Appendix B - Metric Units

CCPS Recommended Distance Tables for Siting and Layout of Facilities

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Table of Contents

Issued 06-April-2018

The foundation for these tables is the original data provided in the 2003 Edition of this Guideline. Changes for the
2018 Edition are bold italicized and reflect a review between the distances provided in 2003 and current industry
guidelines (i.e., GAP 2.5.2 and GAP 2.5.2.A). In general, the values provided in this edition considered the GAP
distance recommendations for a process with "intermediate hazards."

A depiction of how distances are measured using the distance tables in Appendix B are shown in Figure B.1. The GAP-
designated hazardous process definitions are as follows:

Moderate hazard: This category includes processes, operations or materials having a limited explosion
General hazardous process
designations [GAP 2.5.2.A]

hazard and a moderate fire hazard. This class generally involves endothermic reactions and nonreactive
operations, such as distillation, absorption, mixing and blending of flammable liquids. Exothermic reactions
with no flammable liquids or gases also fit in this hazard group.

Intermediate hazard: This category includes processes, operations or materials having an appreciable
explosion hazard and a moderate fire hazard. This class generally involves mildly exothermic reactions.

High hazard: This category includes processes, operations or materials having a high explosion hazard and
moderate to heavy fire hazard. This class involves highly exothermic or potential runaway reactions and high
hazard products handling.

B.1-M Typical facility and layout distances between process unit equipment for fire consequences

B.2-M Typical facility and layout distances between tanks and process unit equipment for fire consequences

B.3-M Typical facility and layout distances between tanks of hazardous materials for fire consequences

B.4-M Typical facility and layout distances between on-site buildings for fire consequences

B.5-M Typical facility and layout distances between other types of equipment and operations for fire consequences

B.6-M Typical facility and layout distances for emergency response and operations accessibility

B.7-M Typical facility and layout distances for flare systems

Page 1 of 15
 Appendix B - Metric Units
CCPS Recommended Distance Tables for Siting and Layout of Facilities

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Figure B.1
A depiction of how distances are measured using the tables in Appendix B

Issued 06-April-2018

Page 2 of 15
 Table B.1-M
Typical facility and layout distances between process unit equipment for fire consequences
Explosion, toxic releases, or security issues may require greater distances

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance (m.)
CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Unit Battery Limit

Boundaries

(Another) Process
Distances

(Another) Tower, Drum, Knock Out Pot, or In-process Storage Tank

Emergency Equipment
Line
Item # Changes are noted for the 2018 Edition

Equip handling non-flammable, non-combustible, non-toxic

with bold italicized distances

Water Spray & ESD Activation Switches

Boundaries

ESD Valves - Manual

Property
B.1-1 Process Unit Battery Limit 30

Process Vessels / Equipment

B.1-2 Property 60

Hydrants, Monitors
Emergency Equipment

Fire Pumps

Boilers, Air Compressors, Power Generation (Utility Area)

B.1-3 ESD Valves - Manual 15 NM

B.1-4 Fire Pumps 75 NM NM

B.1-5 Hydrants, Monitors NM NM NM NM

Reactors and Desalters

Heat Transfer Equipment

Air cooled heat exchangers - process

B.1-6 Water Spray & ESD Activation Switches 15 NM NM NM NM

materials
Process Vessels / Equipment

Equip handling non-flammable, non-combustible,

B.1-7 NA NM NM NM NM NM
non-toxic materials

Pumps handling Flammables > autoignition or self-igniting

(Another) Cooling Tower

Pumps handling Flammables < autoignition or non-self-igniting

B.1-8 Reactors and Desalters NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM

Towers, Drums, Knock Out Pots, In-process

B.1-9 NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 8 8

Fired Heaters, Cracking Furnaces

Liquefied Flammable Gas (LFG) Loading Racks for Trucks and Rail Cars
Storage Tanks

Heat Transfer Equipment

B.1-10 Air cooled heat exchangers - process NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 6 6

Rotating Equipment
Heat Exchangers
Boilers, Air Compressors, Power Generation
B.1-11 30 30 15 30 15 15 NM 30 30 30

Gas Compressor, Expanders

(Utility Area)

Central Loading Racks for Trucks and Rail Cars

B.1-12 Cooling Towers 30 30 15 30 15 15 NM 30 30 30 30 15

Transfer Equipment (Structures)

B.1-13 Heat Exchangers NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 8 8 5 30 30

Main Pipe racks (piping not associated with unit)

B.1-14 Fired Heaters, Cracking Furnaces NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 15 15 15 30 30 15

