrangements
LPG is produced in the refinery and stored in containers from where it is despatched
to the market. Chances of fires due to leakage of LPG in the process unit is less as it
is processed in closed system. Probability of LPG fires during bottling,
loading/unloading of cylinders is more.
2.6 Fac il it y f or hi gh el ev at io n c ol um n f ir e
In the refinery, there are tall structures such as columns/vessels. To tackle fires on
such equipment the most important activities are isolation and cooling the equipment
as well as surrounding area. Generally, isolation of inlet side of the equipment is not
much difficult, most difficult isolation is on the outlet side. To approach to the isolation
valve, personal protective equipment with water screen is necessary. Facilities may
be provided to simulate all such actions.
42
43
ANNEXURE-V
SHEET-1
Contact Personnel
After Office Hrs Fire Control Room Fire Control Room PP Bhonde
Fire Control Room
5518647 5563151,Extn 3701 5558553
5555991
EQUP. AVAILABL E
44
1 no.
9. EXT. CO2 8 Nos. 5 Nos.
10. Air breathing apparatus 2 nos. 2 Nos.
1 No.
11. Canistor Gas Masks 3 Nos. 2 Nos.
12. Foam tender will be made 1 No. 1 no.
1 No.
available if
it can be spared
13. Trailer Pumps
14. Ambulance
Contact Personnel
During Office Hrs. S Choudhary SJ Sharma SV Kale Theo D'Souze C
Subba Rao
5562818 Ch.Engg.Safety Fire Officer 5564007
5563320
Ext 256 5517387 5552614 Ext.222
After Office Hrs S Choudhary Fire Control Room Fire Control Theo D'Souza C Subba Rao
6110779 5517387 5552614
RL Dutta MS Ganapathy
5550560 6236212
EQUP. AVAILABLE
45
ANNEXURE-VI
Typical Example of Fire Case in a large Floating Roof Tank after sinkin g of fl oating roo f:
Example for calculatio n of Foam Requirement for Floating Roof tank wit h Portable Monitor s:
DATA
1. Diameter of Tank : 79 m
= 39704 lpm
= 2382 m3/hr,
This much quantuties has to be trown over to sunken roof area with the help of external long
range high volume monitors from the road side periphery of the tank farm. The same may be
achieved by 5 nos. of 2000 gpm such monitors. In design rate calculation in Ann-I, sinking of
floating roof has not been considered, however, installation may consider sizing the fire water
network around tank farms to take up such load so that long range monitors can be fed from this
network by diverting other water availble in installation to tank f arms in such emergency.**
= 1191.12 lpm,
= 77415 litres
** If two major fire occurs in an installation with roof sinking case as one of them,
46
Annexu re-VII
The system consists of a long foam line (typically available in 40 Mts. length) laid
along the tank perimeter. The foam aspirating nozzles are mounted on the line at an
interval of 2.5 mts. The premix foam is contained in a vessel which is kept charged
with nitrogen through a nitrogen cylinder. The System is designed for minimum foam
application rate of 18 lpm/m2 of rimseal area. For effective control, foam is applied for
a period of 40 seconds. Film Forming Fluro Protein Foam (FFFP) type concentrate is
normally used in the system.
The system consists of a detector network normally thermoplastic tubing type, which
is kept charged with nitrogen. In case of fire, tube ruptures and the pressure drop
triggers the foam discharge.
The provision of audio-visual alarms for different operating parameters can also be
coupled with the system.
An example of design calculatio n of the system for a Floating roof tank of 79 mts. dia
is given below:
DESIGN CRITERIA :
47
ANNEXURE-VIII
Fire fighting foam is a homogeneous mass of tiny airo r gas filled bubble of lo w specific
gravity, which when applied in correct manner and in sufficient quantity, forms a
compact fluid and stable blanket which is capable of floating on the surface of
flammable liquids and preventing atmospheric air from reaching the liquid.
2.1 CHEMICAL FOAM: When two or more chemicals are added the foam generates due
to chemical reaction. The most common ingredients used for chemical foam are
sodium bicarbonate and aluminimum sulphate with stabilizer. The chemical foam is
generally used in Fire extinguishers.
