NATIONAL OIL CORPORATION
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
GES A.01
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
Rev
Date
Description
0
1999
Issued for Implementation
Checked
Approved
DL
Compiled by Teknica (UK) Ltd
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 2 of 34
Rev 0 1999
INDEX
SECTION
TITLE
1.0
SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION
4
1.1
1.2
Introduction
Other NOC Specifications
4
4
2.0
DEFINITIONS
5
2.1
2.2
Technical
Contractual
5
5
3.0
DESIGN
6
3.1
3.2
Codes and Standards
Area Classification
6
7
4.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
7
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
General
Environmental Effects
Fire and Emergencies Protection
Maintenance and Operation
High Risk Equipment
Site Security
Climatic Design Data
Site Drainage/Effluent Collection
Future Expansion
7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
5.0
PROCESS UNITS LAYOUT
8
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
Optimum Layout
Plot Plan
Spacing of Process Equipment
Pipe Racks
Access Roads within Plot Limits
Major Maintenance Areas
Access Clearances
Platforms, Stairways and Ladders
8
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
6.0
PROCESS EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
12
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
Structures for Equipment
Pumps
Compressors
Fired Heaters and Boilers
Air Intakes and Exhaust Stacks
Chemical Injection Areas
Air-cooled Heat Exchangers
12
13
13
14
15
15
16
PAGE
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 3 of 34
Rev 0 1999
SECTION
TITLE
6.8
6.9
6.10
Towers/Columns
Control Rooms/Control Buildings
Electrical Sub-Stations
16
16
17
7.0
SITE LAYOUT AND OFF-SITES
17
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
Overall Site Plot Plan
Plant Access Roads
Utility Plant
Buildings
Paving and Drainage
17
18
18
19
19
8.0
OFF-SITES EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
19
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
Cooling Towers
Flares and Vent Stacks
GOSP Facilities
Loading Facilities
Tank Farms
Pressurised Storage
Oil/Water Separators and Skimming Ponds
19
20
20
21
21
22
23
Figure No. 1
Figure No. 2
Figure No. 3
Figure No. 4
Figure No. 5
Figure No. 6
Figure No. 7
Figure No. 8
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Figure No. 9
PAGE
Overall Layout Showing Hazardous Areas
Optimum Process Unit Layout
Equipment Maintenance Access
Distance Between Process Plants
Process Plant Minimum Spacing
Bunded Area Minimum Distances
Tank Farm Minimum Distances
Minimum Safety Distances for above ground LPG
Pressure Storage Vessels
Impounding Basin
Table 1A
Minimum Spacing for Refineries, Chemical
Plants and Oil/Gas Facilities (FPS Units)
Table 1B
Minimum Spacing for Refineries, Chemical Plants and Oil/Gas
Facilities (Metric Units)
31
32
33
34
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 4 of 34
Rev 0 1999
1.0
SCOPE OF SPECIFICATION
1.1
Introduction
1.1.1
This specification covers the minimum requirements for layout and spacing of equipment for refineries, oil
and gas onshore installations and processing facilities.
1.1.2
The provisions laid down in this specification shall be complied with in full and any exceptions must be
authorised in writing by the Owner.
1.1.3
In the event of any conflict between this specification and any of the applicable codes and standards, the
contractor shall inform the Owner in writing and receive written clarification before proceeding with the
work.
1.1.4
This General Engineering Specification will form part of the Purchase Order/Contract.
1.2
Other NOC Specifications
The following NOC General Engineering Specifications are an integral part of this specification and any
exceptions shall be approved in advance by the Owner.
Where indicated in this specification, the following NOC Specifications shall apply:
GES A.03
-
Packaged Units Layout, Spacing and Assembly
GES A.06
-
Site Data
GES B.02
-
Blast Resistant Control Buildings
GES H.04
-
Fire Water Systems
GES H.06
-
Fixed Water Spray Systems
GES H.07
-
Fire Fighting Facilities for Storage Tanks
GES L.31
-
Area Classification
GES P.02
-
Plant Piping Systems
GES Q.03
-
Foundations and Piling
GES Q.04
-
Concrete Structures
GES Q.06
-
Roads and Paving
GES Q.14
-
Design Loads for Structures
GES R.06
-
Marine Loading Facilities
GES S.01
-
Steelwork Structures
GES S.02
-
Structures for Operation and Maintenance
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
2.0
DEFINITIONS
2.1
Technical
GES A.01
Page 5 of 34
Rev 0 1999
The technical terms used in this specification are defined as follows:
Dropout Area
A designated maintenance area adjacent to elevated equipment or structures to accommodate the lowering
of equipment internals, such as tower trays, by means of a davit fixed to the tower. Other applications may
apply, such as catalyst loading and unloading at reactors and dehydrators.
Laydown Areas
A designated maintenance area local to rotating or other mechanical equipment where space is restricted,
such as in a compressor building. For example, the casing of a compressor can be lifted and laid down in a
specific area so that the compressor machinery can be inspected and maintained.
Tube (or Bundle) Pulling Area
A designated area to allow the pulling of removable tube bundles from heat exchangers and condensers.
This definition also applies to the removal of furnace tubes for fired heaters.
Bunded Area (also known as a Diked Area)
A retaining area surrounding a storage tank or group of tanks sized to contain the contents of the largest
tank (plus the additional cubic capacity occupied by the remaining tanks, up to the level of the bund wall)
in the designated area in case of rupture of the tank wall.
Bund walls (or Dikes) are normally earth walls with sloped consolidated sides. Concrete bund walls are
sometimes used for smaller storage tanks or in restricted areas.
Maximum Heat Radiation Flux Level (Heat Flux)
This is the maximum allowable heat flow emitted by a flare or a fire that may be tolerated by operating
personnel and equipment.
This factor is measured in either BTU/h ft2 or kW/m2 (the latter is more recognised).
The maximum continuous human tolerance without protective clothing is a heat flux of 500 BTU/h ft2
(1.5 kW/m2). The maximum allowable heat flux for process units is 2000 BTU/h ft2 (6 kW/m2).
Sterile Area
Area surrounding a flare stack, with controlled access (subject to "Work Permit" restrictions). Total
destruction of vegetation to avoid ignition.
2.2
Contractual
The commercial terms used in this specification are defined as follows:
2.2.1
Owner
The oil and gas company, an associate or subsidiary, who is the end user of the equipment and facilities.
