Fire & Gas Mapping Services

In Scenario Coverage, frequency for each scenario is determined and each piece of equipment has a model of the consequence created using gaussian or computation fluid dynamics.

In Geographical Coverage, we optimize the spacing of detectors based on equipment or areas of concern. Performance targets are applied to equipment or areas and detectors are placed to ensure the performance target is met by the detector layout design.

Qualified Engineers

Qualified engineers then assess where each detector location should be to maximize coverage and consider existing or planned equipment, power, structure, etc. The design processes periodically will perform coverage analysis to test progress and perform “what if” type analysis. Finally, the final coverage assessment is performed to ensure that the performance target is achieved. The design result includes the coverage analysis achieved and the exact location, type, rotation, inclination, and setting

Our services are designed to provide the most rigorous analysis against performance targets, which results in the optimal coverage at the best cost for the service. Optimizing coverage, reduces detector numbers while still providing verified coverage and resulting in reduced installation cost and maintenance cost over lifetime.

Optimizing Detector Placement
During a recent project, we performed a brown field coverage assessment where detectors were already installed and operating. It was time to replace and possibly upgrade the detectors. We analyzed the existing coverage and made a few minor recommendations including the removal of 13 of the 27 detectors installed. The reduction in detectors resulted in a minor coverage reduction from 91% to 86% in a grade B area requiring 80% coverage. This eliminated the maintenance cost of 13 detectors that were only providing 5% of the total coverage.

While these results are very good, not every situation produces the same results. In fact, the quantity of detectors can increase to meet your performance targets. Regardless, you will know why every detector is necessary and at its location.

Services:
Our services encompass fire and gas system engineering up to the design specification including:

• Development of Fire and Gas System Philosophy
• Performance Target Selection
• Detector Placement and Technology Assessment
• Detector Mapping (Coverage) Assessment
• Fire and Gas Functional Safety Assessment
• Fire and Gas Requirements Specifications Development
• Maintenance and Testing (Validation) Support

Peformance Targets
Performance targets are created using a semi-quantitative method defined in ISA TR84.00.07. Instead of spending days creating a QRA precise numbers for each piece of equipment, we use categories of equipment based on published failure rates from private and public reliable sources like the UK HSE. The process results in a performance target, also called grading. Grades are typically defined as A, B, or C, where grade A would include high pressure and highly flammable contents, grade B includes moderate pressure and flammability, and grade C is mostly at atmospheric temperature and pressure. Grades are determined by your risk criteria, and commonly come close to 90% coverage required for A, 80% for B, and 60% for C.

In the image above, you will notice that there comes a point where additional detectors perform significantly less of the work. Knowing where that line is and understanding the process under control, make a significant difference in the analysis provided.

Hot colors represent greater risk and the cooler colors are reduced risk.

If you were the qualified engineer on this project, you would place your next detector in the orange area in the upper right to have the greatest risk reduction impact on this project.