Understanding OISD 116: Fire Protection in Refineries and Gas Plants

OISD-STD-116 is the foundational standard for fire protection in petroleum refineries and oil/gas processing plants, defining the minimum design criteria for all fire protection facilities [1]. This standard explicitly mandates the provision of **semi-fixed foam systems** for various tank configurations, including floating roof tanks storing Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ products and fixed roof tanks of significant diameter [1].

Semi-Fixed Foam Systems and Mobile Unit Integration

The standard requires that semi-fixed foam systems be provided for floating roof tanks and fixed roof tanks storing Class ‘A’, ‘B’, and specific ‘C’ petroleum products [1]. A **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** serves as the primary delivery mechanism for these semi-fixed systems, connecting to foam chamber outlets to extinguish rim seal fires or liquid surface fires [2]. The 2025 update to OISD 116 strengthens the requirement for clear criteria regarding mobile foam units and trailer-mounted foam monitors, ensuring they are available for rapid deployment [2].

Foam Application Rates and Duration Requirements

Compliance with OISD 116 demands precise adherence to foam application rates, which vary by tank type. For cone roof tanks containing liquid hydrocarbon, the rate must be at least 5 liters per minute per square meter of liquid surface area [3]. For floating roof tanks, the requirement increases to 12 liters per minute per square meter of seal area, with a foam height of 600 mm [3]. The duration of foam supply is critical: 65 minutes for Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ liquids, and 30 minutes for Class ‘C’ products or spill fire protection [3]. Mobile trolleys must be sized to deliver these volumes continuously without interruption.

Automatic Detection and Rim Seal Protection

OISD 116 mandates automatic actuated rim seal fire detection and extinguishing systems for all external floating roof tanks storing Class ‘A’ products [1]. These systems must use linear hollow metallic tube detectors with foam-based extinguishing media and be approved by international agencies like UL, FM, VdS, or LPC [1]. While fixed systems handle the automatic response, the **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** is the essential backup for manual intervention if the automatic system fails or if fire spreads beyond the rim seal [2].

OISD 117: Foam System Mandates for Petroleum Storage Terminals

OISD-STD-117 is the primary fire protection standard for Petroleum Oil Lubricant (POL) depots and petroleum terminals, covering the design and maintenance of fire water networks and foam systems [7]. This standard applies to all facilities storing Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ petroleum products, including bulk storage terminals and aviation fuel installations [7].

Fixed and Semi-Fixed Foam Pourer Requirements

Under OISD 117, fixed foam pourers are required on Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ product tanks that exceed defined capacity thresholds, while semi-fixed systems are mandated for smaller tanks [7]. The semi-fixed system relies heavily on the availability of a high-capacity **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** to inject foam concentrate into the system [7]. The standard ensures that every storage area has a dedicated, accessible foam supply mechanism that can be rapidly engaged by the trolley.

Fire Water Reserve and Foam Compound Storage

OISD 117 requires a minimum of 4 hours of fire water reserve at full pump design capacity, stored in two interconnected, equal-sized compartments [7]. Similarly, foam compound storage must be temperature-controlled with active shelf-life management [7]. The standard specifies that the quantity of foam compound stored must be equal to 100% of the requirement, with a minimum of 60,000 liters for installations with a largest tank diameter of 60 meters [6]. Mobile trolleys must be compatible with these stored concentrates, typically AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), which must constitute at least 90% of the storage [6].

Hydrant Spacing and Monitor Coverage

The standard mandates hydrants and monitors at a maximum spacing of 30 meters to ensure adequate coverage across the terminal [7]. This dense network of hydrants allows the **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** to be quickly positioned and connected to any point in the facility. Standby diesel-driven fire pumps with auto-start capabilities are also required to ensure continuous water supply for foam generation [7].

OISD 118: Mobile Foam Requirements for Loading and Unloading Gantries

While OISD 116 and 117 address refineries and storage, the operational safety of loading and unloading gantries is critical for preventing spill fires and hydrocarbon releases. OISD standards explicitly cover oil loading/unloading tank truck and tank wagon gantries, requiring water spray and/or foam systems [4].

Protection for Loading Gantries and Hydrocarbon Pumps

The updated OISD 116 (2025) mandates automatic water spray for loading/unloading gantries and pumps handling hydrocarbons above auto-ignition temperature [2]. In the event of a spill fire or a failure of the fixed spray system, the **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** becomes the primary suppression tool. These trolleys are designed to be maneuvered quickly to gantry areas to apply foam over spilled liquids, preventing vapor ignition and controlling the fire spread [3].

Spill Fire Duration and Concentrate Capacity

For spill fire protection, OISD standards require a foam duration of 30 minutes [3]. This means the mobile trolley must carry sufficient foam concentrate and water capacity to sustain this 30-minute discharge without needing to return to the storage tank for refilling. The standard emphasizes that foam nurses or tenders must be available to quickly refill foam nurses in an emergency, a capability that modern mobile trolleys from Kinde Fire are engineered to support [3].

