Fire Protection Systems Engineering Guide

Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation
Engineering Guide
Title Document No.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

Revision No. Approved Effective Date Page No.
1 Bryan D. Humphries 1/1/2001 1 of 18
Please refer to EG-300 — “General” to place this guide in context and for overall
purpose and scope, general requirements, applicability, variances, and glossary of
terms.
1.0 THIS GUIDE IS UNDERGOING ADDITIONAL REVISION, BUT SHOULD

BE USED IN THE PRESENT FORM.
2. SCOPE
This document provides assistance on the design of fire protection systems
for onshore oil and gas producing and processing facilities.
This Engineering Guide applies to all fire protection systems except for
storage tank fire protection, which will be addressed on a separate
Engineering Guide.
3. PURPOSE
The intent of the design philosophy is to develop a fire protection system
consistent with safety, operational and maintenance requirements. To this
end, procedures and data are included in this document to ensure that a safe,
operable facility is built with adequate fire fighting equipment.
4. GENERAL
• The fire protection system and all other aspects of personnel and
equipment protection should comprise an integral part of an overall safety
philosophy. Therefore, the contents of this Guide should not restrict or
limit the level of safeguards incorporated at a facility.
• In consideration of the overall safety philosophy, process control features
should also be a functional part of fire protection systems. These features
allow for a safe and orderly shutdown of process systems, stopping of the
release of flammable gases and liquids, and depressuring of systems
containing flammable gases.
• A smaller facility that is remotely located, such as an oil field producing
site, should not require the level of built-in fire protection as a major
facility. Thus, an evaluation should be made to establish the value of the
facility, the economic impact if it were lost, and the exposure risk to
people and adjacent facilities. The level of fire protection incorporated in
the design should be commensurate with the exposure risk and value of
the facility, provided that any reductions in fire protection would not
significantly increase the risk to people.
• Where site location, equipment spacing, or limited fire protection increase
the risk to the public or the potential for damage to a facility, a
quantitative risk analysis (QRA) should be performed. The assessment
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

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should include realistic scenarios of accidents that may occur, including

material release, ignition and fire/explosion. Such assessment should be
reviewed periodically as to ensure that conditions have not changed
significantly and that current levels of protection are still appropriate.
5. HAZARDS
The design and extent of the fire protection systems depend primarily upon
the types and degrees of hazards involved. Hydrocarbon handling facilities are
exposed to numerous hazards but our main concern is focused on the
following:
• Pool Fires
• Jet Fires
• Vapor Cloud Explosions (VCE)
• Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE)
6. FIRE CONTROL AND EXTINGUISHMENT

Suppression agents are used in several distinct ways to fight fire. These are:
• Fire control.
• Fire extinguishment.
• Fire exposure protection.
• Fire and explosion prevention.
6.1 Fire Control

The concept of fire control, as opposed to fire extinguishment, is often applied
in facilities that handle primarily flammable gases and liquefied flammable
gases. The justification for this approach lie in the fact that once a gas-fed or
refrigerated liquid-supported fire has been extinguished, the flammable gas or
evolved vapor is free to migrate downwind and re-ignite. The risks associated
with such re-ignition (i.e., a vapor cloud explosion) are so severe, that
controlled combustion in a remote spill-containment area is often the
preferred response.
The potential consequences of remote ignition of a gas or vapor cloud is the
reason for which flammable gas-fed fires should not be extinguished until the
source of the gas leak is, or can be, shut off. In case of an impinging,
pressurized, gas-fed jet fire, the potential consequences of failure of the
“target” component are weighed against the potential risk of re-ignition in
assessing the proper response.

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The potential consequences of remote ignition of a gas or vapor cloud is the

rationale behind the theory that flammable gas-fed fires should not be
extinguished until the source of the gas leak, is or can be, shut off.
Control of bunker and diesel fuel fires can be achieved by means of water
discharged through hand-held hose lines in the form of a fine spray or “fog”.
This technique might be employed while waiting for the arrival of dry chemical
or low expansion foam equipment.
6.2 Fire Extinguishment

