Philosophy for Passive Fire

Protection Systems

A1

July, 02
2007

Rev.
No.

Date

Issued for Comment/Approval

Description

D.N. Pantazi

N. Jugravu

M. Doloszeski

Prepared

Checked

Approved

Originator

Document Title: Philosophy for Passive Fire Protection Systems

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Document Number: EP FF 02 PH

Engineering & Maintenance

Department

Project Title:

Project No:

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Authors

4
3
2

Nicolae Jugravu

Daniel Nicolae Pantazi

No.

Engineering & Projects Division

Surface Engineering & Maintenance Dept.
Engineering & Projects Division
Surface Engineering & Maintenance Dept.
DIVISION
Department

Name

Signature

Document Title: Authors

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Engineering & Maintenance

Department

Project Title:

Project No:

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Philosophy for Passive Fire Protection Systems

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.

PREFACE ......................................................................................................................... 4

2.

DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 4

3.

ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................ 5

4.

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 5

5.

APPLICABLE CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS.......................................... 5

5.1

Codes and Standards List.............................................................................................. 6

5.2

References..................................................................................................................... 12

6.

SYSTEM GOAL ............................................................................................................. 12

7.

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES................................................................................................ 13

8.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ................................................................................................. 13

8.1

Risk Analysis ................................................................................................................. 14

8.2

Design Criteria .............................................................................................................. 15

8.3

Types of Available PFP Systems ................................................................................. 16

9.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................ 17

10.

MAINTENANCE IN DESIGN......................................................................................... 17

11.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS......................................................................... 17

12.

CERTIFYING AUTHORITY REVIEW REQUIREMENTS ............................................... 18

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1. PREFACE
This Philosophy defines the Petrom E&P corporate policy on the design of Passive Fire
Protection (PFP) Systems for onshore hydrocarbon production and processing facilities.
The document specifies basic requirements and criteria, defines the appropriate codes
and standards, and assists in the standardization of facilities design across all onshore
operations.
The document was elaborate by adaptation of TO-HQ-02-073 Rev 00 Philosophy for
Passive Fire Protection Systems - Onshore in respect to Romanian Regulations.
Implementing the Philosophy will be made with respect for Romanian valid Laws,
Orders, Normative and Regulations, as mentioned below. The enumeration is not
exhaustive and limitative.
The design process needs to consider project specific factors such as the location,
production composition, production rates and pressures, the process selected and the
size of the plant. This philosophy aims to address a wide range of the above variables,
however it is recognized that not all circumstances can be covered. In situations where
project specific considerations may justify deviation from this philosophy, a document
supporting the request for deviation shall be submitted to Petrom E&P for approval.
2. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are relevant to this document.
Cellulosic Fire

The combustion of cellulosic fuels, such as: wood, paper, textiles,

certain plastics, etc.

Fire Rating

Time during which a structure or component will provide

prescribed resistance to transmission of heat, passage of flame,
smoke and toxic gases and structural failure.

Fire Area

An area that is physically separated from other areas by space,

barriers, walls or other means in order to contain fire within that
area.

Hydrocarbon Fire

The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.

Hydrocarbon Jet Fire

The ignition and subsequent combustion of a pressurised

hydrocarbon leak.

Intumescence

A physical and chemical change, which results in the expansion

of the PFP material by several times its applied volume forming a
char of low thermal conductivity, which absorbs heat.

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Muster Area

Designated area where personnel report when required.

Pool Fire

Combustion of flammable liquid spilled and retained on a

surface.

Sublimation

The direct change of a PFP material from solid to vapour

effectively absorbing heat to execute the phase change.

3. ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations are relevant to this document.
PFP

Passive Fire Protection

BLEVE

Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion

ESDVs

Emergency Shut Down Valves

FERA

Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment

EERA

Escape, Evacuation and Rescue Analysis

IGSU

General Inspectorate for Emergency Situation

4. INTRODUCTION
This document defines the Petrom E&P corporate policy for the design basis and
philosophy of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) on its onshore facilities.
By specifying the basic requirements and criteria, and defining the appropriate codes and
standards, this philosophy intends to guide the selection and design of PFP Systems and
standardise this process across all onshore facilities operated by Petrom E&P.
5. APPLICABLE CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
Codes, standards and regulations referred to in this philosophy shall be of the latest edition
and shall be applied in the following order of precedence:
1. Local Regulations and valid Standards mentioned in these
2. European Directive
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3. National Directive
4. National harmonized with European Standard
5. European Standard and Codes
6. International Standard and Codes
The applicable norms and standards of the organizations listed below shall be considered as
part of these criteria. All documents shall be the latest editions in force on the date of
issuance of this document. Whenever a difference exists between this document and any
referenced publications, the more stringent requirements shall govern.
5.1