Rotating Equipment

B.1-16 Gas Compressor, Expanders NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 8 6 6 30 30 5 15

Pumps handling Flammables

B.1-17 NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 5 5 5 30 30 5 15 5
(> autoignition or self-igniting materials)
Pumps handling Flammables
B.1-18 NA 60 15 60 15 15 NM 5 5 5 30 30 5 15 5 NM
(< autoignition or non-self-igniting materials)

Transfer Equipment (Structures)

Central Loading Racks for Trucks and Rail Cars

B.1-19 75 30 15 60 15 15 NM 60 60 60 60 50 30 60 60 60 60
(see Liquid Flammable Gas below)
Liquefied Flammable Gas (LFG) Loading Racks for
B.1-20 75 110 15 75 15 15 NM 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 50
Trucks and Rail Cars
Main Pipe Racks
B.1-21 NM 30 NM 15 NM NM NM 15 15 NM 15 15 5 15 15 15 15 15 15
(piping not associated with unit)

B.1-22 Process Pipe Racks NM 60 NM 60 NM NM NM 5 5 NM 30 30 5 15 6 5 5 60 60 NM

Page 3 of 15
Notes for Table B.1-M: Typical facility and layout distances between process unit equipment for fire consequences

1 Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances are as follows:

1a Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance between the edge of the block and the other block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a block.)

1b Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge

2 These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.

3 The typical distances cited in Table B.1 are based on potential fire consequences and processes with "Intermediate Hazards" [GAP 2.5.2.A]. Greater distances may be required based on modeled explosions and toxic releases.

Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks.

4 Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.

NA Not applicable.

NM No minimum distances requirement has been established for fire consequences. Use engineering judgement for distances and provide sufficient space for maintenance and fire fighting access.

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Page 4 of 15
 Table B.2-M
Typical facility and layout distances between tanks and process unit equipment for fire consequences
Explosion, toxic releases, or security issues may require greater distances

Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance (m.)

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018
CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities Portable Containers

Atmospheric and Atmospheric and

Distances Pressurized Pressurized
Low Pressure Low Pressure Pressurized
Atmospheric flammable gases flammable gases
Line Storage Storage Refrigerated flammable gases (e.g.
Storage Pressurized Storage (e.g. LPG and LFG) (e.g. LPG and LFG)
Item # Changes are noted for the 2018 Edition (non-boilover) (non-boilover)
(boilover potential)
Flammable Storage
< 250 kg. total 250 kg. to 1 tonne
LPG and LFG) 1 to 5
with bold italicized distances less than greater than tonne total storage *
storage total storage
40,000 L 40,000 L

Boundary to Tank Distances

B.2-1 Property Line or Boundary with adjacent industry 8 30 60 60 60 3 15 30

Public Access Right of Way

B.2-2 15 30 60 75 75 3 15 30
(e.g., roads, rail lines, and parks)

Off-site populations
B.2-3 15 75 150 110 75 8 30 75
(e.g., businesses/offices, residential housing)

Process Unit Battery Limits

B.2-4 8 60 60 90 60 8 15 30
(except portable containers related to the process)

Utility Battery Limits

B.2-5 8 60 60 90 60 8 15 30
(except portable containers related to the utility )

Equipment to Tank Distances

Fire water pumps

B.2-6 15 75 75 90 75 30 60 60
(except the fuel source for the pump)

ESD and mitigation system activation points

B.2-7 (activation point must be outside of tank diked 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
area.)
* Greater than 5 tonnes should be treated as Pressurized Storage

Page 5 of 15
Notes for Table B.2-M: Typical facility and layout distances between tanks and process unit equipment for fire consequences

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances
1
are as follows:
Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance between the edge of the block and the other block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a
1a
block.)

1b Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge

2 These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.

The typical distances cited in Table B.2 are based on potential fire consequences and processes with "Intermediate Hazards" [GAP 2.5.2.A]. Greater distances may be required based on modeled explosions and toxic
3
releases.

Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks.

4 Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.

NA Not applicable.

NM No minimum distances requirement has been established for fire consequences. Use engineering judgement for distances and provide sufficient space for maintenance and fire fighting access.

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Page 6 of 15
 Table B.3-M

Typical facility and layout distances between tanks of hazardous materials for fire consequences

Explosion, toxic releases, or security issues may require greater distances

Metric Units 06-Apr-2018 D = Diameter (larger of two tanks); Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance (m.)
CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Floating & Cone Roof

Tanks (< 3,000 bbl.)

Floating & Cone Roof Tanks

Tank Type
Line
Changes are noted

Cone Roof Tanks, Inerted Class I prod.

