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Fire and Gas Technical Information
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Fire & Gas Cables

Low Smoke/Zero Halogen Cables information from wikipedia
What is a Low Smoke Cable? - A low smoke cable has a LSZH sheath. LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen and refers to the compound making up the sheath of a cable - from Eland Cables
Flame Retardant Cables and Fire Integrity in reference to Cables - what is the difference? - An explanation from Eland Cables
Why Use Halogen Free Cable? - Halogen free or zero halogen cabling is used in many areas of the cable and wiring industry, including aircraft, rail and construction. Used to protect wiring, it is proven to limit the amount of toxic gas emitted when it comes into contact with heat - from Challenger Components
Fire Safety of Cables - Electrical cables are a significant fire safety issue in today’s buildings and installations: If the insulating materials in cables catch fire, they can represent a significant quantity of fuel for fire, because of the sheer volume of cables in modern buildings (electrical, telephone, computer connections). If cables are not fire safe, then they highly susceptible to be the cause of fire, making overheating of wires, arcing, short circuits or electrical faults develop into flames of burning insulating material. Furthermore, cables are often the culprit in spreading fire through a building, as they cross fireproof walls, linking occupied spaces to service areas, ceiling voids and other parts of the building - from cefic.
Cable Sheathing Materials - There are currently a number of different polymeric materials that are specified for cable sheaths (jackets), and the choice of a suitable material depends on the end usage. Materials currently used are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (LLDPE, MDPE and HDPE), and the more specialised fire retardant, low smoke and zero halogen type materials that are now being required for internal installations -from General Cables
Fire Performance of Data Communication Cables - The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) Fluoropolymers Division, under the auspices of the Wire and Cable Subcommittee, sponsored a series of tests at the Building Research Establishment/Fire Research Station (BRE/FRS) test facility located in Bedford , England and Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.), Northbrook, IL. These tests, using “real scale” as well as intermediate scale test methods, were conducted on cables used in horizontal concealed spaces (“plenums”) above ceilings and below floors in commercial and industrial buildings. Cables tested included those used in the U.S. and Europe -thanks to the Society of the Plastics Industry
IEEE 1242 Guide for specifying and Selecting Cable for Petrochemical Plants - Donald A Voltz and Joseph H Snow - This technical paper provides an overview of IEEE 1242- 1999, Guide for Specifying and Selecting Power, Control, and Special Purpose Cable for Petroleum and Chemical Plants. This standard addresses wire and cable design, materials, testing, and installation, along with illustrations of typical constructions and application criteria. An extensive cross-referenced list of standards and technical papers, as they apply to the wire and cable industry, is included in the appendix of the standard. This is a really excellent technical paper from Mustang Engineering

Fibre Optic Temperature Laser Radar

Fibre Optic Temperature Laser Radar - This is a useful fire warning device, however information on it is limited.

Fire Safe Actuators

Fire Safe Actuators -From our valued sponsor Samson Controls

Fire Detection

ICEweb's Fire Detection page has numerous links to great information

Fire Protection

ICEweb's fire protection page has great information - This details Inergen/HiFog/Halon replacement/FM200/Pyrogen and Very Early Smoke Detection techniques.

Flare Radiation

11.11 Flare Radiation -Not So Friendly Fire - Ian Davidson - Most hydrocarbon and chemical process plants provide a relief flare or vent to assist in handling process upsets. A typical relief flare operating at, say 0.1kg/sec under normal conditions and 10kg/sec under relief conditions will provide flame energies in the order of 2 MW and 100MW respectively. Where a cold vent (rather than a flare) is provided, lightening strikes are surprisingly common and there are many reported instances of an unintentional ’hot’ vent. In addition to the local relief flare, the possibility of a system being activated by an adjacent unit’s or site’s flare cannot be ignored. This latter case can result in a ‘domino’ effect that has provoked a number of unscheduled relief (and vent-snuffing!) system tests over the years. Clearly the fires associated with a flare are several orders of magnitude greater than the target fire size and exhibit precisely the infrared radiation signature required by an IR3 detector - from Micropack.

