API RP 2030

When addressing loss prevention, an organization should consider the use of fixed fire protection systems, one of which is water spray systems. Water spray systems appear similar to sprinkler systems in some respects; however, the intended uses, applicable Fire Codes and design criteria differ. This publication provides guidance for the petroleum industry and some petrochemical industry applications (for non-water-reactive petrochemicals with physical and combustion characteristics comparable to hydrocarbons) in determining where water spray systems might be used to provide protection from fire damage for equipment and structures.

Damage to process equipment and structural steel also can be limited by fireproofing, applying water through manual hose streams or applying water from fixed or mobile monitor nozzles; these methods are covered in API Recommended Practice 2218 Fireproofing Practices in Petroleum and Petrochemical Processing Plants, API Recommended Practice 2001 Fire Protection in Refineries and other referenced documents such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Protection Handbook and various NFPA Codes.

The specifics of water spray system design, installation and component types are covered in the publications referenced in Section 2, principally NFPA 15, and are not duplicated in this publication.