Codes and Standards List

I Laws, Government Decisions, Orders

1

Law nr. 307 din

12.07.2006

Related to the defence against fires

Order nr. 163 from

28.02.2007

For the approval of General Norms related to the defence

against fires

Order nr. 130 from

25.01.2007

For the approval of the Methodology of issuing the fire safety

scenarios

Order nr. 132 from

25.01.2007

For the approval of the Methodology of issuing the Analysis

and Risk Plan and the General Structure of the Analysis and
Risk Plan

H.G.R. nr. 1739

from 06.12.2006

For the approval of construction categories and

establishments which are submitted to the fire safety
approval/authorization

Order nr. 108 from

01.08.2001

For the approval of General Provisions regarding the

decrease in fire risks generated by electrostatic trials D.G.P.S.I.-004

Order nr.
47/1203/509 from
21.07.2003

For the approval of the Procedure for issuing of the

construction permit for the establishments placed in the
vicinity of the objectives/systems belonging to the oil and gas
industry

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Order nr. 1435 from

18.09.2006

For the approval of the Methodological Norms for the

authorization regarding fire safety and civil protection.

HG 1058/2006

Related to the minimum requirements for the improvement of

the safety and security of the workers exposed to potential
risks in explosive atmospheres.

Directive 99/92/CE
from 16.10.1999
10

Order nr. 87 from

14.06.2001

For to the approval of the Methodology related to the

identification, evaluation and control of fire risks

II Specifications, Norms, Codes, Regulations

1

Normative NP 08605

Related to the design, manufacture and use of fire fighting

equipment

Normative P 118-99

Fire safety of the buildings

III STAS, SR
1

STAS 10903/2-79

Fire protection. Determination of fire load in buildings.

Produse petroliere si lubrifianti. Sistem de clasificare.
Definirea claselor de produse.

STAS ISO 8681-92

SR 3317:2003

Natural gas. Quality requirements

SR 4163 series
standard

Water supplies. Distribution networks.

SR CEI 60839 series

standard

Alarm systems

SR ISO 6241:1998

Performance standards in building. Principles for their

preparation and factors to be considered

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(Oil and lubricant products. Classification systems. Class

products definitions)

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SR ISO 7162:1998

Performance standards in building. Contents and format of

standards for evaluation of performance

STAS 6647-88

Safety measures in case of fire. Fireproof elements for the

protection of walls and roofs holes. General technical
specifications

STAS 185/1

Sanitary installations for central heating, ventilation and

natural gas supply. Pipes for fluids. Conventional
identification items and colors.

10

STAS 6793-86

Cosuri si canale de fum pentru focare obisnuite la constructii

civile. Presciptii generale.
(Stove pipes, flues for civil buildings. General prescriptions)
Cosuri si canale de fum pentru instalatii de ncalzire centrala.
Prescriptii de calcul termotehnic.

11

STAS 3417-85

(Stove pipes, flues for central heating installations. Calorific

calculus prescriptions)
Instalatii sanitare. Alimentarea cu apa la constructii civile si
industraiale. Prescriptii fundamentale de proiectare.

12

STAS 1478/90

13

SR 12294:1993

(Sanitary installations. Water supply for civil and industrial

buildings. Engineering general prescriptions)
Artificial lighting industrial security lighting

IV SR ISO, IEC, EN Harmonized Romanian Standards

1

SR EN 12416 series
standard

Fixed fire fighting systems - Powder systems

SR EN 13501 series
standard

Fire classification of construction products and building

elements

SR EN 1634 series
standard

Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies

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SR EN 60598-2
series standard

Luminaries

SR EN 2/1995

Classification of fires

SR EN 1127-1:2003

Explosion prevention and protection. Part 1: Basic concepts

and methodology

SR EN 13237:2004

Potentially explosive atmospheres - Terms and definitions for

equipment and protective systems intended for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres

SR EN 26184
series standard

Explosion protection systems (ISO 6184)

SR ISO 8421
series standard

Fire protection. Vocabulary.