Fire and Gas Mapping Techniques

Fire and Gas Detection Mapping - Computer aided design to increase safety and reduce cost - Kevin Keefe - Using highly developed assessment methods together with custom software the flame detection assessment, gas detection assessment and heat detection assessment packages are able to review and assess arrangements from initial designs through construction and onto existing installation. The assessments are used to optimise and validate designs and maybe used in formal safety studies - from Micropack. ( Go to page 20)

Gas Detection

Gas Detection - ICEweb's dedicated page has links to many technical papers on this subject

Oil Mist Detection

The following technical articles are from Quality Monitoring Instruments Ltd.
Oil Mist Detection as an Aid to Monitoring an Engine's Condition - Brian J. Smith - As diesel engines become progressively more efficient by burning fuel more effectively, the only remaining significant potential for operational cost saving to be exploited is to introduce features to ensure that unnecessary maintenance is reduced. Owners and operators of diesel power plants are increasingly seeking ways to replace preventive maintenance schedules based on operational hours by on-condition maintenance programmes that confine maintenance to the actual needs of the engine. Such a philosophy requires appropriate use of accurate health and condition monitoring equipment that not only tracks critical performance parameters, but also provides suitable protection against more serious damage being inflicted due to incipient seizures. Oil Mist Detectors are an important component part of this changing philosophy.
Oil Mist Detection in the Atmosphere of the Engine Room - Brian J. Smith - You may be aware MCA and IMO, together with other Societies, are very concerned about the number of fires that start in machine room spaces. Places most at risk are engine and purifier rooms. However, other areas have their own problems and these include bow thruster rooms, steering gear and hydraulic pumps. Figures produced suggest that up to 65% of machine room fires are the result of oil mist. An oil mist detection system should be considered for use along side a smoke detection system. If reliance is placed solely on a smoke detector as a form of protection against fires taking hold, asituation can arise where it may be too late to avoid damage and even loss of life.
Oil Mist and Machinery Space Fires - Dr MH Holness - A review is presented of the role of oil mist as a principal agent in machinery space fires. The ways in which oil mist can be produced are described and the distinction between mist and spray. The contrast between the oil mist conditions inside crankcases and that in the general atmosphere in machinery spaces is discussed. Methods of measuring oil mist and spray are described and equipment suitable for monitoring conditions inside machinery and in machinery spaces is discussed. Recommendations are made to improve safety on board ship and in industrial plant.
IMO Code of Practice for Atmospheric Oil Mist Detectors - International Maritime Organisation - In an ideal world, the simple solution for preventing oil mist fires is to ensure no leaks occur in the first instance, but the harsh reality is that oil mist fires do occur and the problem needs to be addressed. One practical answer is to install an oil mist detection system that will detect an oil mist before it can reach levels where it saturates the atmosphere to such an extent that there is a risk of fire.

IEC61508

IEC61508 - ICEweb's links to numerous technical papers on this standard.

IEC61511

IEC61511 - ICEweb's links to numerous technical papers on this standard.

Personal Gas Detectors- New Page Coming Soon

1.11 Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions

Spark Detection

Safety for your Production - Bob Barnum - Spark Detection and Extinguishment systems eliminate personnel injuries, equipment damage and loss of production from fires and explosions. In any type of production facility, fire control encompasses a wide range of equipment or systems from building sprinklers to plant site fire departments. A spark detection and extinguishing system must be thought of as part of a plant’s overall security and safety network. Just as a residential alarm system provides protection to a homeowner, a spark detection system provides preventive protection against potential loss of human life, production facilities, equipment and costly downtime - from GreCon
Spark Detection Systems-Podcast - John Astad - Spark detection system manufacturers discuss important aspects of spark detection engineering controls in lessening the probability and reducing the severity of combustible dust related fires and explosions at facilities - Combustible Dust Policy Institute
Ask Joe! Spark Detection & Extinguishment Systems - Sparks are a very common danger. Although they may not be readily apparent, this does not mean that they do not exist. In most cases, close attention is focused on this problem only after it is too late, namely when there has been an explosion or fire - from www.powderandbulk.com

