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A SCOPE
This Specification covers the Owner’s minimum requirements for fire protection and safety
systems and/or equipment, and indicates the extent of the Contractor’s and Owner’s
responsibilities. The Owner’s requirements are also defined for the design bases and layout of the
fire protection systems and equipment for loss control.
This Specification also presents the Owner’s minimum requirements for the location, supply and
installation of Emergency Shower and Eyewash Stations.
The requirements contained herein are based on relevant sections of National Fire Protection
Association codes, American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices, Institute of Petroleum
Model Codes, and good current engineering practice. Numerous General Engineering
Specifications are referred to and form part of this Specification.
A glossary of technical terms used in this Specification can be found in Appendix VII.
B ABSTRACT
The Owner’s intention is to provide fire protection and safety facilities in all areas which are
subject to risk of fire, explosion or hazardous release.
The fire water system capacity is intended to be sufficient to suppress, control and in some cases
extinguish, the largest single conflagration that could occur in a refinery. For a modern refinery built
to the latest of the Owner’s specifications, this is usually a single-source fire, say from a complex
process unit or from a very large cone roof tank. For older refineries, which may not conform to the
latest requirements for layout and spacing, the single largest conflagration could result from two or
more sources, as fires in one discrete area could easily spill over into adjacent fire risk areas.
Justification for the level of fire protection facilities for any new plant, or plant addition, is
primarily based on the results of comprehensive Process Hazards Reviews for each operating area.
This Specification supports that approach by providing minimum requirements which relate to the
nature and size of the facilities to be protected.
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CONTENTS
A SCOPE 1
B ABSTRACT 1
9.0 MONITORS
9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
9.2 Application and Location Requirements and Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.2.1 Water Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.2.2 Fixed Foam-water Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.3 Remote Controlled Monitors (RCMs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.3.1 Location and Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.3.2 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.3.3 Monitor Control Systems and Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.3.4 Joystick Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.3.5 Remote Radio Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9.3.6 Emergency Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
9.4 Portable Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
LIST OF REFERENCES 46
BIBLIOGRAPHY 48
1.0 NOZZLES
1.1 Size and Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1.2 Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1.0 HOSES 70
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 Typical Siting of Monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
FIGURE 2 Water Spray Distribution Piping Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
FIGURE 3 Fixed Fire Water Spray Main Feed Strainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
FIGURE 4 Typical Catenary System for Floating Roof Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
FIGURE 5 Arrangement for Catenary, Multiple Chamber or Co-flexip Systems . . . . . . . . 67
FIGURE 6 “Through-the-tank” Piped Foam System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
FIGURE 7 Tank Standpipe Foam System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
FIGURE 8 Aspirated vs Non-aspirated Foam Discharge Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
FIGURE 9 Type II Foam Chamber Discharge Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
FIGURE 10 Line Proportioner with Pickup Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
FIGURE 11 Typical Connection for Portable High-back-pressure Foam Makers . . . . . . . . 82
FIGURE 12 Typical Fixed Installation High-back-pressure Foam Makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Process Unit Fire Water Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table 2 Hydrant Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Table 3 Fire Water Monitor Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Table 4 Foam-water Monitors Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Table 5 Requirement for Tank Foam Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Table 6 Minimum Number of Foam Hose Streams for Small Spill Fires . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table 7 Minimum Foam Discharge Times for Cone Roof Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table 8 Number of Foam Chambers for Cone Roof Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Table 9 Flow Required to Produce a Velocity of 3.0m/sec in Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Table 10 Water Spray System Strainer Details (SI units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Table 11 Water Spray System Strainer Details (non-metric units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Table 12 Types of Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Table 13 Sub-surface Foam Discharge Outlets For Cone Roof Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Table 14 Floating Roof Seal Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Table 15 Maximum Foam Discharge Device Spacing for Floating Roof Tanks . . . . . . . 65
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3.1 Scope
(i) Fixed and mobile fire protection, including fire water and foam systems, shall be provided to
control all realistic emergency scenarios for the plant, refer to §1.1(ii), and shall be based upon
available manpower and fire fighting strategies supplied or agreed by the Owner. For refinery
revamps or expansions, existing emergency response plans shall be reviewed to identify new fire
equipment and systems requirements.
(ii) While this Specification and ‘GPS-S7 Hazard Detection and Alarm Signalling Systems’
provide guidance on the configuration of fixed fire fighting and hazard detection equipment, the
final and exact location and number of items shall be subject to the Owner’s Fire Protection
Specialist’s review of the plant model.
(iii) In calculating the fire water supply requirements to the fire pumps, no credit shall be given for
water resupply from sources within the facility. Water resupply from sources outside the facility
may be included, if the source is not expected to be endangered by a major fire incident in the
facility.
(iv) This continuous supply is based upon the shutdown of all non-critical operations before the
end of the six-hour period. Where the shutdown of operations can not be accomplished within six
hours, an increase in the water supply shall be provided, and approved by the Owner.
(i) In a refinery that meets current design standards, eg, for plant spacing, the fire water demand
shall be sufficient to control the largest fire risk. This strategy shall be based on fighting one major
fire in the facility at one time. Typically, the largest demand will be for a process unit, and the
figures in Table 1 will therefore usually determine system design capacity.
The Contractor shall, however, analyse the water demands associated with all the risk scenarios
stated in this section, and document the derivation of the maximum fire water demand, based on
this analysis. The Owner shall review and agree the basis for this calculation and shall approve the
final maximum demand, and any other important permutations of demands from different critical
areas. Refer also to §5.1.2, which describes situations where it might be necessary to design for
fighting two adjacent conflagrations.
Units containing volatile oils and/or hydrogen, such as reformers, 1,363 6,000
catalytic desulphurisers, fluid catalytic crackers, high pressure units
(over 1,000 psig)
Lube-oil units (excluding propane extraction units and high pressure 681 3,000
hydrotreaters)
(ii) The minimum refinery fire water demand shall not be less than 909m3/h (4,000usgpm) at the
required residual pressure, unless otherwise specified in the Project Specifications.
(iii) The fire water distribution systems and pumping configuration shall be designed to meet the
residual pressure limitations of other fire risk areas, as listed in the balance of this section.
When the minimum spacing requirements of ‘GPS-A5’ for process areas and ‘GPS-S5’ for tank-
farms cannot be implemented to separate process units and offsites facilities from each other, the
sum of the fire water demand for the process unit and the adjacent facility shall be used as the
“combined” fire water demand for that area of the plant.
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The demand shall be adequate for simultaneous cooling of the involved tank’s shell (refer to
§5.4.2), and for the foam application requirements of §13.0.
To prevent the involved tank shell buckling along the liquid level and to ensure that, when foam is
applied, it seals against the hot shell surface, sufficient water shall be made available for mobile
equipment or fixed water rings to cool the tank shell. This demand shall be determined by the
greatest of the following, and the distribution system shall accommodate each case:
(a) When cooling is by mobile equipment, such as hose lines, monitor nozzles or deluge guns,
sufficient water to apply 62 litres/min/lineal metre (5usgpm/lineal ft) of tank circumference
shall be available.
(b) When the spacing of tanks does not meet the minimum requirements of ‘GPS-S5’, and mobile
equipment cannot be positioned to provide adequate coverage of the tank, cooling shall be by
fixed water rings, designed to be capable of delivering 37 litres/min/lineal metre (3usgpm/
lineal ft) of tank circumference.
(i) Cooling streams of adjacent fire exposed tanks may be shut down during foam application,
and should not therefore be added to total demand calculation. However, provision shall be made
for their supply outside of this event.
(ii) When foam is not being applied to the tank on fire, protection of exposed adjacent tanks shall
be provided by portable monitors, unless the conditions of §5.4.2(b) apply.
The quantity of water required for cooling of exposed atmospheric tanks should be based on the
contents and sizes of the burning tank and the exposed tanks, separation distances and the grade
elevations. The increased heat radiation levels from “tilting” fires, caused by prevailing winds, on
downwind tanks shall also be considered.
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5.7.1 Buildings
A minimum of 454m3/hr (2,000usgpm) of fire water shall be available at the API separator or other
waste water treatment facilities. Where water-based fixed systems are provided at waste water
treatment facilities, the system demand shall be in addition to the minimum demand specified
above.
(i) A minimum of 454m3/hr (2,000usgpm) of fire water shall be available at any rail car or tank
truck loading/unloading rack. Where water-based fixed systems are provided at loading/unloading
racks, the fire water demand shall include the requirements for the fixed system plus 227m3/hr
(1,000usgpm).
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(ii) Where Class I or II flammable liquids are being transferred, fixed foam protection is required
and the requirements are stated in §12.6.1. Where LPG is involved, fixed water spray protection is
required and the requirements are stated in §10.6.2(v).
(i) A minimum of 454m3/hr (2,000usgpm) of fire water shall be available at any lube-oil
blending/grease plant. Where water-based fixed systems are provided, the fire water demand shall
include the requirements for the fixed systems plus 227m3/hr (1,000usgpm), but not less than the
minimum specified above. A fire risk analysis shall be conducted to determine the fire demand for a
specific plant. This analysis shall take into consideration the effects of separation, passive fire
protection designs and the capabilities of public and/or mutual aid fire response services.
(ii) Automatic sprinkler systems for the protection of empty plastic containers shall be designed
to provide a density of 24.4 litres/min/m2 (0.6usgpm/ft2) over the protected area, per ‘NFPA 13’.
If fire separation or segregation of combustible storage areas from the processing areas cannot be
achieved, then sufficient water for sprinkler protection of the entire area should be considered.
(iii) Where provided, finished product warehouse sprinkler systems shall be designed in
accordance with ‘NFPA 13, 16 and 30’, as applicable.
