Early fire detection in a tank farm

摘要

Numerous defects were found in the fire extinguishing system of a tank farm in Bavaria, Germany. TUEV SUED Industrie Service was commissioned to develop a fire protection concept for the refurbishment. In deviation from the usual regulations, an alternative concept was proposed, coordinated and implemented with the operator, the responsible authority and the professional fire brigade. Early fire detection with a fully automatic infrared measuring system is now a central damage limitation component. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against fires in tank farms and their immediate vicinity to prevent fires and explosions and reduce their effects. This is because the hazard potential of substances stored in tank farms lies essentially in their flammability and in their ability to form explosive mixtures with air. Large damage events occur very rarely in tank farms. When they do occur, however, emergency responders are called upon to rule out far-reaching consequences. Preventive fire protection therefore plays a central role in countering potential hazards effectively and at an early stage.