2.2.2
Purchaser
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 6 of 34
Rev 0 1999
The company buying the equipment for or on behalf of the Owner.
2.2.3
Vendor
The company supplying the equipment and material.
2.2.4
Contractor
The main contractor for a defined piece of work.
2.2.5
Sub-Contractor
A company awarded a contract by a Contractor to do part of the work awarded to the Contractor.
2.2.6
Inspection Authority
The organisation representing the Owner, Purchaser or Contractor that verifies that the equipment and
facilities have been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this
specification and the Purchase Order/Contract.
2.2.7
Inspector
A qualified individual representing the Owner, Purchaser, Contractor or the assigned Inspection Authority,
who verifies that the equipment and facilities have been designed, constructed, inspected and tested in
accordance with the requirements of this specification and the Purchase Order/Contract.
3.0
DESIGN
3.1
Codes and Standards
3.1.1
The design shall comply with this specification and the following codes and standards.
Institute of Petroleum (IP)
Model Code of Safe Practice - Part 3
Model Code of Safe Practice - Part 9
Refining Safety Code
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA Standard No.30
Flammable and Combustible Liquid Code
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API 2510
Installations
Design
and
Construction
of
LPG
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI B31.3
ANSI A99.10
Process Piping
Uniform Building
Regulations
Code,
Earthquake
Oil Insurance Association
Publication No. 631
General Recommendations for Spacing
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 7 of 34
Rev 0 1999
LP Gas Association
LPG Codes of Practice
Code of Practice No.1 Installation and
Maintenance of Fixed Bulk LPG Storage:
Part 1 Design and Installation
3.1.2
Unless specified otherwise in the Purchase Order/Contract, the current editions of the codes and standards
at the time of the Order shall be used.
3.2
Area Classification
3.2.1
General
Area classification divides the plant into areas based on the probability of combustible materials being
present in that area. Classifications shall be in accordance with General Engineering Specification GES
L.31
4.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1
General
Process plants, units and equipment shall be arranged by the Vendor/Contractor to provide an economical
facility which shall be safe and easy to operate. In order to develop a detailed layout of a refinery,
petrochemical installation or an oil or gas onshore production facility, a number of studies and
investigations are needed and shall be carried out, i.e. soil conditions, plant location, environmental impact,
pipeline routes, public utility connections (if any), air, road or sea access. Requirements for future
expansion shall be allowed for by the Vendor/Contractor.
4.2
Environmental Effects
Distance from other industrial (i.e. source of ignition) and residential areas shall be considered.
Installations shall not endanger the environment under normal operating or emergency conditions. These
conditions shall thus determine the boundary fence limits.
4.3
Fire and Emergencies Protection
Critical emergency facilities shall be easily accessible for operators to perform emergency shutdown
actions in the case of a fire or an explosion.
The layout should provide accessibility for fire-fighting and emergencies, and to minimise involvement to
adjacent facilities in a fire (see Figure 1 for typical model). Minimum separation distances are laid down in
Table 1A (1B).
4.4
Maintenance and Operation
The layout should provide easy access for plant personnel and vehicles for normal operation and
maintenance of equipment.
Separation distances between units should enable maintenance to be carried out safely in one unit, with
adjacent units in operation (see Figure 2).
4.5
High Risk Equipment
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 8 of 34
Rev 0 1999
High risk equipment (i.e. Process Unit Fired Heaters) or facilities shall be segregated (as practically
possible) from less hazardous equipment (i.e. Atmospheric Storage Tanks) and operations.
4.6
Site Security
Site security shall be achieved by providing appropriate boundary fencing and gates. The level of site
security shall be determined by the Owner.
4.7
Climatic Design Data
The prevailing wind direction should be determined and shown on the site plot plan and the process plot
plan(s). Maximum and minimum ambient temperatures and maximum precipitation should be established.
Note: For all climatic design data i.e. earthquake zoning etc., refer to General Engineering Specification
GES A.06.
4.8
Site Drainage/Effluent Collection
The main collection points for rain water and effluent shall be located at the lowest elevation corner of the
site to utilise the natural ground slope (preferably downwind).
4.9
Future Expansion
Future expansion shall be assessed and space allocated for known and unforeseen future requirements.
Orderly expansion shall be achieved by providing space adjacent to a similar type of facility. Extensions to
pipe sleepers, pipetracks, road crossings and yard piping shall be given due consideration. Care shall be
taken to facilitate future expansion without any interference to existing plant on stream.
5.0
PROCESS UNITS LAYOUT
5.1
Optimum Layout
The typical process unit layout as shown in Figure 2 is called a `finger-layout' and is recommended for
optimum economy, maintenance and operation. If there are multiple units, they should be laid out side by
side with the `finger' racks at 90° to the main pipe bridge.
Air-fin coolers are preferably located on top of the unit piperacks. On one side of the piperack, all low
equipment such as horizontal heat exchangers, pumps, etc., are to be located and on the opposite side, high
equipment such as columns, vertical drum, structures, etc., are located. In this way a crane can be operated
to reach all equipment, see Figure 3.
On the other side of the main pipe bridge, furnaces and heaters can be located with a minimum distance of
50 ft (15 m) from process equipment, and 15 ft (5 m) from the main pipe bridge. Reactors and heat
exchangers associated with the furnace area, and which are also above auto-ignition temperature, may be
located within 50 ft (15 m) of the furnaces.
5.2
Plot Plan
5.2.1
General
A process area plot plan shall be produced by the Vendor/Contractor preferably at a scale of _ in = 1 ft
(1:100 m) or at a scale specified by the Owner. The battery limit "BL" of the process area plot plan shall be
clearly defined to establish the contractor's responsibilities. Each corner of the "BL" shall be identified
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 9 of 34
Rev 0 1999
using the established plant grid co-ordinates of northings and eastings "NE". The plot plan shall show the
used location of all equipment, piperacks, buildings and access roads. Major maintenance areas for
exchanger bundle pulling, etc., shall also be shown. A table on the right-hand side of the drawing shall list
all equipment items with their designation, titles and with base support or centreline elevations.
