OISD STANDARD-117

Amended Edition
July, 1998

FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION

FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES

FOR
PETROLEUM DEPOTS, TERMINALS
AND
PIPELINE INSTALLATIONS

Prepared By

COMMITTEE ON FIRE PROTECTION

OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE

2ND FLOOR, KAILASH BUILDING,
26, K.G.MARG,
NEW DELHI - 110001
 NOTE

OISD publications are prepared for use in the oil and gas industry under
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. These are the property of Ministry of
Petroleum & Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or copied and loaned or
exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.

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.

These documents are intended to supplement rather than replace the prevailing
statutory requirements.
 FOREWARD

The oil industry in India is nearly 100 years old. As such a variety of practices have
been in vogue because of collaboration/association with different foreign companies and
governments. Standardisation in design philosophies and operating and maintenance practices at
a national level was hardly in existence. This, coupled with feed back from some serious
accidents that occurred in the recent past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for the
industry to review the existing state of art in designing, operating, and maintaining oil and gas
installations.

With this in view, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) was established in 1986 staffed
from within the industry in formulating and implementing a series of self regulatory measures
aimed at removing obsolescence, standardising and upgrading the existing standards to ensure
safer operations. Accordingly OISD constituted a number of functional committees comprising
experts nominated from the industry to draw up standards and guidelines on various subjects.

The present document on fire protection facilities for petroleum Depots, Terminals and
Pipeline installations is the amended edition of the document prepared by the Functional
Committee on "Fire Fighting and Safety" which was published in July, 1989. This document is
prepared based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of industry members and the
various national and international codes and practices. It is hoped that the provision of this
document will go a long way to improve the safety and reduce accidents in the Oil and Gas
Industry.

Suggestions are invited from the users for further improvement after it is put into
practice. Suggestions for amendments to this document should be addressed to:

The Coordinator
Committee on 'Fire Fighting and Safety'
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
2ND FLOOR, KAILASH BUILDING,
26, K.G.MARG,
NEW DELHI - 110001
 COMMITTEE ON FIRE PROTECTION

List of Members

___________________________________________________________

S.No. Name Organisation

____________________________________________________________

Leader

Sh. R.P. Bhatla Engineers India Limited

upto 31.12.94

Sh. M.M. Kapoor Engineers India Limited

w.e.f. 1.1.95

Members

1. Sh. R.P. Saxena Oil Natural Gas Corporation

2. Sh. B. Balan Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

3. Sh. G.S. Wankhede Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd.

4. Sh. C.T. Anantkrishanan Indian Oil Corp. Ltd

5. Sh. S.C. Jain Indian Oil Corp. Ltd

6. Sh. H.K.B. Singh IBP Co. Ltd.

7. Sh. V. Koti Indian Oil Corp. Ltd ( Pipeline)

Co-ordinator

Sh. Vijay M. Ranalkar Oil Industry Safety Directorate

Upto July, 1996

Sh. K.S. Ganeshan Oil Industry Safety Directorate

w.e.f. August, 1996
___________________________________________________________

In addition to the above, several other experts from industry contributed in

the preparation, review and finalisation of this document.

FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES

FOR
 PETROLEUM DEPOTS, TERMINALS
AND
PIPELINE INSTALLATIONS

CONTENTS

SECTION DESCRIPTION

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Scope
3.0 Definitions
3.1 Petroleum Depots, Terminals & Oil Installations
3.2 Classification of Petroleum Products
3.3 Flash Point
4.0 Fire Protection Facilities
4.1 General Consideration
4.2 Design Criteria of Fire Protection System
4.3 Fire Water System
4.4 Foam System
4.5 Halon/ Its proven equivalent Protection System
4.6 First Aid Fire Fighting Equipment
4.7 Mobile Fire Fighting Equipment
5.0 Fire Alarm/Communication System
5.1 Communication System
5.2 Fire Alarm System
6.0 Fire Safety Organisation/Training
6.1 Organistation
6.2 Training
7.0 Fire Emergency Manual
8.0 Fire Protection System, Inspection and Testing
8.1 Fire Water Pumps
8.2 Fire Water Ring Main
8.3 Fire Water Spray System
8.4 Fixed/ Semi Fixed Foam System
8.5 Halon / Its proven equivalent System
8.6 Hoses
8.7 Communication System
9.0 Reference

Annexures

1. Typical Example for calculation of Fire Water Flow Rate

2. Automated actuated foam flooding system for larger
floating roof tanks
3. brief description of fire fighting foam
4. Typical Example of fire case in a large floating roof tank
after sinking of floating roof
5. Typical Example for water rate calculation for POL
tank wagon loading gantry protection

FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES FOR

 PETROLEUM DEPOTS, TERMINALS AND PIPELINE
INSTALLATIONS

1.0 INTRODUCTION carry out the review at site keeping

in mind, the practicability,
acceptance of management & OISD
Petroleum depots and terminals are
requirement.
generally located in the remote
areas and near railway sidings.
However, the experience shows that 2.0 SCOPE
with the passage of time, these get
surrounded by residential/industrial 2.1 This standard lays down the
installations. The inventory of minimum requirement of the fire
flammable materials stored therein protection facilities at petroleum
necessitates inbuilt fire protection depots, terminals, pipeline
facilities. installations with or without
storages, Group Gathering Stations
(GGS), Oil Collecting Stations
It can be impractical and
(OCS) and Central Tank Farms
prohibitively costly to design fire
(CTF). However, in case above
protection facilities to control
facilities are located within the
catastrophic fires. The usual
Refineries & Oil / Gas Processing
requirement of a good system is to
Plants under the same
prevent emergencies from
management, water storage &
developing into major threat to the
pumping facilities as per OISD-
oil installation and surroundings.
STD-116 may be considered to
protect both.
The fire fighting facilities required
for the oil storages have been 2.2 This standard does not cover the
described in the following chapters. Plants handling Liquified Petroleum
However, these shall be examined Gas (LPG) Storage, handling and
with due consideration to availability bottling . The same are covered in
of the fire fighting services from city OISD-STD-144, 116 or 169 as the
fire brigade and nearby installations case may be.
and other neighbouring industries.
2.3 This standard does not cover fire
It is not intended that the protection facilities for Refineries,
requirement of this Standard should Gas Processing Plants for which
be applied rigidly to existing OISD-STD-116 should be referred
premises which were approved by to.
Statutory Authorities prior to July'89
(publication of First Edition of OISD-
STD-117) where for a variety of 3.0 DEFINITIONS
reasons, it may not be practicable to
comply with. This standard will, 3.1 PETROLEUM DEPOTS &
however, help in selective TERMINALS
implemention of the
recommendations at such locations That portion of a property where
for which a suitable structured combustible/flammable liquids are
approach should be adopted to received by tanker, pipelines, tank
 wagons, tank trucks and are stored above its flash point, special
or blended in bulk for the purpose of consideration should be given in the
distributing such liquids by tankers, plant layout and product line layout
pipelines, tank wagons, tank trucks, for heated products laid alongside
portable tanks or containers. those carrying lighter products.