Item #

(3,000 to10,000 bbl.)

for the 2018 Edition with
bold italicized distances

(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.)

Cone Roof Tanks, Class II & III Product

Floating Roof Tanks

(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.) *

Floating & Cone Roof Tanks
B.3-1 0.5 x D
(< 3,000 bbl.)

Low Pressure Storage (up to 100,000 Pa)

(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.)
Floating & Cone Roof Tanks
B.3-2 0.5 x D 0.5 x D

Floating & Cone Roof Tanks

(3,000 to10,000 bbl.)

Low Pressure Storage (up to 100,000 Pa)

Floating Roof Tanks
B.3-3 1xD 1xD 1xD
(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.)

(>300,000 bbl.)
Cone Roof Tanks, Inerted Class I Prod.
B.3-4 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD
(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.)

Refrigerated Dome Roof Storage Tanks

Cone Roof Tanks, Class II & III Product
B.3-5 0.5 D 0.5 D 1xD 1xD 0.5 D
(10,000 to 300,000 bbl.)

< 40,000 L

High Pressure Storage

Floating & Cone Roof Tanks
B.3-6 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD
(>300,000 bbl.)

> 40,000 L

(Bullet, Spheres)
Low Pressure Storage 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD 1xD
B.3-7
(up to 100,000 Pa) < 40,000 L 15 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min

Low Pressure Storage 1.5 x D 1.5 x D 1.5 x D 1.5 x D 1.5 x D 1xD 1xD
B.3-8 2XD
(up to 100,000 Pa) > 40,000 L 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 15 m. min 15 m. min

1xD
High Pressure Storage 2xD 2xD 2xD 2xD 2xD 2xD 2xD
B.3-9 2XD 30 m.
(Bullet, Spheres) 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min
min
2xD 2xD 2xD
2xD 2xD 2xD 2xD 1xD 1xD
B.3-10 Refrigerated Dome Roof Storage Tanks 50 m. 50 m. 50 m. 2XD
50 m. min 50 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min 30 m. min
min min min

Page 7 of 15
Notes for Table B.3-M: Typical facility and layout distances between tanks of hazardous materials for fire consequences

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z"
1
perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances are as follows:

Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance between the edge of the block and the other
1a
block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a block.)

Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge.
1b
(For distances between tanks and vessels, measure the shortest distance from shell to shell)

2 These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.

The typical distances cited in Table B.3 are based on potential fire consequences and processes with "Intermediate Hazards" [GAP 2.5.2.A]. Greater distances may be
3
required based on modeled explosions and toxic releases.

Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks.

Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency
4
shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Page 8 of 15
 Table B.4-M
Typical facility and layout distances between on-site buildings for fire consequences
Explosion, toxic releases, or security issues may require greater distances

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance (m.)

Atmospheric & Atmospheric &

On-Site Building Any
Low Pressure Low Pressure Any LPG
High Loading and
Property Process Unit Flammable & Flammable and and LFG
Line Changes are noted Process Main Pipe Process Unit Pressure Unloading Refrigerated
Line or containing Utilities Combustible Combustible Loading and
Item # for the 2018 Edition with Equipment Racks Pipe Racks Flammable Racks Storage
Boundary flammables Storage Tanks (up Storage Tanks (up Unloading
bold italicized Storage (non-LPG
to 100,000 Pa) to 100,000 Pa) Racks
equipment or distances and LFG)
<40,000 L >40,000 L

B.4-1 Office, Lab, Maintenance, Warehouse NM 60 30 60 30 30 60 75 110 60 110 60

Fire Station, Medical, Emergency

B.4-2 NM 60 30 60 30 30 60 90 110 60 110 60
Command Center

Substation, Motor Control -

B.4-3 15 30 30 60 30 30 60 90 110 60 110 110
Main (Note 5)

Substation, Motor Control -

B.4-4 15 30 30 15 8 8 30 75 75 60 75 110
More than One Process Unit (Notes 5, 6)

Substation, Motor Control -

B.4-5 15 30 30 15 8 8 15 75 75 60 75 110
One Process Unit (Note 5)

Control Room -
B.4-6 NM 60 30 60 30 30 60 75 110 60 110 110
Main

Control Room -
B.4-7
More than One Process Unit
NM 60 30 30 10 30 30 75 110 60 110 -
Control Room -
B.4-8
One Process Unit
NM 60 30 15 10 10 15 75 75 60 75 -
Satellite Instrument House (SIH) -
B.4-9
More than One Process Unit (Note 5)
NM 30 30 30 10 30 30 75 110 60 110 -
Satellite Instrument House (SIH) -
B.4-10
One Process Unit (Note 5)
NM 30 30 15 3 3 15 75 75 60 75 -
Shelter (operations weather overhang)
B.4-11
(Note 7)
NM 15 - - - - - - - - - -
Shelter (dedicated to truck or barge
B.4-12
unloading, sampling stations) (Note 7)
NM 15 - - - - - - - - - -
Industry guidance on the siting of portable buildings and tents is provided in the literature [i.e., API RP 753, API RP 756, and API TR 756-1].
B.4-13 Portable buildings
(Note: Portable buildings include temporary buildings or trailers used to house people or store equipment.)