For fires involving other than flammable gases and liquefied flammable gases,
the usual course of action is rapid extinguishment. Four types of extinguishing
agents are provided for this purpose: water, low expansion foam, dry
chemical powder and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Water is most useful when combating Class A fire hazards. For such hazards,
water is applied by means of sprinkler systems in buildings and hand-held
hose lines.
Although not the agent of choice, water can be applied to those Class B
hazards with a flash point greater than the temperature of the fire water
(e.g., bunker fuel); the higher the flash point, the greater likelihood of fire
extinguishment
Although also not generally recommended, water has been applied to Class C
fires (those involving energized electrical equipment). Special hose line
discharge nozzles are available for this service, which are only capable of
producing a fine spray or fog pattern. Such nozzles, if employed, must have
been specifically certified by an independent testing laboratory for Class C
fires.
Low expansion foam is intended for all Class B hazards with the exception of
flammable gases and liquefied flammable gases.
Dry chemical powder is primarily intended for Class B and C fires. Dry
chemical powder is furnished in three basic arrangements: fixed, skid-
mounted systems; hand-portable and mobile units; and automotive
equipment.
Carbon dioxide is best suited for extinguishment of fires involving indoor Class
C fires. Because of the threat to life posed by this material, its use of total
flooding applications in normally occupied spaces is forbidden. Carbon dioxide
is provided in two basic configurations: fixed, skid-mounted systems and
hand-portable and wheeled units. Fixed CO2 systems are used in:
• Gas turbine enclosures.
• Acoustic/protective enclosures of large engine drivers.
• Instrument rooms.

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• Control rooms (under the raised flooring).

• Computer rooms (under the raised flooring).
• Electrical substations.
Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems should be designed and

installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 12,
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
Hand-portable and wheeled CO2 extinguishers are installed for the protection
of Class C hazards in buildings throughout the facility in accordance with the
spacing guidelines presented in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
10, Portable Fire Extinguishers as applicable.
7. EXPOSURE PROTECTION
Thermal exposure protection in case of a fire is afforded to a number of
structural elements and equipment items. For structural elements, this
protection is intended to prevent or delay failure because of excessive
temperatures. For equipment items, protection is intended to minimize
damage and, in the case of pressure vessels, prevent a fire-induced BLEVE.
Exposure protection is provided by both active and passive methods. Fixed
water spray, fire water monitors and hand-held hose lines constitute the
active protection, fireproofing and fireproof insulation comprise the passive
method. Refer to document Engineering Guideline EG308, Fireproofing for
more details.
Fixed water spray for thermal exposure protection is directly applied to
pressure vessels storing LPG’s at a minimum coverage density of 10.2
lt/min/m2 (0.25 gpm/ft2) of protected surface area. According to National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 15, Water Spray Fixed Systems, this water
coverage rate contemplates a net heat transfer of 18.9 kW/m2 (6,000
BTU/hr/ft2), assuming that 2.0 lt/min/m2 (0.05 gpm/ft2) of sprayed water is
lost to the wind or does not otherwise contribute to heat absorption.
Fixed firewater monitors in process and other areas provide the capability to
apply large volumes of water for thermal exposure protection, primarily to
vessels and structures.
8. FIRE WATER REQUIREMENTS

The amount of water required for fire fighting purposes will depend upon the
individual facility and associated fire risks. When evaluating the demands for
a specific fire contingency, the fire water demand should be equal to the sum
of:
• Single fire contingency given by the largest of the following:

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D Water demand for the maximum number of fixed systems that may
be expected to operate simultaneously (e.g., multiple water
sprays, deluge, or foam systems).
D Water demands for manual fire fighting using monitors and hose
lines.
D Water demand for the exposure protection of structures and
equipment.
• Largest combined fire contingency

Single fire contingencies are well represented by any of the three
events mentioned above. However, when minimum spacing
requirements cannot be met, the sum of the water requirements of the
area involved plus the adjacent exposed area must be used as the
facility’s fire water demand if, the demand is higher than those for
single fire contingencies.
• Process unit fire
Process unit fire water demands must be calculated taking into
account all fixed and portable equipment used to control and/or
extinguish a fire. When estimating the required fire water demand, in
addition to two-thirds of the installed fixed equipment fire water
requirements, two 57 m3/hr (250 gpm) hose streams must be added
to obtain the total demand for that specific unit.
• Atmospheric storage tank farm fire.
The maximum firewater requirement for a tank farm, or the facility as
a whole, may be dictated by the firewater requirement of the largest
cone roof tank in the facility.
• Pressure storage fire
In some particular cases, the amount of firewater required by large or
closely spaced pressurized storage spheres or drums may exceed the
requirements of atmospheric storage tanks.
9. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

Facilities rely on the use of water to control or extinguish fires involving
combustible materials or liquids, and for the containment of fires involving
flammable gases and liquids. Water is also directly applied to equipment and
structures to protect them from damage caused by the radiant heat of a fire.
In cases where water alone cannot be expected to extinguish a fire,
application of water will serve to limit the damage until fire extinguishment is
attained by other means.

