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Guidance On Practice For Fire and Gas Detection
Guidance On Practice For Fire and Gas Detection
GP 30-85
Applicability Group
Date 29 January 2003
GP 30-85
X X
BP GROUP
T
Foreword
This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) BP GP 30-85. This Guidance on
Practice (GP) is based on parts of heritage documents from the merged BP companies as follows:
Amoco
A PS-F&GD-00-E Process Safety—F&G Detection and Alarm Equipment—Engineering
Specification, May 1997.
A PS-F&GD-00-G Process Safety—F&G Detection and Alarm Equipment—Guide, May
1997.
A PS-F&GD-FDA-P Process Safety—F&G Detection and Alarm Equipment—Fire Detection
and Alarms—Supply Specification, May 1997.
A PS-F&GD-GD&A-P Process Safety—F&G Detection and Alarm Equipment—Gas Detection
and Alarms—Supply Specification, May 1997.
BP (pre 1999)
RP 30-7 Design Philosophy for Fire and Gas Detection and Control Systems,
February 1994.
GS 130-10 Guidance for Specification 130-10, Specification for the Supply of Fire &
Gas Systems, January 1994.
BP Exploration
SPR/G/97/005 Guidance on F&G Detection, SPR Operational Integrity Team, General
Requirements, Part 1, April 1997.
SPR/G/97/005 Guidance on F&G Detection, SPR Operational Integrity Team, Setting
Performance Requirements, Part 2, April 1997.
SPR/G/97/005 Guidance on F&G Detection, SPR Operational Integrity Team, Detector
Specification, Part 3, July 1997.
SPR/G/97/005 Guidance on F&G Detection, SPR Operational Integrity Team, Audit &
Inspection, Part 6, April 1997.
Copyright © 2002, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
T T
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization
without the prior written permission of Manager, Standards, BP Group, unless the terms of
such agreement or contract expressly allow.
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Guidance on Practice for Fire and Gas Detection
Table of Contents
Page
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................2
TU UT
1.
TU UT Scope........................................................................................................................................6
TU UT
2.
TU UT Normative references ...............................................................................................................6
TU UT
3.
TU UT Terms and definitions ...............................................................................................................7
TU UT
4.
TU UT Symbols and abbreviations.......................................................................................................7
TU UT
5.
TU UT General .....................................................................................................................................8
TU UT
6.
TU UT Fire detection performance .....................................................................................................11
TU UT
7.
TU UT Flammable gas detection performance ..................................................................................20
TU UT
8.
TU UT Toxic gas detection performance............................................................................................23
TU UT
9.
TU UT Safe havens ............................................................................................................................25
TU UT
10.
TU UT Detector type selection ...........................................................................................................25
TU UT
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10.3.
TU UT Gas ..............................................................................................................................27
TU UT
10.4.
TU UT Heat .............................................................................................................................28
TU UT
10.5.
TU UT Oil mist .........................................................................................................................30
TU UT
10.6.
TU UT Smoke .........................................................................................................................30
TU UT
11.
TU UT Detector deployment...............................................................................................................32
TU UT
12.
TU UT Control and indicating equipment ...........................................................................................33
TU UT
13.
TU UT Maintenance ...........................................................................................................................34
TU UT
14.
TU UT Audit and inspection ...............................................................................................................34
TU UT
B.1
TU UT General ...................................................................................................................................43
TU UT
B.2
TU UT Test equipment .......................................................................................................................43
TU UT
B.3
TU UT Test procedure........................................................................................................................43
TU UT
Bibliography .....................................................................................................................................44
TU UT
List of Tables
List of Figures
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1. Scope
a. This GP provides guidance on practice for fire and gas (F&G) detection for BP facilities
including:
1. Required performance.
There are no recognised national or international codes or standards that cover the
performance specification of F&G detection systems.
2. Selection.
3. Design.
4. Installation.
5. Operation.
6. Maintenance.
7. Audit of system designs and installations.
b. This GP does not cover detection by analysers. Refer to ETPs in ETP document
category 31 for information on analysers.
2. Normative references
The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.
BP
GP 12-60 Guidance on Practice for Hazardous Area Electrical Installations.
GP 30-45 Guidance on Practice for Human Machine Interface for Process Control.
GP 30-75 Guidance on Practice for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) –
Management of the Safety Lifecycle.
GP 30-76 Guidance on Practice for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) –
Development of the Process Requirements Specification.
GP 30-80 Guidance on Practice for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) –
Implementation of the Process Requirements Specification.
GP 30-81 Guidance on Practice for Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) – Operations
and Maintenance.
GIS 30-851 Guidance on Industry Standard for Fire and Gas Detection.