10

SR ISO 6309:1998

Fire protection. Safety signs

11

SR EN ISO
13943:2002

Fire safety. Vocabulary

12

SR ISO 6790:1998

Equipment for fire protection and fire fighting. Graphical

symbols for fire protection plans. Specification

13

SR EN 2:1995

Classification of fires

14

SR EN ISO
13702:2001

Petroleum and natural gas industries - Control and migration

of fires and explosions on offshore production installations Requirements and guidelines (ISO 13702:1999)

15

SR EN 61508

Functional Safety of Electrical/ Electronic/ Programmable

Electronic Safety Related Systems

16

SR EN 54 series
standard

Fire detection and fire alarm systems

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SR EN 60079 series
standard

Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Atmospheres

18

SR EN 60529

Ingress Protection Code

19

SR EN 61511

Functional safety - Safety instrumented systems for the

process industry sector

20

SR EN 61131 series
standard

Programmable controllers

21

SR EN ISO
9001:2001

Quality management systems. Requirements

V Standards outside EU
1

API-RP14C

Recommended practice for analysis, design, installation and

testing of basic surface safety systems for offshore
production platforms

ISA-RP 12.13.02

Recommended Practice for the Installation, Operation, and

Maintenance of Combustible Gas Detection Instruments

ASTM E 119

Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction

and Materials

ASTM E 515

Effect of Overheating Steel

ASTM D 635

Burning Rate and Burning Time after Ignition for Basic Epoxy
Resin

ASTM E 760

Standard Test Method for Effect of Impact on Bonding of

Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material applied to Structural Members

BS 5839

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Buildings

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BS 476

Fire Tests on Building Material for Design and Installation

BS 3900

Test Methods for Impact Effects on PFP

10

BS Part 20

BS Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method for

determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction
(general principles)

11

BS Part 21

BS Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for

determination of the fire resistance of load-bearing elements of
construction

12

BS Part 22

BS Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for

determination of the fire resistance of non-load-bearing
elements of construction

13

BS Part 23

BS Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for

determination of the contribution of components to the fire
resistance of a structure

14

ISO R 834

Fire-resistance tests - Elements of building construction

15

NFPA 33

Standard for Spray Application using Flammable and

Combustible Materials

16

NFPA 59

Standard for the Storage and handling of Liquefied Petroleum

Gases at Utility Gas Plants. Appendix D: Procedure for Torch
Fire and Hose Stream Testing of Thermal Insulating Systems
for LP Gas Containers

17

NFPA 251

Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Endurance of Building

Construction and Materials

18

NFPA 703

Fire Retarding Coatings

19

UL 263

Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

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UL 1709

5.2

References

Standard for Rapid Rise Fire Tests of Protection Materials for

Structural Steel

IP Guidelines for the Design and Protection of Pressure Systems to Withstand Severe Fires,
(March 2003)
IP Model Code of Safe Practice, Part 19 - Fire Precautions at Petroleum Refineries and Bulk
Storage Installations
Guidelines for Fire Protection in Chemical, Petrochemical and Hydrocarbon Processing
Facilities, AIChemE Publication (2003)
Handbook of Fire and Explosion Protection Engineering Principles for Oil, Gas, Chemical and
Related Facilities, Dennis, P. and Nolan, P.E., Noyes Publications (1996)
EP FF 01 PH

Philosophy for Fire and Gas Detection Systems Onshore

TO-HQ-02-071

Philosophy for HSEQ Management Onshore

EP FF 03 PH

Philosophy for Active Fire Fighting

TO-HQ-02-075

Philosophy for Escape, Evacuation and Rescue Onshore

6. SYSTEM GOAL
The goal of the PFP Systems shall primarily be for the protection of personnel in the event
of a fire or explosion with secondary consideration being given to the protection of plant
and equipment combined with environmental protection requirements. The PFP Systems
shall achieve their goal by:

Protecting personnel on the installation against Hydrocarbon Fire and jet fire

Preventing and/or containing explosions or delaying the event of BLEVE on pressure

vessels
Preventing the escalation of fires due to progressive release of inventory, by
separating designated Fire Areas
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Protecting safety systems for sufficient time to enable them to carry out their intended
function

Protecting safety critical components such as vessels, spheres, tanks, ESDVs, etc.