(i) The fire main residual pressure shall be a minimum of 880kPa(ga) (125psig) at the hydrant
outlet farthest from the main fire pumps, or at the location of the greatest head and friction loss.
This will provide adequate pressure for monitors, systems, and the use of 76m (250ft) of 65mm
(21⁄2in) hose directly from hydrants.
(ii) The same shall apply in the tankfarm except that, when fire streams are to be provided only
from fire trucks with adequately sized pumps, and fixed foam systems are not provided, the
minimum residual outlet pressure at the hydrant connection farthest from the main fire pump may
be reduced to 340kPa(ga) (50psig), but only with the Owner’s agreement.
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(ii) Pump sizes shall be limited as per ‘NFPA 20’, based on two or more pumps in the size range
from 341-681m3/h (1,500-3,000usgpm), at a rated minimum residual pressure between 880-
1160kPa(ga) (125-165psig).
(ii) The pump and driver shall be capable of obtaining an approval or label for fire pump service
by a recognised laboratory (Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, or the Owner’s approved
equivalent), but the actual approval or label is not a mandatory requirement, unless required by
local authorities.
(iii) Skid or trailer mounted fire pumps shall meet the minimum performance requirements of
‘NFPA 1922 Fire Service Self-Contained Pumping Units’.
(iv) Fire pump installations shall be protected by automatic sprinkler systems, the selection of
which shall be approved by the Owner.
(v) Fire pump and driver installations shall meet the noise limitation requirements of ‘NYS-
A1.15’.
(ii) Where relief valves are provided, the relief valve will be provided with a chained and locked
open gate valve.
(ii) At least one of the supplemental fire pumps should be electric and/or steam turbine driven to
meet the total fire water pumping capacity requirement. The use of multiple pumping units with
different types of drivers improves availability.
For example: a 150,000 BPSD refinery with a reforming unit has minimum fire water
demand of 6,000usgpm per Table 1. The total fire water pumping capacity therefore
must be at least 150% of this, ie, 9,000usgpm. Diesel engine driven fire pumps must
be provided for the 6,000usgpm demand. Supplemental electric, steam or diesel (as
long as one other is electric or steam) fire pumps are required to meet the additional
3,000usgpm pumping capacity requirement.
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(i) Diesel engine drivers shall be specified in accordance with ‘NFPA 20’ and the additional
requirements of ‘NYS-G1.10’.
(ii) As a minimum, a rain shelter or hood shall be provided to protect the pumping unit, and be so
arranged to permit removal of vertical turbine pumps (where used) without structural alterations or
modifications. Where the minimum ambient temperature drops below 08C (328F), fire pump
installations shall be protected from freezing by enclosing the installation in a heated building.
(iii) Battery-powered emergency lighting shall be provided for all fire pump locations (specifically
at the control panels).
(iv) When the diesel engine is not fully enclosed inside a building, electrical equipment, such as
automatic starter relays or battery chargers, shall be installed in weatherproof enclosures.
(v) Exhaust system design shall prevent condensate from flowing into the engine.
(i) Steam turbine drivers shall be non-condensing, exhausting to atmosphere, and comply with
the requirements of ‘GPS-K1’ and the appropriate referenced material and equipment specifications
(NYS-K series).
(ii) The steam turbine shall be located, and steam lines arranged, such that the supply is obtained
directly from the boiler plant without passing through process units. The steam shall be taken from
the header which is designated as a “last-down priority” (eg, such as that supplying boiler feed
water pump turbines).
(i) Electric motor drivers and their electrical supply shall conform to the requirements of
‘GPS-P1’ and ‘NYS-P1.10’, with the following motor starting requirement.
(ii) Full voltage starting is acceptable, with the Owner’s agreement, when the fire main is kept at
full operating pressure at all times, and the fire pump discharge is kept open so that pressure surges
caused by starting the fire pump are minimal.
When hydraulic pressure surges are anticipated, such as in fire mains which are kept dry, reduced
voltage starting shall be provided on all motor-driven fire pumps. The method of reduced voltage
starting shall be approved by the Owner.
(ii) Under freezing conditions, when an aboveground dry-pipe system is necessary (refer to
§8.3(v)), the fire main shall be pressurised continuously by air (or nitrogen), to deter corrosion and
assist in determining leakage.
(iii) Fire water main pressure shall alarm at low system pressure and be monitored at a
continuously manned location (to be specified by the Owner).
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(i) A minimum of two-thirds of the total fire water pumping capacity shall be put in operation
automatically, when the system pressure drops below 860kPa(ga) (125psig). The remaining fire
pumps shall be configured for manual starting.
(ii) The order of priority for starting the fire pumps shall be: electric motor driven pumps first;
steam turbine driven pumps second; and diesel engine driven pumps last.
A detailed startup sequence shall be developed to ensure that all pumps are able to enter the system.
In some cases, a pressure control system may be required for automatically operated pumps. Such
controls will be incorporated into the fire pump control panel (see §7.8).
(iii) All fire pumps shall be capable of remote manual starting from a continuously manned
location (to be specified by the Owner).
(iv) Pumps may be started automatically by impulse from the fire alarm circuit, when specified by
the Owner.
(i) A control panel shall either be installed locally, or at a location specified by the Owner. As a
minimum, this panel should contain the following:
— Fail-safe automatic pump startup logic controls, preferably driven by a DC power supply. When
specified by the Owner, power supply to these controls shall be backed by a UPS system,
meeting the requirements of ‘GPS-P1’.
— The functions specified in ‘NFPA 20’
(ii) In general, the pumpset vendor’s standard for control panels will be acceptable, as long as it
complies with the above requirements as a minimum.
Fire Pump enclosures shall be provided with large and readily visible warning signs for personnel
safety. The requirements of drawing ‘SD-J-99713’ shall apply, as appropriate.
(i) Field acceptance tests shall be performed in accordance with ‘NFPA 20’ for fixed pumping
units. For trailer or skid units, a three-hour certification test in accordance with ‘NFPA 1922’ shall
be performed. All acceptance and certification tests will be witnessed by the Owner and
manufacturer’s representatives.
(ii) Adequate field testing facilities, such as a flow meter or test header, shall be provided for all
fire pumps, per NFPA requirements.
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8.1 General
(i) Piping shall be designed and specified in accordance with ‘GPS-L1’. Fresh water systems
shall conform to the requirements of ‘Piping Specification B7’. Brackish or salt water systems shall
conform to the requirements of ‘Piping Specification B15’ and to the fabrication and installation
requirements of ‘NYS-L1.40 Cement Lined Piping’.
(ii) Some drawings referred to in this Specification will contain piping and hydrant item numbers
(“L” numbers) which refer to ‘NYS-L4.10 Piping Item Ordering Descriptions’.
(iii) Installation shall conform to the construction inspection and testing requirements of
‘GPS-B2’.
(iv) Coating of buried fire lines shall conform to the requirements of ‘GPS-B3’.
(v) An abovegrade installation (dry-pipe system) may be provided in a freezing climate, with the
Owner’s approval. It shall be suitably sloped to drain valves, and designed so that the abovegrade
portion can be shut off and drained when not in use. Dry pipe systems, such as for a wharf or pier
fire main, should be relatively short in length.
(vi) A sufficient number of isolation valves (otherwise known as division valves) shall be
provided at grid intersections, at the centre of long loops and at the main fire pump feed, so that any
section of the grid can be taken out of service and the grid still supply water through adjacent
sections to protect all plant areas. No more than a total of six fire protection devices or systems
(hydrants, monitors, water spray or foam systems) may be removed from service at any one time.
(vii) For buried piping, division valves shall be UL listed post-indicating type, clearly identified as
to their purpose, and protected against damage from vehicles. Careful analysis of plant equipment
location and fire hydrant positions will determine the minimum use of division valves to provide
reliability and cost effective installations. Valves shall be provided near the main on branch lines
feeding fire fighting equipment other than single fire hydrants.
(i) Hydrant types are described in drawing ‘SD-S-10187’. Hydrants shall be designed, specified
and installed in accordance with this drawing.
(ii) Typical applications for the different types and sizes of fire hydrants are shown on ‘SD-
S-10187’ and summarised in Table 2. The following notes apply to Table 2 and the following text.
(a) Hydrants Types 1 (angle hose valves) and 2 (straight gate valves) are equivalent, and the
Owner shall specify his preference. References in the following text to Types 1/1A/1B are
interchangeable with Types 2/2A/2B.
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3 8in 4 off 3x21⁄2in Gate 41⁄2in Where 3x21⁄2in hose connections are
needed, usually around large cone roof
tanks, 45m (150ft) diameter and larger.
6in pumper connections shall be specified
3A 8in 4 off 3x21⁄2in Gate 6in where high capacity, over 230m3/h
(1,000usgpm), fire trucks are provided.
4A 6in 2 off 3x21⁄2in Gate 41⁄2in As above, but for use in freezing climates
Fire hydrants shall be located in process areas, generally as indicated in Table 2, at 60m (200ft)
centres, or less, along accessways and roadways. Hydrants shall be so located that they cannot
readily become involved in a fire, ideally approximately 15m (50ft) from the nearest risk to be
protected. A sufficient number shall be provided to permit any portion of a unit to be reached by a
65mm (21⁄2in) hose stream with 76m (250ft) of hose.
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(i) 150mm (6in) fire hydrants shall be provided, in storage tank areas, at 91m (300ft) centres, or
less, along accessways and roadways. Hydrants shall be located within 15m (50ft) of any semi-
fixed foam injection manifold, standpipe connection or water spray system connections.
(ii) 200mm (8in) hydrants shall be provided as specified by the Owner, but generally as indicated
in Table 2.