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Guidance on Practice for Fire and Gas Detection
For the purposes of this GP, the following terms and definitions apply:
1ooN
One out of (1oo) the number (N) of detectors or circuits in the voting group in a specific area is in
alarm.
1oo2d
One out of (1oo) the number (N, in this case N = 2) of detectors or circuits in the voting group is in
alarm, and a different detector or circuit in the same voting group is in fault condition.
2ooN
Two out of (2oo) the number (N) of detectors or circuits in the voting group are in alarm.
Blockage ratio
Proportion of unobstructed area on all the boundary faces of a volume. For example, an enclosed box
has a blockage ratio of 1.0.
For the purpose of this GP, the following symbols and abbreviations apply:
BS British standard.
OD Outside diameter.
VESDA Very early smoke detection apparatus. (VESDA is a registered trademark of Vision
Systems. Mention of the VESDA name in this GP should not be inferred as a preference
for this product over other similar products).
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The pair of terms LEL and LFL and the pair of terms UEL and UFL are practically
interchangeable. They are all units of measurement for gas flammability. The terms
LFL and UFL are more common in the Americas, and LEL and UEL are more
common in Europe.
5. General
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Compliance with local codes and standards is important. However, the specifier’s
role is to ensure that the performance of the F&G detection system complies with
the safety requirements for the site and not just the minimum to comply with code.
c. Specifier’s role shall include coordination and communication.
d. Required level of performance for all parts of the F&G detection system shall be recorded
on sheets, such as those provided in Annex A.
5.4. Performance
a. The following shall be reviewed and recorded to determine F&G performance
requirements:
1. Legislative requirements for F&G detection.
2. Operator expectations for the system. This review should include a discussion of
hazards in terms of damage they can cause, such as:
a) Size of fires.
b) Time to escalation.
c) Tolerable levels of damage.
3. Integrity levels determined in accordance with GP 30-76, claims of safety studies, and
any other claims for F&G detection system performance.
These claims are often discussed in terms of outcomes and probabilities for
successful risk reduction.
b. Default performance levels to be used for assigning performance requirements for each
part of the site shall be specified, including any interactions with other mitigation measures
(for example, ESD and blowdown).
c. The following shall be assigned for each part of the site that requires gas detection:
1. Gas detection risk volume category. Refer to Table 2 for this categorisation.
2. Fire detection grade. Refer to Table 3 for fire detection grade definitions.
a) If default values are not appropriate in the judgement of the specifier, special
requirements for F&G detection shall be specified.
b) Special requirements shall take site-specific risks into account (for example,
risks to safety, environment, production, or reputation).
“Good practice” requirements are a straightforward issue. However, “special”
requirements can be difficult because they are more subjective.
Special requirements are defined by what consequences BP wants to prevent and
how BP expects fire or gas detection to provide confidence that these consequences
can be prevented.
5.5. Hazards
5.5.1. General
F&G hazard shall be defined as one of the following:
a. Flaming fire.
b. Flammable gas.
c. Toxic gas.
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10 kW
T T T 50 kW T 100 kW
T T 250 kW
T T
2 2 2 2 2 2
7,5 m (80 ft2)
2
Gas jet
T T 0,3 m (3 ft )
P P P P 1,5 m (16 ft )
P P P P 3 m (32 ft )
P P P P P P P P
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Oil jet
T T 0,25 m (2.5 ft )
P P P P 1,3 m (14 ft )
P P P P 2,5 m (27 ft ) P P P P 6,5 m (70 ft )
P P P P
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Oil pool
T T 0,5 m (5 ft )
P P P P 1,9 m (20 ft )
P P P P 4 m (43 ft )
P P P P 8,5 m (91 ft )
P P P P
The base area of a fire is not a good measure of the damage a fire can do. A small
premixed propane torch flame, for example, can be much more aggressive than a
larger diffusion flame. For this reason, BP defines a fire hazard by its RHO. RHO is
a good indication of the potential damage and the probability that a fire will
escalate or cause loss.
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Guidance on Practice for Fire and Gas Detection
Toxic gas effects are directly linked to concentration, and for some gases, exposure
time.
6.1. General
The method described below is based on many years experience gained at many
facilities. The method tailors detection requirements to the type of hazard and levels
of risk on a site, and is strongly linked to workforce expectations and major risk
reduction requirements. The process is summarised in Figure 1.
a. Fire detection requirements shall be determined using the process defined in Figure 1.
b. Legislative requirements for automatic fire detection shall be established.
c. Site shall be divided into areas for the purpose of determining level of fire detection.
d. Required fire sensitivity levels shall be defined for the site.
e. Areas shall be assigned grades according to defined criteria.
f. Areas shall be assessed to determine where fire detection could reduce risk of personnel
exposure to fire.