Minimising the likelihood of the collapse of tall structures and equipment that can
potentially cause escalation and/or impair Muster Areas/shelters and escape facilities.
Protecting critical structural members and those associated members essential to
maintain the integrity of designated Muster Areas and essential shelters
Protecting any section of escape routes to designated safe areas for a predetermined
time to allow safe escape from the area and to enable essential emergency response
activities to be carried out.
PFP may also be considered for the protection of equipment whose failure in case of a
local fire could cause extensive damage to the environment and assets.
Note: This philosophy does not consider the Fire Rating requirements for Remote
inhabited buildings.
7. SYSTEM BOUNDARIES
The boundaries of the PFP Systems are with the following:

extent of designated Fire Areas and the plants physical boundaries

interface with primary/secondary safety critical structures

interface with physical structural barriers; walls, decks, etc

interface to safety critical equipment and associated supports

8. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
It is not intended that this philosophy be used retrospectively. It should be applied to new
facilities and to major modifications and/or extensions to existing installations/plants. This
philosophy applies specifically to onshore installations in respect to:

Primary structure members and indoors structure members

Enclosures involved in Emergency Response or Escape, Evacuation and Rescue

Enclosed process areas and outdoors partitions

Process and storage, vessels and tanks

Safety critical process pipe work and Valve (ESDVs)

PFP Systems shall be generally designed in accordance with the provisions detailed in SR
EN ISO 13702, as applicable to onshore installations, in so far as that all systems and
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equipment shall be suitable for their intended environment and application and shall be
supported with type approval certification evidence for their major components. The
installation of PFP Systems shall be such that they protect the structure/equipment to a
level appropriate to the expected fire or explosion loadings for a duration defined as
appropriate for the given situation as determined by the Installation/Plant Fire and
Explosion Risk Analysis (FERA).
Risk Analysis shall be developed using the Methodology approved by Ministry of Interior
trough Order 130/2006.
8.1

Risk Analysis

The decision to install PFP and the specification of the type of PFP to be implemented shall
be made following a risk analysis of major hazards and their consequences to determine the
degree of protection required for the duration of the hazard.
In any case, the following rules shall apply:
PFP requirements for the purpose of life safety shall always be implemented, regardless
of local regulation
PFP requirements for the protection of the environment shall be implemented, but with
due consideration of local conditions
PFP requirements for asset protection are not mandatory and should be addressed by
the project management team on a case by case basis
The risk analysis should also identify the specific fire loading and duration, which will be
used to specify the appropriate PFP rating, in terms of the following:

Cellulosic Fires A rated PFP

Hydrocarbon Pool Fires H rated PFP

Hydrocarbon Jet Fires J rated PFP

8.1.1 Functional Requirements

The fire resistance provided by a PFP System is expressed in terms of the duration of
protection that the system provides to the protected structure/equipment before the first
critical behaviour is observed. The choice of PFP System should further consider the
following factors:

Pre-fire durability resistance to weathering, vibration, chemicals, etc.

Fire performance flame spread characteristics, resistance to water deluge, smoke and
toxic products emission, etc.

Explosion resistance reaction to overpressure and drag forces

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Installation requirements surface preparation, mode of application, applicator

qualifications, environmental conditions, coat back, etc.

The potential for corrosion under PFP

Weight constraints, where applicable

Certification refer to Section 8.1.4

Fire and explosion hazards, as determined in the plant FERA

Cost-Benefit analysis

8.1.2 Performance Criteria

In terms of Fire Rating, the structure, partition or equipment protected by a PFP System
must satisfy the following three criteria under the conditions identified during the project
FERA and for a prescribed duration suitable to achieve the safety goals identified for the
plant:
1. Stability: the structure shall fulfil its load-bearing capacity (where applicable) throughout
the fire exposure period
2. Integrity: partitions shall prevent the spread of flames and hot fumes throughout the fire
exposure period.
3. Insulation: the unexposed side of partitions shall not reach surface temperatures in
excess of a certain level throughout the fire exposure period. Insulation qualities are not
always necessary.
8.1.3 Suitability
The performance criteria and suitability of all PFP Systems shall be assured and supported
by tests conducted by organisations authorized following the Methodology issued by

General Inspectorate for Emergency Situation (IGSU) and approved by Ministry of

Interior.
8.1.4 Type Approval

Type approval of PFP materials is the issue of a certificate, based on the findings of the
testing identified in Section 8.1.3 above, stating that the material certified is thus suitable
for use in its intended application. Type approval certification is issued by independent
organisations known as Certifying Laboratory (Authority).
8.2