5.2.2
Equipment Designation
All equipment shown on the plot plan shall be designed and classified as follows:
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Class F
Class GT
Class K
Class M Class P
Class R
Class STClass T
Class V
Class WD
5.2.3
Packages
Boilers and Deaerators
Columns or Towers
Drums
Exchangers or Condensers
Furnaces
Gas Turbines
Compressors
Miscellaneous or Special Equipment
Pumps
Reactors or Dehydrators
Steam Turbines
Atmospheric Storage Tanks
Pressurised Storage Vessels
Well Heads
Elevations
A datum level of 100′-0″ (100.000 m) shall be established for the process plot area. This datum is the
height of finished grade, and is the equivalent of the national survey datum for the area.
For example:
5.2.4
datum elevation 100′-0″ = 15′-3″ national datum, or
(datum elevation 100.000 m = 4.650 M)
Escape Routes
Designated emergency escape routes shall be shown on the plot plan. These routes shall be as straight and
as easy as possible for access. Escape routes shall not be impeded in any way by equipment or piping and
shall be a minimum of 6′-6" (2m) wide when used as a walkway.
5.3
Spacing of Process Equipment
Within process plot limits, the location of process equipment and major facilities, such as control buildings,
electrical substations, etc., shall be determined in accordance with the Spacing Chart, Table 1A (1B), with
consideration given to the proximity of adjoining facilities, prevailing wind direction and site topography.
5.4
Pipe Racks
5.4.1
General
A minimum distance should be maintained between the outside edge of equipment and a piperack to
prevent a `chimney' effect in case of a fire see table 1A (B). This free space can also provide maintenance
access.
An exception of this rule may be made for pumps, subject to Owner's approval.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
5.4.2
GES A.01
Page 10 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Clearances
An access clearway, 16ft (5m) wide by 18ft (5.5m) clear high shall be provided under the entire length of
the main pipe rack. The clearway should not be obstructed by ladders, equipment etc., and shall be
accessible from the main plant road from both ends. Secondary pipe racks shall have an access of 12ft
(3.6m) wide by 14ft (4.2m) clear height shall be provided under the entire length. A clear height of 18ft
(5.5m) under major pipeways shall also be provided for major mobile equipment and fire fighting access,
all other process pipeways shall have a minimum clear height underneath of 14ft (4.2m).
Pipe racks located near hazardous equipment shall be fireproofed. The fireproofing shall include all the
steel support columns, beams, and bracing, the top face of the beam flange does not require fireproofing.
Piping located at ground level on sleepers shall have a minimum clearance from the finish grade (refer to
GES P.02 paragraph 9.6).
Note:
Corner columns at junctions with the main pipe rack, shall be protected by a curb or steel ers.
5.5
Access Roads within Process Plot Limits
5.5.1
General
The process area shall be provided with (all weather surface) access roads for fire-fighting, maintenance,
and operations. Access roads shall be wide enough to provide space to manoeuvre during fire fighting.
Provision shall be made for at least two entrances to a process area from a main plant road system. (See
Figure No 1).
5.5.2
Clearances and Dimensions
Main access roads within the process area shall be 20 ft (6 m) wide. Minor accessways shall be 13 ft (4
m) wide. A minimum distance of 20 ft (6 m) is required from the edge of equipment to the edge of a main
access road. The distance between two major intersections should not exceed 100 ft (30 m). A minimum
distance of 6 ft (2 m) is required from the edge of equipment to the edge of minor accessways.
5.6
Major Maintenance Areas
Requirements for drop-out areas, laydown areas and bundle pulling areas shall be considered in the layout.
All of these areas shall have direct access to plant access roads.
Bundle pulling areas should not encroach upon major access roads.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
5.7
GES A.01
Page 11 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Access Clearances
Minimum clearances for operator and maintenance access shall be as follows:
(a)
Overhead Clearances
Over plant roads for major mobile equipment
-
18 ft (5.5 m)
Over process plant access roads
-
14 ft (4.2 m)
-
18 ft (5.5 m)
14ft (4.2 m)
Over pumps and drivers
-
8 ft (2.4 m)
Personnel headroom at walkways, passageways
and platforms
-
7 ft (2.150 m)
-
10 ft (3.0 m)
5 ft (1.5 m)
Clear access under piperacks:
(i)
(ii)
(b)
where vehicle access is required
for portable service equipment
Horizontal Clearances
At end of pump drivers:
(i)
(ii)
when truck access is required
when truck access is not required
Distance required to remove tube bundle from
exchanger (from face of shell cover flange)
tube length, plus
2 ft (0.6 m)
Distance required to remove rear exchanger cover
-
In front of manways (include any insulation)
-
3.5 ft (1.070 m)
3 ft (1 m)
For walkways at grade and on elevated platforms
-
2.5 ft (0.76 m)
Main operating aisles, escape routes
-
4 ft (1.2 m)
Behind control panels
-
4 ft (1.2 m)
5.8
Platforms, Stairways and Ladders
5.8.1
General
Platforms are required for operation and maintenance access for elevated equipment. All operational
valves, spectacle blinds and instruments shall be accessible, and where necessary, platforms shall be
installed.
5.8.2
Location
Platforms shall be located in accordance with GES S.02, Sections 3 and 5. Stairs and ladders shall be
provided and located in accordance with GES S.02, Sections 3 and 4.
In addition to the above, all ladders shall face toward the equipment or structure being served. All stair and
ladder locations at grade for major equipment and structures shall have clear access to a plant road for
emergency escape.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
6.0
PROCESS EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
6.1
Structures for Equipment
6.1.1
General
GES A.01
Page 12 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Structures shall be provided for equipment that is elevated for process requirements, (i.e. a reflux cascade
system for a column or tower, or where there is a lack of plant space). The last option shall be minimised
because of additional cost and increased fire risk.
6.1.2
Location
A minimum clearance of 10 ft (3 m) is required between the outside face of structure columns and the
outside face of piperack columns. Where the structure is adjacent to equipment, a minimum clearance of
10 ft (3.0 m) is required between the edge of equipment to the outside face of structure columns.
Whenever possible, the centreline of structure columns should line up with the centreline of piperack
columns to facilitate ease of pipe routing.
For details of steelwork structures, see GES S.01. For details of concrete structures, see GES Q.04.
6.1.3
Spacing
Horizontal spacing of equipment contained within a structure shall conform to Table 1A (1B), Spacing
Chart. The overall horizontal dimensions of the structure shall contain the limits of the equipment without
any overhang. A minimum of 3 ft (1.0 m) wide access is required between equipment and associated
piping and the edge of the structure platform.
