Q. Design Pumps for plant layout?

Pumps handling flammable or combustible materials are relatively frequent sources of leakage and should therefore be located as far as practical from continuous ignition sources. They should not be located beneath other equipment, such as towers, drums, or pipe racks in order to avoid fire involvement of such equipment. Also, they should be located clear of overhead obstructions so they can be reached by a small crane. Where pumps are located within multi-level structures and portable crane access is not possible, monorails shall be installed for removal of the pump or internals during maintenance. A preferred location for pumps is on the opposite side of towers, away from fired heaters. In-line pumps should be treated the same as regular pumps for spacing purposes.

Hot pumps handling flammable materials present an increased fire risk because of the high likelihood of auto-ignition if a leak occurs. Pumps containing hydrocarbons operating above 316 °C (600 °F) or above its auto-ignition temperature (whichever is lower) should preferably not be located under or within multi-level structures. If unavoidable, fire protection measures such as passive fire protection or water sprays are required for equipment and structures above the pumps. However, the best choice is not to locate such pumps under or within structures.

Spacing separates pumps with higher fire potential and provides access for fire fighting. When a pump and its spare are exposed to a common fire hazard, additional separation between them may be justified to minimize the risk of losing both of them during a fire.

Pumps at grade should have prepared foundations with a paved area sloped to take spillage away from the pumps. Where pumps are required to be located in a structure, drip trays and anti-vibration mountings should be considered. For severe weather protection or noise reduction purposes some exposed pumps in critical service may be located in an enclosed or semi-enclosed shelter. In off-site areas, pumps should be grouped together outside the tank bermed areas.