Dow fire and explosion index – uma nova proposta para projetos de sistemas de combate a incêndio na indústria petroquímica

Abstract

This paper suggests the use of a new index for calculating systems of fire fighting, the Dow Fire and Explosion Index (DF & EI), which is characterized as a calculation tool that determines the areas of greatest potential for loss in a given process . The index allows predicting the physical damage that would occur in the event of an incident. The article is divided into five chapters, Introduction, Motivation, Existing Rules, Proposed Method and Conclusion In the introduction is shown how the Petrochemical Industry performs design of the fire fighting system. In motivation chapter is suggested to do this projects based on the inventory of each individual process equipment, and not in all industrial areas, as is currently done. The third chapter provides a brief review of the design methods used today (standards and concepts). In the fourth chapter is presented the suggestion of using the DF&EI to design of fire fighting systems, and finally, the fifth chapter presents the conclusion and suggestion for future works.