Offshore Fire And Explosion Detection And Fixed Fire

ABSTRACT Due to the particular fire and explosion problems on offshore oil and gas platforms and drilling rigs special integrated multi-product fire protection and explosion prevention packages have been developed and applied in many areas of the work. INTRODUCTION: Throughout the ages fire protection engineers have developed media and systems to meet the new challenges as society developed and introduced new hazards. Many examples of this can be seen in industrial history; some of which are the cotton and woollen mills, electricity power stations and sub-stations with oil filled electrical gear, liquefied petroleum gas tanks on gas plants and oil refineries, foam plastic/ rubber factories and stores, rubber tyre warehouses and warehouses containing high piled flammable goods. Perhaps the greatest challenge which has emerged in recent times is the fire and explosion hazard on the offshore oil and gas drilling rigs and production platforms throughout the world including those located in the North Sea off the shores of Great Britain. Whilst the individual hazards on the aforementioned plants are similar to those found in many industries the situation offshore is particularly challenging for a number of reasons:Some areas of platforms are particularly hazardous due to handling large quantities of oil containing the lighter fractions with a flammable gas risk also present.The various areas of fire risk are in very close proximity.The plants operate at a high activity level continuously.The strain on the crews for periods of time can be intense.There is a very high capital investment involvement in these plants which needs safe-guarding.The wealth being produced is very great and vital to the Country involved.The danger to life, should a fire incident become uncontrolled, is considerable. This paper describes how modern fire engineering technology is being used to protect oil production platforms. THE HAZARD: There are broadly speaking four different types of hazard:The explosion risk due to leakage of flammable gas. Gas detection systems are used to give alarm on the detection of predetermined levels of concentration of gas below the lower explosive limit.The fire risk of flammable oils and gases in and around pipelines and plant. Automatic high velocity and medium velocity water spray systems are used, often supported by foam injection arrangements or portable dry powder appliances.The fire risk of electrical plant. Automatic gas extinguishing systems are employed generally using Halon 1301 as the medium.The fire risk of flammable solids such as stores, workshops and the living quarters. Automatic sprinkler equipment is used in these areas. Automatic and manually operated fire alarm equipment of various types is usually also installed throughout the platforms together with portable fire fighting equipment in the form of hydrants with hoses and branch pipes, hose reels, monitors and fire extinguishers of the hand held and mobile wheeled type.