Vertical spacing between structure levels shall provide adequate vertical clearances for the normal
operation and maintenance of equipment and piping.
6.1.4
Access
Main access to the structure shall be by a stairway at the side of the structure, unless it is a minor structure
of one level only and is 12 ft (3.7 m) high or less, when a ladder will suffice.
The escape route shall be by ladder access, diagonally opposite to the main stair access.
The stairway shall not be located between the structure and a piperack, or between the structure and a
maintenance access road.
6.1.5
Maintenance
Consideration shall be given to the maintenance of exchangers and other equipment on intermediate levels
of the structure. Runway beams or davits (where necessary) shall be provided for exchanger bundle pulling
or bonnet removal, etc.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
6.2
Pumps
6.2.1
General
GES A.01
Page 13 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Pumps shall be installed alongside the piperack with the pump centrelines at 90° to the piperack, with a
minimum clearance from the back of pumps to the piperack column centreline of 5 ft (1.5 m). All pump
drivers shall face towards the piperack.
6.2.2
Access
All pumps shall be accessible for operation and maintenance, with a minimum access of 3 ft (1 m) between
the pumps. This access shall be clear of obstructions such as valve handwheels, pipe manifolds, etc.
Particular consideration shall be given to steam turbine drivers to provide adequate clearance from the
steam piping to the adjacent pump. Auxiliary equipment for large capacity pumps, such as lube and seal oil
consoles, shall be allowed for in the layout. Suction, discharge and auxiliary piping shall not cross over the
pumps and drivers.
6.2.3
Spacing
Spacing in relationship to other equipment shall be governed by the Spacing Chart, Table 1A (1B).
6.2.4
Location
Pumps a source of hydrocarbon leakage shall not be located below tower platforms, structures, elevated
drums, air-cooled heat exchangers or piperacks. Pumps shall be mounted on a concrete base with a
minimum height of 200 mm above grade to the pump baseplate.
6.3
Compressors
6.3.1
General
Compressors shall generally be located in a compressor house or shelter. The steel framework of the
building shall carry a travelling crane for machinery maintenance. The sheeting walls of the compressor
shelter are normally open sided, with a minimum clear height of 8 ft (2.5 m) from grade to the underside of
the sheeting.
Large centrifugal compressors shall normally be elevated and mounted on a concrete table top, to facilitate
gravity drainage of oil systems to the lube oil and seal oil consoles located below at grade. Where a steam
turbine driver is installed, additional elevation of the machine shall be provided to facilitate the
arrangement of the surface condenser below the steam turbine.
Reciprocating compressors shall be located near to grade, to minimise vibration effects on the machinery
foundations and on the compressor piping.
For details of structural steelwork for compressor shelters, refer to NOC GES S.01 and GES S.02.
For details of compressor foundations and concrete table tops, refer to NOC GES Q.03, GES Q.04 and
GES Q.14.
6.3.2
Location
Compressors shall be located in relation to other equipment in accordance with Table 1, except for
equipment directly associated with the compressors, such as knock-out drums, lube and seal oil consoles,
which may be located in the compressor area.
A compressor area shall not be located in the middle of a process plant for the following reasons:
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
6.3.3
GES A.01
Page 14 of 34
Rev 0 1999
(a)
The hazardous nature of gas compressors handling hydrocarbon fluids.
(b)
External construction activity at a compressor area, including installation of heavy machinery,
which could have a late scheduled on site delivery. The compressor area shall be located close to
or at the periphery of the process plant.
Spacing
Where two or more compressors are to be installed within a compressor shelter, the minimum spacing
between machines shall be 10 ft (3 m). Compressors handling inert gas or air may be located closer to each
other. Consideration shall be given to maintenance requirements, such as laydown areas, and the location
of auxiliary equipment. Provision shall be made for the removal of pistons from horizontally opposed
cylinder type reciprocating compressors. Steam turbine or electric motor driven compressors with drivers
less than 150 kW power may be treated as pumps for spacing and location purposes.
6.3.4
Maintenance
The handling of component parts and removable casings of the compressor and driver shall be carried out
by using a travelling crane within the compressor shelter framework.
The range of the travelling crane shall cover the entire compressor machinery area, including auxiliary
equipment. Where required, in the case of a table-top arrangement, sections of the operating platform shall
be made removable so that the crane can be used for handling equipment at grade.
There shall be a clear laydown area at one end of the compressor shelter, within the range of the crane.
This laydown area shall form the end of an accessway 12 ft (4 m) wide that is directly connected to a main
plant road.
The crane hook shall be at a minimum height to enable the largest component or casing to be lifted over the
remaining equipment en-route to the laydown area with a clearance of at least 2 ft (0.6 m).
6.4
Fired Heaters and Boilers
6.4.1
General (Fired Heaters only)
Fired Heaters are generally of two types, the cabin or rectangular type and the vertical circular heater.
Location and spacing requirements apply equally to both types.
6.4.2
Location
Fired Heaters and boilers form a hazard to the remainder of the process plant because of their constant
source of ignition. The required location shall be on the upwind side of the plant and close to the battery
limit. See Figure 2 "Optimum Process Unit Layout" and Table 1A (1B) "Minimum Spacing for Refinery
Chemical Plants and Oil/Gas Facilities".
Consideration should be given to any adjacent units or facilities, in particular those containing hazardous
equipment. The top of a furnace stack shall be a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) above any working platform.
Note:
In some circumstances a bund wall may be required around the Fired Heaters to contain spillage.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
6.4.3
GES A.01
Page 15 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Spacing
Spacing shall be in accordance with Table 1, Minimum Spacing Chart, but generally equipment containing
combustible materials shall be a minimum of 50 ft (15 m) from furnaces or heaters, except equipment
directly associated with the furnaces and within the furnace areas. Spacing between furnaces shall be 25 ft
(7.5 m) if the pressure at the coil inlet is 100 psig (6.8 bar g) or less, and 50 ft (15 m) if above 100 psig (6.8
barg).
6.4.4
Maintenance Access
In addition to the spacing requirements above, a maintenance area shall be provided for the pulling of
furnace coils. This area is to be adjacent to a major plant road.