3.1.1 PIPELINE INSTALLATIONS: 3.3 FLASH POINT

Pipeline Installations are those The flash point of a liquid is the

facilities on cross-country pipelines minimum temperature at which the
which have pumping and / or liquid gives off vapour in sufficient
delivery station with or without concentration to form an ignitable
storages. mixture with air near the surface of
the liquid within a container.
3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 4.0 FIRE PROTECTION
FACILITIES
3.2.1 General Classification:
4.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Petroleum products other than LPG
which is a separate category, are 4.1.1 Layout :
classified according to their closed
cup FLASH POINTS as follows: Layout of a bulk oil storage location
should be done in Accordance with
Class 'A' Liquids which have a
OISD-STD-118 on “Layouts for Oil &
flash point below 23
Gas Installation”. A good layout
Degree C.
provides adequate fire fighting
access, means of escape in case of
Class 'B' Liquids which have a
fire and also segregation of facilities
flash point at 23
so that the adjacent facilities are not
Degree C. and above
endangered during a fire.
but below 65 Degree
C.
4.1.2 FIRE PROTECTION:
Class 'C' Liquids which have a
flash point at 65 The following fire protection
Degree C. and above facilities shall be provided
but below 93 Degree depending upon nature of risk in the
C. installation.

Unclassified: Liquids which have a - Fire Water System

flash point of 93
Degree C. and above. - Foam System

3.2.2 Classification for Heated - Halon / Its proven equivalent

Products: Protection System

At locations where the handling - First Aid Fire Fighting

temperatures are higher than the Equipment
flash point of the product in
circumstances where product - Mobile Fire Fighting Equipment
handled is artificially heated to
 - Fire alarm/Communication floating roof tanks larger than 60
System mtrs. dia.

4.2 DESIGN CRITERIA for FIRE 4.2.8 Automatic Actuated Foam Flooding
PROTECTION SYSTEM System may be considered for
floating roof tanks diameter larger
4.2.1 Facilities should be designed on the than 60 meters as an alternative to
basis that city fire water supply is Halon/ its equivalent systems.
not available close to installation.
4.2.9 Water and/ or Foam Spray system
4.2.2 One single largest risk shall be shall be provided on tank wagon
considered for providing facilities. loading gantries.

4.2.3 The installation having aggregate 4.2.10 Manifold area shall be adequately
above ground storage capacity of protected with hydrant and
more than 1000 KL (Class A + B + monitors.
C) and pipeline installations other
than only scrapper stations shall be 4.3 FIRE WATER SYSTEM
fully covered by hydrant system.
Water is an essential and the most
Class 'A' above ground Petroleum important medium available to
storages shall have fixed water mankind for fire protection. Water
spray system. However, for small is used for fire extinguishment, fire
installation with aggregate above control, cooling of equipment,
ground storage capacity of Class 'A' exposure protection of equipment
and 'B' products does not exceed and personnel from heat radiation.
5000 KL. and dia. of tank storing For these purposes water is used in
Class A product not exceeding 9 various forms such as straight jet,
mtrs. Are exempted from fixed water fog, water curtain, water
water spray system. spray, deluge / sprinkler, oscillating
monitors for foam preparation etc.
Class 'B' above ground Petroleum
storage tanks of diameter larger 4.3.1 Components of Fire Water
than 30 mtrs shall be provided with System
fixed water spray system.
The main components of the
When Class A & B above ground system are Fire Water Storage, Fire
storage tanks are placed in a Water Pumps and Distribution
common dyke, the fixed water Piping Network.
spray system shall be provided on
all tanks except as mentioned for 4.3.2 Basis :
small terminals as per 4.2.4.
The fire water system in an
4.2.6 Fixed foam system/Semi-Fixed installation should be designed to
system with foam tender shall be meet the fire water flow required for
provided on Petroleum tanks fighting one largest risk at a time as
(Floating roof or fixed roof) per section 4.2.2.
exceeding 18 mtrs. dia. storing
Class 'A' or Class 'B' products. DESIGN FLOW RATE:

4.2.7 Halon / Its proven equivalent fire

protection may be considered for
 (i) Fire water flow rate for a tank fire water flow rate and the
farm shall be aggregate of the largest rate to be
following: considered for design.