(i) Hydrants around buildings (such as administration, shops, etc) shall be located in accordance
with ‘NFPA 24’. Hydrants shall generally be 150mm (6in), Types 1A/B. The use of Type 1 100mm
(4in) hydrants may be permitted, with the Owner’s approval.
(ii) In non-process areas, such as the offsite/utility area, hydrants shall be provided at 91m (300ft)
centres along accessways and roadways. Hydrants shall be 150mm (6in), Types 1A/B.
9.0 MONITORS
9.1 General
(i) Fixed monitors shall be installed around the periphery of the process block or unit, placed
such that they can protect multiple pieces of process equipment and arranged such that a minimum
of two fixed monitor streams can reach all high fire potential equipment (refer to the definition of
“Fire-hazardous equipment” in ‘GPS-M2’). They may also be provided in lieu of a fixed water
spray system, when their use is more effective for fire fighting or when specified by the Owner.
Considerations for the placement of monitors shall include their effectiveness in:
Further considerations in the application of water sprays for firefighting are contained in Appendix
II.
(ii) Portable monitors shall not be considered as primary protection, but may be placed according
to their ability to provide additional flexibility in fire control operations and supplemental water
cooling. Unless otherwise specified, portable monitors will be furnished by the Owner.
(iii) Standard monitor design and details are described in drawing ‘SD-S-1007’. Monitors shall be
specified in accordance with this drawing. Monitor body types shall be standardised throughout the
facility, unless otherwise agreed by the Owner.
(iv) Monitor capacities of 114m3/h (500usgpm) to 227m3/h (1000usgpm) shall be provided. The
larger monitors (1,000usgpm) may be used with the Owner’s approval. However, the greater
demand on the fire water system and the impact on drainage facilities should be taken into
consideration.
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Typically, fixed or portable monitors shall be used for vessel surface cooling, fire intensity control,
and/or fire extinguishment as listed in Table 3. Further typical arrangement considerations are
shown in Appendix I, along with additional notes on effectiveness, location requirements and
limitations. Note that these placement guidelines also apply to remote controlled monitors.
Process unit columns For the vessels and hot oil piping and bottom connections.
and reactors
Heat exchanger For channel sections (or expansion joints) and flanged connections
when units contain high-pressure, volatile or hot materials.
Process unit heaters For exposed return bends, crossovers, headers and the area under the
heater, to cool the structure and wash away spills.
Process unit air coolers For air coolers, when they contain liquids that are volatile and over
1725kPa(ga) (250psig), or for materials over autoignition temperature.
Piers or Wharfs For protection of loading/unloading berths for LPG products. They
shall be spaced to provide coverage of both the loading manifold and
the ship manifold from at least two directions.
Lube-oil units For chillers, filters and similar equipment located outdoors, and
containing volatile flammable liquids in solvent extraction process.
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Piers and Wharves Fixed and portable foam-water monitors shall be provided on piers
and wharves handling flammable liquids, and spaced to provide
coverage of the loading manifold and ship manifold from at least two
directions.
Blending Manifolds Fixed monitors shall be provided for complete coverage of the
manifold area and surrounding kerbed area.
(i) RCMs shall be elevated to a height, agreed by the Owner, which provides the most effective
coverage for the area or equipment being protected.
(ii) The remote point from which the nozzle will be controlled shall have an unrestricted view of
the nozzle and the hazard being protected.
(iii) Not more than two monitor nozzles shall be controlled from one control station.
(iv) RCMs that are located in fire potential areas (otherwise known as the “Fire Exposure
Envelope”, as defined by ‘GPS-M2 Fireproofing’), are considered critical and shall be protected
from fire exposure in accordance with ‘GPS-M2’.
(v) RCMs shall be provided, when specified by the Owner, for pier or wharf protection.
When required, each loading berth of a pier or wharf shall be protected by at least two, remotely-
operated, elevated monitors. Such monitors shall be elevated to a height equal to the maximum
draught from the largest vessel to be loaded or unloaded at the berth. RCMs for piers or wharfs
shall be arranged to provide coverage of the loading berth and the vessel manifold.
(i) RCMs shall include fixed grade level or elevated remote-operated monitors with actuation
motors, monitor nozzles, control relay panels and joystick controllers. RCMs shall be operable from
grade level or remotely.
(ii) Remote controlled monitors shall be gear driven by electric motors for both horizontal and
vertical movement. Pneumatic, hydraulic or water-driven RCMs shall only be permitted when
approved by the Owner.
(iii) Rotational horizontal range shall be a minimum of 340 degrees, with the vertical elevation
extending from -45 degrees to +85 degrees from horizontal. RCMs’ movement shall be restricted
by limit switches, with the maximum turning radius adjustable in each direction. RCMs’ nozzle
stream pattern adjustment shall also be remotely operated by electric motor driven gear.
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(i) The control system shall provide default positions for the pan and tilt of each RCM, which
the operator pre-sets. This is required to ensure that the monitor is initially aimed away from areas
where it would be dangerous to personnel or equipment.
(ii) The control system shall provide control for the fire water and the foam (when provided) for
each RCM. The controller shall ensure that the correct sequence of operation is maintained. When
provided, foam concentrate injection shall only commence after water flow has been established
(proved by timer) to the RCM.
(iii) RCM controls shall be located a minimum of 15m (50ft) from the risk being protected.
(iv) The control relay panel should be a self-contained unit incorporating all fuses, motor
contactors and power controls required for remote control of the monitor. The panel shall be
designed for 220 volts, single phase, 50hz power supply or per local requirements. Motor contactors
shall be provided with overload protection. The control/relay panel shall be suitable for the area
classification of the installed location.
(v) Electric motors for monitor movement and nozzle adjustment, shall be in accordance with
‘NYS-P1.10’ and suitable for the area electrical classification, as defined in ‘GPS-A12’.
The power supply shall be in accordance with the Basic Electrical Engineering Design Data Sheets.
Motor circuits shall be pre-wired to a terminal box attached to the monitor body, to facilitate
external wiring.
Standby heating of the motor coils shall be provided for the prevention of water condensation inside
the motor housings.
(vi) The monitor motors shall be provided with handwheels and motor disconnection clutches,
designed to allow the operator to manually control the monitor locally on loss of actuator power or
signal.
(vii) For ease of maintenance and spare parts availability, where practicable, the motors used to
manipulate the RCMs shall be obtained from the same manufacturer as the other valve motor
actuators used throughout the facility.
(i) Joystick-type controllers shall be provided with each remote controlled monitor. Each
joystick shall control both horizontal and vertical movement of the monitor. A separate joystick
controller shall be provided for adjustment of the monitor nozzle from straight stream to full fog
patterns. Joystick controllers shall be suitable for the electrical hazardous area classification of the
installed locations.
(ii) When specified by the Owner, additional joystick controllers shall be provided to permit
operation of any single monitor from more than one location. Operation of the monitor from any
location shall not require manual switching of the control circuits.
Any nominated RCM should also be controlled from a radio controller. The transfer of control from
the fixed panel joystick to the radio controller shall be automatic, upon use of the radio controller.
The radio controller receiver shall be located outside the fire potential areas. The transmitter shall
be a portable unit with a range sufficient to allow radio control of one RCM from a mobile position.
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(i) Most fixed water spray systems shall be installed as manually operated systems. These are
acceptable where operators or emergency response teams are expected to have sufficient time to
react, and have reasonable access to activate the spray system.
(ii) Where access to the location of a potential fire is limited by distance or lack of manpower, the
activation may be done remotely at the control room or another constantly attended area, as agreed
with the Owner.
(i) Where almost instantaneous reaction is required, the Owner shall require automatic actuation
for systems protecting high value unspared equipment, equipment easily damaged by fire (such as
exposed unfireproofed instrumentation) or whenever the Owner considers life safety is a factor.
Automatic actuation could be required to protect equipment that handles toxic materials, to prevent
structural overheating or thermal shock, or given the need to control a fire at the initial stage to
prevent rapid uncontrolled fire spread.
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(ii) Automatically activated systems shall alarm locally and in the control room, or another
constantly manned location, as specified by the Owner.
(iii) All automatic system actuation devices and components shall be specified as either UL listed,
Factory Mutual approved, or approved by other internationally recognised agencies. In locations
where these are not available, equipment to comparable standards may be provided, subject to the
Owner’s approval.
(ii) Appendix III also contains the requirements for specific equipment protection.
(i) While each specific application may have its own requirements, the minimum design density
shall be 12.2 litres/min/m2 (0.3usgpm/ft2). This includes a safety factor of 20% to allow for normal
wind and system deterioration effects. However, it will not be sufficient where direct flame
impingement from high pressure flammable liquid or gas sources is possible.
(ii) The 12.2 litres/min/m2 application rate is considered adequate (where no unusual conditions
are present) to protect process vessels, structural supports, piperacks, cable trays, conduit runs,
transformers, and process equipment such as pumps and compressors. The requirements for cooling
storage tanks exposed to adjacent fires are listed in §5.4.3.
(iii) Water spray protection for multilevel, open floor structures requires a density of 6.1 litres/
min/m2 (0.15usgpm/ft2) at the abovegrade intermediate levels.
(i) Fixed fire water spray protection shall be provided for pressure storage vessels containing
flammable liquefied gas, process unit accumulators and receivers, gas separators, treaters and
similar vessels, having a liquid holdup capacity of 3.7m3 (1,000usg) or greater, which could be
exposed to a spill or torch fire, and which are not adequately fireproofed or protected by a rapid
vapour depressuring system, or when the vessel cannot be adequately protected (on all sides) by
fixed fire water monitors.