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The fire water system should consist of reliable sources of water supply, an
adequate number of firewater pumps, system pressurization (“jockey”)
pumps, an extensive distribution piping network and a series of discharge
devices and systems.
9.1 Fire Water Supply

The fire water supply should be available from a reliable source such as a
natural body of water. If such source is not available, then a storage tank or
reservoir should be provided. The firewater storage tank or reservoir should
be completely independent of plant process water storage. Cooling tower
basins and process water pumps should be considered only as an alternate
emergency supplies.
The adequacy of the supply is dictated by the capacity to provide the actual
volume and system pressure requirements for the anticipated largest single
fire contingency but, in any case, the storage capacity should not be less than
a four-hour supply at the fire water pumps rated capacity.
The storage capacity of fire water should consider the time until the fuel
source can be isolated and shutoff and/or the unit can be de-pressured and
shutdown.
9.2 Main Fire Water Pumps

Firewater pumps should be designed and installed according to National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 20, Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps. The
most practical and reliable pump arrangement involves the use of standard
pump sizes ranging from 340 to 570 m3/hr (1,500 to 2,500 gpm) at design
pressure.
When practical and the firewater demand is less than 570 m3/hr (2,500 gpm),
an ideal fire water system should consist of a minimum of two pumps, the
primary an electric motor-driven pump and the backup, a diesel engine-driven
pump. The largest fire water system demand should be met by each pump on
a two-pump arrangement otherwise, if the system consists of three or more
pumps, at least two-thirds of the installed pumping capacity must be able to
supply the fire water demand under adverse conditions. When the number of
firewater pumps exceed two, the designer should ensure that at least the fire
water demand is met by diesel engine-driven pumps.
Pumps should start automatically upon one of the following conditions:
• A drop in the fire water main pressure.
• An increase of flow in the fire water main line.
• A signal from the fire alarm panel.

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The starting sequence will allow the electric motor-driven pump(s) to start
first. If the fire main pressure continues to drop, the diesel engine-driven
pump(s) will come on-line automatically. When more than two pumps are
installed in parallel, a detailed start-up sequence should be developed to
ensure that all pumps are able to enter the system.
For personnel safety, the fire water pumps should be provided with a suitable
enclosure and/or properly posted with warning signs.
Relief valves at the main fire water pumps should be provided to prevent any
damage to the pipe work or the pumps from possible overpressure at low
flows.
Pumps in fire protection service must meet the requirements of Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) or the equivalent when
purchased outside of the United States.
Firewater pumps should be designed to provide a high degree of reliability
and availability to ensure they start and operate at full load for a minimum of
four hours under foreseeable adverse conditions. To ensure a high degree of
reliability is achieved the following should be considered:
• Provision for adequate spacing between firewater pumps and process
pumps such that fires involving pump sets are highly unlikely.
Consideration should also be given for the provision of blast and thermal
radiation protection to the firewater pumps and associated fuel systems.
For larger plants, the provision of redundant firewater pumps at different
locations should be considered as well.
• Fire water pump intakes from a body of water or other water source
should be independent of each other and not via a common intake. This
will facilitate maintenance and avoid total outage in case of individual
intake plugging or isolation for whatever reasons.
• Diesel firewater pumps should be fitted with an independent dual start
facility to improve starting reliability (Note: two batteries connected to
one start motor do not constitute compliance with this requirement).
Separate batteries sets connected to separate starter motors or one
electric starting system plus a pneumatic starting system (backed by
nitrogen) would meet dual start capability.
• The fire water system should be provided with a flow test loop to enable
full load pump performance testing for at least 30 minutes. The test loops
should provide accuracy to at least 5 percent.
9.3 Pressurization System (“Jockey”) Pumps

The fire water distribution system should be pressurized via two, horizontal,
100% capacity each, motor-driven jockey pumps rated for at least 23 m3/hr
(100 gpm) at a residual design pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig).