The following technical articles are from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts- Hazard Communication Guidance for Combustible Dusts is a new guidance document recently published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that assists chemical manufacturers and importers in recognizing the potential for dust explosions, identifying appropriate protective measures and the requirements for disseminating this information on material safety data sheets and labels. The document addresses the combustible dust hazards in relation to the Hazard Communication Standard, which is designed to ensure that chemical hazards are evaluated and the information concerning them is transmitted to employers and workers - from OSHA
Combustable Dust Materials List - Does your company or firm process any of these products or materials in powdered form? If your company or firm processes any of these products or materials, there is potential for a “Combustible Dust” explosion - from OSHA.
OSHA - Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program - This instruction contains policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that create or handle combustible dusts. In some circumstances these dusts may cause a deflagration, other fires, or an explosion. These dusts include, but are not limited to: • Metal dust such as aluminum and magnesium. • Wood dust • Coal and other carbon dusts. • Plastic dust and additives • Biosolids • Other organic dust such as sugar, flour, paper, soap, and dried blood. • Certain textile materials
Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions - This Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) highlights: Hazards associated with combustible dusts; • Work practices and guidelines that reduce the potential for a combustible dust explosion, • or that reduce the danger to employees if such an explosion occurs; and, • Training to protect employees from these hazards.

Other Useful Links

NFPA 654: Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, 2006 Edition - This standard applies to all phases of the manufacture, processing, blending, pneumatic conveying, repackaging, and handling of combustible particulate solids or hybrid mixtures, regardless of concentration or particle size, where the materials present a fire or explosion hazard. It also applies to systems that convey combustible particulate solids that are produced as a result of a principal or incidental activity, regardless of concentration or particle size, where the materials present a fire or explosion hazard.
Combustible Dust Policy Institute Blog - The goal of Combustible Dust Policy Institute Group is to minimize the severity and reduce the occurrence of combustible dust related fires and explosions in the global workplace.Through ongoing exchange of best practices and lessons learned of combustible dust related incidents, which identifies and evaluates risk, the group shares risk assessment information that a diverse spectrum of members utilize in effectively controlling combustible dust hazards. There are many useful links here.
Excuse the Dust - "When shredding electronics, hard drives and some products sparks can be created. If the spark reaches the dust collector, it could ignite a fire or cause an explosion," Dietterich says. "The dust generated from shredding these items has different explosive characteristics than paper dust as measured by the Kst factor of the dust." He adds, "... The conveyance ducting should be equipped with a flame and spark detection and extinguishing system that will detect and extinguish the flame or spark while moving through the ductwork prior to entering the dust collector". - from Recycling Today
Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard - Dust from industrial processes can become the fuel for devastating explosions. Investigation Details: Imperial Sugar Company Dust Explosion and Fire Hayes Lemmerz Dust Explosions and Fire CTA Acoustics Dust Explosion and Fire West Pharmaceutical Services Dust Explosion and Fire - from U.S. Chemical Safety Board
The Danger of Combustible Dust - Scott Pelley reports on the deaths and property damage caused by dust explosions at American factories, a problem critics say the government needs to do more to prevent - from CBS news
Combustible Dust Dangers: Too Dangerous for a 'Wait and See' Approach - The list goes on, involving a wide range of industries and types of combustible dust. This is a list your organization never wants to be on, yet OSHA estimates 30,000 U.S. facilities may be at risk for combustible dust incidents. This article provides background on combustible dust issues to help you evaluate whether your organization is doing everything it can to minimize that risk - from ohsonline.com
Dust -When a Nuisance Becomes Deadly - Many people never knew sugar could explode until February 7, 2008, when an explosion rocked the Imperial Sugar Company in Port Wentworth, Georgia, killing 13 people and injuring 40. Located just outside Savannah, this 91-year-old facility processed granulated and powdered sugar - from NFPA Journal
Combustible Dust Becomes National Target - Combustible dust, a hazard that has historically received little attention from employers and government agencies alike, is a hidden danger that every company operating a saw should address. Sawdust often goes unnoticed in all manners of nooks and crannies although it poses a major hazard if a secondary explosion occurs - from palletenterprise.com
Reduce Your Risk of Dust Fires and Explosions - Spark and ember generation is a constant danger in production facilities where combustible materials are being worked, processed, transported, dried, filtered or exhausted. Insurance companies’ statistics point out that silos, dust filters, bins, and even complete production lines are the areas of greatest risk - from bulk-online.com
Ask Dr. Knowledge - What Exactly is a Dust Explosion, and Should I Worry about House Dust? - An explosion is really a kind of build-up of pressure (that's the "bang") and to get that, you usually need a combination of quick burning and something to contain the hot gases released to build up pressure. You might do without the container if the burning is fast enough, but we needn't worry about that for the question you're asking - from www.boston.com
This demonstration illustrates the principle behind a grain elevator explosion. - Grain dust, like lycopodium powder, is not especially flammable, but when grain is dumped into a grain silo, some of the finer dust particles can remain suspended in air surrounded by oxygen. This mixture can be ignited by a spark, resulting in an explosion - from jchemed.chem.wisc.edu
Reduce Dust Explosions the Inherently Safer Way - Inherent safety is a proactive approach for hazard and risk management during process plant design and operation. Although it offers an attractive and cost-effective methodology for risk reduction, inherent safety has not been used as widely as engineered (add-on) and procedural (administrative) measures. This article is aimed at the development of a framework for dust explosion prevention and mitigation that explicitly incorporates the principles of inherent safety - from www.aiche.org

