Risk-Based Approach – Facility Siting Addressing Fires Impacting Process Plant Permanent and Portable Buildings

This manuscript describes a risk-based approach with the aim to identify which occupied buildings in a process facility could be impacted by thermal radiation due to fires. This approach complies with API Recommended Practice 752 and 753 criteria and it consists of the following two steps: (1) risk-based quantitative assessment and (2) exceedance curve development. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis for risk reduction measures is evaluated.

A case study is developed for illustrative purposes and the results confirm the following approach capabilities and characteristics:

• A risk-based approach is considered the foundation for developing exceedance curves,
• Exceedance curves are a good engineering tool for identifying which occupied buildings comply or do not comply with given tolerability risk criteria; and
• Sensitivity analysis of outcomes associated with high risk levels impacting affected buildings is an effective and inexpensive approach for defining and comparing suitable and cost-effective risk reductions measures during the decision-making process.

As part of the sensitivity analysis, it is important to mention that good engineering tools should be provided for decision-making when a building is included in the mitigation plan. Process Safety Office^® SuperChems^® has the capability to provide detailed results and information after HFEC construction. These results allow the user to identify which are the most suitable and cost-effective risk measures to be implemented for risk reduction.