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9.4 Fire Water Distribution System

The fire water distribution network should be arranged as a looped system,
with strategically located division valves in order to minimize system
impairment while a section of piping is removed from service for repair or
maintenance. Main system division valves should be located such that no
more than 5 to 7 hydrants and/or monitors need be removed from service
with a single section of piping; these valves are generally located at main
piping intersections, at the centers of long loops, and fire water main fire
water pump feed. Valve location must ensure that at least 2/3 of the fixed fire
fighting equipment in any area is always available.
Division valves for above grade installation should be the rising stem type and
steel construction. Below ground division valves should be the post-indicating
type and guarded against vehicular damage. Division valves should be kept to
a minimum in order to improve the reliability of the system.
In laying out mains and fixed water spray distribution systems, consideration
should be given to design the system to survive nominal blast forces. This can
be achieved by routing the piping along main structural members or by
providing high integrity supports where the piping is not buried.
The fire water piping network should be sized to provide the design fire water
demand to each area of the facility, including future areas, at a minimum
residual pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig) at the hydraulically most remote
hydrant outlet. However, the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP)
on the fire main network must not exceed 1.24 MPa (180 psig). When the
residual pressure is being determined, all sections of the network should be
considered operational.
Fire mains should be below grade around process units and pressure storage
areas, allowing for proper access and explosion protection. Fire main at other
areas may be installed above ground except when in freezing climates. When
installing an above grade fire main in a freezing climate, the fire main should
consist of a dry pipe system.
Fire mains should be at least of a minimum nominal pipe size of 200 mm (8
in.) and 150 mm (6 in.) for laterals. Steel pipe should be used above grade
while steel or ductile iron can be used for below grade installation. Alternate
piping material should be used only after thorough consideration and approval
by Engineering. Buried pipe should be suitably coated and wrapped for
corrosion protection.
9.5 Fire Water Discharge Devices

The fire water distribution system supplies hydrants, monitors, water spray
systems, hose reels and hose racks.
9.5.1 Fire Hydrants

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Hydrants should be installed 45 m (150 ft) to 60 m (200 ft) apart in process

areas and 90 m (300 ft) apart in utilities, storage and administration areas.
Whenever practical, hydrants should be installed along roadways and
accessways and, at least 15 m (50 ft), from the nearest flammable-containing
equipment item or building. When installed near a roadway or accessways,
hydrants should be located at a maximum of 3 m (10 ft) from the edge and
protected against vehicular damage.
Provisions should be made so that any portion of the a process unit is
reachable from any hydrant with a 65 mm (2½ in.) hose stream with 75 m
(250 ft) of hose. Additionally, hydrants should be arranged so that any piece
of equipment can be reached from at least two opposite directions, one of
which should be upwind.
Hydrants should be of nominal pipe size 100 mm (4 in.) and provided with
two 60 mm (2½ in.) outlets, valved for hose connections.
Wet barrel hydrants should be used in non-freezing climates or where a dry
pipe fire main is provided. Such hydrants are suitable for installation on above
grade fire mains. Each hose connection should be valves. The barrels should
be hot-dip galvanized after welding.
Cast iron, self-draining, compression-type hydrants are recommended for use
in freezing climates. These hydrants should be UL listed or FM approved when
purchased in the United States. When purchased abroad, they should be
subject to approval by the proper national agency, such as the FDC in
England, DIN in Germany, or Norme Francaise in France. These type of
hydrants should be provided for a normal working pressure of 1.04 Mpa gage
(150 psig) but may be used, subject to the manufacturer’s recommendation,
where the service pressure reaches 1.21 to 1.24 MPa gage (175 to 180 psig).
They should be provided with a replaceable “breakable” barrel section with
minimal leakage when closed.
9.5.2 Fixed Fire Water Monitors

Monitors are highly effective for cooling fire-exposed equipment, as well as for
fire intensity control. Monitor use should make emphasis on pumps,
exchangers, large vessels and other high risk areas. Appropriate use should
take into consideration the following factors:
• Monitors should be located as to protect more than one item of process
equipment. Distance to the nearest equipment handling flammable
material should be a minimum of 15 m (50 ft) and a maximum of 30 m
(100 ft). Monitor location should avoid or minimize the number of physical
obstructions between the monitor itself and the protected equipment.
• Monitors location should be readily and safely accessible during fire events
and thus, minimize operating personnel exposure. If the desired location