— Water flow calculated for (ii) Fire water flow rate for
cooling a tank on fire at a supplementary streams shall be
rate of 3 lpm/m² of tank based on using 4 single hydrant
shell area. outlets and 1 monitor
simultaneously. Capacity of
— Water flow calculated for each hydrant outlet as 36 m 3/hr
exposure protection for all and of each monitor as 144
other tanks falling within a m 3/hr minimum may be
radius of (R +30)m from considered at a pressure of 7
centre of the tank on fire (R- kg/cm 2g.
Radius of tank on fire) and
situated in the same dyke at (iii) Fire water flow rate for tank
a rate of 3 lpm/m² of tank wagon loading guntries and
shell area. other equipment area shall be
calculated as under :
- — Water flow calculated for
exposure protection for all — Tank wagon loading
other tanks falling outside a gantries ................10 lpm/
radius of (R+30)m from m2
centre of the tank on fire — Equipment area : pumps of
and situated in the same volatile product service
dyke at a rate of under located under pipe
1 lpm/m2 of tank shell area. rack in pipeline pumping
station .......... 20 lpm/m 2
— For water flow calculations, The design fire water rate shall
all tanks farms having class be the largest of (i), (ii) or (iii).
A or B petroleum storage ( For typical calculation please
shall be considered refer Annexure-I ).
irrespective of diameter of
tanks and whether fixed 4.3.3 HEADER PRESSURE
water spray is provided or
not apn the tanks as per The fire water pressure system shall
design calculation vide be designed for a minimum residual
clause 4.2. pressure of 7 kg/cm 2g at the
hydraulically remotest point of
— Water flow required for application at the designed flow rate
applying foam on a single at that point.
largest tank by way of fixed
foam system, where 4.3.4 STORAGE
provided, or by use of
water/foam monitors. Water for the hydrant service shall
(Refer section 4.4.8 for be stored in any easily accessible
foam solution application surface or underground lined
rates.) reservoir or above ground tanks of
steel concrete or masonary. The
— Various combinations shall effective capacity of the reservoir /
be considered in the tank tank above the level of suction point
farm for arriving at different shall be minimum 4 hours
 aggregate working capacity of iii) A minimum of 50% standby pump(s)
pumps. Where make up water (minimum one no.) of the same type
supply source is 50% or more of and capacity as the main pumps
design flow rate, the storage shall be provided.
capacity may be reduced to 3 hours.
iv) The fire water pump(s) including the
Fire water supply shall be preferably standby pump(s) shall be of diesel
from fresh water source such as engine driven type. Where electric
river, tubewell or lake. Where fresh supply is reliable 50% of the pumps
water source is not easily available, may be electric driven. The diesel
fire water supply may be sea water engines shall be quick starting type
or other acceptable source like with the help of push buttons
treated effluents water. Where located on or near the pumps or
treated effluents is used as fire located at a remote location. Each
water supply, it shall not have faecal engine shall have an independent
waste contamination. fuel tank adequately sized for 6
hours continuous running of the
The installation shall have facilities pump.
for receiving and diverting all the
water coming to the installation to v) Fire water pumps & storage shall be
fire water storage tanks in case of located at 30 mtrs (minimum) away
an emergency. from equipment or where
hydrocarbons are handled or stored.
Storage reservoir shall be in two
equal interconnected vi) Fire water pumps shall be
compartments to facilitate cleaning exclusively used for fire fighting
and repairs. In case of steel tanks purpose only.
there shall be minimum two tanks
each having 50 % of required vii)The fire water network shall be kept
capacity. pressurised by a static tank or
jockey pump(s). Where jockey
Large natural reservoirs having pumps are used, the capacity of
water capacity exceeding 10 times pump shall be sufficient to maintain
the aggregate water requirement of the system pressure in the event of
fire pumps may be left unlined. leakages from valves etc. The
capacity of Jockey pump shall not
4.3.5 FIRE WATER PUMPS be less than 3% (with a minimum of
180 lpm) and not more than 10% of
i) Fire water pumps shall be installed the designed fire water rate at
to meet the design fire water flow network pressure not less than 3
rate and head. These should have Kg/cm 2g.
flooded suction.
4.3.6 FIRE WATER DISTRIBUTION
ii) The pumps shall be capable of NETWORK
discharging 150% of its rated
discharge at a minimum of 65% of (i) Looping:
the rated head. The Shut-off head
shall not exceed 120% of rated The fire water network shall be
head for horizontal centrifugal laid in closed loops as far as
pumps and 140% for vertical turbine possible to ensure multi-
pump. directional flow in the system.
Isolation valves shall be
 provided in the network to — The mains shall be provided
enable isolation of any section with protection against soil
of the network without affecting corrosion by suitable
the flow in the rest. The coating/wrapping.
isolation valves shall be located
normally near the loop In case of poor soil conditions it
junctions. Additional valves may be necessary to provide
shall be provided in the concrete/masonry supports
segments where the length of under the pipe.
the segment exceeds 300 mtrs.
Protection of above ground
(ii) Above / Underground pipes:
Network :
— The mains shall be
The fire water network piping supported at regular
should normally be laid above intervals not exceeding 6
ground at a height of 300 mm to mtrs.
400 mm above finished ground
level. However, the fire water — The system for above
network piping shall be laid ground portion shall be
below ground level at the analysed for flexibility
following places : against thermal expansion
and necessary expansion
— Road crossings. loops where called for shall
be provided.
— Places where the above
ground piping is likely to (iv)Sizing:
cause obstruction to
operation, vehicle Fire water distribution ring main
movement and places shall be sized for 120% of the
where the above ground design water rate. Design flow
piping is likely to get rates shall be distributed at
damaged mechanically. nodal points to give the most
realistic way of water
— Where frost condition requirement in an emergency.
warrants, the pipeline shall It may be necessary to assume
be laid under-ground several combinations of flow
beneath the frost layer. requirement for design of
network. For large water
(iii)Protection of underground requirement for floating roof
pipelines: tank (Annx.IV) the network
around the tank farm shall be
— The mains shall have at suitably designed. The analysis
least one mtr. earth cushion of network shall be preferably
in open ground and 1.5 mtrs done through a computer
cushion under the roads. In programme.
case of crane movement
areas, pipe may be The minimum residual pressure
protected with shall be as defined in 4.3.3.
concrete/steel encasement.
v)The fire water network shall
always be kept pressurised by
 any of the following provided for every 30 mtrs of
arrangements: external wall measurement or
perimeter of battery limit in case
— If fire water is stored in of high hazard areas. For non-
above ground storage tanks hazardous area, they shall be
with water level more than 5 spaced at 45 mtrs. intervals.
mtrs. above the highest The horizontal range &
point of fire water network, coverage of hydrants with hose
a direct connection with a connections shall not be
non-return valve shall be considered beyond 45 mtrs.
provided to the fire water
network from the storage (ii) Hydrants shall be located at a
tank. minimum distance of 15 mtrs.
from the periphery of storage
— If the fire water is stored in tank or equipment under
underground tanks, the fire protection. In case of buildings
water network shall be this distance shall not be less
connected to an overhead than 2 mtrs. and not more than
water tank if available in the 15 mtrs. from the face of
installation; otherwise a building. Provision of hydrants
jockey pump shall be within the building shall be
installed to keep the mains provided in accordance with
pressurised. IS : 3844.

— Make up water shall be Hydrant/Monitors shall be located

provided to account for along road side berms for easy
leakages in the system so accessibility.
that fire water storage is
kept to the desired capacity. (iii) Double headed hydrants with
two separate landing valves on
(vi)Connections for fixed water 4" standpost shall be used. All
monitors shall be provided with hydrant outlets shall be situated
independent isola tion valves. 1.2 mtrs. above ground level.

(vii)Fire water mains shall not pass (iv) Monitors shall be located to direct
through buildings or dyked water on the object as well as to
areas. provide water shield to firemen
approaching a fire.
(viii)In case of underground mains the
isolation valves shall be located Monitors shall not be installed less
in RCC/brick masonary than 15mtrs. from hazardous
chamber. equipment. The requirement of
monitors shall be established
4.3.7 HYDRANTS AND MONITORS: based on hazards involved and
layout considerations.
(i) Hydrants shall be located bearing
in mind the fire hazards at The location of the monitors shall
different sections of the not exceed 45 mtrs from the
premises to be protected and to hazard to be protected.
give most effective service. At
least one hydrant post shall be (v) Hydrants and monitors shall not
be installed inside the dyked
 areas. However, as an (iii)Hydrant:
additional requirement,
oscillating monitors may be Standpost .. Carbon
provided in inaccessible area Steel
within dyke with isolation valve Outlet valves/ ..Gunmetal /
or ROV outside the tank farm. landing valves Aluminium
/Stainless
(vi) Tank wagon Loading/unloading Steel / Al-
facility and Tank Truck gantry Zn Alloy
area should be provided with
(iv)Monitors ..
alternate water cum foam
Carbon Steel
monitors having multipurpose
/ Gun Metal
combination nozzles for jet
spray & fog arrangement and (v)Fire Hose ..IS 636:
fire hydrants located at a (Type A) or Synthetic hose (Type B)
spacing of 30 mtrs. on both
sides of the gantry. The (vi)Fire Water network, hydrants,
hydrants & monitors shall be monitors, hose boxes etc shall
located at a minimum distance be painted 'Fire Red'.
of 15 mtrs. from the Tank
Wagon/Tank Trucks. 4.3.9 FIXED WATER SPRAY SYSTEM