(ii) The minimum design density specified in §10.6.1 for protection of exposed vessel surfaces is
based on the vessel being equipped with emergency relief venting in accordance with ‘GPS-C1’
and ‘NFPA 30’ or ‘API RP 520’.
(iii) For proper placement of spray nozzles, the considerations contained in Appendix III shall be
applied.
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Fixed water spray protection shall be provided for tanks holding flammable liquids as required by
§5.4.2 and §5.4.3, where the spacing between tanks is not in accordance with ‘GPS-S5’, or where
portable monitors cannot reach the surfaces of tank shell likely to be exposed to an adjacent fire.
Water spray protection shall also be provided when required by local regulations, or when specified
by the Owner.
Fixed water spray protection shall be provided for instrument tray and multiple cable/conduit runs
which contain vital instruments that are needed to operate during a fire and are not fireproofed in
accordance with ‘GPS-M2’.
(i) Fixed water spray protection shall be provided in congested process areas where fireproofing
is not provided for piperacks, and/or the structural supports for process vessels and heaters. Water
spray protection of structural steel members shall only be used with the Owner’s approval.
(ii) Steel supports requiring protection shall be provided with the required density uniformly
applied over the inside surface of one side of the flange and one side of the web. Nozzles shall be
spaced not more than 3m (10ft) apart and preferably positioned on alternate sides of the web.
(i) Fixed water spray protection shall be provided for the control of burning, the minimum
design density is 20.4 litres/min/m2 (0.5usgpm/ft2). This should be applied directly on the probable
source of the flammable material release or fire, and on the areas where spills may travel and
accumulate. The extent of the spray coverage is determined by the area drainage and/or
containment diking. Details regarding proper area drainage are further covered in ‘NFPA 30’.
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(ii) For fixed water sprays for protection of alkyds and other catalysts and materials which react
with water, available literature states that copious amounts of water should be applied. Densities as
high as 40.8 litres/min/m2 (1usgpm/ft2) may be appropriate in these cases. The material supplier
should be consulted for assistance in determining the density to be used. Final designs must be
approved by the Owner.
(a) The pump suction and discharge lines are provided with remotely operated emergency
isolation valves protected in accordance with ‘GPS-M2’, or
(b) Coverage of the pump can be provided effectively by a fixed fire water monitor. Where
possible, fixed fire water monitors shall be placed so as to eliminate the need for fixed water
spray systems.
(ii) However, pump installations, handling flammable materials, which do not fall into the above
two categories, shall be provided with fixed water spray protection (for control of burning) when
one of the following criteria are met:
(a) Seal location is under or within 3m (10ft) horizontally of air coolers, piperacks or other
overhead equipment
(b) Pumping temperature is above 2608C (5008F)
(c) Pumping pressure is above 3,500kPa(ga) (500 psig)
(d) Pumping temperature is above the fluid autoignition temperature
(iii) Sprays shall be designed to provide the required density over the pump casing and the
horizontal area at least 0.6m (2ft) from the pump periphery. The coverage of spray patterns should
include such items as the pump seals, suction and discharge flanges, check valves, block valves,
auxiliary piping and gauge connections. The minimum covered area shall be 1.5m x 1.5m (5ft x
5ft).
Refer to Appendix III §1.2 for further placement and coverage considerations.
(iv) A single water spray system shall be provided for multiple pumps, compressors or turbines
located in a common area, except for unusually large areas where the system water demand would
exceed 3800 litres/min (1000usgpm), or unless approved by the Owner.
10.7.3 Water Spray Protection for Gas Compressors and Gas Turbines
(i) Fixed water spray protection for control of burning shall be provided for gas compressors of
heavier than air flammable gas systems rated at 150kW (200HP) and over. The lube-oil consoles for
these compressors shall also be protected by water spray systems if:
(ii) Sprays shall be designed to provide the required density over a minimum horizontal area of
1.5m x 1.5m (5ft x 5ft) and extended at least 0.6m (2ft) in all directions from the compressor or
turbine casing. If needed, additional nozzles should be provided to cover areas with high likelihood
of hydrocarbon release and fire, such as the seals, suction and discharge flanges, valves and gauge
connections.
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Fixed water spray protection for the control of burning shall be provided for manifolds handling
flammable liquids/gases at pressures of 3,500kPa(ga) (500psig) and over, or temperatures of 2608C
(5008F) and over, if coverage of the manifold can not be provided effectively by a fixed fire water
monitor.
(i) A minimum design density of 24.4 litres/min/m2 (0.6usgpm/ft2) is recommended for vapour
mitigation systems. This high density is needed to provide dilution and dispersion of hazardous
vapours.
(ii) Effective control densities are highly material-specific, and for this reason each specified
vapour mitigation design density must be approved by the Owner.
(i) Fixed water spray systems for the dispersion of flammable and/or toxic vapours shall be
considered for:
— High pressure pumps, compressors, pressure vessels, piping manifolds and other piping systems
handling highly hazardous liquids or gases which, if released, would likely form a vapour cloud
with catastrophic life safety potential.
Note that fire water supply should be sufficient to provide this protection until the source of the fire
or release can be shut off and/or the unit can be depressurised and shut down.
(ii) Such systems are considered a necessary adjunct to, not a substitute for, primary engineering
controls to eliminate and prevent the hazard.
(iii) Spray nozzles must be designed to discharge a dense spray into an area of possible vapour
leakage, at sufficient velocity to rapidly dilute the vapours to below the hazardous limit.
(iv) It is critical for the nozzles to be positioned for full coverage of potential leak sources, which
may be numerous. Because of this, the use of a grid pattern for area coverage, similar to automatic
sprinklers, is recommended.
(ii) Fixed water spray systems for fire extinguishment are generally limited to automatic sprinkler
systems or foam water systems. ‘NFPA 13’ shall be used as the design basis for any required
sprinkler system, and §12.0 shall be used as the design basis for required foam systems.
(iii) Automatic sprinkler systems for the protection of empty plastic containers shall be designed
to provide a density of 24.4 litres/min/m2 (0.6usgpm/ft2) over the protected area, per ‘NFPA 13’.
(iv) The design density needed for fire extinguishment of combustible solids and liquids ranges
from 8.1-20.4 litres/min/m2 (0.2-0.5usgpm/ft2) of the protected area. The rate of application needed
depends largely on the physical properties of the fuel, such as vapour pressure, flash point,
viscosity, solubility with water and density. The rate of application should be based on test data or
knowledge, based on existing similar installations.
11.1 General
(i) The design of live hose reels shall provide immediate fire fighting capability for one person,
with water immediately available at the nozzle. Live hose reels shall therefore be pressurised at all
times, such that the required amount of hose can be removed from the hose reel without shutting off
the water or disconnecting the hose.
(ii) Hose reels shall be of a standard type throughout the facility, unless otherwise specified by
the Owner. Live hose reels shall be installed in accordance with drawing ‘SD-S-10274’ and, as a
minimum, comply with the requirements stated thereon.
(iii) Live water hose reels shall provide a minimum of 9.1m3/h (40usgpm) from 25mm (1in) hose.
Each reel shall be provided with 30m (100ft) of hose, complying with the requirements stated in
Appendix VI §1.0.
(iv) Minimum nozzle pressure shall be 620kPa(ga) (90psig), or as specified by the nozzle
manufacturer.
(v) The water supply connection for a single hose reel shall be a minimum of NPS 2 pipe for
distances up to 60m (200ft) from the nearest fire main. Where more than one hose reel is supplied
by a non-looped branch line, distances are over 60m (200ft) or when nozzle capacities exceed
9.1m3/h, the connection shall be at least NPS 4 sized pipe. Where the water supply line provides fire
water to multiple devices (hose reels, monitors, water spray systems), the pipe size shall be
calculated, assuming all the devices are operating at the required flow and pressure.
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Class III No
< 43 (140) No
Class III
. 43 (140) No
Notes
1. Because of the susceptibility of crude oils to boilovers, such tanks shall receive special consideration.
2. The successful extinguishment of full-surface fires in tanks over 43m (140ft) diameter has been very limited.
The design of foam systems for such tanks requires special consideration.
3. Requires a foam dam 50mm (2in) higher than the weather shield or 600mm (24in) high foam dam and tank
standpipe system, refer to the definition of a Tank Standpipe System in Appendix VII, and to Figure 7 in
Appendix V.
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(ii) Water in sufficient volume, and at an adequate pressure, shall be available for:
— simultaneous foam production and cooling of the tank on fire, or;
— exposed tank protection, whichever is greater.
Where foam protection is required, cone roof tanks shall be furnished with a rim-mounted foam
chamber system which discharges foam onto the burning liquid surface. Sub-surface injection
systems are not a preferred method, and shall only be used with the Owner’s approval (when
approval is given, requirements can be found in Appendix IV §2.0).
(i) The foam chamber method consists of one or more foam chambers installed on the shell of
the tank just below the roof joint. A foam solution pipe is extended from the proportioning source
outside the bundwall to the foam maker located upstream of the chamber. A deflector shall be
located inside the tank shell to direct the discharge against the shell. The minimum discharge times
shall be as given in Table 7.
Crude Oils 55
Notes
1. The minimum foam solution application rate for liquid hydrocarbons shall be 4 litres/min/m2 (0.1usgpm/ft2) of
product surface area.
2. Flammable liquids having boiling points of less than 388C (1008F) may require higher application rates, which
should be determined by test or upon consultation with the foam manufacturer.
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(ii) The number of foam chambers required shall be determined by the tank diameter. Where two
or more chambers are required, they shall be equally spaced around the tank circumference. Each
chamber shall be designed to deliver foam at approximately the same rate. The number of chambers
required for various diameter cone roof tanks is given in Table 8.