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is inaccessible during a fire, the monitor should be capable of remote

actuation and proper directional application.
• Monitors should have a design flow rate of 114 m3/h (500 gpm) at a
nozzle supply pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig). The use of monitors having
a capacity up to 227 m3/hr (1,000 gpm) is allowable; however, its use
should be discretionary as they imposed a high demand on the fire water
system.
• Monitors should be provided with an adjustable, constant volume1, fog-to-
straight stream nozzle. Nozzle effective reach should be about a 45 m
(150 ft) horizontal distance for straight water streams or 36 m (120 ft) for
the center of a water fog pattern.
• Winds in excess of 8 km/hr (5 mph) or shifting wind patterns may hinder
the monitor’s range of operation and thus, preclude the effective coverage
of protected equipment. Prevailing wind should be considered for proper
location.
• Careful emergency planning is critical, as poor application or excessive use
may overload drainage facilities and/or spread fire from its initial location.
9.5.3 Portable Monitors

Portable monitors provide additional protection and flexibility in fire control
and extinguishment activities, as well as to control equipment thermal
exposure.
A minimum of two 114 m3/h (500 gpm) should be located near the process
areas in order to supplement the fixed fire water monitors. Portable monitors
should be of the foam/water type, which are particularly useful when it comes
to combat fires in or around crude processing units. An optional, 227 m3/h
(1,000 gpm) foam/water monitor can be provided to fight fires in diked
enclosed areas, pipeways, and cone roof tanks.
Fixed roof tanks, with no fixed foam systems, can be protected under
favorable wind conditions when there is little or no updraft within the tank. It
must be recognized that a sufficient number of monitors are to be provided so
that a solution application rate of 6.5 lt/min/m2 (0.16 gpm/ft2) is attained
over the whole tank surface area.
9.5.4 Division Valves

A sufficient number of valves should be provided at grid intersections, at the
centers of long loops, and on each side of all supply connections so that any
section of the grid can be taken out of service and the grid can still supply
water through adjacent sections to protect all plant areas.
1 Able to deliver the same water rate in gpm

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Valves in underground piping should be operable from grade and provided

with a valve position indicator at grade to indicate full open and close
positions. The following requirements apply to valve types:
• Gate valves installed above ground should be of the outside stem and
yoke (OS&Y) type for ease of operation.
• Ball valves, in the fire water line to monitors, should be provided with
manual gear operators limiting its closure time to 10 to 15 seconds to
avoid damage to piping by water hammer.
• Butterfly valves are not allowed in fire water service due to water hammer
considerations.
All above ground valves should be of fire safe design as recommended by

American Petroleum Institute API 6FA, Fire Test for Valves and API 607, Fire
test for Soft-Seated Quarter-Turn Valves.
9.5.5 Fixed Fire Water Spray Systems

Fixed water spray systems are mainly used for the protection of equipment or
areas against the hazards of flammable material (gaseous or liquid), and
combustible solids. Water spray systems are warranted whenever special
protection of high risk areas or equipment is required. Such instances include
areas with restricted access, equipment not complying with standard spacing
and layout, critical equipment, or equipment operating under severe
conditions2.
Water spray protection is usually provided for vessels with large hold-up
inventories that cannot be adequately depressurized, high pressure storage
vessels, pumps, compressors, pipe racks, manifolds, loading racks, cable
trays, and structural steel, none of which can be effectively protected by
manual means during the initial phase of a fire.
The main application of water spray systems is intended for:
• Surface Cooling
Water spray systems are extremely efficient for cooling equipment,
thus, they are used to provide radiant heat exposure protection for
valuable or critical equipment, as well as for equipment which have the
potential for large liquid or gas release upon its failure.
• Fire Intensity Control
Water spray systems are also used to control the rate of burning of a
fire and thus, limit heat release and the impact of radiant heat on
exposed equipment.
2 Severe operating conditions imply temperatures equal to or above 260°C (500°F) and/or pressures equal to or
above 3.45 MPa (500 psig)