Area assessment is normally performed through formal safety studies.
g. Potential losses from fire damage shall be assessed in terms of plant replacement or lost
production costs. Determination of how automatic fire detection could reduce such losses
shall be made.
h. Risks shown in Table 2 should be used to determine the need for and quality of fire
detection.
i. Fire detection grading should be performed as follows:
1. A risk classification shall be assigned to each area.
2. A protection grade shall be assigned to each area.
Fire detection requirements for an area are determined by the risk in that area, and
defined by the grade of protection required.
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3. Special equipment.
4. Ventilation air intake.
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d. Is a designated escape route that could be affected by one of the above (even if it contains
no fire hazard of its own).
6.4.3.1. General
The following area types shall be classified as special risk:
a. Enclosures for turbines, other engines, and similar machinery.
b. Ventilation air intakes.
c. Areas that require fire detection, but to which no other previously defined area type
applies.
6.5.1. General
Fire detection grades shall be assigned to areas in accordance with Table 3.
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Grade
T T T Area definition T
Facility management should agree on the definition for each grade, including the
sensitivity, function, and reliability of detection. With the exception of Grade S, these
definitions apply throughout the facility. Because Grade S areas are a special case,
each Grade S area has its own definition.
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b. Availability, which is the probability that the fire will be detected and the correct output
given. This accounts for random equipment failure, design limitations such as incomplete
coverage, and operational failures such as lockout or maintenance.
c. The need for manual or automatic control actions that the system should promote (for
example, alarms and plant shutdowns).
Grade
T T T Required performance T
6.6.1. Method
The basic steps in assigning fire detection grades to hydrocarbon handling areas are:
a. Initially, assign all hydrocarbon handling areas as Grade B. Grade B zones should extend
either a minimum of 2 m (6 ft) from any facility that is protected by the zone, or to the area
boundaries if any are within 4 m (13 ft) of the facility.
b. Identify any portions of Grade B areas where better detection is required, and assign them
as Grade A. Grade A zones should extend a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) from the applicable
area, and should be segregated from Grade C areas by a further 2 m (6 ft) of Grade B areas.
c. Review all remaining Grade B areas for places where detection requirements are excessive,
and assign them as Grade C. Grade C zones should not be within 2 m (6 ft) of a
hydrocarbon handling facility from which there is potential source of release (for example,
flanges or compression fittings).
be revised because of site-specific detection targets. The criteria quoted above should be
regarded as the minimum.
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3. Review remaining Grade F areas for special equipment protection requirements, and
reassign these as Grade E detection.
4. Review remaining Grade F areas for places where detection is not required.
Document reasons that fire detection is not required, and note that future changes may
invalidate the decision.
b. Grade D should be assigned to rooms that contain a bed (including medical areas) and to
escape routes. This performance level protects a sleeping person from a fire in the same
cabin or in an adjacent space. If the ventilation system can transfer smoke (either directly
or by induction) into escape routes or sleeping areas, these areas should also be Grade D.
c. Grade E should be assigned to rooms that contain electrical or mechanical safety
equipment or other high-value equipment (for example, ESD cabinets, emergency power
supplies, communication systems, and incident control centres).
d. Grade F should be assigned to all other nonhydrocarbon areas that require fire detection.
This should include public areas (common rooms, offices, etc.), utility spaces (voids, etc.),
and areas that contain less valuable equipment (storage rooms for flammable materials,
etc.).
6.8.1. General
The basic steps in assigning grades to special areas are:
a. Identify turbine and similar machinery enclosures where early detection of an internal fire
is required. Assign Grade T and clarify the performance requirements for such areas with
the facility management. Table 6 lists typical requirements.
b. Identify air intakes that require fire detection and assign them Grade V. Establish the
nature of the hazard and establish agreement with the facility management on the role of
detection in achieving the required protection.
c. Inevitably, there are places in the facility where detection requirements do not fall into one
of the other eight grades. Identify such areas and assign them Grade S. Special
requirements for each Grade S area should be established in conjunction with facility
management.
Grade
T T T FunctionT Sensitivity
T T
T
T T To detect oil mist or vapour from fuel or lubrication system releases in the 1 dB/m
enclosure, or smoke arising from combustion of these fuels.
To detect excessive air temperature in the enclosure and in the ventilation air Ambient +40°C
outlet. (+72°F)
An alarm from either form of detection should automatically cause alarm at the
control point. Alarms from the temperature detection should cause automatic
control actions.
V
T T To detect a smoke plume from an oil or gas fire at the limit of “breatheability” Determined by
for an exposure time determined by site-specific fire analysis. analysis
To prevent smoke at the stated limit from reaching any room of the protected
space.
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process on detection of an office fire. In fact, this increases the probability of hazard
in the process facility.
Higher performance detection can provide earlier warnings, allowing manual
action to be taken in preference to automatic control action.