Up to 24 (80) 1
24 to 36 (80 to 120) 2
(iii) All foam chambers shall have diaphragms or vapour seals to prevent the entry of hydrocarbon
vapours to the foam piping system.
(iv) Foam chambers shall be securely attached to the tank shell so that they will not be affected by
displacement of the roof in an explosion.
(i) Fire protection for open-top floating roof tanks shall consist of a fixed or semi-fixed foam
system to the seal area with foam supplied via a standpipe system.
The primary risk to be protected against in open-top floating roof tanks, in which the roof seal is
well-maintained, is usually only a rim fire in the seal area (resulting from ignition by lightning or by
exposure fires). The Owner’s intention is therefore to contain and extinguish such fires in their
early stages.
However, the overall design of the tankfarm fire protection system shall address the risk of an
uncontrolled rim fire causing the sinking of the roof and a full surface fire.
(ii) Aspirating-type foam makers shall therefore be installed, so that the foam floods the annular
space around the tank periphery. Protection may be by a catenary, rim-mounted or through-the-tank
system.
(a) Tanks having a pontoon or double-deck floating roof shall be protected as would be an open-
top floating roof (See §12.3).
(b) Separately valved laterals for each foam maker are not required.
(c) The sub-surface method shall not be used.
(ii) Where tank spacing does not meet the requirements of ‘GPS-S5’, or where access for spill
fire fighting is available from only one side, or where required by the local regulations, bunded area
protection should be as follows:
(a) Fixed or semi-fixed systems should have a solution delivery rate of 4 litres/min/m2 (0.1usgpm/
ft2) of area to be protected, and an application time of thirty minutes for Class I flammable
liquids and twenty minutes for Class II.
(b) Protection may be by fixed foam spray systems, which shall be in accordance with §12.8.3.
(c) Protection of diked areas that may contain flammable and combustible liquids requiring
alcohol-type foams may be provided by fixed discharge outlets applying foam from the dike,
or by fixed or oscillating monitors.
(i) Where Class I or II liquids are transferred, and the rack has more than two loading bays, or
where switch loading is permitted, automatic foam-water deluge systems shall be installed (refer to
drawing ‘SD-S-23383’ for schematic details). Note this does not apply to LPG transfer, refer to
§10.6.2(v).
(ii) Whether or not automatic systems are installed, manual actuation stations shall be available at
the rack, and at least 15m (50ft) from the rack. Their locations should be clearly marked by signs
having 40mm (11⁄2 in.) high white letters on a red background.
(iii) Operation of either the detection or extinguishing system should shut down the loading
pumps.
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(iv) Systems should be designed in accordance with ‘NFPA 16’ and have an application rate of
6.5 litres/min/m2 (0.16usgpm/ft2). The system should have sufficient foam concentrate for at least
ten minutes of operation. Remote locations should consider providing sufficient foam concentration
for a minimum of 20 minutes of operation. Systems should be actuated by combination detectors, in
accordance with ‘GPS-S7’. Higher application rates and/or longer application times may be
required for certain flammables, or where high winds are likely.
(v) The area of foam-water spray protection should extend beneath the canopy of a truck rack,
and five feet in all directions from the edge of the tank truck or rail car serviced by the rack when
there is no canopy.
(vi) Directional foam-water nozzles mounted near grade level shall be provided in addition to
overhead spray nozzles, and shall be arranged to discharge foam directly onto the underside of the
tank and beneath the truck cab.
(vii) A less desirable alternative would be foam monitor nozzles positioned to discharge foam
directly into the rack area, for full coverage. Where protection is provided by foam monitors, it
shall be automatically activated by a fire detection system, and the monitor spray patterns shall fully
cover the rack truck bay area. The foam monitor spray pattern shall be fixed with mechanical stops,
and preset to cover the rack area.
(viii) Monitors shall not be located in the likely path of spilled hydrocarbons. They shall be at least
15m (50ft) upwind from the hazard they protect, but within the range of the nozzle spray pattern.
(ix) Drainage and/or spill containment shall be designed for the expected rainfall, spill quantity
and discharge from the foam-water spray protection system. The entire containment or drainage
area shall be protected by the foam-water spray system, if its area exceeds the above required
minimum foam-water spray application area.
(x) When no drainage or spill containment is provided, the spray shall discharge over the
minimum application area required above, but the application density and quantity of foam required
shall be based on a spill area that extends twenty feet in all directions from the edge of tank cars, or
trucks serviced by the rack.
Rail racks where Class I or II flammable liquids are transferred, and which are located within a
congested area, shall be protected by automatic foam-water deluge systems. Otherwise, protection
should be by fixed monitor nozzles with foam capability, or by live foam-water hose reels.
The Contractor shall submit, for the Owner’s approval, plans, specifications and calculations
pertaining to any proposed fixed or semi-fixed foam system. As a minimum, the following shall be
included:
(i) A detailed description of the project, including the purpose of the installation.
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Foam concentrate selection and supply considerations are contained in Appendix IV. While these
are the Owner’s responsibility, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that equipment
design and selection will provide reliable and adequate firefighting performance. The Contractor
shall also be responsible for ensuring that the equipment construction materials are compatible with
the chosen foam type.
These systems are designed to discharge foam in a spray pattern and are usually used for the
primary protection of specific hazards, such as pump bays or loading racks, and shall conform to
the following requirements.
(i) The requirements of ‘NFPA 16 or 11’ shall apply.
(ii) AFFF or FFFP are the preferred concentrates for foam spray systems.
(iii) Foam spray systems shall not be used for protection of open-top tanks having a liquid surface
area exceeding 18.6m2 (200ft2).
(iv) Foam spray systems should not be the primary means of protection for alcohols or other
water soluble liquids exceeding 25mm (1in) in depth.
(v) The foam application rate shall be 6.5 litres/min/m2 (0.16usgpm/ft2).
(vi) One discharge outlet shall be provided per 9.3m2 (100ft2) of protected area.
(vii) There shall be sufficient foam concentrate for at least ten minutes discharge at the rate
specified above.
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The Contractor shall provide facilities to store foam concentrate reserve supplies in 2m3 (530usg)
or larger tanks, or bulk containers which can be easily transported to the fire scene. Storage in cans
or drums should be avoided, because of the manpower required to move sufficient supplies to the
scene of the fire.
(i) Firewater shall be provided in sufficient quantity and pressure to assure proper operation of
the foam system.
(ii) The water used for foam production may be fresh or salt, hard or soft, but shall be of such
quality that there is no adverse effect upon foam formation or stability. If the water contains
corrosion inhibitors, emulsion-breaking chemicals or other additives, the foam concentrate supplier
shall be consulted to ensure that these chemicals do not inhibit the fire fighting capability of the
finished foam.
Where there is doubt about the quality of the water for use in foam production, samples shall be
submitted to the foam manufacturer for analysis (refer to §4.2).
(i) Foam concentrates, solutions or pre-mixes may be incompatible with certain materials, such
as carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum. The foam supplier shall be consulted, and materials
shall be approved by Owner.
(ii) Where the foam supplier has no objection, piping shall be in accordance with ‘Piping
Specification B7’. In area where explosions and/or direct flame impingement may occur, the piping
shall be shielded from these hazards as far as practicable.
(i) Piping that is normally filled with liquid shall, when necessary, be protected against freezing.
(ii) Piping located within bundwalls, or within 15 m (50ft) of tanks that are not bunded, shall be
buried under at least 0.3m (lft) of earth or, if above ground, shall be properly supported and
protected against mechanical damage and any vertical movement of the tank due to settlement, etc.
(iii) Buried piping shall have a swing joint at the base of the tank riser, to absorb any movement
due to tank settlement, etc. Refer to Figure 9 in Appendix VII.
(iv) Readily accessible drain valves shall be provided for low points in aboveground piping.
(v) Valves located inside the hazard area or bunded area shall be firesafe.
(vi) Following installation, underground supply piping and feed connections to fixed systems
shall be flushed with fresh water. Flushing flow velocities of 3.0m/sec (10ft/sec), or the minimum
design flow rate of the system, shall be maintained until the water runs clear.
(vii) Sufficient connections shall be provided to allow all system piping to be flushed with clean
water after operation.
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(i) For semi-fixed systems, the solution supply lines for all chambers protecting a single tank
shall be routed to a single location outside the bund, to allow all foam chambers to be fed from one
point by one or more foam trucks. The piping shall terminate at a foam solution inlet connection.
(ii) Inlet connections to foam solution piping supplying tank foam systems and standpipes shall
meet the following requirements:
(a) All inlet connections to semi-fixed foam systems shall be located a safe distance from the
hazard which they protect. Connections to cone roof tanks shall be located at least 15m (50ft)
from tanks having diameters of 15m (50ft) or less, and at least one tank diameter from the shell
of larger tanks.
(b) Where possible, inlets should be located uphill and upwind of the tank or protected hazard.
(c) Inlets shall be located outside the bundwall, kerb or retention basin of the tank which they
supply.
(d) Inlets shall be adjacent to roadways.
(e) Inlets should be within 30m (100ft) of a fire hydrant.
(f) Inlets shall have female connections with removable plugs.
(g) Inlet connections shall be of a size, and have hose threads compatible with, the plant fire
department or responding outside fire service, as appropriate.
(iii) Pump-in connections with the necessary valving shall be provided on the foam solution
discharge piping of fixed systems, such as bladder tanks, so that a mobile foam truck can pump into
the system once the primary foam supply is exhausted. The requirements listed above for other
inlets shall also apply to such installations.
