Fire & Gas Detection; Reducing Risks in Rail Loading/Unloading Facilities. By Todd Spicer Technical Specialist Spartan Controls Fire & Security

Transcription

1 Fire & Gas Detection; Reducing Risks in Rail Loading/Unloading Facilities By Todd Spicer Technical Specialist Spartan Controls Fire & Security

2 Reality Rail Loading/Unloading Facilities Rail loading/unloading facilities for hydrocarbons such as crude oil, diluent or refined products are increasing in numbers throughout North America. Incidences related to Crude on Rail are increasing and becoming more frequently reported in the media. Society is calling for higher safety within the industry. Spartan Controls Confidential Page 2

3 Risks Rail Loading/Unloading Facilities The hazard and potential for fire/gas leak is high typically at the hatch, couplings, vents, and process piping. Electro-static discharge from the nozzle to car, diesel engines, and lightning strikes on the rail car and/or rack is the most common source of ignition If vapors are present between the LFL (lower flammable limit) and the UFL (Upper flammable limit) levels in the area of the ignition source, a fire is ignited. Spartan Controls Confidential Page 3

4 Why be concerned about a Fire or Gas Leak? Potential loss of life and equipment Environmental impact Social License Cost of fighting a fire Financial impact Spartan Controls Confidential Page 4

5 How do we reduce the risks? Proper safeties designed into the facilities 3D mapping Good Engineering Risk assessments Early indication of unsafe conditions and proper shutdowns Fire & Gas detection Process Shutdowns Manual ESD buttons Proper safety procedures HSE manuals Spartan Controls Confidential Page 5

6 What options do we have for Gas Detection? Manual Gas Detection: Personal or Portable Monitors Point Gas Detection: LFL(LEL) or Toxic (H2S) Open Path Detection: Det-Tronics LS2000 LFL Senscient LFL and/or H2S Spartan Controls Confidential Page 6

7 Why is there a need for gas detection? Gas Detection is the first line of defense against gas or vapor hazards both flammable and toxic The need to detect & measure gas or vapor before a hazardous concentration is present Provide outputs to enable emergency action (shut down, evacuation, etc) Spartan Controls Confidential Page 7

8 Gas Detection Overview Point Detection A point detector measures the concentration at the point where it is located and reads the percentage of LFL The detector must be in contact of the gas leaked 100% LFL 50% LFL 20% LFL 0% LFL Spartan Controls Confidential Page 8

9 Gas Detection Overview Open Path Detection Output is a function of gas concentration times the length of the surveillance path, and is expressed in units of LFL - m, or ppm - m. 2 m 100 ppm 4 m 200 ppm.m PAC at 40m =5ppm.m 50 ppm 20 m 10ppm Spartan Controls Confidential Page 9

10 Point + Beam Application Open Path systems are recommended for use in conjunction with point IR detectors or catalytic sensor systems for optimal combustible gas detection within a hazardous area. Spartan Controls Confidential Page 10

11 What options do we have for Flame Detection? Manual Actuation: - Push Button (PB) Requires human intervention Heat Detection: - Linear Heat Cable (LHD) or Point Heat Detector (PHD) performance susceptible to effects of environment. i.e. ambient temp, conditions. Optical Flame Detection: - Optical Flame Detector (X3301) Earliest/fastest method of detection. Spartan Controls Confidential Page 11

12 Flame & Gas Detection Overview Flame detectors are optical devices and therefore cannot see through solid/opaque objects Radiation emitted from the visible flame is the source of detection Wavelengths of focus are in the UV, IR or both Spartan Controls Confidential Page 12

13 Optical Flame Detection - Understanding Flame Dynamics Sense radiant energy from an open flame. Varies by fuel type. Provide different performance capabilities depending on technology type and spectral emissions of the fire. Provide varying levels of nuisance alarm rejection capability depending on the technology 13 Spartan Controls Confidential Page 13

14 The Challenge The Challenge: Undetected hazards How many detectors and where to locate Blind spots with zero coverage Lack of adequate coverage in high risk areas Obstructions in a detector s field of view Spartan Controls Confidential Page 14

15 Conventional Approaches to Determine Detector Placement Conventional approaches to mapping have evolved from rudimentary sketches Spartan Controls Confidential Page 15

16 Conventional Approaches to Determine Detector Placement To Visio-type drawings Spartan Controls Confidential Page 16

17 Conventional Approaches to Determine Detector Placement To formal 2D CAD oriented-type drawings Spartan Controls Confidential Page 17

18 Conventional Approaches to Determine Detector Placement Basic and rudimentary bird s eye view - does not account for: Blind spot changes in different planes Partially obscured fires which can provide false positives/negatives Accurate statistical data, especially with cylindrical shapes Spartan Controls Confidential Page 18

19 The 3D Mapping Method 3D Mapping Software + In-house Expertise Spartan Controls Confidential Page 19

20 The 3D Mapping Method Applicable to: Flame detection Gas detection Both Spartan Controls Confidential Page 20

21 Justification Mapping report provided to the end user with key information to be used for: Installation Auditing Insurers Regulators Process will determine the following: Detector location x, y, z axis, inclination and declination Visual confirmation of coverage and zero coverage Statistical analysis (1ooN, voted 2ooN, etc) Detection recommendation technology, sensitivity, optimized settings Spartan Controls Confidential Page 21

22 Examples Spartan Controls Confidential Page 22

23 Flame & Gas Detection Overview Detection range, field of view are highly dependent on: Fuel source Range Environment Proper alignment Optical gas detection either point or line of sight are dependent upon: Proximity to leak source Leak rates Environmental effects Obstructions Spartan Controls Confidential Page 23

24 In Summary Mitigation of undetected hazards by: Quantitative data provides another layer of protection and increased level of safety Ensures proper and precise detector placement with optimum coverage Flame and gas detection and fire protection engineers with years of experience Spartan Controls Confidential Page 24

25 Thank you for your time.any questions? Fire & Gas Detection; Reducing Risks in Rail Loading/Unloading Facilities Todd Spicer, Technical Specialist Fire & Security Spartan Controls Confidential Page 25 Spartan Controls Confidential