iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi successfully completed a 3D Flame Detection Mapping Study for the YNGLF Facility within the Saudi Aramco Yanbu Refinery Complex, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study was executed as part of the BI-10-16969 project to optimize flame detector coverage, improve fire detection reliability, and strengthen refinery fire and gas safety performance.
The YNGLF facility is designed for the fractionation and separation of propane, butane, naphtha, and heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas streams. The facility includes propane storage tanks, butane storage tanks, NGL spheres, surge storage bullets, and ethane storage systems handling highly flammable hydrocarbon inventories.
iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi performed the Flame Detection Study using a performance-based assessment methodology to ensure effective flame detector coverage across critical process and storage areas. The project also demonstrates iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi’s expertise in delivering advanced Flame Detection Studies and industrial fire and gas safety solutions for oil & gas facilities across the Middle East.
Project Overview
| Project Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Project | PRAD 2401 |
| Client | Saudi Aramco |
| Facility | YNGLF Facility – Yanbu Refinery Complex |
| Location | Yanbu Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
| Study Type | 3D Flame Detection Mapping Study |
| Industry | Oil & Gas / Refinery |
| Scope | Flame Detector Coverage Assessment & Optimization |
Objective of the Flame Detection Study
The primary objective of the Flame Detection Study was to establish an effective fire detection system capable of rapidly identifying hydrocarbon fire events at an early stage. Early flame detection helps initiate prompt operator action, emergency shutdown activation, and fire protection response to prevent escalation of fire incidents.
The study followed a performance-based assessment approach by evaluating detector coverage effectiveness against credible fire scenarios while ensuring proper integration with emergency shutdown systems, alarms, and fire protection systems.
The study focused on:
- Early hydrocarbon flame detection
- Improving emergency response capability
- Enhancing personnel and asset safety
- Optimizing flame detector placement
- Reducing flame detection blind spots
- Improving overall fire and gas system effectiveness
- Supporting refinery process safety compliance
Overall, the flame detection system forms a critical layer of the refinery safety strategy by providing reliable and continuous fire detection performance across hazardous process and storage areas.
Recognized for excellence.
PROJECTS DELIVERED ACROSS THE GLOBE
Scope of Work
The scope of the 3D Flame Detection Mapping Study included:
- Review of plant layouts and hazardous area information
- Development of a detailed 3D facility model
- Identification of credible hydrocarbon fire scenarios
- Assessment of existing flame detector coverage
- Evaluation of line of sight obstructions
- Detector coverage analysis using performance based methodology
- Optimization of flame detector locations
- Recommendation of additional detectors where required
- Preparation of detector coverage plots and 2D layouts
Methodology
The Flame Detection Mapping Study was carried out using specialized 3D flame detection assessment software in accordance with internationally recognized fire and gas mapping practices.
The methodology involved:
- Data collection and facility review
- Hazard identification and fire scenario selection
- 3D modelling of process and storage areas
- Existing detector coverage assessment
- Identification of coverage gaps and blind spots
- Detector relocation and optimization analysis
- Proposed detector placement evaluation
- Final coverage verification and reporting
The assessment considered equipment congestion, structural obstructions, hydrocarbon inventories, detector field of view, and fire detection performance requirements to ensure effective flame detection coverage throughout the facility.
The assessment approach adopted in this project reflects engineering methodologies widely implemented for major Flame Detection Study Abu Dhabi projects and regional oil & gas safety applications.
Codes and Standards
The assessment was conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards and guidelines:
| Codes & Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| ISA-TR84.00.07-2018 | Evaluation of Fire, Combustible Gas, and Toxic Gas System Effectiveness |
| SABP-B-104 | Guidelines for Performing Fire & Gas Mapping Studies |
| NFPA 72 | National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code |
Results and Discussion
The Flame Detection Study identified areas requiring detector optimization to improve flame detection coverage and fire detection reliability.
| Existing Detector | Proposed Detector | ||||
| Detector Count | Coverage (%) | Detector Count | Coverage (%) | ||
| 0ooN | 1ooN | 0ooN | 1ooN | ||
Based on the zone-wise assessment:
- Existing detector layouts were reviewed
- Detector blind spots were identified
- Strategic detector relocation was performed
- Additional flame detectors were recommended in critical areas
- Detector coverage performance was improved using optimized layouts
Detector Coverage Snapshot
The final deliverables included:
- Detector coverage snapshots
- Optimized detector coordinates
- 2D detector layouts
- Coverage performance reports
- Detector placement recommendations
The optimized flame detection system significantly enhanced fire detection effectiveness and strengthened the refinery fire and gas safety strategy for the YNGLF facility.
Key Benefits of the Study
- Improved hydrocarbon fire detection capability
- Faster emergency response initiation
- Enhanced personnel and asset protection
- Reduced risk of fire escalation
- Optimized flame detector coverage
- Improved fire and gas system reliability
- Compliance with international safety standards
Conclusion
The successful completion of this 3D Flame Detection Study for the YNGLF facility highlights the importance of advanced fire and gas detection engineering in safeguarding high-risk oil & gas operations. Through systematic detector mapping, coverage optimization, and performance-based assessment methodologies, the study ensured improved fire detection reliability, enhanced personnel safety, and reduced risk of fire escalation across critical hydrocarbon processing and storage areas.
This project demonstrates iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi expertise in executing complex Flame Detection Study industrial safety projects in compliance with international standards and client-specific requirements. The study also reinforces the role of optimized flame detection systems as an essential layer of protection within modern process safety and risk management frameworks for refineries, gas plants, terminals, and petrochemical facilities across Abu Dhabi and the wider Middle East region.
Enhance refinery fire and gas safety with advanced 3D Flame Detection Studies and detector coverage optimization solutions from iFluids Engineering Abu Dhabi.
Email: uae@ifluids.com
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