(vii) Hydrants/Monitors shall be (i) Fixed spray water system is a

preferably located with branch fixed pipe system connected to
connection. a reliable source of water supply
and equipped with water spray
4.3.8 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS nozzles for specific water
discharge and distribution over
All the materials used in fire water the surface of area to be
system shall be of approved protected. The piping system is
type as indicated below. connected to the hydrant
system water supply through an
(i)Pipes : Carbon Steel as per IS: automatically or manually
3589/ IS:1239 or its equivalent. actuated valve which initiates
the flow of water.
In case of saline water service the
fire water main pipes shall be (ii) Water supply patterns and their
cement mortar/poly glasslined densities shall be selected
internally. according to need. Fire water
spray system for exposure
(ii)Isolation Valves : Cast Iron / protection shall be designed to
Cast Steel operate before the possible
failures of any containers of
Use of Cast Steel valves is flammable liquids or gases due
preferable which may be to temperature rise. The
decided on economic system shall, therefore, be
considerations. designed to discharge effective
water spray within shortest
Isolation valves having possible time.
open/close indication shall be
Gate valves or Butterfly valves. (iii) The water application rates
indicated in section 5.2 may be
 reviewed on case to case basis designed to adequately distribute
and increased, if required. the foam over the hazard.
While calculating the water
rates for spray application for Conventional systems are of the
cases other than tanks/vessels, open outlet type in which foam
the area should be divided into discharges from all outlets at the
suitable segments so that same time, covering the entire
maximum water requirement hazard within the confines of the
can be optimized. ( Please refer system. There are three types of
Annexure-V for typical systems:
calculations).
i) Fixed
4.4 FOAM SYSTEMS ii) Semi-Fixed
iii) Mobile
4.4.1 Types of Foam
(i) Fixed Foam System
For detailed description of Fire
Fighting Foam Compounds, please Fixed foam conveying system
refer Annexure-III. comprises of fixed piping for
water supply at adequate
4.4.2 LOW EXPANSION FOAM pressure, foam concentrate
tank, eductor, suitable
For combating large hydrocarbon proportioning equipment for
fires particularly in a contained area drawing foam concentrate and
like storage tank, foam has proved making foam solution, fixed
useful for its inherent blanketing piping system for onward
ability, heat resistance and security conveying to foam makers for
against burn-back. Aqueous Film making foam, vapour seal box
Forming Foam (AFFF) compound is and foam pourer. Suitable
technically superior and compatible detection system may be
with other fire fighting agents. provided to activate the foam
system.
Efficient and effective foam delivery
system is a vital tool for its (ii) Semi-Fixed Foam System
usefulness in controlling the fire.
Semi-fixed foam system gets
The process of adding or injecting supply of foam solution through
the foam to water is called the mobile foam tender. A fixed
proportioning. The mixture of water piping system connected to
and foam compound (foam solution) foam makers cum vapour seal
is then mixed with air in a foam box in caseof cone roof tanks
maker for onward transmission to and foam maker and foam
burning surface. pourers in the case of floating
roof tanks conveys foam to the
4.4.3 CONVEYING SYSTEMS surface of tank.

The system consists of an adequate (iii) Mobile System

water supply, supply of foam
concentrate, suitable proportioning Mobile system includes foam
equipment, a proper piping system, producing unit mounted on
foam makers and discharge devices wheels which may be self
propelled or towed by a vehicle.
 These units supply foam (i)System be designed to create
through monitors/foam towers to foam blanket on the burning
the burning surface. surface in a reasonably short
period.
However, certain other foam
systems as follow are also available (ii)Foam shall be applied to the
: burning hazard continuously at
a rate high enough to overcome
Sub-surface foam injection: the destructive effects of radiant
This is a system for protection heat.
of fixed roof storage tanks. This
comprises of high back pressure (iii)Foam makers/foam pourers shall
foam generator and connected be located not more than 24
through product lines or mtrs. apart on the shell
separate lines near the bottom perimeter based on 600 mm
of the tank. foam dam height.

Under the Seal Foam (iv)A minimum of two foam pourers

application: This is a system shall be provided.
for floating roof tank where the
foam travels through a flexible 4.4.5 FIXED ROOF TANK PROTECTION
pipe inside the tank upto the
center of the tank roof and Foam conveying system shall have
exits at the seal rim of the same features as of floating roof
floating roof precisely where the tank excepting that a vapour seal
fire is located thus rapidly chamber is required before the
flooding the seal rim area and foam discharge outlet.
quickly extinguishing the fire.
Features of the foam system for
Automatic Actuated Foam fixed roof protection shall be as
Flooding system : In this follows:
system all the components and
ingredients including premix (i) The vapour seal chamber shall
solution are contained within the be provided with an effective
system. Such systems usually and durable seal, fragile under
have a premix solution supply low pressure, to prevent
tank pressurised by air or inert entrance of vapour into the
gas. The automatic sensing of foam conveying piping system.
fire releases this pressure and
places the system into (ii) Where two or more pourers are
operation. (Refer Annexure-II required these shall be equally
for details and typical sketch). spaced at the periphery of the
tank and each discharge outlet
4.4.4 FLOATING ROOF TANK shall be sized to deliver foam at
PROTECTION approximately the same rate.

For floating roof tank, foam shall be (iii) Tanks should be provided with
poured at the foam dam to blanket foam discharge outlets/pourers
the roof seal. Features of foam as indicated below:
system for floating roof tank
protection shall be as follows: Tank Diameter Minimum
number of foam
 in mtrs. discharge lpm/m 2 of seal area with foam dam
outlet height of 600 mm of the tank to be
protected.
>18 upto 20 2
>20 upto 25 3 In case of floating roof sinking, the
>25 upto 30 4 rate considered should be 8.1
>30 upto 35 5 lpm/m 2 of liquid surface areas.
>35 upto 40 6
>40 upto 45 8 In determining total solution flow
>45 upto 50 10 requirements, potential foam losses
from wind and other factors shall be
The estimation of number of considered.
foam discharge outlet is based
on pourer capacity of 1000 lpm 4.4.9 DURATION OF FOAM DISCHARGE
at a pressure of 7 kg/cm 2 g
upstream of eductor. This can The equipment shall be capable of
be suitably adjusted for different providing primary protection at the
pourer capacity in accordance specified delivery rates for the
with section 4.4.4 (iii). following minimum period of time.

