The fire water system on an offshore facility is a critical system. In the event of a fire, this system must not only deliver water for active fire management, but the system must also survive the worst-case scenarios of blast, jet fire and or hydrocarbon fire and for a duration anticipated in that scenario. The fire water system must also survive the duration of time needed for the safe evacuation of personnel from the facility.
This paper addresses the complexities involved in the use of composite pipes for fire water applications. It focuses on how blast effects are managed and the survivability of GRE piping in highly intense and high heat flux fire cases. Results from tests simulations will be shared which were carried out to assure certifying body, operator and engineer that GRE piping is the right material of choice for this application under such circumstances.
The paper concludes with examples of several floating production and storage offloading facilities installed with GRE piping for the fire water application.