Introduction
The Jafurah Downstream Pipeline (JFDP) Phase II project is a major hydrocarbon transportation infrastructure development designed to support the safe and reliable transfer of Ethane, Propane, Butane, Natural Gasoline, and Pentane through an integrated pipeline network in Saudi Arabia. The project includes the JFRNGL pipeline connecting the Jafurah Gas Plant Expansion to the Riyas NGL Fractionation Facilities, ensuring operational flexibility, continuity, and efficient product handling across the downstream network.
As part of the BI-10-14245 project, Worley appointed iFluids Engineering to perform the 3D Fire & Gas Detection Mapping Study for the pipeline facilities. The study was successfully completed by iFluids Engineering to evaluate detector effectiveness, optimize detector placement, and improve overall Fire & Gas system performance in accordance with project safety requirements and international engineering standards.
The project demonstrates iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi’s expertise in delivering advanced Fire & Gas Mapping Studies, Gas Detector Coverage Assessment, and Process Safety Engineering solutions for oil & gas pipeline facilities across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Objective of the Assessment
The objective of the Fire & Gas (F&G) Detection Mapping Study was to develop an effective and reliable detection system capable of identifying hazardous gas releases and fire scenarios at an early stage to enable timely operator response and minimize escalation risks.
The assessment adopted a performance-based methodology that linked detector effectiveness with credible hazard scenarios while integrating the Fire & Gas detection system with shutdown systems and fire protection systems to support both automatic and manual emergency response actions.
The study focused on:
- Enhancing personnel safety across the pipeline facilities
- Improving emergency escape and evacuation assurance
- Reducing the likelihood of incident escalation
- Optimizing detector placement and accessibility for maintenance
- Improving Fire & Gas system reliability and effectiveness
- Supporting compliance with project specifications and international standards
The Fire & Gas detection system serves as a critical layer of protection within the overall plant safety framework and requires reliable operational performance throughout the lifecycle of the facility.
Recognized for excellence.
PROJECTS DELIVERED ACROSS THE GLOBE
3D Fire & Gas Mapping Methodology
The 3D Fire & Gas Mapping Study was carried out using specialized Fire & Gas Mapping software and advanced detector coverage assessment techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and proposed detector layouts across the Jafurah Downstream Pipeline facilities.
The methodology included a detailed assessment of hazardous areas, process conditions, equipment layouts, and credible fire and gas release scenarios to ensure adequate detection coverage throughout the facility.
The study methodology involved:
- Review of process layouts, piping arrangements, equipment data, and hazardous area classifications
- Identification of credible combustible gas release and fire scenarios
- Evaluation of combustible gas detector coverage performance
- Assessment of flame detector line-of-sight visibility and obstruction analysis
- Optimization of detector placement through strategic relocation and detector addition
- Verification of detector coverage against project performance targets
- Evaluation of detector redundancy and detection effectiveness
- Development of 3D detector coverage visualization models
- Preparation of optimized 2D detector layout drawings and detector coordinate details
Zone-wise assessment was performed to identify coverage gaps and improve Fire & Gas detection performance across critical process and pipeline areas. Additional point-type gas detectors were introduced in selected areas to enhance combustible gas coverage and improve system effectiveness.
The final optimized detector layout ensured improved coverage performance, enhanced hazard detection capability, and compliance with applicable Fire & Gas Mapping standards and project requirements.
Codes and Standards
The Fire & Gas Detection Mapping Study was performed in accordance with internationally recognized engineering standards and project-specific guidelines, including:
| Codes & Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| ISA-TR84.00.07-2018 | Guidance on the Evaluation of Fire, Combustible Gas, and Toxic Gas System Effectiveness |
| SAES-J-505 | Combustible Gas and Hydrogen Sulfide in Air Detection Systems |
| SABP-B-104 | Guidelines for Performing Fire & Gas Mapping Studies |
These standards were used to evaluate detector effectiveness, coverage performance, and overall Fire & Gas system reliability for the project facilities.
Summary and Result Discussion
The Fire & Gas Detection Mapping Study for the Jafurah Downstream Pipeline Phase II project was successfully completed using advanced 3D detector coverage assessment tools and performance-based evaluation techniques.
Detector coverage performance was assessed zone-wise to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and proposed Fire & Gas detector layouts. Based on the assessment findings, detector configurations were optimized through strategic relocation, removal of ineffective detector positions, and the addition of new point-type gas detectors in critical areas.
The study achieved:
- Improved combustible gas detector coverage
- Enhanced flame detector visibility and effectiveness
- Better hazard detection capability across pipeline facilities
- Optimized detector redundancy and coverage performance
- Improved overall Fire & Gas system reliability
- Enhanced personnel safety and operational protection
The final deliverables included:
- 3D detector coverage snapshots
- Optimized detector coordinate details
- Zone-wise detector coverage assessment results
- 2D Fire & Gas detector layout drawings
- Detector coverage performance reports
The completed study significantly enhanced the Fire & Gas detection performance for the Jafurah Downstream Pipeline facilities and supported safe plant operation through improved hazard detection and emergency response capability.
Why Choose iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi for Fire & Gas Mapping Studies
iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi provides specialized Fire & Gas Mapping and Process Safety Engineering solutions for oil & gas, pipeline, refinery, petrochemical, and energy facilities.
Contact iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi
For technical enquiries, regulatory support, or project specific service requirements in the UAE, please contact iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi:
Email: uae@ifluids.com
Phone: +971 507814251