6.9.1. General
Voting logic should be used for automatic control actions where the anticipated loss from
unwanted response (false control action) from the detection equipment is unacceptable.
6.9.4. Grade S
For Grade S areas, detector voting requirements should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
6.9.5. Grade T
For Grade T areas, detectors used to automatically shut down the machine and initiate the fire
protection system should be voted in a 2ooN configuration.
6.9.6. Grade V
For Grade V areas, unwanted automatic control actions are unlikely to cause significant losses,
so detectors should not normally be voted.
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c. The role of manual fire alarms should be clearly defined and personnel properly trained in
their use.
d. The use of alarms on some facilities for events other than fire (for example, man
overboard) should be considered.
e. If manual fire stations are to be used to raise alarms for events other than fire, additional
stations shall be required to allow for these extra functions.
7.1. General
The method described below is based on many years experience gained at many
facilities. The method tailors detection requirements to the type of hazard and levels
of risk on a site, and is strongly linked to workforce expectations and major risk
reduction requirements. The process is summarised in Figure 2.
a. Flammable gas detection requirements shall be determined using the process defined in
Figure 2.
b. Initially, any legislative requirements for automatic gas detection should be determined.
c. Next, each area should be assessed for risks from gas explosion.
d. Gas detection should be required for an area if any of the following apply:
1. Areas that are classified as hazardous in accordance with either GP 12-60 or with the
recognised national standard shall require gas detection. Exceptions are areas that are
too small to contain a gas cloud large enough to be an explosion hazard.
2. Areas that are nonhazardous into which gas could feasibly be transported, either by
mechanical ventilation systems, differential pressures, or air movement) require gas
detection. The penetrations through which gas can be transported include air supply
ducts and single-door accessways coming from classified hazardous areas. Exceptions
are self-closing extract ducts, airlocked entrances, or single emergency doors that are
not often used.
3. Areas in which large volumes of gas could be released and transported to other areas
where an explosion hazard could be formed.
A nontoxic flammable gas release is not normally hazardous unless ignited. If the
gas is ignited the result can be a flash fire, a sustained fire, or an explosion. If fire
detection is provided in accordance with this GP, it is assumed that all risks
associated with sustained fires are addressed.
Current technology does not allow gas detection to reliably detect all leaks. The best
that can be reliably achieved is the detection of a gas cloud with size and
concentration to make it a sufficient threat to require action. Obviously, some leaks
will be detected. Gas detection would not usually be fitted in areas where gas at
hazardous concentrations is normally present.
7.2.1. General
a. Flammable gas detection shall be provided in areas (risk volumes) where ignited gas
clouds could cause damage from explosion overpressure.
b. In these areas, the smallest gas cloud that has the potential to cause such damage shall be
specified as the detection target.
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b. Large fully enclosed volumes may have explosion protection in the form of inerting
systems.
c. If explosion protection is installed, detection shall be required of a spherical gas cloud 5 m
(16 ft) in diameter anywhere in the volume.
d. If explosion protection is not installed, detection shall be required of a spherical gas cloud
4 m (13 ft) in diameter anywhere in the volume.
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Guidance on Practice for Fire and Gas Detection
d. If the flammable gas is also toxic, more local detection may be required at onshore
facilities.
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air intake to a building cannot be used to infer the formation of an explosion hazard
in adjacent process areas.
8.1. General
a. Safe working practices constitute the primary protection of personnel from toxic gases.
b. The threat to personnel from toxic gas shall be clearly identified and recorded along with
the working practices for keeping personnel safe.
c. If toxic gas detectors are installed, their role and performance shall also be documented to
ensure that personnel do not rely on these devices for overall safety.
This is because some toxic gas detection devices are suitable for detecting leaks in
lethal service chemicals, but are not sensitive enough to detect the lower exposure
limit concentrations for personnel protection.
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d. Table 7 summaries exposure limits for the more common toxic gases encountered at BP
facilities in the UK and USA. The table should be a guide for other locations unless stricter
national requirements apply.
COSHH (UK)
T T T OSHA (USA) T
Toxic gas
T T T STEL (ppm) T T TWA (ppm) T T STEL (ppm) T TWA (ppm)
T T
CO 200 30 400 35
CO2 B B 15 000 5 000 30 000 10 000
H2S B B 15 10 15 10
HCN 4.7 N/A
HF 3 N/A 6 3
Note:
STEL – Short-term exposure level.
TWA – Time-weighted average.
b. If CO2 may be a threat to personnel without CO being present, CO2 detectors may be used.
B B B B
c. Detectors should be placed where personnel are present during normal operations
(designated entrances, exits, and walkways).
d. Detectors should alarm at the TWA threshold defined by local legislation or guidance.
e. The rationale for detector placement shall be clearly documented to allow system audits.
f. Use of these detectors shall not detract from the need for formal working practices to
protect personnel from CO and CO2 hazard. B B
H2S content.