6.5
Air Intakes and Exhaust Stacks
6.5.1
General
Air intakes and exhaust stacks are required for certain items of equipment within a process area. For
example, heating and ventilation, air compressors, forced draft furnaces, gas turbines and internal
combustion engines. Additionally, atmospheric exhausts may be required for start-up systems, turbine
exhausts and relief valve discharge piping.
6.5.2
Location
Air intakes can be a potential source of ignition, whereby they can pull in flammable vapours and create an
internal explosion. The location of air intakes shall be carefully considered in relation to other equipment
and the prevailing wind direction.
Atmospheric exhausts shall be located so that they do not present a hazard to personnel or equipment.
Atmospheric exhausts should thus be located a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) above any platform within a
horizontal distance of 25 ft (7.5 m). Exhaust lines shall be run together, where possible, in a vertical bank
to a high point of an area. Manhole vents from oily water sewer systems should be run to a piperack or
structural column, and provided with a flame arrestor at the open end of the vent. They should follow the
vertical and horizontal rules given above for atmospheric exhausts.
6.6
Chemical Injection Areas
6.6.1
General
Equipment containing caustic fluids or any other chemicals which would cause injury to the eyes or body
of any person exposed to accidental spillage or leakage, shall be located in accordance with paragraph 6.6.2
below.
6.6.2
Location
Equipment containing caustic or other fluids hazardous to personnel shall be grouped together and shall be
surrounded by a curb 6 in (150 mm) high for containment of accidental spillage. There shall be a 3.25 ft (1
m) access between the edge of the equipment and the inside edge of the curb.
An emergency shower and eyewash fountain shall be provided no further than 50 ft (15 m) unobstructed
access from the caustic area. The safety shower and eyewash shall be provided with a potable water
supply. Safety signs with pictorial displays shall also be provided close to the area.
6.7
Air-cooled Heat Exchangers
6.7.1
General
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 16 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Air-cooled heat exchangers are particularly vulnerable to fire damage due to the materials used in the large
surface areas required for heat transfer, thus careful consideration should be given to the location of air-fin
exchangers to minimise possible loss from fire.
6.7.2
Location
Air-cooled heat exchangers shall be located as far away as possible from a furnace area.
Economy of process plant space and the cost effective use of structural steelwork, normally dictate that airfin coolers are located over a piperack. The following requirements to minimise fire damage shall apply:
(a)
A fire deck shall be installed below air-fin coolers when flammable gas or liquid containing
equipment is installed below.
(b)
Minimum headroom of 10 ft (3 m) shall be provided between the lowest part of an air-fin
exchanger and the top of the piperack.
(c)
Flanged joints shall be minimised in all hydrocarbon lines below air-fin exchangers.
(d)
Clear access to one side of the piperack shall be provided for fire-fighting and maintenance.
(e)
Column supports for piperacks and air-cooled exchangers shall be fire-proofed as far as the aircooled exchanger supports.
6.8
Towers/Columns
6.8.1
Location
Towers/columns shall be located along the pipe rack towards open areas, to allow unobstructed erection
and maintenance of internals. Tall towers require frequent operating attention at higher levels, hence (if
possible) they shall be located in one place for common access.
6.9
Control Rooms/Control Buildings
6.9.1
Location
Control Rooms/Control Buildings shall be located distinctly in the process block or in the adjoining block.
The Control Room/Building may be dedicated to one process unit or shared by two or more process units
of similar function. The Control Room/Building shall be at a safe distance, where protection to personnel
and instruments is ensured and non-hazard electrical area classification is permitted.
Notes:(1)
Safe distances from equipment shall be in accordance with Table 1A (B).
(2)
Control room/building locations in a `high' hazard process unit shall be specified as "Blast
Resistant"
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
6.10
Electrical Sub-Stations
6.10.1
Location
GES A.01
Page 17 of 34
Rev 0 1999
The unit Electrical Sub-Station shall be located in a non-hazardous area, as near as possible to the "Load"
centre of the area to be supplied. The sub-station shall be preferably be located adjacent to the Control
Room/Buildings. When sub-stations are located within the process block limits, care shall be taken that
they meet the requirements of the electrical area classification and shall not be sited in the drainage path
from hydrocarbon handling equipment.
Transformers shall be located in open area at the rear of the sub-station. Each transformer shall be isolated
from the others by a masonry wall.
An access road to the sub-station and transformer bays shall be provided to facilitate crane movement for
erection and maintenance.
Note:
Pipelines and buried facilities in the area shall be avoided.
7.0
SITE LAYOUT AND OFF-SITE
7.1
Overall Site Plot Plan
A site plot plan shall be produced by the Vendor/Contractor at a scale to suit the size of the plant and shall
be agreed by the Owner, but in no case shall be less than 1/32" = 1ft (1:400m).
This drawing shall give the following information:
(a)
A co-ordinate datum point (S.O.P. = setting out put) from which all site locations shall be taken
with north and east coordinates.
(b)
Indication of plant north, in relation to true and magnetic north.
(c)
The prevailing wind direction.
(d)
The finished grade level for specified areas based on the national survey datum.
(e)
The perimeter site fence limits, including plant entrance gates and gate houses.
(f)
The location of process units, off-site storage, utility plant, flares, vent stacks and buildings.
(g)
The location and elevation of all plant access roads.
(h)
Areas for future expansion.
(i)
The location of pipeways and main utility services.
(j)
Existing facilities or buildings adjacent to the site shall be shown where possible.
(k)
All major tie-in points for product, utilities, and main services shall be identified at the battery
limit.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
7.2
Plant Access Roads
7.2.1
General
GES A.01
Page 18 of 34
Rev 0 1999
The layout of access roads shall provide a means of access for operating and normal maintenance
equipment and for fire-fighting vehicles to all parts of the plant.
For design details of all roads, refer to General Engineering Specification GES Q.06.
7.2.2
Road Categories
Three classes of roads are normally used for refineries, oil and gas onshore installations and processing
facilities.
(a)
Primary Roads
These carry general unrestricted traffic with direct access to the public highway from the
site entrances. Primary roads shall be 26 ft (8.0m) wide, with 5 ft (1.5 m) wide shoulder
on each side.
(b)
Plant Access Roads
These carry normal maintenance vehicles and fire-fighting equipment within the process
and off-site areas. Plant access roads shall be 20 ft (6.0 m) wide, with 3 ft (1.0 m) wide
shoulder on each side.