(iv) Rubber-gasketed fittings shall not be used. With the following exceptions, piping within the
fire potential area shall be of all-welded construction:
(a) Foam risers on tanks shall have one flanged joint at a convenient location, preferably
immediately below the foam maker, to permit hydrostatic testing of the piping system up to
this joint.
(b) Threaded pipe fittings may be used in the assembly of foam standpipes up to and including
NPS 4 piping. Piping greater than NPS 4 shall be flanged.
(i) Actuation of fixed foam and foam-water systems shall be manual, unless one or more of the
following apply:
(a) The location is unattended or remotely located, so that personnel cannot activate it promptly.
(b) Prompt extinguishment rather than fire control is desired, such as at tank truck loading racks.
(c) Mandatory codes or standards require automatic actuation.
(d) The appropriate level of trained manpower is not available for manual fire fighting.
(ii) Where immediate actuation is required, fire detection and signalling shall be installed in
accordance with ‘GPS-S7’.
(ii) Galvanised hose reel with 30m (100ft) of 40mm (11⁄2in) non-collapsible hose with a 22m3/h
(100usgpm) foam nozzle or adjustable-pattern (when AFFF foam is used) pistol-grip nozzle,
approved for AFFF application.
(iii) While waterside piping up to the foam eductor shall be to ‘Piping Specification B7’, brass
piping and valves, including a water-only bypass piping arrangement, shall be used for foam
concentrate (except as below).
(iv) Variable-ratio, inline eductor with concentrate pick-up tube and clear vinyl suction hose.
(i) That the fire detection systems perform as specified in ‘NFPA 72E’.
(ii) That the complete foam supply distribution and proportioning system was tested. The test
should assure that:
(iii) Activation of the system shall trigger audible and visual alarms in all potentially occupied
areas. After a specified evacuation time delay, building HVAC Systems will automatically shut
down and CO2 discharge will be initiated.
(iv) To avoid the possibility of a fire re-igniting after extinguishment by the CO2 Suppression
System, extended CO2 discharge provisions shall be included in the system. The continued presence
of CO2 will prevent the re-ignition of the fire. Extended CO2 discharge shall be provided by either:
(v) The following design considerations shall be incorporated into the design of the CO2 Fire
Suppression Systems:
(ii) Dry chemical systems shall be installed in accordance with ‘NFPA 17’.
(ii) Safety showers and eyewash stations are required where there exists a potential for the
exposure of personnel to injurious chemicals that can cause immediate and irreversible harm on
contact, or that can have adverse systemic effects upon contact. A continuous water flush for at
least 15 minutes is required when such exposure occurs.
(iii) Applicable Material Safety Data Sheets, along with the specific operating conditions, shall
serve as the basis for determining which chemical areas require safety showers and eyewash
stations. These areas will be demarcated with yellow lines and signposted to warn of the dangers
within. These areas will be referred to in this document as “yellow-lined areas”.
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(i) The following major dimensions shall be used in the fabrication of the safety shower and
eyewash stations:
(a) Grade to bottom of shower head: 2.1m (7ft).
(b) Grade to bottom of shower valve pull handle: 1.7m (5ft 6in).
(c) Grade to top of eyewash bowl: 1.1m (3ft 6in).
(ii) All safety shower and eyewash stations shall be from a major manufacturer and approved by
the Owner. Pre-approved manufacturers include Haws and Encon.
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LIST OF REFERENCES
The following publications are referenced in the text of either in the main body of this Specification, or in its
appendices.
GPS-A5 Refinery Layout and Spacing
GPS-A12 Classification of Locations for the Selection of Electrical Equipment
GPS-B2 Field Inspection Requirements
GPS-B3 Coating of External Surfaces
GPS-C1 Pressure Vessels
GPS-G1 Pumps and Drivers
GPS-K1 Compressors and Drivers
GPS-L1 Refinery Piping
GPS-M2 Fireproofing
GPS-P1 Electric Power and Lighting
GPS-S5 Tankfarm Layout and Spill Control
GPS-S7 Hazard Detection and Alarm Signalling Systems
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(ii) Monitors shall be located such that there is a minimum of physical obstructions to water
streams between the monitor and protected equipment.
(iii) Additional monitors shall be provided in areas where shifting wind patterns may restrict the
use of monitors, or reduce the effectiveness of protection.
(iv) Monitors shall be located, where possible, to take advantage of the prevailing wind to
increase the effective use and range of water streams.
(v) Monitors shall be located on the periphery of protected areas, in positions that will be easily
accessible in fire conditions, with minimum exposure to operating personnel.
(vi) The minimum distance from protected equipment to the monitor shall be 7.5m (25ft), and the
maximum distance 15m (50ft).
This Appendix applies both to fire monitors and fixed water spray systems.
hazard, main feed lines should be located behind structural members, be well braced and with
piping NPS 3 or larger.
The minimum size piping used in water spray systems should be NPS 1 for individual lateral lines, and not less
than NPS 2 for feed and distribution lines.
To avoid plugging of spray nozzles, Sch 40 minimum stainless steel pipe is preferred. Hot dipped galvanised
.piping may be used as an alternative, but only with the Owner’s agreement.
Epoxy, baked-on, phenolic resins or other corrosion, resistant coatings should be considered when severe
corrosion is anticipated from the environment or available water. Extreme care must be exercised in choosing
an internal coating, since failure of the coating increases the likelihood of nozzle plugging.
Branch lines shall be of simple layout and arranged to provide adequate water spray coverage. Flush-out
connections shall be provided for lines with more than two spray nozzles each.
To minimise thrust loads due to water flow, cross and feed mains supplying branch lines with four or more
nozzles shall be connected close to the branch line centres as much as possible. Piping layout shall be such that
it does not hinder access to equipment during regular maintenance and will not necessitate disassembly of the
spray system whenever routine equipment maintenance is performed.
Piping systems shall be designed to be self-draining. Drain connections shall be provided for those sections of the
system piping which will trap water.
Flushing connecions shall be provided at the ends of cross mains and feed mains NPS 3 and lar ger, to permit
removal of particulate matter.
Fire department connections, if required, shall be provided, with suitable suction hydrants or adequate surface
water supplies accessible to pumper apparatus.
2.2 Fittings
2.2.1 Strainers
(i) Strainers shall be provided for all water spray systems. A typical strainer assembly is shown
in Figure 3 at the end of this Appendix. Proprietary designs, such as the Hellan self-cleaning
strainers, are acceptable subject to the Owner’s approval. The strainer shall be capable of removing
all solids which would obstruct the spray nozzles. A stainless steel mesh screen with 3mm (0.125in)
perforations with maximum size openings of 6mm (0.25in) shall be provided. The total area of
screen openings for each strainer shall be at least three times the inlet pipe cross-sectional area.
Acceptable fabrication details are shown in Table 10 and 11 at the end of this Appendix, which
relate to Figure 3.
(ii) Strainers shall be capable of continuous operation, without serious increase in head loss, for
the anticipated duration of the fire, considering the type of protection provided, the condition of the
water and similar local factors.
(iii) Pipeline strainers shall incorporate flush-out connections that can be used without shutting
down the system. Strainers shall be located upstream of the water spray system control valve or
group of control valves. Strainers shall be accessible during fire emergencies to permit use of the
flush-out connections, should this be necessary.
(i) Manual spray system activation valves shall be located at least 15m (50ft) from the hazard
and/or equipment being protected. The use of quick-opening, quarter-turn valves is preferred for
manual spray systems, where the quality of the water supply permits. These should have non-
removable handles.
Where poor water quality does not allow the use of ball or plug valves, gate valves shall be used.
(iii) For automatic activation, valves should be specially designed for fire service, as deluge
valves are. Deluge valves open and allow water to enter the dry portions of the distribution piping
system upon actuation of a fire-sensing device or remote activation. The use of a fixed temperature
pilot head system for sensing and actuation is preferred, due to its reliability, low susceptibility to
false trips and resistance to corrosive atmospheres.
2.3 Identification
All control and isolation valves shall be properly labelled and clearly marked with red paint. The
labels shall be of permanent marking with signs having red lettering of 40mm (1.5in) minimum on
white background. The label shall indicate area of application, or equipment protected by each
valve or spray system. Signs should be of weatherproof material.
(ii) Piping for pilot head detection systems shall also be hydrostatically tested, including
instrumentation and actuation devices.
(iii) The completed installation shall be flow tested to observe and correct problems with nozzle
positions, spray patterns, aiming and plugging. Multiple automatically activated systems, which are
expected to operate simultaneously, shall be tested together to verify the adequacy and condition of
the water supply.
(iv) The installation contractor shall furnish completed Contractor’s Material and Test
Certificates for each system, as shown in ‘NFPA 13’.
(v) Lines to system risers shall be thoroughly flushed before connection to the water spray
system piping. In order to remove foreign materials that may have entered the piping during
installation, or may have been present in existing piping, the flushing flow rate shall provide a
minimum velocity of 3m/sec (10ft/sec) and be not less than the calculated water demand of the
system. Table 9 gives the appropriate flows for various pipe sizes. System piping shall also be
flushed at these flow rates.
25 1 102 27
30 1.25 178 47
40 1.5 238 63
50 2 397 105
75 3 833 220
1.1 Introduction
This Appendix provides foam systems and foam type selection criteria which need to be considered
in order for foam systems to be capable of controlling and extinguishing the largest single
reasonably expected fire. Frequently, this will be the largest tank or group of smaller tanks.