B B
b. Detectors should be placed where personnel may be present during normal operations
(designated entrances, exits, and walkways).
c. Detectors should alarm at the TWA threshold defined by local legislation or guidance.
d. The rationale for detector placement shall be clearly documented to allow system audits.
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e. Use of detectors shall not detract from the need for formal working practices to protect
personnel from H2S hazard.
B B
9. Safe havens
a. Safe havens (also called temporary refuges) shall be defined as areas where personnel
muster in an emergency.
Safe havens have special detection requirements.
b. The time that personnel are required to stay in these areas shall be based on the type of
emergency.
c. In terms of F&G detection, performance targets shall be specific to the conditions of the
facility and shall consider the time that personnel are expected to remain within the safe
haven.
d. Performance targets should be set in accordance with the BP smoke and gas ingress
analysis procedure, if available.
10.1. General
a. Detectors shall be selected to detect the appropriate hazard.
b. Detectors shall be capable of detecting hazards as they occur on the site especially
considering onsite sources that will affect device detection performance.
Detector performance can be adversely affected by common contaminants on a site
or by radiation sources, such as a hot process plant.
c. Consideration shall be given to sources on the site that could cause the detector to false
alarm.
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10.2. Flame
10.2.1. General
a. The preferred method of fire detection shall be optical flame detection in the majority of
hydrocarbon fire risk applications (Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C).
b. Equipment should detect fires specific for the fuel types that are located in the areas
detection is covering.
c. Facility-specific contaminants and interfering sources that can affect the detector’s ability
to see the fire or affect detector false alarm immunity shall be considered.
d. Selection process should be formally documented to allow future audits.
10.2.3. Infrared
a. Infrared (IR) flame detectors may be used on facilities that process hydrocarbon gas or
liquids.
b. Preferred infrared devices shall be single frequency with advanced signal processing
operating in the middle IR region of the spectrum (4,3 microns), rather than
multiwavelength devices.
c. IR detectors should not be used in areas where flare radiation can be seen, either directly or
reflected.
Infrared flame detectors are suitable for all gas and liquid hydrocarbon fires. Fires
of other fuels (such as hydrogen) may be impossible for the sensors to see. Other
fuels, such as methanol, may be seen but very poorly. All IR flame detectors are
affected to some extent by background “blackbody” radiation sources in their field
of view (hot plant site, people, the sun, etc.). Some detectors suffer reduced
sensitivity while others give false alarms, especially if the source appears to flicker.
10.2.4. Ultraviolet
a. Ultraviolet (UV) flame detectors may be used at facilities where the only fuel sources are
hydrogen or hydrocarbon gas.
b. UV detectors are unsuitable for detection of hydrocarbon liquid fires and shall not be used
for such applications.
c. UV detectors shall not be used in areas where flare radiation can be seen, either directly or
reflected.
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UV detectors can see clean burning gas fires, including hydrogen fires. If clean
burning fire is the only hazard in the area, UV detectors may be used, but they are
best located well below roof level in case smoke is given off from other materials
(for example, paint or cables). Using UV detectors with hydrocarbon liquid fires
presents two problems: the fires can emit very little UV, and smoke absorbs UV.
10.3. Gas
10.3.1. General
a. Unless infrared is not suitable for the gas types to be detected, the infrared detectors shall
be preferred for detecting gas.
b. Infrared gas detectors should not be used to detect gases that have no infrared absorption
characteristics (for example, hydrogen).
Infrared gas detectors are suitable for detection of a large range of gases, including
alkanes that are commonly found in BP facilities. However, gases that have no
infrared absorption characteristics (for example, hydrogen) are also found in BP
facilities.
Be aware that any plastic obstructions in the beam path are seen by infrared
detectors as hydrocarbons.
c. The preferred gas detection method for applications where clear paths exist shall be open
path gas detectors, rather than point gas detectors.
d. Open path gas detectors based on infrared absorption should be used for:
1. Detection of gas clouds with explosion potential.
2. Perimeter monitoring of large onshore facilities.
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At this time, there are no practical optical toxic gas detectors available for use in
the intended range of applications.
10.3.6. Sensitivity
Gas detector specification should ensure that gas detection is such that a hazard is never
underestimated. This objective requires a detailed knowledge of:
a. Gas mixtures that may be released.
b. Limits of flammability of the gases.
c. Response characteristics of the selected detector technology.
