Project Overview
iFluids Engineering conducted a fire water hydraulic analysis and adequacy study at IOCL Panipat Refinery. The study aimed to evaluate the refinery’s fire water pumps, storage, and fire water network sufficiency according to OISD-116 standards.
Scope of the Study
The study included:
- Fire Water Requirement Calculations: Calculate fire water requirements at the various process units and storage tanks and Hydraulic analysis of existing fire water network considering different combinations of the fire scenarios as per OISD-116 requirement.
- Pipe Size and Velocity Check: Review the pipe sizes of existing fire water network limiting the velocity of 5 m/sec in the hydraulic analysis and recommendations for the modification in the form of drawing, if any, to be given.
- FW Line Header Adequacy: To determine whether the FW line header installed in tank farm areas and process units is adequate for feeding requirements to HVLRM/ROHVLRM according to their capacity, i.e., 1000/2000 GPM or 2000/4000 GPM or more, and to provide recommendations for any necessary modifications.
- HVLRs Adequacy Check: Determine if installed HVLRs, or those in the process of being installed (via e-MOC at MR), are adequate for combating fires; if not, to make suggestions for their installation.
- Fire Water Pumping Capacity: Evaluate the existing fire water pumping capacity and provide modification recommendations if required.
- Fire Water Storage Capacity: To determine the current fire water storage capacity and, if necessary, make recommendations for extra storage tanks.
- Foam Cum Water Monitors Adequacy: To check the existing mobile/fixed foam cum water monitors adequacy and recommend for the modifications required, if any.
- FW Ring Network Analysis: To carry out network analysis of FW ring and identify locations /areas having turbulence/stagnation and causing deterioration of lines and provide solution.
- Pressure Gauge Installation: Examine the pressure gauges in the FW network and suggest adding more PG to comply with OISD-116 standards.
- FW Pressure Maintenance: FW shall be maintained 7 kg/cm2 pressure at the hydraulically remotest point of application at the design flow rate at that point.
- Flushing Points Adequacy: Review flushing points adequacy and recommend additional points where necessary.
- Hydraulic/Flow Summary: Creation of a hydraulic/flow summary that shows the lines’ pressure and flow profiles.
- Water Demand Based on Latest OISD 116: Determine the water demand for process units and tank farm areas based on the latest OISD Standard 116.
Conclusion:
The fire water system at IOCL Panipat Refinery generally meets fire protection needs but requires several upgrades to fully comply with OISD-116 standards. Key recommendations include upgrading hydrants, sprinklers, and water monitors, increasing fire water storage capacity, installing additional pressure gauges, and enhancing pipe diameters for improved system efficiency and fire safety.