(i) While Fluoroprotein is the preferred choice of concentrate, differing applications place
differing demands on the foam concentrate to be used. Table 12 summarises foam concentrates and
their attributes. The major considerations in selecting a concentrate are:
Speed of surface
flow Good Excellent Excellent Excellent
Burnback and
re-ignition Excellent Fair Good Good
Notes
1. Alcohol-resistant Concentrate (ARC) should be provided at facilities having polar solvents or other flammable
liquids which may be destructive to foams other than ARC
2. Fuel tolerance for ARC foam varies depending on the manufacturer.
(ii) Except where a specialised type of concentrate is required for a specific application (ie,
medium expansion foam for LNG, or pre-mixed solutions for fixed extinguishing systems), each
facility should standardise on one type of concentrate. This will reduce the chance of accidentally
mixing incompatible concentrates during a fire.
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Up to 24 (Up to 80) 1 1
24 to 36 (80 to 120) 2 1
36 to 42 (120 to 140) 3 2
42 to 48 (140 to 160) 4 2
48 to 54 (160 to 180) 5 2
54 to 60 (180 to 200) 6 3
Over 60 (200), add one additional outlet for 465m2 (5000ft2) of 697m2 (7500ft2) of
each additional increment in product surface product surface area product surface area
area
Notes
1. Foam velocity at the point of injection into the tank’s contents shall not exceed 3m/sec (10ft/sec) for Class IB
Liquid, or 6m/sec (20ft/sec) for other liquids.
2. Where two or more outlets are required, they shall be located so that foam travel on the surface does not
exceed 27m (90ft). Each outlet shall be sized to deliver foam at about the same rate. For even foam
distribution, outlets may be shell-connected or may be fed through a pipe manifold within the tank from a
single shell connection.
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1.1 General
(i) The catenary system consists of a series of foam makers at evenly spaced points on the roof
near the seal. Refer to Figure 4.
(ii) The foam makers are connected to a common section of piping, which in turn is attached to a
flexible hose or piping with flexible joints that ride up and down with the stairway. The top end of
the hose terminates at the upper platform where it connects to a pipe running vertically down the
tank shell and then to the outside of the bund.
(iii) When there is a fire, foam solution is pumped through the vertical pipe and flexible hose to
the foam makers. This system can be designed to discharge foam either above or below the seal.
(iv) Above-the-seal protection requires the use of a foam dam to contain the foam in the seal area.
Refer to Figure 5 at the end of this Appendix.
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(v) Below-the-seal protection is accomplished using foam makers mounted on the floating roof.
Pipe extending from the foam maker injects foam through the fabric seal, secondary seal or weather
shield. A foam dam may be required depending on the seal arrangement (see Table 14).
Mechanical Shoe Seal Floating roof foam makers or foam Floating roof foam makers.
(Pantograph) chambers. Foam dam required. Foam dam not required.
Tube Seal - (top-of-seal Floating roof foam makers or foam Floating roof foam makers.
more than 150mm (6in) chambers. Foam dam required. Foam dam not required.
from top of roof deck)
Tube Seal - (top-of-seal less Floating roof foam makers or foam Floating roof foam makers.
than 150mm (6in) from top chambers. Foam dam required. Foam dam required.
of roof deck)
(vi) Spacing of points of foam application for top-of-seal protection is based on the height of the
foam dam. Below-seal protection is determined by the type of seal. Spacing information is given in
Table 15.
TABLE 15 Maximum Foam Discharge Device Spacing for Floating Roof Tanks
Maximum Discharge Device Spacing
Height of Foam Dam
Type of Seal Top-of-seal Below-seal
mm inches metres feet metres feet
(vii) The application rate of foam solution is calculated using the area of the annular ring between
the tank shell and the foam dam. Minimum solution rate shall be 12.2 litres/min/m2 (0.3usgpm/ft2)
with foam application through the metal weather shield or secondary seal, or 20.4 litres/min/m2
(0.5usgpm/ft2) otherwise, for twenty minutes of operation in either case.
(viii) Catenary foam systems shall be subjected to an engineering evaluation to ensure that the
additional weight of the ladder piping, catenary hoses, foam ring, foam makers, foam discharge
outlets, foam dam and foam will not upset the buoyancy of the floating roof. All piping and
equipment shall be considered full of foam solution for this evaluation.
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Coflexip system piping shall be arranged to be self-draining, or be provided with low point drains.
When discharge outlets pass through the primary or secondary seals, a flexible seal shall be fitted between
the discharge outlet and the edge of the opening. To prevent vapours from entering the piping below it, a
blowout plug shall be provided within the manifold.
Foam dam requirements, location and spacing of discharge outlets, foam applications rates and times are
the same as for Catenary Systems, refer to drawing ’SD-S-10273.’
The standpipe shall be properly secured to the tank and platform to minimise piping movement, and support
the weight of the piping and solution.
Valves for the hose outlets and to the foam maker shall be no higher than 1.5m (5ft) above the platform.
Hose, if stored on the stairway platform, shall be sufficient in length to reach all areas of the seal, and shall
be fitted with an appropriate foam nozzle. Hose should be protected from the weather by a metal cabinet,
or a weather-resistant fabric or plastic cover.
1.0 HOSES
(i) Hose shall be furnished in 15m (50ft) lengths, and with couplings and threads compatible
with the location’s fire-fighting equipment, or local and outside aid fire protection, as appropriate.
(ii) Hose shall be single or double jacket, lined and suitable for use with water or foam solution,
as specified in ‘NFPA 1961’. Hose shall be rated for at least 2070kPa(ga) (300psig) service
pressure and have a test pressure of 4140kPa(ga) (600psig).
(iii) Hose 65mm (21⁄2in) in diameter is usually only provided where adequately manned and well-
trained fire brigades are available. Otherwise 40mm (11⁄2in) hose is preferred.
(iv) Only gas-operated, pressurised water fire extinguishers, hydrostatically tested to at least
1.4MPa(ga) (200psig) shall be provided. The design shall provide automatic pressure relief upon
disassembly, and the shell shall be stainless steel.
(v) Expellant gas cylinders provided for wheeled fire extinguishers shall be steel, and the test
pressure shall be at least 1.67 times the service pressure stamped on the cylinder.
(ii) At least two, 9kg (20lb), potassium bicarbonate, dry chemical fire extinguishers shall be
provided around each fired heater, and located on opposite sides adjacent to accessways around the
heater.
(iii) At least one, 9kg (20lb), multi-purpose, dry chemical and one, 7kg (15lb), carbon dioxide fire
extinguisher shall be located inside each control room and operator shelter main door.
(iv) At least one, 7kg (15lb), carbon dioxide, fire extinguisher shall be located outside the doors to
electrical switch gear/motor control centres, for electrical fires.
(v) At least one, 9kg (20lb), multi-purpose, dry chemical and one, 7kg (15lb), carbon dioxide fire
extinguisher shall be located outside the gate to all oil-immersed transformer areas.
(vi) The top deck of cooling towers shall be provided with a 9kg (20lb), multi-purpose, dry
chemical, fire extinguisher at the stairway. Where the travel distance to an extinguisher will be
greater than 15m (50ft), additional extinguishers shall be provided.
(vii) Utility plants shall be provided with an appropriate number of 9kg (20lb), potassium
bicarbonate, dry chemical, fire extinguishers, such that the travel distance to an extinguisher will be
no greater than 15m (50ft).
(viii) Offsite areas, such as pump manifolds, LPG storage facilities, truck loading racks, piers/
wharfs, etc, shall be provided with an appropriate number of 9kg (20lb), potassium bicarbonate, dry
chemical, fire extinguishers, such that the travel distance to an extinguisher will be no greater than
15m (50ft).
(ix) At least two, 68kg (150lb) or larger, wheeled, potassium bicarbonate, dry chemical
extinguishers shall be provided for each process block.
(i) An appropriate number of 9kg (20lb), multi-purpose, dry chemical, fire extinguishers shall be
provided, such that the travel distance to an extinguisher will be no greater than 15m (50ft).
(ii) At least one, 7kg (15lb), carbon dioxide, fire extinguisher shall be located outside the doors to
electrical switch gear/motor control rooms, for electrical fires.
2.4 Installation
(i) Hand portable fire extinguishers located outside shall be installed in red fibreglass cabinets
for maximum protection from the elements. Wheeled units should be placed in cabinets, or
provided with a cover.
(ii) When mounting the equipment, the top of hand portable fire extinguishers larger than 3kg (5
lb) shall be located no more than 1m (3ft) above floor or grade level. The top of hand portable fire
extinguishers 3kg (5lb) and smaller shall be located no more than 1.5m (5ft) above floor or grade
level.
4.2 Approvals
(i) All fire pumping apparatus shall be provided in accordance with ‘NFPA 11C’, ‘1901’,
‘1903’, ‘1904’ and/or ‘1911’, as applicable, except as modified herein.
(a) Extension ladders are not required to be carried on fire apparatus, provided the facility has
suitable portable ladders, man lifts, etc.
(b) Hard suction hose is not required to be carried on fire apparatus, but must be kept in a readily
available location and protected from the environment.
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Concentration
The percentage of foam concentrate contained in a foam solution. The type of foam concentrate
being used, and/or the material which is burning, determine the concentration required. A 3% foam
concentrate is mixed in the ratio of 3 parts foam concentrate to 97 parts water to make foam
solution. A 6% concentrate is mixed with 94 parts water to 6 parts foam concentrate.
Control of Burning
The application of water spray to equipment or areas to reduce the rate of burning and limit the heat
release from a fire, until the source of fuel can be shut off or the fire can be extinguished.
Covered Floating Roof
See Internal Floating Roof.
Density
The unit rate of water application to an area or surface expressed in litres per minute per square
meter (litres/min/m2) or gallons per minute per square foot (usgpm/ft2) of protected area.
Dry Pipe Fire Main System
A fire main system for use in freezing climates, that can be shut off and drained when not in use.