10.3.7. Ultrasonic
a. Ultrasonic gas leak detection shall be used only in addition to a volumetric gas detection
system.
b. Ultrasonic gas leak detection shall not replace a volumetric gas detection system in whole
or in part.
c. Use of time delays should be minimised and should never exceed 30 seconds.
d. Background ultrasonic levels within the detection area should be mapped to determine:
1. Alarm threshold.
2. Number and spacing of detectors.
10.4. Heat
10.4.1. General
Heat detection may be used if one of the following conditions is present:
1. Other forms of detection are not suited to detection of the hazards.
2. Other forms of detection would have unacceptable false alarm rates.
Heat detectors are less sensitive than other fire detection technologies, and on this
basis their use is generally discouraged. There are some applications (for example,
turbine enclosures) that have a relatively small volume to be protected, where heat
detectors are acceptable.
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10.4.2. Pneumatic
a. Pneumatic tube, frangible bulb, and fusible plug systems may be used for either of the
following applications:
1. If direct control of firewater deluge valves is required to cover specific areas of the
facility.
2. General area coverage.
b. If used as a backup to flame detectors, the sensitivity of the system may be an order of
magnitude less than the automatic control action threshold set for the flame detection
system.
Pneumatic systems are pressurised so that if the fire detecting element is ruptured,
the pressure quickly falls, causing the deluge valve to open and the transmitter to
alarm and possibly take control action. Instrument air is supplied through a filter
regulator and a small, variable restriction orifice. Flow of makeup air into the tube
is just sufficient to maintain a pressure transmitter above its alarm setting and to
compensate for minor leakage from fittings. Tube and bulb systems suffer false
alarms from mechanical damage.
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Several types of point heat detector are available, based on technologies like
bimetallic strips, IR sensors, and thermistors. Bimetallic devices can respond at a
factory set temperature and can incorporate an additional trip on a high rate of rise
in temperature, again preset by the manufacturer. The electronic types (thermistors,
etc.) are generally less reliable, more expensive, and more complex. They are
generally used only if aesthetics is a primary consideration.
10.6. Smoke
10.6.1. General
The following shall be considered in the selection of smoke detection equipment:
a. Smoke detection technologies fall into two categories:
1. The more frequently used devices designed to comply with the sensitivity levels set
out in national and international standards.
2. Other devices designed to operate outside this sensitivity band.
A number of smoke detection technologies are available.
b. High-sensitivity smoke detectors are of two basic types:
1. Aspirated optical systems.
2. Addressable point optical systems.
c. Less sensitive smoke detection systems are available for special applications. These smoke
detection systems are tuned to the level of smoke that affects human life.
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c. The efficiency of the system is dependent on the design of the sampling system and should
be checked on commissioning, using a standard test. Thereafter, testing, calibration, and
maintenance shall be performed onsite.
d. Point-type devices should not be used in Grade E areas.
Point-type devices are discouraged because they are generally more difficult to
engineer and can be significantly affected by local environment variations. Their
overall cost of installation and ownership is generally higher.
10.6.4. Ionisation
a. Ionisation smoke detectors may be used in Grade F or Grade V areas, if the concern is
property protection.
b. Ionisation smoke detectors shall not be used in sleeping areas.
Ionisation smoke detectors are not suited to sleeping areas, because they may not
detect a fire in time to save the lives of personnel in the room. They may be used to
detect fire in some equipment spaces (depending on the ventilation), but not for
highly critical electrical or electronic equipment. These detectors are sensitive to
gas and liquid hydrocarbon fires, but not robust enough to be used in plant areas.
They are suited to monitoring air intake ducts if their slow response time is
acceptable. They may be too sensitive for some applications.
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11.1. General
The following shall be considered in deploying detectors:
a. Correct installation and orientation of detection equipment is critical to reliable
performance.
b. Mounting arrangements should ensure correct operation even in the presence of vibration
of the supporting steelwork.
c. Maintenance access should be considered. Flame detectors should be placed between 3 m
(10 ft) and 4 m (13 ft) above local deck or access platform.
The 3 m (10 ft) and 4 m (13 ft) distance above local deck or access platform was
determined from reviewing the practice across a number of BP facilities. In these
facilities, it has been allowable for personnel to access equipment at these elevations
from portable ladders, rather having to use temporary structures such as
scaffolding. In practice, placing the detectors lower than 3 m (10 ft) above local
deck or access platform means that they have more restricted views and therefore
more detectors are required to achieve the same level of coverage.
11.2. Flame
a. Flame detector deployment should be optimised using computer-aided coverage
assessment tools.
b. If computer-aided coverage assessment tools are not used, drawings should be required to
show the intended coverage of each detector, including overlapping voting coverage.
c. The maximum distance from detector to the item or area requiring coverage shall be set
after considering the fire size and fuel type, and any desensitising effects from local
conditions.