4.4.6 FLOATING CUM FIXED ROOF i) Tanks containing Class 'A' & 'B'
TANK PROTECTION .... 65 minutes

Protection facilities shall be Where the system's primary

provided as required for fixed roof purpose
tank. is for spill fire protection
... 30 minutes
4.4.7 PROTECTION FOR DYKE
AREA/SPILL FIRE 4.4.10 WATER FOR FOAM MAKING

Portable monitors/foam hose Water quantity required for making

streams shall be considered for foam solution depends upon the
fighting fires in dyked area and type of foam used. Protein foams in
spills. normal use have a 3% to 6%
proportioning ratio. However, foam
4.4.8 FOAM APPLICATION RATE supplier data shall be used for
determining water quantity required.
The minimum delivery rate for
primary protection based on the 4.4.11 FOAM QUANTITY REQUIREMENT
assumption that all the foam
reaches the area being protected The aggregate quantity of foam
shall be as indicated below : solution should be calculated as
below :
For cone roof tanks containing liquid
hydrocarbons, the foam solution (i) Foam solution application at the
delivery rate shall be at least 5 rate of 5 lpm/m 2 for the liquid
lpm/m 2 of liquid surface area of the surface of the single largest
tank to be protected. cone roof tank or at the rate of
12 lpm/m 2 of seal area of the
For floating roof tanks containing single largest floating roof tank
liquid hydrocarbons foam solution whichever is higher.
delivery rate shall be at least 12
 However, a foam solution
application rate of 8.1 lpm/m 2 of Foam compound should be stored
the liquid surface of the largest in containers of 20-30 lts capacity
floating roof tank for 65 minutes or 200/210 lts capacity barrels in
may be considered for a roof case of protein, fluroprotein or
sinking case. (Refer Annexure- AFFF. Foam compound can also be
IV for sample calculation) stored in overhead storage tank of
suitable capacity for quick filling of
(ii) Quantity of foam solution foam tender/nurser during
required should be calculated emergency.
based on the following
guidelines : Type of foam compound used can
be protein or fluroprotein or AFFF.
Wheeled Portable water/foam Alcohol Resistant Foam can be
Monitors — used for specific application.
Minimum life of foam compound
i)For installations having Nil shall be taken as per manufacturer's
aggregate capacity of data.
1000 KL
Foam compound shall be tested
ii)For Installation having 1 No. periodically for ensuring its quality
aggregate capacity upto of and the deteriorated quantity
10,000 KL 1600 lpm replaced. The deteriorated foam
compound can be used for fire
training purposes.
iii)For installations having 1 No.
aggregate capacity upto of Quantity of foam compound equal
25,000 KL 2400 lpm to 100% of requirement as
calculated in 4.4.11should be stored
iv)For installations having 2 Nos. of in the Installation. For installations
aggregate capacity more 2400 having tankages larger than 40
than 25,000 KL lpm mtrs. diameter, minimum of 16000
litres foam should be stored.(Refer
(iii) Two hose streams of foam each Annex.-IV). This quantity may be
with a capacity of 1140 lpm of suitably reduced if mutual aid for
foam solution. foam supply is available. A sample
calculation is attached as Anne- IV.
The aggregate quantity of foam
solutions should be largest of 4.5 HALON / ITS PROVEN
4.4.11(i), 4.4.11(ii) and 4.4.11 EQUIVALENT PROTECTION
(iii) as above for a minimum SYSTEM
period of 65 minutes. From this
the quantity of foam based on 4.5.1 General
3% or 6% proportion should be
calculated.However, for Halon is a liquefied gas
installation having aggregate extraordinarily effective as fire
storage not more than 10,000 extinguishing agent. However, due
KL, the foam concentrate to its ozone depleting properties, its
storage shall be based on production is being phased out as
4.4.1(i) only. per the Montreal Protocol. Hence,
Halon / its Proven Equivalent as per
4.4.12 FOAM COMPOUND STORAGE
 NFPA-2001 shall be considered for
such protection system. 4.5.4 FLOATING ROOF TANK
PROTECTION
The Protection System broadly
consists of container, feed lines, Floating roof tank may be protected
ring mains/laterals, spray nozzles, by Halon / Its proven equivalent for
signaling equipment and cables, its in built detection, control and
heat detection and activation actuation mechanism. If a rim seal
devices. fire occurs, its heat causes one or
more spray nozzles to open and the
The Protection System can detect, gas is applied on the surface of fire
control & extinguish the fire and and alarm is sounded.
also simultaneously give audio
visual indication on the control As an alternative to the above
panel. system, automatic actuated foam
flooding system as described in
4.5.2 Recommended Use section 4.4.3 may be considered.
This may be in addition to water
The system may be considered for spray and foam protection system
protection of floating roof tanks, as described in section 4.4.4.
control rooms and computer rooms.
Floating roof tanks of 60 mtrs and
4.5.3 QUANTITY AND STORAGE above diameter may be considered
for protection by installing such
Each hazard area to be protected by systems
the protection system shall have an
independent system. 4.5.5 CONTROL ROOM AND
COMPUTER ROOM PROTECTION
The time needed to obtain the gas
for replacement to restore the Control room and computer room
systems shall be considered as a may be protected by Halon / Its its
governing factor in determining the proven equivalent system.
reserve supply needed. 100%
standby containers shall be It is considered good practice to
considered for each protected avoid unnecessary exposure to
hazard. Halon /Its proven equivalent. In
order to minimise the exposure,
Storage containers shall be located persons should be evacuated from
as near as possible to hazard area the areas after the system comes
but shall not be exposed to fire. into operation.

Storage containers shall be carefully

located so that they are not
subjected to mechanical, chemical
or other damage.
All the components of the system
shall be capable of withstanding
heat of fire and severe weather
conditions.
4.6 FIRST AID FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

4.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable extinguishers shall be located at convenient locations and shall at all times be
readily accessible and clearly visible. The maximum running distance to locate an
extinguisher shall not exceed 15 mtrs. The extinguishers should be provided at various
locations as below. The portable extinguisher should be installed in such a way that the top
of extinguisher is not more than 1.5 mtrs. above the floor level.

The quantities mentioned below are minimum.