LOW EXPANSION FOAM: Foam expansion ratio may be upto 50 to 1, but usually
between 5:1 to 15:1 as typicall y produced by self aspirating foam branch pipes.
The low expansion foam contains more water and has better resistant to fire. It is
suitable for hydrocarbon liquid fires and is widely used in oil refinery, oil platforms,
petrochemical and other chemical industries.
MEDIUM EXPANSION FOAM: Foam expansion ratio vary from 51:1 to 500:1 as
typically produced by self aspirating foam branch pipes with nets. This foam has
limited use in controlling hydrocarbon liquid fire because of it's limitations w.r.t. poor
cooling, poor resistant to hot surface/radiant heat etc.
3.3 HIGH EXPANSION FOAM: Foam expansion ratio vary from 501:1 to 1500:1, usually
between 750:1 to 1000:1 as typically produced by foam generators with air fans. This
foam has also very limited use in controlling hydrocarbon liquid fire because of its
limitations w.r.t. poor cooling, poor resistant to hot surface/radiant heat etc. It is used
for protection of hydrocarbon gases stored under cryogenic conditions and for
warehouse protection.
48
The foam concentrate is prepared from hydrolyzed protein either from animals or
vegetable source. The suitable stabilizer and preservatives are also added.
The concentrate forms a thick foam blanket and is suitable for hydrocarbon liquid fires,
but not on water miscible liquids. The effectiveness of foam is not very good on deep
pools or low flash point fuels which have had lengthy preburn time unless applied very
gently to the surface.
The concentrate is available for induction rate of 3 to 6%. The shelf life of concentrate
is 2 years.
This is similar to protein base foam with fluro-chemical which makes it more effective
than protein base foam.
The concentrate forms a thick foam blanket and is suitable for hydrocarbon liquid fires,
but not on water miscible liquids. The foam is very effective on deep pools of low
flash point fuels which have had lengthy pre burn time.
The concentrate is available for induction rate of 3 to 6% and the shelf life is similar to
that of protein base foam.
The foam concentrate mainly consists of f luoro carbon surfactants, foaming agent and
stabilizer. This can be used with fresh water as well as with sea water.
It produces very fluid foam, which flows freely on liquid surface. The aqueous film
produced suppresses the liquid vapour quickly. The foam has quick fire knock down
property and is suitable for liquid hydrocarbon fires. As the foam has poor drainage
rate, the effectiveness is limited on deep pool fires of low flash point fuels which have
lengthy pre burn time.
The concentrate is available for induction rate of 3 to 6% and the shelf life is more
than 15 years. This can also be used with non aspirating type nozzles.
Multipurpose AFFF concentrate is synthetic, foaming liquid designed specially for fire
protection of water soluble solvents and water insoluble hydrocarbon liquids. This can
be used either with fresh water of sea water.
When applied it forms foam with a cohesive polymeric layer on liquid surface, which
suppresses the vapour and extinguishes the fire. The foam is also suitable for deep
pool fires because of superior drainage rate and more resistive to hot fuels/radiant
heat.
The 3% induction rate is suitable for liquid hydrocarbon fires and 5% for water
miscible solvents. The shelf life of concentrate is not less than 10 years. This can
also be used with non aspirating type nozzles.
FFFP combines the rapid fire knock down quality of conventional film forming AFFF
with the high level of post fire security and burn back resistance of flouro protein foam.
49
The concentrate can either be used wi th fresh water or sea water.
The foam is suitable for hydrocarbon liquid fires including deep pool fires of low flash
point fuels which have had lengthy pre burn time.
The concentrate is available for induction rate of 3 to 6% and the shelf life is not less
than 5 years. This can also be used with non aspirating type nozzles.
Synthetic foam concentrate is used with suitable devices to produce medium and high
expansion foams. This can be used on hydrocarbon fuels with low boiling point. The
foam is very light in weight and gives poor cooling effect in comparison to low
expansion foams. The foam is susceptible to easy break down by hot fuel layers and
radiant heat.
Many of the low expansion foam concentrate can also be used with suitable devices
to produce medium / high expansion foam.
50