Audible Warning Devices - Emergency Shutdown, Fire & Gas

11.11 Visual Alarm Devices - Visual alarm devices are the strobes and beacons used as part of a fire detection and fire alarm system that warns the deaf, hard-of-hearing and people working in noisy conditions of a fire. EN 54-23:2010 is the standard to which all visual alarm devices must be approved by March 2013, and the LPCB Code of Practice (CoP 4001) provides recommendations on their effective use. Fire alarm systems often include some form of visual element, such as a flashing light, to reinforce the audible warning from a bell, siren or voice alarm. But where building occupants include deaf or hard-of-hearing people or where there are high levels of ambient noise, the visual element must be just as effective as the audio warning in alerting people to danger. The need for visual alarm devices (VADs) will be identified as part of a business and building’s fire risk assessment and VADs that produce sufficiently intense light to give an effective warning must be fitted. The question is, what level of performance is required to ensure that a VAD provides suitable warning? - from BRE and www.means-of-escape.com

7.11 Audible warning devices and Designing them Effectively in to Fire and Evacuation Alarm Systems - All emergency systems contain audible and visual signals to alert people of danger once a hazard has been detected.It is now accepted that in most systems a form of electronic sounder is initiated via a control panel in order to evacuate or alert people. Many countries have a national ‘evacuate tone’, i.e. Germany, France, Holland, Australia etc. The UK does not. BS5839 Part 1 merely states that the evacuate tone should contain frequencies within the range of 500Hz to 1000Hz. Fire alarm system designers are in the main very comfortable with designing sounders into normal environments such as offices, hotels etc. as they have a relatively low ambient background noise, most areas are fairly small and may be covered with a sounder(s) of approx. 100dB(A) at 1 metre or a 6” bell. The locations of these sounders are usually based on experience of previous systems or applications and common sense - from e2S.
7.11 Sound Pressure Level - Sound is defined as any pressure variation that can be heard by the human ear. This means an average range of frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz.In terms of sound pressure level, audible sounds range from the threshold of hearing at 0 dB to the threshold of pain which can be over 130 dB - from e2S.

Beacons - Emergency Shutdown, Fire & Gas

7.11Beacons as used in Fire, Gas and Evacuation Alarm Systems - Covers Luminous sources, Effectiveness & range, Siting of a beacon and IEC 73 - A visual signal (also known as beacon, flash-alarm or strobe) is a luminous source within a coloured transparent enclosure and is used in many applications not least as a reinforcement to an audible signal in the event of danger, warning or machine / system process - from e2S.

PFEER/UKOOA Regulations

7.11 PFEER regulations (1995) – for offshore installations for the Prevention of Fire and Explosion and Emergency Response. They came into force 20th June 1995. They are law in the UK. In summary these regulations state the person or company responsible for an installation is also responsible for protecting persons on the installation from fire and explosion and securing effective emergency response. This implies many requirements, one of them being that a suitable means of informing people on the installation of certain alarm states (with sounders and or speech / PA systems, beacons may also be required to supplement the audible signals). There must be provision for three types of alarm on the installation / platform,

Prepare for evacuation of installation / platform
Toxic gas - (also where necessary red beacon / strobe)
Other cases for alarm (Fire) (also where necessary yellow beacon / strobe)
From e2S

Safety Instrumented Systems

Safety Instrumented Systems - A direct link to ICEweb's comprehensive SIS page which is full of fantastic technical information.

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