Flanged pipeline manifold headers
Transfer & loading

Pipeline Manifolds

Spray protection at valve and manifold congestion.

At a glance

Hazard family
Transfer & loading
Protected by
Water spray, Hydrant, Gas detection, Flame detection
Designed to
NFPA 15, OISD‑STD‑116, OISD‑STD‑117
Water spray for exposure protection
10.2 L/min/m² of exposed surface

Design basis

Water spray for exposure protection
10.2 L/min/m² of exposed surfaceNFPA 15
Minimum nozzle pressure
1.4 bar (20 psi), unless listed for lessNFPA 15

Standards that apply

  • NFPA 15Water spray fixed systems for fire protection.
  • OISD-STD-116Fire protection for refineries and oil and gas processing plants.
  • OISD-STD-117Fire protection for petroleum depots and terminals.

The risk

Manifolds concentrate valves, flanges and pumps in a small space, and every flange and seal is a potential leak. Product under pressure can ignite as a spray or jet fire, with a pool fire forming underneath.

The congestion is what makes it dangerous: a fire in one corner heats the pipework around it, and failing joints feed it more fuel.

The scheme

Cool the congestion and cut off the supply:

  • Water spray over the manifold area, released by detection.
  • Gas and flame detection to find a leak or a fire in seconds.
  • Hydrants and monitors covering the area from more than one side.
  • Drainage that carries spilt product away from the manifold rather than under it.
Protection concept for a pipeline manifold: detection, water spray, hydrant layers

Systems that apply

Products used

Deluge Valves & Systems · 9

Spray Nozzles · 3

Strainers · 6

Questions we are asked

Why are manifolds a fire risk?

They pack many flanges, valves and seals into one space. Each is a potential leak, and the congestion lets a fire heat everything around it.

Does the drainage matter?

Yes. Drainage that carries spilt product away stops a pool fire forming under the manifold.

Gas detection or flame detection?

Both are common: gas detection to act on a leak before ignition, flame detection to release the water spray within seconds if it ignites.

Related hazards

Track record

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