Petroleum Depots & Terminals :

Type of Area Portable Extinguishers

(i)Lube godown 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 200 m 2 floor area.

(ii)Lube filling shed 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 200 M 2

(iii)Storage of class-A/B 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 100M2

products in packed
containers and stored
in open/closed area.

(iv)Pump House upto 50 HP :

(Class A & B) 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 2 pumps
Above 50-100 HP : 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for each pump.
Beyond 100 HP : 2nos of 10 kg or 1 no.
of 25 kg DCP for each pump.

Pump House upto 50 HP :

(Class C) 1 no. 10Kg DCP for
every 4 pumps Upto 50 HP :
Above 50 HP : 2 nos. 10 Kg DCP or 1x25 kg DCP for 4 pumps.

(v)Tank Truck loading 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for

and unloading for every 2 Bays. and
POL/speciality products 1 no. 75 Kg DCP mobile unit for each gantry.

(vi)Tank Wagon loading 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for

and unloading every 50 mtrs. length
gantry (siding) and 1 no. 75 Kg DCP mobile unit in each siding.

(vii)Above Ground Minimum 2 nos. 10 kg.

Tank DCP or 1x25 kg. DCP per tank and 4 x 75 Kg or 6 X 50 Kg
DCP mobile unit per installation
U/G Tank farms 2 nos. 10 Kg DCP or 1x25 kg DCP

(viii)Fire pump house: 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for every 2 pumps

 (ix)Admin. building/ 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 200 M 2
(Store House) (minimum 1x10 Kg DCP on each floor)

(x)Generator room
upto 250 KVA : 1 no. of 10 Kg DCP and 1 no. 4.5 KG CO 2 for every generator.
Above 250 KVA : 2 nos of 4.5 kg & 1 no of 10 Kg DCP

(xi)Main switch room 1 no. 4.5 Kg CO2 for every 25 M2

(xii)Computer Room/ Halon/Its Proven equivalent- 2 nos.

cabin 0.6/1 Kg for 50 M2 or 1 No per cabin whichever is higher

(xiii)Security Cabin 1 no. 10 Kg DCP

(xiv)Canteen 1 no. 10 Kg DCP for 100 M 2

(xv)Laboratory 1x10 Kg DCP & 1x4.5 Kg CO 2.

(xvi)Effluent Treatment 1 nos. 75 Kg. & 2 nos.

Plant 10 Kg. DCP Extinguisher.

(xvii)Workshop 1 no. 10 Kg. DCP & 1 no. 2 Kg. CO 2 Extinguisher.

(xviii)Transformer 1 no. 6.8 Kg. CO2 Extinguisher.

(xix)UPS / Charger 1 no. 2 Kg. CO2

Room Extinguisher.

NOTE: ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS SHALL BEAR ISI MARK.

PIPELINE INSTALLATION :

For pipeline installations, the portable extinguisher shall be provided as per the above list
(4.6.1) suitably amended along with following additions :

(xx)Main line pump shed 1 no. each 75 Kg DCP, 10 Kg DCP & 6.8 Kg CO 2
(Engine Driven) extinguishers per two pumps upto a maximum of 4 nos.

(xxi)Main Line Pump Shed 1 no each 10 Kg DCP & 6.8 Kg CO 2

(Motor Driven) extinguishers per two pumps upto a maximum of 4 nos.
and 1 no 75 Kg DCP per 4 pumps

(xxii)Booster Pump 1 no 10 Kg DCP per two pumps upto a maximum of 3.

1 no 6.8 Kg CO 2 extinguisher

(xxiii)Sump Pump 1 no 10 Kg DCP

Transmix Pump extinguisher
& Oil Water
Separator Pump

(xxiv)Scrapper Barrel 1 no 10 Kg DCP Extinguisher

 (xxv)Control Room 2nos 2.5 Kg Halon/Its proven equivalent and 4.5 Kg
CO2 extinguisher

(xxvi)UHF / Radio Room 2nos 2.5 Kg.Halon/Its proven equivalent and 4.5 Kg CO 2
extinguisher.

(xxvii)Metre Prover, 1 no 10 Kg DCP

Separator Filter extinguisher

(xxviii)Repeator Station 1 no 10 Kg DCP & 1 no 2 Kg CO2 extinguisher.

(xxix)Mainline Emergency 4 nos 10 Kg DCP &

Equipment Centre 2 nos 2 Kg CO2 extinguisher

(xxx)Air Compressor 1 no of 2 Kg CO 2 type 1 no. 5 Kg DCP Fire extinguisher

4.6.2 WHEELED FIRE FIGHTING

EQUIPMENT

(i)For Installations having tanks of dia large than 9 mtrs, following. Fire Fighting equipments
shall be provided:

For installation having aggr- Nil

egate capacity of 1000 KL

For installation having aggr- 1 No. of

egate capacity upto 10,000 KL 1600 LPM

For installation having aggr- 1 No. of

egate capacity upto 25,000 KL 2400 LPM

For installation having aggr- 2 No. of

egate capacity more than 2400 LPM
25,000 KL

(ii)Foam compound trolley 200/210 litres : 1 No. upto 24 mtrs dia tanks, 2 Nos. for 24 to 30
mtrs dia and 3 Nos. for 30 to 40 mtrs or above dia tanks.
 Following minimum quantities
4.6.3 HOSES, NOZZLES, AND of accessories shall be provided
ACCESSORIES :

(i) Fire hoses conforming to IS 636 ITEMS

Type A or Synthetic Hose of
Type B shall be stored in a Sand Scoops
central hose station in the oil Safety helmets
installation. The hoses shall be Water curtain nozzles
of 15mtrs. standard length and Stretcher
shall be provided with gun First Aid Box with Anti snake serum
metal/Aluminium alloy male and 1 No.
female couplings of Rubber hand gloves for electrical
instantaneous pattern. jobs
Explosimeter
The number of hoses stored in Fire Proximity suit
an oil installation shall be 30% Rescuscitator
of the number of hydrant Electrical siren (3 Km range)
outlets. The minimum No. of 1 No.
hoses stored, however, shall not Hand operated siren
be less than 10. The hose Water jel blanket
station shall be located at Red/Green flag for fire drill
convenient and easily 1 No. each
accessible location in the oil Positive Pressure type self
installation. contained breathing
apparatus with spare cylinder (30
(ii)Nozzles minutes)
1 No.
Following minimum quantities
of fire fighting nozzles shall also
be stored in the central hose 4.7 MOBILE FIRE FIGHTING
stations. EQUIPMENT

