The IOCL Ennore Jetty, situated on the eastern coast near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a critical infrastructure managed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for handling petroleum and LPG products. Designed for seamless import and export operations, the facility is equipped with essential systems such as unloading platforms, loading/unloading arms, slop tanks, pipelines, fire water systems, and utilities for efficient product transfer.
The jetty features:
- Mooring and berthing dolphins for secure docking.
- An approach trestle ensuring pipeline and road connectivity between the jetty and the landfall point.
- A 5 km-long pipe trestle for routing pipelines.
- Additional infrastructure, including a fire water pump house with advanced firefighting equipment and a control room for operational management and security.
Scope of Work by iFluids Engineering
iFluids Engineering undertook the 2D Fire and Gas Mapping study at the IOCL Ennore Jetty facility for M/s. ABB India Limited. The primary activities included:
- Coverage of Hydrocarbon Product Handling Areas:
- The study encompassed all hydrocarbon handling zones within the jetty facility.
- Detector Location and Mounting:
- Detector locations and mounting heights were determined using dispersion pattern analysis.
- A detailed 2D layout plan for gas detection was developed.
- Assessment and Recommendations:
- Comprehensive evaluation of detector requirements, including optimal locations, types, and quantities for various facility zones.
Objectives of the F&G Mapping Study
The primary objectives of the Fire and Gas Mapping study were:
- Hazard Identification:
- Identifying potential hazards that could lead to flammable gas releases.
- Modeling Physical Impacts:
- Simulating gas leak scenarios to understand dispersion patterns and quantify hazardous impacts on project facilities.
- Enhanced Detection System Recommendations:
- Proposing updated arrangements for fire and gas detection systems to improve safety and efficiency.
Importance of Fire and Gas Mapping Studies
Fire and Gas Mapping studies play a crucial role in enhancing safety at refineries and storage facilities. By strategically placing detection systems, these studies facilitate the early identification of flammable or toxic gas leaks and fires. Key benefits include:
- Prompt Hazard Detection:
- Automated systems enable faster detection and response compared to manual monitoring.
- Mitigating Incident Severity:
- Rapid responses, such as equipment shutdowns or activation of fire suppression systems, reduce the impact of incidents.
- Informed Decision-Making:
- Optimized detector placement protects personnel and assets effectively.
Approach to the Fire and Gas Mapping Study
The following steps outline the methodology used in the F&G Mapping Study:
- Hazard Analysis:
- Identifying potential leak sources and assessing risks.
- Dispersion Modeling:
- Simulating gas cloud dimensions and downwind dispersion patterns for various leak orientations.
- Detector Placement Optimization:
- Using graphical modeling results to determine optimal detector locations based on gas cloud height and dispersion distances.
Key Outcomes
The Fire and Gas Mapping study at the IOCL Ennore Jetty provided actionable insights, including:
- Detailed assessments of gas cloud behavior, helping identify high-risk zones.
- Optimal placement of detectors to ensure timely detection and effective response to gas leaks and fire hazards.
- Enhanced safety measures for personnel and assets, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Conclusion
The 2D Fire and Gas Mapping study conducted by iFluids Engineering has significantly improved the safety and operational reliability of the IOCL Ennore Jetty. By implementing optimized fire and gas detection systems, the facility is now better equipped to handle potential hazards, safeguarding its critical infrastructure and workforce.