REFINERY FIRE PROTECTION FOR CRITICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS.

Refinery fires can be disastrous, especially if critical control equipment is damaged during initial stages and cannot be used to shut down a process unit or divert flammable fluids away from the fire. In minor fires, proper protection lets instrumentation survive the high temperatures without damage. If critical components are properly protected and the fire is not severe, it may even be possible to avoid shutting down the unit. This article describes a fire protection system for cables, valves and transmitters at Texaco's Port Arthur Refinery in Texas. The system was developed after a four year program of extensive testing in the refinery.