Page 9 of 15
Notes for Table B.4-M: Typical facility and layout distances between on-site buildings for fire consequences

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances
1
are as follows:
Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance between the edge of the block and the other block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a
1a
block.)

1b Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge

2 These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.

The typical distances cited in Table B.4 are based on potential fire consequences and processes with "Intermediate Hazards" [GAP 2.5.2.A]. Greater distances may be required based on modeled explosions and toxic
3
releases. (Refer to Figure 5.1)
Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks. Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire
4 protection or emergency shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.
Substations and Satellite Instrument Houses (SIH) - normally temperature controlled (i.e., air conditioned) buildings. Caution: SIHs are typically considered "unoccupied" for facility siting studies.
5
If personnel use Substations or SIHs, then evaluate them as "occupied."

6 No direct comparable table for Substations in GAP 2.5.2. Interpretation for "More Than One Process Unit" is the same as "Main."

The distinction between shelters: a simple weather overhang typically has three walls, a roof, and no windows or doors; whereas truck, railcar, barge unloading "shelters" are used for the paperwork and protection of the
7
unloading personnel from the weather during the transfer of the materials (rain, cold or hot temperatures).
NM No minimum distances requirement has been established for fire consequences. Use engineering judgement for distances and provide sufficient space for maintenance and fire fighting access.

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Page 10 of 15
 Table B.5-M
Typical facility and layout distances between other types of equipment and operations for fire
consequences

Explosion, toxic releases, or security issues may require greater distances

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018
CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance (m.)

Line Minimum
Spacing From To
Item # Distances

Changes are noted for the 2018 Edition

with bold italicized distances

B.5-1 Process-unit battery limit On-site unrestricted roadway 15

Edge of a potential pool fire involving the equipment the

B.5-2 Emergency shutdown valve, manually operated 15
valve is isolating
Equipment handling flammables, continuous ignition
B.5-3 Wastewater separators 30
sources

B.5-4 Multi-unit blowdown drums (Note: due to Process Unit Battery Limits 30
historical accidents associated with these, the
B.5-5 current trend is to seek alternate, safer designs) All other facilities 60

Unit Substation
B.5-6 15
(Single Unit)
Transfer pumps, Out Side Battery Limits (OSBL), Unit Substation
B.5-7 30
handling flammable and combustible liquids (Multiple Units)

B.5-8 Main Substation 60

B.5-9 Off-property main railway Equipment and storage tanks handling flammables 60

B.5-10 On-property main railway Equipment and storage tanks handling flammables 30

B.5-11 On-property railway loading or platform Equipment and storage tanks handling flammables 60

B.5-12 Equipment and on-site storage tanks handling flammables 8

On-property railway spur
B.5-13 Off-site storage tanks handling flammables 30

B.5-14 Equipment handling flammables 60

Wharves handling flammable liquids
B.5-15 Continuous sources of ignition 75

B.5-16 Wharves handling LPG and LFG All other facilities 75

Office, Lab, Warehouse, Emergency Center, Main

B.5-17 60
Substation, Main Control Room
Cooling Tower Single or Multi-Unit Substation, Single or Multi-Unit
B.5-18 30
(large, multi-cell, combustible) Control Room, or Satellite Instrument House
See
B.5-19 Flares
Table B.7

B.5-20 Unit Substations Process equipment handling Flammables 30

B.5-21 Equipment handling flammables 6

Electrical switch racks supporting shutdown or
emergency functions
B.5-22 Fired heaters or gas compressors 15

B.5-23 Fire training areas All other facilities 60

Page 11 of 15
Notes for Table B.5-M:
Typical facility and layout distances between other types of equipment and operations for fire consequences

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade.
1
Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances are as follows:

Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance
1a
between the edge of the block and the other block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a block.)

1b Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge

2 These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.

The typical distances cited in Table B.5 are based on potential fire consequences and processes with "Intermediate Hazards"
3
[GAP 2.5.2.A]. Greater distances may be required based on modeled explosions and toxic releases.

Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks.

Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such
4
as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.

NA Not applicable.

No minimum distances requirement has been established for fire consequences.

NM
Use engineering judgement for distances and provide sufficient space for maintenance and fire fighting access.

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Page 12 of 15
 Table B.6-M

Typical facility and layout distances for emergency response and operations accessibility

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities
Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance

Maximum
Line
Spacing From To Distances
Item #
(meter)

B.6-1 One process unit access way Another access way 60

B.6-2 Fire hydrants protecting process units Another fire hydrant 60

B.6-3 Fire hydrants in tank farms Another fire hydrant 60

B.6-4 Firewater Monitors Fire risk area 15

Access way Access way 30

B.6-5
Note:
Access way should be at least 6 m. wide; Basis for this is a distance of a typical fire hose length of 30 m.

Notes

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or
1 grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the "x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances are as
follows:

Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest
1a
distance between the edge of the block and the other block or boundary. (This could be on the corner of a block.)

1b Distances between equipment to equipment: Measure shortest distance between "points" or closest edge

Different distances may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks.

Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are
2
implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
Where unusual conditions require closer distances, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered.

Page 13 of 15
 Table B.7-M

Typical facility and layout distances for flare systems

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Ground level, horizontal plane, or grade distance

Minimum
Line
Spacing From To Distances
Item #
(meter)

Elevated and grade level flares and burn pits

B.7-1 All other facilities 150
(if radiation level calculations do not exist)

B.7-2 Enclosed ground flares Property line, equipment handling flammables 30

Guidelines for Radiant Heat Calculations

Permissible
Line design level
Conditions
Item # kW/m2
(Btu/h·ft2)

1.58 Maximum radiant heat intensity at any location where personnel with appropriate clothing (Note 1) can be
B.7-3
(500) continuously exposed

4.73 Maximum radiant heat intensity in areas where emergency actions lasting 2 min to 3 min can be required by
B.7-4
(1,500) personnel without shielding but with appropriate clothing (Note 1)

6.31 Maximum radiant heat intensity in areas where emergency actions lasting up to 30 s can be required by personnel
B.7-5
(2,000) without shielding but with appropriate clothing (Note 1)

Maximum radiant heat intensity at any location where urgent emergency action by personnel is required. When
personnel enter or work in an area with the potential for radiant heat intensity greater than 6,31 kW/m2 (2 000
9.46 Btu/h·ft2), then radiation shielding and/or special protective apparel (e.g. a fire approach suit) should be considered.
B.7-6
(3,000)

SAFETY PRECAUTION — It is important to recognize that personnel with appropriate clothing (Note 1) cannot
tolerate thermal radiation at 6.31 kW/m2 (2,000 Btu/h·ft2) for more than a few seconds.

Note for Radiant Heat Calculation Guidelines

Appropriate clothing consists of hard hat, long-sleeved shirts with cuffs buttoned, work gloves, long-legged pants and work shoes.
Appropriate clothing minimizes direct skin exposure to thermal radiation.

From ANSI/API Standard 521, Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems, Fifth Edition, January 2007
ISO 23251 (Identical), Petroleum and natural gas industries—Pressure-relieving and depressuring systems

Page 14 of 15
 Table B.7-M

Typical facility and layout distances for flare systems

Metric Units - Issued 06-Apr-2018

CCPS Guidelines for Siting and Layout of Facilities

Table B.7-M - Continued

Thermal Radiation
Effect
kW/m2 (Btu/h·ft2)

1.5
B.7-7 Fire fighters can operate for long duration under normal conditions
(500)

5
B.7-8 Fire fighters can fight fire with normal protective clothing for a short time
(1,500)

Fire fighters can fight fire for short time if special cooled protective clothing is worn
8
B.7-9
(2,500)
Fire unlikely to propagate beyond this point, even if no fire water applied

12 to 30
B.7-10 Fire should not propagate beyond this point if sufficient fire water applied
(4,000 to 9,500)

36
B.7-11 Fire likely to propagate no matter how much fire water applied
(11,000)
From “ExTool User Manual,” Swiss Reinsurance Company, Zurich, 1998.

Notes Typical facility and layout distances for flare systems

Distances are measured with the shortest line from one point to another point at ground level, horizontal plane, or grade. Refer to Figure B.1 for the
"x,y,z" perspective. The "points" defined for measuring the distances are as follows:

Distances between one block (e.g., a building or structure) to another block or boundary: Measure the shortest distance between the edge of the
block and the other block or boundary. This could be on the corner of a block. For Flare calculations, the distance is measured from the perimeter of
the calculated circle.

Page 15 of 15