Reciprocating compressor in a plant
Electrical & process

Pump & Compressor Areas

Spray protection over rotating equipment and seal leakage points.

At a glance

Hazard family
Electrical & process
Protected by
Water spray, Hydrant, Gas detection, Flame detection, Water mist
Designed to
NFPA 15, OISD‑STD‑116, IEC 60079‑29‑2
Water spray over pumps and compressors
20.4 L/min/m² of the area occupied

Design basis

Water spray over pumps and compressors
20.4 L/min/m² of the area occupiedNFPA 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.
  • IEC 60079-29-2Selection, installation, use and maintenance of flammable gas detectors.

The risk

Pumps and compressors leak at their seals, and they sit next to hot surfaces and running motors. A seal failure on a hydrocarbon pump can spray product onto a hot casing; a compressor can release gas into a building or a shelter.

These are high-value, long-lead machines, and a fire here can stop the whole unit they serve.

The scheme

Detect the leak early and cool the machines hard:

  • Water spray directly over pumps and compressors.
  • Gas detection near seals and at low points; flame detection over the area.
  • Hydrants and monitors within reach, and drainage away from the machines.
Protection concept for pump and compressor areas: detection, water spray, hydrant layers

Systems that apply

Products used

Deluge Valves & Systems · 9

Spray Nozzles · 3

Strainers · 6

Questions we are asked

Why do pumps need a higher spray rate?

A seal failure can spray pressurised product onto hot surfaces, so the fire can be intense and close to the machine. NFPA 15 sets 20.4 L/min/m² for pumps handling flammable liquids.

Where should detectors go?

Gas detectors near the seals and at low points; flame detectors covering the whole area.

Does a compressor shelter change the design?

Yes. Gas released inside a shelter accumulates, so ventilation and gas detection inside it matter as much as the spray.

Related hazards

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