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Fires involving flammable gases, flammable liquids with flash points below
ambient temperature, or flammable liquids heated above their flash point,
should not be extinguished until the fuel source has been positively isolated.
Fire extinguishment can be pursued when fires involve flammable liquids with
flash points over 38°C (100°F). The water spray should lower temperature
below flash point temperature.
Water spray systems should be installed and tested in accordance with NFPA
13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems and NFPA 15, Water Spray Fixed
Systems, except as modified herein.
9.5.6 Applications
Protected process equipment items should be grouped into fire areas,
primarily for water conservation purposes. Zoning arrangements should be
based on the physical location of the protected equipment and a limiting flow
to each system, or area, from a single deluge valve of approximately 681
m3/h (3,000 gpm) per system or smaller.
9.5.6.1 Vessels
Water spray systems should be applied to vessels storing flammable liquefied
gases and Class I flammable liquids. Horizontal and vertical process vessels
should be directly water sprayed at a minimum rate of 0.61 m3/h-m2 (0.25
gpm/ft2) of the entire vessel surface area. Vessel skirts, if not fireproofed,
should be provided with a water spray system with a minimum rate of 0.24
m3/h-m2 (0.10 gpm/ft2).
Water spray protection is not required when either one of the following
conditions is met:
• The vessel is protected by a properly designed, remotely operated, vapor
depressuring system.
• The vessel is provided with non-combustible, external insulation.
9.5.6.1.1 Pressure Storage

Refer to engineering guideline EG311.
9.5.6.1.2 Pumps and Compressors

Pumps and compressors should be provided with water spray systems when:
• Handling hydrocarbons at temperatures in excess of 260°C (500°F).
• Handling hydrocarbons at pressures in excess of 3.45 MPa (500 psig).
• Located beneath air coolers or within 3 m (10 ft), measured horizontally,
of the projected outer edge of the air coolers while handling LPG or Class I

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and Class II hydrocarbons with (a) flash point below 60°C (140°F) or (b)
flash points of 60°C (140°F) or above if the operating temperatures are
above their flash points.
Water spray systems should provide a minimum rate of 1.2 m3/h-m2 (0.50
gpm/ft2) of horizontal projected surface area, including a 1.5 m (5 ft) wide
perimeter area around the entire pump/driver assembly. The sprayed area
should include suction and discharge flanges, check valves, gage connections,
balance lines and electrical supply lines. Pump seals should be protected by a
dedicated spray nozzle, located approximately 0.65 m (2 ft) from the seal(s).
Compressor lube oil consoles should be directly water-sprayed at a minimum
rate of 1.2 m3/h-m2 (0.50 gpm/ft2) of horizontal projected surface, including a
1.5 m (5 ft) wide perimeter around the entire console skid.
9.5.6.1.3 Instrument Trays/Conduit Runs

Water spray systems should be provided to cool the outside of vital
instrument trays or multi-conduit runs, which must operate during a fire
event. The entire metal surface should be water-sprayed at a rate of 0.72
m3/h-m2 (0.30 gpm/ft2).
9.5.6.1.4 Oil Manifolds

Oil manifolds operating at temperatures of 260°C (500°F) or above, and/or
pressures of 3.45 MPa (500 psig) or above, containing flammable liquids
should be provided with a water spray system. Water sprays may be specified
when a manifold is located in a congested area and contains numerous
valves, flanges, etc., or when it contains strainers that are bypassed and
opened for cleaning during operation.
9.5.6.2 Technical Design

• All water spray systems should be hydraulically designed, and the use of a
Hazen-Williams coefficient of 110 for the hydraulic calculations is
recommended. The use of orifice plates for the purpose of flow balancing
of the system is not allowed.
• The design should be based on a nozzle inlet maximum water residual
pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig). Nozzles of non-clogging design with
passages or orifices not less than 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter should
be provided unless otherwise specified. The minimum operating pressure
of any spray nozzle should be 170 kPa (25 psig).
• When passages or orifices are less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter, a
main line strainer should be provided. An Y-type strainer is acceptable
only in systems having a feed line diameter of 50 mm (2 in.) or less.