— Jet nozzles with branch pipe Mobile fire fighting equipment

(IS:903)4 Nos. include foam tenders, water
tenders, DCP tender a jeep with
— Fog nozzles (IS: 952) 4 Nos. traileretc. In view of comprehensive
fixed and First Aid Fire protection
— Universal nozzles equipment recommended in the
(IS: 2171) 4 Nos. Standard, provision of Mobile fire
fighting equipments in installation is
— Foam Branch Pipes not considered necessary.
(IS: 2097) 4 Nos. However, the requirement of such
equipment may be reviewed
In addition, HAZCHEM nozzle and keeping in mind, the size, nature
high flow long range multi and location of the installation.
purpose nozzles may also be
considered. 5.0 FIRE
ALARM/COMMUNICATION
SYSTEM
(iii)Accessories
5.1 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
 shall be designated and
Electrical/hand operated fire siren responsible for maintenance
shall be installed at suitable location and inspection of all fire fighting
in installation. The operating switch equipment. He shall also
buttons shall be located near the coordinate the activities during
Risk Area at a safe, identifiable and fire fighting.
accessible location. The fire alarm
shall be different from shift sirens. (ii) Hot work permit shall be issued
by the Depot Manager Incharge
Fire siren code should be as follows: in case of Depots and by
Terminal Manager or in his
1. SMALL FIRE: No siren absence, the shift incharge in
case of terminal.
2. MAJOR FIRE: A wailing siren
for two minutes. Sirens will be 6.2 TRAINING
unded three times for thirty
seconds with an interval of (i) The fire fighting training shall be
fifteen second in between. compulsory to all officers,
operators, truck drivers and
3. DISASTER: Same type of siren other employees who are likely
as in case of Major Fire but the to be present in the installation.
same will be sounded for three There shall be regular mock fire
times at the interval of two drills, once a month. The record
minutes. of such drills shall be
maintained.
4. ALL CLEAR (For fire): Straight
run siren for two minutes. (ii) Every employee or authorised
persons working in the oil
5. TEST: Straight run siren for two installation should be
minutes. familiarised with the fire alarm
signal and should know the
5.2 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM location of the fire alarm point
nearest to his place of work.
Adequate communication system Instructions on the action to be
like telephone/Public Address taken in the event of fire should
System/Paging System/ be posted at each alarm point
intrinstically safe Walkie-talkie and familiarity with these
system should be considered. instructions should be ensured
and recorded.
6.0 FIRE SAFETY
ORGANISATION/ TRAINING (iii) OISD-STD-154 - Safety Aspects
in Functional Training shall be
6.1 ORGANISATION adhered to in this regard.

(i) Overall responsibility for fire 7.0 FIRE EMERGENCY MANUAL

safety in the oil installation shall
be of the Location-in-charge. He Each installation shall prepare a
shall draw the necessary detailed fire emergency manual
emergency plan. Since separate containing all the actions to be
fire fighting set up is not usually taken in the event of fire
envisaged, one of the officers emergency. The key points of this
manual shall be displayed at
 strategic locations in the installation The ring mains, hydrants, valves
to ensure prompt action. should be visually inspected for
any pilferage, efects and damage
8.0 FIRE PROTECTION every month.
SYSTEM, INSPECTION AND
TESTING All fire mains valves should be
checked for operation and
lubricated once a month.
The fire protection equipment
should be kept in good operating
8.3 FIRE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM
conditions at all the time and the fire
fighting system should be
Fixed water cooling spray systems
periodically tested for proper
on storage tanks should be tested at
functioning and logged for record
least once a month.
and corrective actions. Inspection
of fire fighting equipment should be
8.4 FIXED/SEMI FIXED FOAM
done in accordance with OISD-
SYSTEM
standard-142 on 'Inspection of Fire
Fighting Equipment and System'. In
Fixed/Semi fixed foam system on
addition to routine daily
storage tanks should be tested once
checks/maintenance, the following
in 6 months. This shall include the
periodic inspection/testing shall be
testing of foam maker/chamber.
ensured.
The foam chamber should be
8.1 FIRE WATER PUMPS
designed suitably to facilitate of
foam discharge outside the cone
8.1.1 Every pump should be tested for at
roof tank. After testing foam
least half an hour twice a week.
system, piping should be flushed
with water.
8.1.2 Every pump should be checked and
tested and the shut off pressure
8.5 HALON/ITS PROVEN
observed and logged once a month.
EQUIVALENT SYSTEM
8.1.3 Every pump should be checked for
Halon / Its proven equivalent
performance once in a six month.
system should be checked once in 3
This may be done by opening
months.
required number of
hydrants/monitors depending on the
8.6 HOSES
capacity of the pump and by
verifying that the discharge pressure
Fire hoses shall be tested once in 6
and the motor load are in conformity
months to a minimum water
with the design parameters.
pressure of 7 kg/cm 2 g.
8.2 FIRE WATER RING MAINS
8.7 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The ring mains should be checked
Fire sirens should be tested once a
for leaks etc. once a year by
week.
operating one or more pumps with
the hydrant points kept closed as
required to get the maximum
operating pressure. 9.0 REFERENCES
1) NFPA 11A - Standard for 6) API 2001 - Fire Protection in
Midium and high expansion Refineries
foam systems.
7) No.72-289 - French Regulation
2) NFPA 13 - Standard for the for Hydrocarbon Depots
Installation of sprinkler systems.
8) Fire Protection manual (Part-II)
3) NFPA 15 - Standard for of TAC
Installation of water spray
systems. 9) TAC building Regulations.

4) NFPA 20 - Standard for 10) TAC Regulations for electrical

Instalaltion of Centrifugal fire equipment of buildings.
pumps
11) Model code of safe practices -
5) NFPA - 2001 Standard on clean The Institute of Petroleum
Agent Fire Extinguishing (U.K.)
system.
12) International safe practices of
oil industry.
 ANNEXURE-I

TYPICAL EXAMPLE FOR CALCULATION OF FIRE WATER FLOW RATE

1. DESIGN BASIS

The fire water system in an installation shall be designed to meet the fire water flow
requirement of fighting one major fire.

2. FIRE WATER DEMAND FOR MAJOR FIRES

Consider various areas under fire and calculate fire water demand for each area based
on design basis.

2.1 FLOATING ROOF TANK PROTECTION

Data
Total storage capacity in
one dyke area = 32,000m3
No. of tanks = 2
Capacity of each tank = 16,000m3
Diameter of each tank = 40m.
Height of tank = 14.4m
a) Cooling water requirement
Cooling water rate = 3 lpm/m 2 of tank area for tank on fire.
Cooling water required = p x 40 x 14.4 x 3
= 5426 lpm
= 326 m³/hr.

Assuming that second tank is located within the tank dyke at a distance more than 30m
from the tanks shell. Therefore, in such case cooling required at the rate of 1/min/m 2 of
tank shell area.

