What is the minimum spacing between a process unit and a product storage tank?

60 meters for Class A/B petroleum products (Table 1).

What is the required fire water storage capacity?

Sized for a minimum of 4 hours of the aggregate design fire water flow rate (Clause 5.1.4).

What is the design water spray rate for a horizontal vessel?

10.2 litres per minute per square meter (lpm/m²) of exposed surface area (Table 2).

What is the maximum spacing for fire hydrants in a process area?

Hydrants should be located at a maximum spacing of 30 meters (Clause 5.2.1.2).

IS 15394

: 2003

Fire Safety in Petroleum Refineries and Fertilizer Plants - Code of Practice

CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeBIMFire Safety · Fire Safety

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This code of practice provides guidelines for fire safety in petroleum refineries and fertilizer plants. It covers crucial aspects such as plant layout, spacing between equipment, design of fire protection systems (hydrants, water spray, foam), and requirements for fire detection, alarm systems, and emergency management.

Fire Safety in Petroleum Refineries and Fertilizer Plants - Code of Practice

Quick Reference Values

Minimum spacing between process units60 m

Maximum hydrant spacing in process areas30 m

Minimum fire water storage capacity4 hours of design flow rate

Minimum residual pressure at hydrants7 kg/cm²

Water spray rate for horizontal vessels10.2 lpm/m²

Water spray rate for vertical vessels10.2 lpm/m²

Water spray rate for pumps handling liquid >230°C20.4 lpm/m²

Practical Notes

This standard should be read in conjunction with OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) standards (e.g., OISD-STD-116, 117), which are often more stringent and mandatory for facilities in India.

The water spray densities and coverage requirements in Table 2 are critical for equipment protection and are a common focus during safety audits.

Hydraulic analysis of the fire water network is essential to ensure the minimum residual pressure of 7 kg/cm² is available at the hydraulically most remote point during a major fire scenario.