(c)
Secondary or Minor Accessways
These are restricted access roads within a process or off-site area and carry mobile
maintenance vehicles and cars. Accessways shall be a minimum of 12 ft (4 m) wide, with
no shoulders provided.
All road categories shall be surfaced with asphalt or concrete.
7.2.3
Layout
The road layout shall provide access for fire-fighting vehicles to all sides of a process block, and to bunded
storage areas within a tank farm.
Turning radii at road junctions shall be designed to facilitate movement of the largest fire-fighting vehicle
in the event of an emergency or a minimum radii of 20 ft (6m).
A perimeter road inside the boundary fence shall be provided when specified by the Owner.
Provision shall be made for at least two entrances to process units, utility plants and tank farms. Main
administration buildings and car parking shall be accessible from a primary road.
Road junctions shall be no more than 100 ft (30 m) from each other in areas where fire-fighting access is
required.
7.3
Utility Plant
Utility plants shall have maximum protection with respect to location and spacing, and shall always be
easily accessible in emergency conditions.
Utility plants shall be divided into two areas, one containing flammable products, such as oil, fuel oil, fuel
gas, etc., and the other containing non-flammable products, i.e. instrument air, boiler feed water, water
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 19 of 34
Rev 0 1999
storage, nitrogen, etc. The flammable area shall be treated as a process area containing hydrocarbon and
should follow the requirements laid down in Section 5 of this specification.
The steam generating facilities shall be located in the area containing flammable products. Boilers shall be
located up-wind from fuel oil or diesel oil storage tanks.
7.4
Buildings
7.4.1
Control Buildings
The minimum distance of control buildings from process areas or other facilities containing hydrocarbon
fluids shall be in accordance with Tables 1A (B).
7.4.
Service Buildings
Service buildings such as administration buildings, workshops, laboratories, etc., shall be located upwind
from hydrocarbon processing plant. Personnel in these buildings are not directly involved with plant
operation, thus these buildings may be remotely located from the process facilities. Minimum distances
from process plant and other facilities shall be in accordance with Tables 1A (B).
7.4.3
Analyser Houses
The location of an anaylser house should be in accordance with normal refinery practice, i.e. within the
battery limits of a process area. There shall be a minimum distance of 50 ft (15 m) from furnaces. There
shall be an access way of 10 ft (3 m) on all sides of the analyser house.
7.5
Paving and Drainage
Paved areas shall be decided upon after examination of the entire plant area, including roads and after
taking into account the following factors:(a)
Paved areas shall be provided to prevent hazardous liquids from soaking into the ground from
machines, pumps, flange joints at vessels, control value assemblies, filters etc.
(b)
Paving shall be provided where regular use of scaffolding occurs.
(c)
Small areas of un-paved ground between larger areas shall be avoided.
(d)
All paved areas shall be drained to convey liquid quickly to a proper underground drainage
system.
8.0
OFF-SITES EQUIPMENT LAYOUT
8.1
Cooling Towers
Cooling towers shall be located downwind to minimise the effect of external corrosion on other areas of
equipment from exhaust plume. Towers shall be located in accordance with Tables 1A (B) "Minimum
Spacing for Refineries, Chemical Plants and Oil/Gas Facilities".
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
8.2
Flares and Vent Stacks
8.2.1
General
GES A.01
Page 20 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Flares, burn pits and vents shall be located downwind and built in an open area. The prevailing wind
direction and site topography should be considered when locating a flare or vent stack.
8.2.2
Elevated Flares
A flare is considered elevated if it is above 50 ft (15 m) high. A sterile area is required around an elevated
flare. The radius of the area is governed by the heat flux level at maximum (emergency) flaring capacity,
which shall not exceed 2000 BTU/h ft2 (6 kW/m2) at the edge of the sterile area.
At normal operating capacity the heat flux area shall not exceed 500 BTU/h/ft2 (1.5 kW/m2) at the edge of
the sterile area.
The minimum sterile area for elevated flares for refineries and petrochemical plant shall be 200 ft (60 m).
Within the sterile area, only equipment and piping directly related to the flare system is allowed, and all
other equipment, piperack, roads, etc., should be outside the sterile area circle.
8.2.3
Ground Flares and Burn Pits
Ground flares shall be located downwind and have a sterile area, whereby the maximum flaring radiation
level shall not exceed 2000 BTU/h ft2 (6.0 kW/m2).
A burn pit shall not exceed an area larger than 10,000 ft2 (1000 m2). There should be a minimum sterile
area radius of 500 ft (150 m) to allow for the disposal of smoke from the burn pit.
8.2.4
Special Requirement for Flare Location in a GOSP Area
The clearances given above are minimum. Actual clear areas shall be assessed on the radiant heat effects
on personnel and adjacent equipment. The following minimum distances shall be used for ground flares in
GOSP areas:
-
1500 ft (450 m) from production oil or gas wells;
500 ft (150 m) from pipeways;
1500 ft (450 m) from GOSP battery limits;
1500 ft (450 m) from public highways;
100 ft (30 m) from buried lines.
Minimum distances for burn pit in GOSP areas shall be as follows:
8.3
1500 ft (450 m) from GOSP battery limit;
1500 ft (450 m) from overhead transmission lines;
300 ft (90 m) from GOSP ground flares;
200 ft (60 m) from ground oil or gas lines;
100 ft (30 m) from buried lines.
GOSP Facilities
All facilities within the battery limits shall be located at a minimum of 1000 ft (300 m) from major
roadways.
8.4
Loading Facilities
8.4.1
Road Tanker Loading Facilities
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 21 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Loading facilities for bulk road vehicles shall be located close to the final product tanks at the periphery of
the plant. Vehicles shall not have to pass through process plot areas or tank farms. Consideration shall be
given to the prevention, containment and disposal of spillages.
The loading area shall be fenced with separate gates. Spacing in relation to other facilities shall be in
accordance with Table 1A (B).
8.4.2
Marine Loading Facilities
The design of marine terminals shall be governed by the Institute of Petroleum Refinery Safety Code,
Section 7.2, and specification, GES R.06.
8.5
Tank Farms
8.5.1
General
Tank farms are a group of atmospheric storage tanks handling petroleum stocks, class I, II, III and
unclassified as specified in the I.P. code stated below.
Classification of crude oil and its derivatives are given in I.P. Model Code of Safe Practice part 3, Refining
Safety Code (Section 1.2).