Cooling water required = p x 40 x 14.4 x 1

= 1809 lpm
= 109 m³/hr

b) Foam water requirement, water flow required for applying foam on a largest tank
burning surface area.

For floating roof tank of 40m diameter

Seal area = p x 40 x 0.8 = 101 m²
Foam solution rate @ 12 lpm/m 2
Water required for foam solution application = 10 x 12 x0.97
= 1176 lpm
= 71 M3/hr

c) Total water required for

Tank cooling = 326 + 109 = 435m³/hr

 Foam solution
Application = 71 m³/hr

Total = 506 m³/Hr. Say = 510 m³/hr

2.2 CONE ROOF TANKS PROTECTION

Data
Total storage capacity = 50,000 m³
no. of tanks = 4 with 12500 m³ capacity each
Diameter of each tank = 37.5M
Height of each tank = 12M

a) Cooling water requirement

Cooling water rate = 3 lpm /m² of tank shell area for tank on
fire.

Cooling water required = p x 37.5 x 3 x 12

= 4241 lpm
= 254 m3/hr.

Cooling water required for other tanks at the rate of 3 lpm/m3 for tanks falling within
(R + 30M) from centre of tank on fire.

= 3 x 254 = 762 m3/hr.

Total cooling water = 254 + 762 = 1016 m3/hr.

b) Foam water requirement (For 1 tank only)

Rate of foam solution = 5 lpm/m² area
Water required for Foam Sol. = p x (37.5)² x 5 x 0.97
= 5354 lpm
= 321 m³/hr.

c) Total water required for

Tank cooling = 1016

m3/hr
Foam solution = 321 m3/hr
application

Total = 1337 m3/hr

say 1350 m3 Hr.

2.3 Pol Tank Wagon Loading gantry :

(Ref Ann-V) : Total water requirement = 918 m3/hr

2.4 FIRE WATER FOR SUPPLEMENTARY

HOSE STREAMS

Water for 4 hydrant streams = 4 x 36 = 144 m3/hr

 Water for 1 monitor stream 144 m3/hr

= 288 m3 / hr

3.0 TOTAL DESIGN FIRE WATER RATE

Total design fire water rate is the largest of water rates calculated as per 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and
2.4 above.

Design fire water rate = 1350 m3/hr.

 ANNEXURE- II

AUTOMATIC ACTUATED FOAM FLOODING SYSTEM FOR

LARGER FLOATING ROOF TANKS

The automatic actuated foam flooding system is a system designed to automatically detect and
extinguish the floating roof tank rimseal fire at its incipient stage. The system is mounted on the
roof of the tank.

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 calculation of the system for a Floating roof tank of 79 mts. dia is given
below:

DESIGN CRITERIA :

Rimseal area of Tank : ¶ X 79 X 0.3 = 74.5 M2

(Considering a flexible seal area of typically 300 mm)

Rate of Foam application @ 18 LPM/M2 = 1341 LPM

Total Foam soln. required in 40 secs. = 894 lts.

Total nos. of Modular unit required for the tank = 7

(considering a foam vessel of 150 lts.capacity containing
135 lts. of Foam)
 ANNEXURE-III

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIRE FIGHTING FOAM

1.0 FIRE FIGHTING FOAM:

Fire fighting foam is a homogeneous mass of tiny airor gas filled bubble of low 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.

2.0 TYPES OF FOAM COMPOUND

Two Types of foams are used for fighting liquid fires:

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.

2.2 MECHANICAL FOAM :

It is produced by mechanically mixing a gas or air to a solution of foam compound
(concentrate) in water. Various types of foam concentrates are used for generating foam,
depending on the requirement and suitability. Each concentrate has its own advantage
and limitations. The brief description of foam concentrates is given below.

3.0 MECHANICAL FOAM COMPOUND :

Mechanical foam compound may be classified in to 3 categories based on it's expansion

ratio.

LOW EXPANSION FOAM :

Foam expansion ratio may be upto 50 to 1, but usually between 5:1 to 15:1 as typically
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.

3.4 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.
4.0 TYPES OF LOW EXPANSION FOAM :

4.1 PROTEIN BASE FOAM:

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.

4.2 FLUORO PROTEIN FOAM:

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.

4.3 AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM (AFFF):

The foam concentrate mainly consists of fluoro 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
10 years.
This can also be used with non aspirating type nozzles.

4.4 MULTIPURPOSE AFFF:

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.

4.5 FILM FORMING FLOURO PROTEIN (FFFP);

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. The
concentrate can either be used with 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.

5.0 TYPES OF MEDIUM AND HIGH EXPANSION FOAM:

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.

The induction rate in water may vary from 1.5 to 3%.

Many of the low expansion foam concentrate can also be used with suitable devices to
produce medium / high expansion foam.
 ANNEXURE IV

TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF FIRE CASE IN A LARGE FLOATING ROOF TANK AFTER

SINKING OF FLOATING ROOF :

Example for calculation of Foam Requirement for Floating tank with Portable Monitors:

DATA

1. Diameter of Tank : 40 m

2. Type of Roof : Floating Roof

3. Foam Application Rate : 8.1 lpm ( as per NEPA-11)

Foam Solution Requirement = II x 40 x 40 x 8.1/4

= 10173.6 lpm
= 610.4 m 3/hr

Say = 610 m3 /hr.

This much quantities has to be thrown 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 2 nos. of 1000 gpm such monitors. In design rate calculation
in Ann.1, sinking of floating roof has not been considered, however, installation may
consider sizing the water network around tank farms to take up such load so than long
range monitors can be fed from this network by diverting other water available in
installation to tank farms in such emergency**

Foam Compound Requirement = 10173.6 x 3/100

= 305.2 lpm

Say = 305 lpm

Foam Compound Requirement for 65

minutes with 3% concentration = 305 x 65

= 19825 litres.

Say = 20,000 litres.

** If two major fire occurs in an installation with roof sinking case as one of them.
 ANNEXURE V

TYPICAL EXAMPLE FOR WATER RATE CALCULATION FOR POL TANK WAGON LOADING
GANTRY PROTECTION

a) Data:

Total No. of loading points = 72 Conventional or

Consider 20 loading points on each side = 48 BTPN

Length of Rail Gantry = 700 Mtrs. Approximately

Width of tank wagon gantry = 12 mtrs.

Cooling two spur other distance

b) Cooling water requirement :

Divide it's the whole area decides to into 24 segments (each segment = 29.2 mtrs. X 12
mtrs.) and consider 3 segments operating at any time.

Water rate required = 3 x 29.2 x 12 x 10

= 630 cum/hr.
Total water requirement = 630 cum/hr + 288 cum
(including hydrant/monitors)

= 918 cum/hr.