11.3. Gas
a. Gas detector deployment should be optimised using computer-aided coverage assessment
tools.
b. If computer-aided coverage assessment tools are not used, drawings should be used that
show the intended coverage of each detector, including overlapping voting coverage.
c. If areas are assessed as having explosion potential, detectors should be installed to ensure
that a cloud of given size and concentration cannot exist without encompassing at least one
detector or detection path.
d. Maintenance access should be considered. Gas detectors should be placed between 3 m
(10 ft) and 4 m (13 ft) above local deck or access platform.
e. Open path gas detectors should be installed in locations where their paths will not be
interrupted by routine operations.
In practice, placing open path detectors lower than 3 m (10 ft) above local deck or
access platform will result in frequent blockage of the paths by personnel carrying
out routine operations. These interruptions cause unnecessary nuisance fault
indications at the control point.
f. Low-level gas detectors aimed at detecting heavy gas hazards should be located no higher
than 300 mm (1 ft) above local deck or grade.
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g. Elevation of toxic gas detectors shall be specified based on their intended role and the
nature of gases in the intended installation.
11.4. Heat
a. Heat detectors in Grade F areas should be installed in accordance with national guidance.
If no national guidance is available, NFPA 72 should be used to determine detector
deployment.
b. If pneumatic tubing is used in Grade A or Grade B applications, detection tubing should be
installed local to the protected facility areas, and at the required spacing for detection of the
target fire sizes.
For example, to detect a fire of 50 kW RHO, the tubing would need to be installed so
that all areas of the protected site are within 2 m (6 ft) of a detection tube.
c. Pneumatic detection tube shall be protected from accidental damage (for example, with an
inverted cable tray).
11.6. Smoke
a. Smoke detectors in Grade F areas should be installed in accordance with national guidance.
If no national guidance is available, NFPA 72 should be used to determine detector
deployment.
b. Smoke detectors in Grade D or Grade E areas require special design to determine the
number and location of detectors, and detector sampling points.
The Vendor proprietary computer model should be used to establish base design.
c. In all smoke detector applications in Grade D or Grade E areas, the installed system shall
be tested using the tests specified in the grading.
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f. The preferred detection systems for non-SIL-rated and SIL 1 applications shall be
addressable.
g. Addressable detection systems should not be used at SIL 2 and above unless justified by
complying with the requirements of IEC 61508 in full as described in GP 30-80.
h. Operator interfaces shall comply with GP 30-45.
13. Maintenance
a. A maintenance strategy for the F&G system should be established in accordance with
GP 30-81 before commissioning the system. The strategy should define necessary
maintenance and testing based on:
1. Location of the equipment and its environment.
2. Failure modes.
3. Performance targets.
b. The strategy should include maintenance/testing frequencies for detection devices based on
Vendor recommendations or BP experience in similar applications, whichever provides the
longer period of time between service.
c. Performance of the system should be monitored and annually reviewed for the need to
adjust the frequency of maintenance and testing routines. Maintenance shall comply with
GIS 30-851 and GP 30-81.
Logic systems with automatic testing should not normally require routine testing.
This may not be the case for higher SIL rated systems.
14.1. General
a. Systems should be audited against the agreed performance requirements and in accordance
with the verification activities in GP 30-75.
b. As a minimum, audits should take place after any of the following:
1. Installation of a new system.
2. Major modification to a detection system.
3. Major modifications to the monitored area.
c. Periodic audits should be conducted to ensure that the system complies with performance
requirements.
Normally, small changes are made to the location of F&G detectors during
construction to avoid conflict with pipework and cable trays. This fact is one reason
for the audit after installation.
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14.3.1. General
The purpose of design review is to ensure a design can comply with the performance
requirements if the system is correctly installed, operated, and maintained. Review techniques
vary according to the type of detector and the area covered.
General guidance on functional safety assessment including design review is
provided in GP 30-75.
14.4.1. General
a. The review should:
1. Determine whether the installed F&G detection system is capable of complying with
the performance criteria.
2. Cover selection of equipment, suitability, layout, positioning, and orientation.
b. Periodic checks may be required to ensure the performance criteria continue to be met.
Previously audited designs that have had no major modifications or changes in risk
should remain fit for purpose throughout the life of the site. Despite this fact,
equipment can fail to comply with performance criteria.
c. Review guidelines for the review shall include the following steps:
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Annex A
(Normative)
T T
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Site: Include name of site Area: Include name of area (can be all areas)
Legislative Compliance
Include details of legislative requirements for F&G detection in this area.
Emergency Response
Include details of site manning levels in terms of how often personnel normally visit each area
and how long (in minutes) it takes from getting an F&G alarm to a response team reaching the
area.
Grade Fire Size (RHO) for Alarm Fire Size (RHO) for Control Response Time
Action
A Include fire size in kW Include fire size in kW RHO Include in
RHO seconds
B Include fire size in kW Include fire size in kW RHO Include in
RHO seconds
C Include fire size in kW Include fire size in kW RHO Include in
RHO seconds
Gas Detection
Gas Detection Requirements
Specify the role of the gas detection system in terms of either;
Detecting volumes of gas that could cause explosion
Detecting gas leaks.