Atmospheric storage tanks are either the floating roof or fixed roof type. Tanks shall be in a bunded area,
so that spillage or a rupture of a tank can be contained and controlled.
8.5.2
Location
Small tank farms shall be located as in Figure 1. This arrangement provides a buffer zone between process
units and public areas. Tanks shall not be located at a higher elevation than the process units, to prevent
spillage flowing into a hazardous area.
Production tanks shall be located in relation to other facilities in accordance with Tables 1A (B) and
Figure 7.
Large tank farms for bulk storage shall be sited (where possible) in a remote location on elevated ground to
help eliminate or reduce amount of pumping equipment required.
8.5.3
Spacing and Layout
(a)
Tank farms shall be divided into independent risk areas in order to minimise fire risk. This
restricts the capacity of tanks in one bunded area.
(b)
For tank bunded areas, the following requirements apply to tank Classes I, II (2) and III (2).
In accordance with I.P. Model Code of Practice part 3, Refining Safety Code.
The maximum capacity of tanks in one bunded area is limited and shall be restricted as follows:
-
(c)
Single tank - no restriction.
A group of floating roof tanks = 750,000 bb1 (120,000 m3)
A group of fixed roof tanks = 375,000 bb1 (60,000 m3)
Crude capacity = not more than two tanks with neither having a greater individual
capacity of 375,000 bb1 (60,000 m3).
The net capacity of a bunded area shall equal the capacity of the largest tank plus the cubic space
occupied by the remaining tanks, up to the level of the bund wall.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
GES A.01
Page 22 of 34
Rev 0 1999
This allows for one tank being breached with the remaining tanks undamaged. The height of the
bund wall is determined by the net capacity of the bund, plus a free-board of 1 ft (0.3 m).
It is recommended that when calculating the size of a bunded area, a bund wall height is first
selected.
The maximum height of a bund wall shall not be greater than 6.5 ft (2.0 m), unless a greater height
is approved by the Owner.
The overall size of the bunded area is governed by calculation as above or by spacing limitations
as shown in Figure 6.
Consideration of accessways inside the bunded area should be made when locating tanks within
that area.
The spacing of a group of tanks within a bunded area shall be in accordance with the IP Refining
Safety Code, Section 5. The layout of storage areas in relation to other facilities shall be in
accordance with Tables 1A (B), and Figures 6 and 7.
When full containment cannot be met by a bunded area, an impounding basin may be used, see
Figure 9. One basin can serve up to 10 tanks or a total capacity of 6.3MM bb1 (1,000,000 m3).
The capacity of the basin together with the tank enclosure, should not be less than the capacity of
the largest tank served. The surface area of the basin shall be limited to 100,000 ft2 (9,000m2) to
facilitate fire fighting. Consideration should be given by the Vendor/Contractor to the economics
of the cost of civil works in this type of installation.
8.6
Pressurised Storage
8.6.1
General
Pressurised LPG is normally stored in spheres or bullets. The following paragraphs provides the
requirements for layout and spacing for spheres and bullets. This specification does not cover semirefrigerated storage.
8.6.2
Location
Spheres or bullets shall be located downwind from process areas, administration buildings and workshops,
or residential areas. Location in relation to process units and other facilities shall be in accordance with
Figure 8. Reference shall also be made to the Institute of Petroleum (IP) Model Code of Safe Practice Part
9, and to the LP Gas Association LPG Codes of Practice No 1, Part 1.
If there is any apparent conflict of information from the above codes and guidelines, the IP Code Part 9
shall be the governing criterion.
The location of pressurised storage areas shall provide easy accessibility for fire-fighting.
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
8.6.3
GES A.01
Page 23 of 34
Rev 0 1999
Layout and Spacing
(a)
Spheres
Spheres should always be located in one row. The maximum number of spheres in one group or
row shall be 6. Any one group shall be separated from another by a distance of 50 ft (15 m).
The minimum distance between spheres shall be 1 x diameter of the larger sphere, with a
minimum of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a maximum of 30 ft (9 m).
The sphere storage area shall be paved and provided with low walls with a maximum height of 2 ft
(600 mm) on three sides, and shall slope toward a collection gutter of approximately 35 ft3 (10 m3)
capacity.
(b)
Bullets
Bullets, either earth mounded or aboveground, shall be located side by side at a minimum
separation distance of 5 ft (1.5 m) or 0.25 times the sum of the adjacent vessel diameters,
whichever is the greater. Bullets shall not face spheres, process plants, control rooms etc., in case
of an explosion, when the head of the bullet could act as a projectile.
8.7
Oily Water Separators and Skimming Ponds
Separators and ponds shall be located a minimum of 150 ft (45 m) from process operating areas and other
sources of ignition. These facilities shall be located downwind to avoid vapours or bad odours affecting
the plant. Equipment directly associated with oily water separators shall be spaced for ease of maintenance
and operating access.
S:NOC9077\ADMIN\SPECIFICATIONS\A-SERIES\A-01\GESA01RF
Administration Building
NOTES
NM Warehouses, Buildings Etc
1.
HORIZONTAL DISTANCES ARE IN FEET.
NM NM Main Substation
2.
MINIMUM HORIZONTAL DISTANCES SHOWN APPLY TO
NM
50
100 Fire Pumps, Fire Station
EDGE-TO-EDGE DIMENSIONS.
NM NM NM NM Property Boundary
200 200 200 150 100 Tank Truck Loading
LEGEND
100 100 NM NM 100 200 Boilers, Air Compressors
NA = NOT APPLICABLE
100 100 200 100 100 150 100 Cooling Towers
NO MEASURABLE DISTANCE CAN BE DETERMINED.
NA 100
NA 100 200 100 100 Main Control Building
NA
NA 100
NA 100 200 100
50
NA Process Unit Control Bldg.
NM = NO MINIMUM SPACING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED.
200 200 200 200 200 150 100 100
NA
NA
NM NM NM Unit Isolation, Snuffing Stm.
NA
NA
NA
NA
3
NM
NA
NM Process Unit Battery Limit
50
50
50
NM NM
50
50
50
50
NA
NA
NA
NA
50
NM
50
NM NM NM
NA
NA Emergency Shutdown
DISTANCE BETWEEN PROCESS UNIT FIRED HEATERS AND
NA
NM NM NM NM 150 NM
50
NM NM NM
NA
50
PROCESS PUMPS (BELOW AUTO IGNITION) = 50 FEET.
