Application of quantitative risk analysis to fireproofing

Abstract

Abstract One of the core elements of fire protection for petrochemical processing plants is the consideration of passive fire protection (PFP). This general category, often referred to as fireproofing, is addressed in the American Petroleum Institute (API)‐recommended practice (RP) 2218. This RP provides guidelines for the selection and application of fireproofing with what is mostly a qualitative risk assessment approach. The logic focuses on predicting pool fires based on rough characterizations of system properties combined with equipment layout. Although pool fire impacts are often localized, jet fires can affect larger areas. API RP 2218 addresses jet fires in an appendix because of their unpredictable nature, leaving pool fire exposures as the default basis for structural fireproofing. To properly account for both fire types, fire exposure can be evaluated with quantitative risk analysis (QRA) tools that incorporate both jet and pool fire impacts for a wide variety of accident scenarios, weather conditions, and release orientations. By evaluating the thermal radiation impacts of fires in relation to the vulnerability of steel structural elements, a QRA‐based approach to placement of PFP can be achieved. This approach has the benefit of applying PFP where it is needed the most, to best protect a company's infrastructure.