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• The main line strainer and control valve should be located adjacent to the
control room or any other convenient location for its operation. In freezing
climates, the main strainer and control valve should be located within the
control room or in heated area.
• Control or deluge valve manifolds should be located a minimum of 25 m
(75 ft) from the nearest protected equipment. Less than this distance will
imply the remote operation of the control or deluge valves.
• Electrical or pneumatic controls should be fireproofed when the control or
deluge valve is located less than 10 m (30 ft) from the protected
equipment.
• Manual water spray systems should be provided with a quarter-turn, ball
shut-off valve at the main strainer or header. Each valve should be clearly
labeled as to what system is operating.
• Designs providing hollow-cone design should not be used. Water spray air
entrainment should be negligible, and the pattern must not be affected by
relatively moderate water pressure changes or wind effects.
9.5.6.3 Operation
Each system should be manually operated, except when:
• In sizing the vessel’s pressure relief valves, credit is taken for water spray
cooling according to API 521.
• A fire must be controlled or extinguished in its initial phase to prevent
uncontrolled spread.
• Equipment is handling highly toxic materials.
• Limited manpower is available or facility site is such that the effective use
of a water spray is negated by a delay in manual activation time.
When an automatic system is specified, it should be operated by a reliable

type of detector that trips a water deluge valve and an alarm at the control
room or other manned area. The water deluge valve should be located at a
minimum distance of 25 m (75 ft) from process equipment; remote operation
should be considered when deluge valves are located within such
recommended spacing.
9.5.7 Hose Reels

Hose reels should be sized to hold and handle 30 m (100 ft) of 32 mm (1¼
in.) size of firm type hose without kinking or collapsing. Hose reels should
also be provided with an adjustable, fog-to-straight stream nozzle. Nozzle
supply pressure should be approximately 690 kPa (100 psig).

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Hose reels should be strategically located within process areas, and provided
in sufficient number as to supplement other fire protection equipment. Any
hazard should be within the reach of a hose reel and with spacing at
approximately 60 m (200 ft) centers.
High hazard areas or equipment, such as high pressure and/or high
temperature handling equipment, should be given priority when determining
the proper location for hose reels. Key factors to be considered when locating
hose reels are:
• Travel path from the control room.
• Ease of hose extension toward the hazard.
9.5.8 Offsite Areas

Hose reels should also be provided for areas and equipment likely to be a
source of hydrocarbon release. Such areas or equipment include charge
pumps, light product blending and transfer pumps, or high pressure product
pumps.
9.5.9 Foam/Water Sprinkler Systems

Foam/water sprinkler systems are recommended in areas of limited water
supply, or where drainage of fire water may be a problem. They are useful
when extinguishment is necessary, as well as for cooling and fire control,
particularly when volatile hydrocarbon fires are a risk. Foam/water systems
should be used for:
• Bulk loading and unloading sites
• Pump houses and valve manifold pits.
• Buildings storing materials subject to Class A and Class B fires.
• Congested and high value equipment areas, beneath or adjacent to, light
hydrocarbon storing vessels.
Design of foam/water sprinkler systems should be in accordance to NFPA 16.
9.5.10 Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers should be provided throughout the facility to
enable personnel to quickly attack small fires. They should be located at
process areas, pump areas, loading racks, offices, and similar facilities. Travel
distance from the protected equipment to an extinguisher should not exceed
15 m (50 ft).
Extinguishers should be mounted on well-marked locations and clear of the
ground or platform.

Engineering Guide
Title Document No.

Three basic types of fire extinguishers are used:

• Dry chemical (potassium bicarbonate powder pressurized with nitrogen)
extinguishers are provided for general use. They are suitable for
flammable vapors and liquids and can be safely used on electrical
equipment.
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers are recommended for electrical fires but can
also be used on small flammable liquid fires. Carbon dioxide has limited
effectiveness in the open, because of wind currents. Therefore, its use is
normally restricted to areas such as electrical substations and computer
rooms.
• Pressurized or carbon dioxide-expelled water extinguishers are primarily
used in warehouses and offices where wood and paper fires may occur.
10. FIREPROOFING
Process area steel-supporting elements, instrument runs, and vital cable runs
should be fireproofed in accordance with Engineering Guidelines EG308.
11. DRAINAGE
Plant effluent, storm water, and firewater are normally run in two separate
systems:
• An oily water sewer system with appropriate fire seals at the perimeter of
fire areas.
• A clean water system for storm water or firewater drainage.
Piping is generally used for both systems. However, harmless aqueous