Design Criteria

The design criteria for the PFP Systems shall be defined with the sole purpose of
achieving the performance criteria of that which is being protected (refer to Section 8.1.3).
8.2.1 Limiting Core Temperature

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The stability of a structure is dependent on the materials limiting core temperature. The
typically accepted limiting steel core temperature for steel is approximately 400oC
however this is not definitive and depends on the material/material grade and the
accepted testing methods of the associated testing laboratory.
Structural heat-up calculations are an accepted alternative to testing for determining the
limiting core temperature.
8.2.2 Maximum Allowable Surface Temperatures
Similarly to the limiting core temperature for structures, those items of equipment deemed
as requiring PFP will be addressed in terms of their maximum allowable surface
temperature, i.e. the temperature at which critical behaviour is observed. The value of the
maximum allowable surface temperature shall be equipment specific depending on the goal
setting criteria for particular plant/project.
8.2.3 PFP Thickness
The certificate of type approval for each PFP material will specify the required material
thickness and other installation requirements (refer to Section 8.1.1) depending on the
Fire Rating, fire type, limiting core temperature/maximum allowable surface temperature
and will be specific to the PFP material under consideration.
8.2.4 Duration
The required duration of protection (expressed in minutes) will depend on the safety
goals identified in section 6.0 and the findings of the FERA and EERA.
8.3

Types of Available PFP Systems

Generally speaking, there are two generic forms of PFP material for use in the
petrochemical industry, identified as being either active or inactive.
Active PFP undergoes chemical and physical changes when exposed to fire whereas
inactive materials do not.
The following are common types of PFP materials provided for information purposes.
The list is not exhaustive nor is it intended to recommend any particular material over
another as the decision should be made depending on the intended application and
engineering judgement.
Epoxies
Provide fire protection by active response to fire exposure, being either by Intumescences
or Sublimation (see Section 2.0 Definitions).
Cementitious
Inorganic cements provide fire protection firstly by means of dehydration of its water
content, effectively absorbing heat, and secondly by acting as a physical insulation barrier.

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Magnesium oxy-chloride cements undergo thermal hydrogenation (the production of

additional water) in the 130C to 300C range, effectively increasing its fire performance.
High-density cement may be susceptible to spalling at elevated fire temperatures.
Fibrous
Utilise the physical properties of either ceramic or mineral fibres, which are prefabricated
in panels or blankets and provide a physical insulation barrier from cellulosic type fires.
Fibrous materials alone are not suitable for use as Hydrocarbon Fire protection.
The chosen PFP System shall be type approved in accordance with Section 8.1.4 and its
choice based on the full understanding of the performance requirements during both
normal and fire events.
9. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The design of PFP Systems should take account of the following:
Life cycle costs as well as the capital cost, for example testing costs, false trip costs,
commissioning and modification costs

Human factors

Selection and positioning of the correct field equipment suitable for the process and
environmental conditions
The safety system shall provide protection for normal operation and for the conditions
that may arise from an abnormal condition
10.

MAINTENANCE IN DESIGN

The PFP Systems shall be designed taking maintainability into consideration by simplifying
maintenance and reducing maintenance costs where practical.
There should be sufficient maintenance overrides to enable parts of the PFP Systems to be
maintained and tested minimising operational down time.
The PFP Systems should be designed to allow modifications and development to be
implemented whilst minimising disruption to the process.
11.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

The following project documents should be produced as a minimum to cover the design of
the safety system:
Front end engineering design (FEED):

Plant operational philosophy

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Installation Fire and Explosion Risk Analysis (FERA)

Design specification for the PFP Systems (hardware and software)

Hierarchy drawing

Safe charts as per API RP 14C

Functional design specification of PFP Systems

Detailed design:

Documents listed under FEED above

General arrangement drawings

PFP System layout drawings identifying the type, extent and thickness of proposed PFP
material

Vendors fire certification evidence of the propose system

Supporting calculations for heat transmission through structural members where

appropriate
Redundancy/structural collapse analysis to determine those structural members that
require PFP when subjected to elevated temperatures.
12.

CERTIFYING AUTHORITY REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

In the case where independent third part certification is required, the Certifying Authority
(CA) will require as a minimum the following documents for review:

Basis of Design Document

Functional design specification

PFP System layout drawings

PFP System interface details

PFP System calculations Hp/A values for structural members

PFP System type approval certification (as appropriate)

These should be issued to the CA in a timely manner to obtain approval before commencing
construction.

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