NA
NA
NM NM NM NM NM NM NM NM Electrical Switch Racks
NA
NA
NA
NA
50
NA
50
NM
USE ENGINEERING JUDGEMENT FOR SPACING
NA Hydrants & Fire Monitors
EXAMPLE
NA Process Unit Substation
(Explosion Proof)
50
NA
50
50
50
50
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
50
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
NM
50
30 Desalters
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
50
NM
30
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
20
NM
30
25
25 External Insulated Reactor
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
20
50
30
25
5
15 Reactors
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
50
50
50
50
20
NM
30
25
25
15
15 Exchangers
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
30
50
20
50
30
10
25
15
15
15 Exchangers
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
20
10
25
25
25
15
15
15
15 Process Pumps
150 150 200 200 200 100 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
30
50
20
50
25
15
25
15
15
15
10
5
Process Pumps
200 200 250 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
50
50
20
50
30
15
25
15
15
15
10
15
10 Towers, Drums, Etc.
200 200 150 200 200 150
50
50
25
10
NA
NA
50
NA
25
NA
25
15
25
25
15
15
15
10
15
10
10 Process Area Piperack
100
50
30
30
30
NM
NA
15
NA
15
NA
50
30
50
50
50
50
25
15
30
15
30
NM Main Pipeways
200 200 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
50
NA
30
50
NM
50
20
50
25
25
15
15
15
15
10
15
10
10
NM NM Air Coolers
NM NM
NA
NA
50
NA
NA
15
15
25
NM
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
50
50
30
30
NM NM NM NM NM
50
50
NM
50
250 200 200 100 100 150 200 100 200 200 200 100
SEE NFPA 30
50 Process Unit Fired Heaters
50 Gas Compressors, Expander
50 Internal Insulated Reactor
(above auto ignition)
(above auto ignition)
(below auto ignition)
(above auto ignition - 500 deg F)
(below auto ignition)
(above auto ignition - 500 deg F)
200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200
(below auto ignition)
NM NM Equipt handling non flammables
50
200
25 Atmospheric Storage Tanks
TABLE 1A MINIMUM SPACING FOR REFINERIES, CHEMICAL PLANTS AND OIL/GAS FACILITIES (FPS UNITS)
GES A.01
Page 33 of 34
Rev 0 1999
S:\A-SERIES\A-01\DA0110R0.XLS
250 250 200 200 200 200 100 100 100
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
NA
Administration Building
NOTES
NM Warehouses, Buildings Etc
1.
HORIZONTAL DISTANCES ARE IN METRES.
NM
2.
MINIMUM HORIZONTAL DISTANCES SHOWN APPLY TO
NM Main Substation
NM
15
30 Fire Pumps, Fire Station
NM
NM
NM
EDGE-TO-EDGE DIMENSIONS.
60
60
60
45
30 Tank Truck Loading
LEGEND
30
30
NM
NM
30
60 Boilers, Air Compressors
NA = NOT APPLICABLE
30
30
60
30
30
45
30 Cooling Towers
NA
NA
30
NA
30
60
30
NM Property Boundary
NO MEASURABLE DISTANCE CAN BE DETERMINED.
30 Main Control Building
30
NA
30
60
30
15
NA Process Unit Control Bldg.
NA
60
60
60
45
30
30
NA
NM Process Unit Battery Limit
NM = NO MINIMUM SPACING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED.
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
0.9
NM
NA
NM
NM
NM Unit Isolation, Snuffing Stm.
15
15
15
NM
NM
15
15
15
15
15
NM
NA Hydrants & Fire Monitors
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
15
NM
15
NM
NM
NM
NA
NA Emergency Shutdown
DISTANCE BETWEEN PROCESS UNIT FIRED HEATERS AND
NA
NM
NM
NM
NM
45
NM
15
NM
NM
NM
NA
15
NA Process Unit Substation
PROCESS PUMPS (BELOW AUTO IGNITION) = 15 METRES
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
15
NA
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM Electrical Switch Racks
75
75
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
15
15
15
15
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
15
15 Gas Compressors, Expander
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
NM
15
9
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
15
NM
9
15 Internal Insulated Reactor
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
6
NM
9
7.5
7.5 External Insulated Reactor
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
6
15
9
7.5
1.5
4.5 Reactors
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
15
15
15
15
6
NM
9
7.5
7.5
4.5
4.5 Exchangers
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
9
15
6
15
9
3
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5 Exchangers
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
6
3
7.5
7.5
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5 Process Pumps
45
45
60
60
60
30
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
9
15
6
15
7.5
4.5
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
3
1.5 Process Pumps
60
60
75
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
15
15
6
15
9
4.5
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
3
4.5
3
60
60
45
60
60
45
15
15
7.5
3
NA
NA
15
NA
7.5
NA
7.5
4.5
7.5
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
3
4.5
3
30
15
15
9
9
15
15
9
9
9
NM
NA
4.5
NA
4.5
NA
15
9
15
15
15
15
7.5
4.5
9
4.5
9
NM Main Pipeways
60
60
60
60
60
60
30
30
30
15
NA
9
15
NM
15
6
15
7.5
7.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
3
4.5
3
3
NM
NM Air Coolers
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
15
NM
15
NM
NM
NA
NA
15
NA
NA
4.5
4.5
7.5
NM
4.5
3
3
3
3
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
NM
NM Equipt handling non flammables
75
60
60
30
30
45
60
30
60
60
60
30
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
15
60
USE ENGINEERING JUDGEMENT FOR SPACING
SEE NFPA 30
EXAMPLE
(Explosion Proof)
15 Process Unit Fired Heaters
Desalters
(above auto ignition)
(above auto ignition)
(below auto ignition)
above auto ignition - 500 deg F(260deg C)
(below auto ignition)
above auto ignition - 500 deg F(260deg C)
(below auto ignition)
Towers, Drums, Etc.
3
Process Area Piperack
7.5 Atmospheric Storage Tanks
TABLE 1B MINIMUM SPACING FOR REFINERIES, CHEMICAL PLANTS AND OIL/GAS FACILITIES (METRIC UNITS)
GENERAL ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION
PLANT LAYOUT AND SPACING
NA
60
GES A.01
Page 34 of 34
Rev 0 1999
S:\A-SERIES\A-01\DA0110R0.XLS
NA