effluents and storm water may be run in open trenches if practicable, and if
there is no risk of freezing, or vapor collecting, or accident to plant personnel,
or ecological effects.
The sewer system should be designed based on process effluent plus rainfall,
or process effluent plus design fire water capacity, whichever is greater. In
occasions, designing the clean sewer system to handle the maximum
firewater is too expensive and thus, provisions should be made to handle the
excess by either pump-off to an appropriate location or run-off into unused
land.
Area grading should be utilized to prevent the formation of liquid or vapor
pools adjacent to beneath vessels, exchangers, etc. The minimum size catch
basin should be capable of handling 114 m3/h (500 gpm). Process unit
grading should be designed as to segregate adjacent processing areas from
each other.

Engineering Guide
Title Document No.

Domestic sewer system from administrative and shop areas should be

directed towards the process and tank farm areas thus, reducing the
possibility of flammable liquids or vapors settling in sewers located in non-
classified areas. All drains should be sealed or trapped.
Note: All signs, labels and markings should comply with NFPA 170 or local
regulations.
Primary References are directly relevant to the design. Other References are
documents which are either referred to by Primary References or which only parts of
may be applicable. The applicable document(s) should be consulted for specific
applications.
Primary References
API 2021 Fighting Fires In & Around Flammable &
Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks
Other References
NFPA 1 Fire Prevention Code
NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 11 Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent
Systems
NFPA 11A Medium- and High Expansion Systems
NFPA 11C Mobile Foam Apparatus
NFPA 12 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems
NFPA 16 Installation of Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler
Systems and Foam-Water Spray Systems
NFPA 16A Installation of Closed Head Foam-Water Sprinkler
Systems
NFPA 17 Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 20 Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps
NFPA 24 Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and
Their Appurtenances
NFPA 25 Water Based Fire Protection Systems
NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code - 1991
NFPA 170 Fire Safety Symbols
NFPA 550 Fire safety Concepts Tree
NFPA 600 Industrial Fire Brigades
NFPA 2001 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System

Engineering Guide
Title Document No.

Table 307.1
GUIDELINE FOR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Portable Units Fire Water Foam
ONSHORE FACILITIES
NO NO* NO*
1) Unmanned (unoccupied)
(Make available
when visiting plant)
2) Manned (occupied)
YES NO* NO*
a) Facilities less than 5,000
BOPD equivalent, and less
than 500 barrels active oil
storage at site.
YES YES YES
b) Facilities greater than 5,000
BOPD equivalent, and more
than 500 barrels active oil
storage at site.
* There may be cases where additional equipment should be considered to meet
Risk Management Objectives

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Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

1.0 THIS GUIDE IS UNDERGOING ADDITIONAL REVISION, BUT SHOULD

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

should include realistic scenarios of accidents that may occur, including

6. FIRE CONTROL AND EXTINGUISHMENT

6.1 Fire Control

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

The potential consequences of remote ignition of a gas or vapor cloud is the

6.2 Fire Extinguishment

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

• Control rooms (under the raised flooring).

Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems should be designed and

8. FIRE WATER REQUIREMENTS

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

• Largest combined fire contingency

9. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

9.1 Fire Water Supply

9.2 Main Fire Water Pumps

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

9.3 Pressurization System (“Jockey”) Pumps

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

9.4 Fire Water Distribution System

9.5 Fire Water Discharge Devices

9.5.1 Fire Hydrants

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

Hydrants should be installed 45 m (150 ft) to 60 m (200 ft) apart in process

9.5.2 Fixed Fire Water Monitors

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

is inaccessible during a fire, the monitor should be capable of remote

9.5.3 Portable Monitors

9.5.4 Division Valves

1 Able to deliver the same water rate in gpm

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

Valves in underground piping should be operable from grade and provided

All above ground valves should be of fire safe design as recommended by

9.5.5 Fixed Fire Water Spray Systems

above 3.45 MPa (500 psig)

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

9.5.6.1.1 Pressure Storage

9.5.6.1.2 Pumps and Compressors

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

9.5.6.1.3 Instrument Trays/Conduit Runs

9.5.6.1.4 Oil Manifolds

9.5.6.2 Technical Design

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS EG-307

When an automatic system is specified, it should be operated by a reliable

9.5.7 Hose Reels

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION — For Authorized Company Only