Preventing gas ingress to non-classified areas
Detecting toxic gases.
Signature: Signature:
Prepared Approved
By: By:
Date: Date:
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Hazard Description
Include discussion on fire hazards specific to this area.
Control Measures
Include discussion on fire control measures in this area including passive fire protection, active
fire protection and plant inventory isolation and depressurisation.
Grading
Grade Description
A List all Grade A items of plant in the area.
Signature: Signature:
Prepared Approved
By: By:
Date: Date:
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Hazard Description
Include discussion on fire hazards specific to each area.
Control Measures
Include discussion on fire control measures in this area including passive fire protection, active
fire protection and plant inventory isolation and depressurisation.
Grading
Space Description & Reference Fire Class Ventilation Grade
Signature: Signature:
Prepared Approved
By: By:
Date: Date:
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Hazard Description
Include discussion on fire hazards specific to this area.
Control Measures
Include discussion on fire control measures in this area including explosion suppression and
plant inventory isolation and depressurisation.
Hazardous Area Classification Include details on any classified parts of the area
Ventilation Type Natural or Mechanical
Signature: Signature:
Prepared Approved
By: By:
Date: Date:
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Annex B
(Normative)
T T
B.1 General
B.1.1 Scope
This test method is suitable for the testing of high-sensitivity fire detection systems.
(120E–6 in2).
P P P P
b. A transformer to operate on the local electricity mains supply capable of delivering at least
15A at 6V.
c. An insulating board of noncombustible material of minimum size 600 mm (2 ft) x 600 mm
(2 ft).
d. A stopwatch accurate to 1 s.
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Bibliography
[1] BSI BS 5839 - Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Buildings.
[2] BSI BS 6266 - Fire Protection for Electronic Data Processing Installations.
[3] ISO 10418 (draft 2003) - Petroleum and natural gas industries – Analysis, design, installation, and
testing of basic surface process safety systems on offshore production installations – Requirements
and guidelines.
[4] ISO 13702 - Petroleum and natural gas industries – Control and mitigation of fires and explosions on
offshore production installations – Requirements and guidelines.
[5] Methodology for Assessing Smoke and Gas Ingress to Accommodation and TR Volumes, by BP
Upstream Technology Group. Document Number: SPR/G/97/006, Issue 01, Issue Date: April 1997.
[7] Offshore Technology Report – OTO 93 002 Offshore Gas Detector Siting Criterion, Investigation of
Detector Spacing (HSE, April 1993).
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RECORD ANY
LEGISLATIVE
REQUIREMENT FOR
FIRE DETECTION
REVIEW
OTHER
SAFETY
STUDIES
SET
DEFAULT
GRADINGS
A, B, C, D,
E, F, T, & V
Y Y Y Y N
SUPPLY AIR
TO MANNED NO FIRE RISK
ASSIGN GRADE B ASSIGN GRADE F
AREA OR IDENTIFIED
Y CONTAIN
EQUIP
IS GRADE B DO
NOT GOOD PERSONNEL
ENOUGH SLEEP HERE
N N
Y Y
DOES
AREA CONTAIN
ESSENTIAL OR
IS GRADE B
HIGH VALUE
TOO GOOD ELECTRICAL/
ELECTRONIC
Y N
EQUIP
N Y
NO FIRE DETECTION
ASSIGN GRADE A ASSIGN GRADE C ASSIGN GRADE E ASSIGN GRADE T REQUIRED
RECORD WHY NOT
LEAVE GRADE B ASSIGN GRADE D ASSIGN GRADE F LEAVE GRADE V ASSIGN GRADE S
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RECORD ANY
LEGISLATIVE
REQUIREMENTS
FOR GAS
DETECTION
REVIEW
SAFETY
STUDIES FOR GAS
DETECTION
CLAIMS
IS GAS
IS AREA INGRESS VIA
CLASSIFIED IS NATURAL MECHANICAL
AS N GAS MIGRATION N VENTILATION Y
HAZARDOUS TO THIS AREA AIR INTAKE
CREDIBLE CREDIBLE
Y Y N
Y Y Y Y
IS IS FLOOR
IS VOLUME EXPLOSION BASE AREA
LESS THAN 1 000m3 P P
N SUPPRESION Y ANY CONFINED N N DIMENSIONS
(35 000ft3)
P P
FITTED POCKETS LESS THAN
10m (33ft)
Y N Y Y
IS AIR
CHANGE RATE
N
MORE THAN 60
PER HOUR
NO GAS DETECTION
REQUIRED.
RECORD WHY NOT
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