Eductor
A proportioning device using the venturi principal to introduce foam concentrate into a stream of
water, thus forming foam solution.
Exposed Equipment
Equipment subject to fire damage, usually from a source of fire or heat other than the equipment
being protected.
Exposure Protection
Application of water spray to structures or equipment to limit absorption of heat to a level that will
minimise damage and prevent failure, whether source of heat is external or internal to the protected
area.
Fire Extinguishment
Refers to the disruption or cessation of the combustion process with the use of fire protection
systems through surface cooling, smothering action, emulsification, dilution or the combination of
these and other factors.
Fire Insulated Equipment, Structures or Vessels
Equipment, structures or vessels provided with fire proofing insulation that, for the expected
duration of exposure, will protect steel from exceeding a temperature of 4548C (8508F) for
structural members, or 3438C (6508F) for vessels.
Fixed Foam Discharge Outlet
A device permanently attached to a tank through which foam may be introduced into the tank.
There are three types:
Type I Discharge Outlet - A device that conducts and delivers foam gently onto the liquid surface
without submerging the foam or agitating the surface, for example, a foam trough or the semi-
subsurface injection method.
Type II Discharge Outlet - This is the type of discharge normally used. It is a device that delivers
foam onto the liquid surface, partially submerging the foam and producing some agitation of the
surface, for example, a foam chamber (see Figure 9 at the end of this Appendix).
Type III Discharge Outlet - A device that delivers foam in a manner that causes the foam to fall
directly onto the surface of the burning liquid causing general agitation, for example, lobbing with a
foam nozzle or handline.
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Flammable gases
In NFPA usage, any gas that will burn in the normal concentrations of oxygen in the air is
considered a flammable gas. Flammable gases will burn in air the same way flammable liquid
vapours burn in air, ie, each gas will burn only within a certain range of gas-air mixture
compositions (the flammable or combustible range) and will ignite only at or above a certain
temperature (the ignition temperature).
Flammable Liquid
A liquid having a flashpoint below 388C (1008F) and a vapour pressure not exceeding 275kPa(abs)
(40psia) at 388C (1008F). Flammable liquids are subdivided into Classes based on flashpoint and
boiling point as follows:
Class 1A - Those liquids having flashpoints below 238C (738F) and boiling points below 388C
(1008F).
Class 1B - Those liquids having flashpoints below 238C (738F) and boiling points at or above 388C
(1008F).
Class 1C - Those liquids having flashpoints at or above 238C (738F).
Foam (also referred to as applied or finished Foam)
A stable aggregation of small air-filled bubbles, of lower density than oil or water, which shows
tenacious qualities in covering and clinging to vertical or horizontal surfaces. It is made from
aerated solutions of water and foam concentrate, which flow freely over a burning liquid surface
forming a tough, air-excluding continuous blanket that denies volatile flammable vapours access to
air. (See ‘NFPA 11’ for a detailed description and system requirements.)
Foam Cannon
See Foam Monitor.
Foam Concentrate
The foaming agent, as received from the manufacturer, for dilution with appropriate amounts of
water to produce foam solutions. The principal foam concentrates include:
Protein - consists primarily of organic concentrates derived from animal or vegetable sources.
Stabilising additives and inhibitors protect against freezing, equipment corrosion and resist bacterial
decomposition. They are diluted with water to form 3% to 6% solutions. Protein foams are
particularly stable and heat-resistant. They are compatible with certain dry chemicals. These foam
concentrates are now rarely used.
Fluoroprotein - similar to the above described protein foams, but with a synthetic fluorinated
surfactant additive. They are particularly resistant to fuel entrainment when submerged and
therefore can withstand rougher application. This characteristic makes fluoroprotein foams
particularly suitable for subsurface injection into tanks or for use through monitor nozzles or hose
streams. Fluoroprotein foams are compatible with most dry chemical extinguishing agents. They
have good burnback resistance and will readily seal against a hot metal surface.
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) - a synthetic foam concentrate containing fluorocarbon
surfactants plus stabilisers. It is usually diluted with water to a 3% or 6% solution. The foam
formed acts both as a barrier to exclude air or oxygen and to provide an aqueous film on the fuel
surface capable of suppressing the evolution of fuel vapours. The foam produced with AFFF
concentrate is dry chemical compatible. It is highly fluid and has a high fire knockdown rate.
FFFP (Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam) - a relatively new foam using fluorinated surfactants to
produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing hydrocarbon fuel vapours. This type of foam also
utilises a protein base plus stabilising additives and inhibitors to protect against freezing, corrosion
and bacterial decomposition. It resists fuel pickup. The concentrate is usually mixed with water to a
3% or 6% solution. It is dry chemical compatible. FFFP is particularly effective on flammable
liquid spill fires and on pooled hydrocarbons.
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ARC (Alcohol Resistant Concentrate), also referred to as PSL (Polar Solvent Liquid) - foam
specifically designed for fighting fires in water-soluble liquids. Alcohol-resistant concentrates are
generally used in 3% to 10% solutions, depending upon the hazard being protected and the type of
concentrate. Alcohol-resistant concentrates may also be used on hydrocarbon fires, however, they
may be destructive to other foams.
Foam Dam
A thin vertical sheet steel barrier mounted on the floating roof of a storage tank around the
perimeter of the roof near the seal area. This serves to retain foam at the seal area.
Foam Handline
A hose and nozzle that may be held and directed by hand. Because of nozzle reaction forces,
handlines are usually 40-45mm (11⁄2in-13/4in) diameter and limited to a solution flow of about 1135
litres/min (300usgpm).
Foam Maker
A device designed to introduce air into a pressurised foam solution stream.
Foam Monitor
Fixed - a large capacity turret, usually 1900litres/min (500usgpm) or more, having a nozzle
mounted on a stationary support, either elevated or at grade. The nozzle may be fed foam solution
by fixed piping, hose or from a container. Monitors may be hydrant-mounted, free-standing or
supported by a process-structure or building. Operation of the nozzle may be local or remote.
Portable - a device that delivers a foam stream, and is on a movable support or wheels so that it may
be transported to the fire scene.
Foam Pourer
See Fixed Foam Discharge Outlet.
Foam Solution
A mixture of foam concentrate and water in suitable proportions, usually 3% foam and 97% water
for most fuels and 6% foam and 94% water for polar solvent fires.
Foam System Types
Fixed Foam System - a complete installation in which foam is piped from a central foam station,
discharging through fixed delivery outlets (foam chambers, monitor nozzles, foam spray systems,
etc) to the hazard being protected. Any required pumps and proportioning devices are permanently
installed. Such systems may include fire detection, which may be arranged either to alarm or to
actuate the foam system.
Semi-fixed Foam System - systems in which fixed discharge outlets are supplied by permanent
piping which terminates at a safe distance from the equipment or tank being protected. The fixed
piping installation may or may not include a foam maker. Necessary foam-producing equipment
and materials are transported to the scene after the fire starts.
Portable Foam System - one in which all foam-making equipment, including foam concentrates, is
transported to the fire scene after the fire has started.
Mobile Foam System - a self-propelled or towed foam-producing unit on wheels. Such equipment
is Owner-supplied.
Foam-Water Spray System
A system connected by permanent piping to a source of foam concentrate and a water supply, and
equipped with foam-water spray nozzles for extinguishing-agent discharge (foam or water
sequentially, in that order or in reverse order) and distribution over the area to be protected.
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Fuel Tolerance
The ability of a foam to resist fuel mixing during foam application, and to resist ignition.
Hazard
A potentially or inherently dangerous condition.
High-back-pressure Foam Maker
A device for aspirating foam water solutions prior to injection into a storage tank. Used with
subsurface foam injection systems.
High Expansion Foam
An aggregation of bubbles resulting from the passage of air or other gas through a screen or net that
is wetted by a solution of a special synthetic foam concentrate and water. The finished foam has a
foam-to-solution volume ratio of 200:1 to approximately 1000:1.
Impingement
The striking of a protected surface by water droplets issuing directly from a water spray nozzle.
Inductor
See Eductor.
Internal Floating Roof
A relatively lightweight cover which floats on the liquid surface within a cone roof tank. Tanks
having floats of plastic foam for buoyancy, even if encapsulated in metal or fibreglass, shall be
considered and treated as cone roofs.
Jockey Pump
A small pump, usually electric motor driven and designed for a flow rate of about 23m3/h
(100usgpm), used to maintain pressure on the fire main system. When the flow exceeds 23m3/h, the
main fire pumps are started automatically.
Live Foam-water Hose Reel
A reel equipped with swivel pipe inlet and non-collapsible 40-45mm (11⁄2in - 13/4in) hose, so that
only the amount of hose needed is pulled from the reel before use. The reel is mounted on a 150-
225litre (40-60gallon) foam concentrate tank, with an eductor.
Live Hose Reel
A reel equipped with swivel pipe inlet and non-collapsible hose, so that only the amount of hose
needed is pulled from the reel before use.
Low Expansion Foam
Foams made by mixing air into a water solution containing foam concentrate, with equipment
designed for that purpose. Low expansion foams have an expansion ratio of up to 20:1. This
includes most of the foam equipment and systems in this Specification.
Manual Water Spray Systems
Water Spray systems that must be actuated by a person.
Mechanical Foam
See Foam.
Medium Expansion Foam
An aggregation of bubbles resulting from the passage of air or other gas through a screen or net that
is wetted by a solution of a special synthetic foam concentrate and water. The finished foam has a
foam-to-solution volume ratio between 20:1 and 200:1.
Monitor
A turret supporting a nozzle with water or foam capacity for fire fighting, yet operable by one
person and arranged so that it can be locked in position for a fixed discharge of water or foam.
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