Integration with High-Capacity Trolley Monitors

For columns and vessels exceeding specific dimensions, OISD 116 requires high-capacity trolley monitors as an alternative to water spray rings [2]. A **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** equipped with a high-range monitor can deliver foam to elevated points on loading gantries or process vessels, ensuring that fire suppression reaches the source of the hydrocarbon release. This flexibility is vital for gantries where fixed monitors may be obstructed by truck movements.

Technical Specifications for a compliant mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants

To achieve full compliance with OISD 116, 117, and 118, a **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** must meet rigorous technical specifications regarding flow rate, pressure, material, and certification. Kinde Fire designs its units to exceed these minimums, ensuring reliability in the most demanding petrochemical environments.

Flow Rate, Pressure, and Foam Concentration

The trolley must deliver a foam solution flow rate that matches the application rates defined in OISD 116 (5 L/min/m² for cone roofs, 12 L/min/m² for floating roofs) [3]. The discharge pressure must be sufficient to overcome the friction loss in the hose and reach the target, typically operating at a minimum of 7 kg/cm² as per OISD 117 requirements for fire water networks [7]. The foam concentrate must be AFFF type, with a PH value between 6.5 and 7.5 to ensure chemical neutrality [6].

Material Specifications and BIS Certification

All materials used in the fire water system and the trolley must be of approved types. Pipes and structural components should be Carbon Steel as per IS: 3589 or IS: 1239 [5]. Fire hoses used with the trolley must comply with IS 636 (Reinforced rubber lined Type A or Synthetic Type B) [5]. Crucially, for Indian market compliance and export credibility, the equipment should carry BIS certification, verifying adherence to Indian Standards (IS 903, IS 5290) [5].

Comparison: OISD-Compliant Trolley vs. Standard Industrial Units

Feature	OISD-Compliant Mobile Foam Trolley (Kinde Fire)	Standard Industrial Foam Unit
Foam Application Rate	12 L/min/m² (Floating Roof) / 5 L/min/m² (Cone Roof)	Often 3–5 L/min/m² (Insufficient for OISD)
Discharge Duration	65 mins (Class A/B), 30 mins (Spill/Class C)	Typically 15–20 mins
Pressure Rating	7 kg/cm² (Min) per OISD 117	Variable, often <5 kg/cm²
Hose Standard	IS 636 Type A/B Certified	Generic or Non-Standard
Monitor Type	High-Volume Long Range (OISD 116 2025)	Standard Short-Range
Certification	ISO 9001:2015, BIS, UL/FM Listed	ISO 9001 only

Chassis, Mobility, and Connectivity

The trolley must be trailer-mounted for easy maneuverability across the refinery or terminal, as specified in OISD 116’s criteria for “mobile foam units” and “trailer-mounted foam monitors” [2]. It must feature quick-connect couplings compatible with the facility’s hydrant network (typically 65mm or 80mm) to ensure rapid deployment within the 30-meter spacing limits of OISD 117 [7]. The chassis must be painted “Fire Red” with corrosion-resistant paint, as mandated for all above-ground fire water mains and standposts [5].

Kinde Fire: The Global Standard in Mobile Foam Equipment Manufacturing

Kinde Fire stands as a premier manufacturer of fire safety equipment, including the **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants**, with a reputation built on 15+ years of experience and an ISO 9001:2015 certification [1]. Located in Naroda, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Kinde Fire has successfully delivered projects to 26+ countries, executing over 1000 projects globally [1].

Expertise in OISD and International Standards

Our engineering team possesses deep expertise in OISD 116, 117, and 118, ensuring that every mobile foam unit we manufacture meets the specific clauses for semi-fixed systems, foam application rates, and duration requirements [1]. We integrate NFPA standards alongside Indian IS codes (IS 636, IS 903, IS 5290) to provide a dual-compliance solution that is acceptable to international project managers and Indian regulatory authorities [5].

Quality Assurance and BIS Certification

Kinde Fire products undergo rigorous quality control to ensure they meet BIS certification standards (bis.gov.in), a critical requirement for equipment used in Indian petroleum facilities [5]. Our foam units are tested for performance at 7 kg/cm² pressure and are designed with Carbon Steel components as per IS: 3589/IS: 1239, guaranteeing durability in harsh petrochemical environments [5].

Global Reach and Rapid Support

With a footprint in 26+ countries, Kinde Fire offers export-focused support, including detailed compliance documentation and technical specifications for international buyers [1]. Our commitment to speed is reflected in our 4-hour quote promise, ensuring that project managers can secure compliant equipment without delaying critical safety infrastructure timelines.

Conclusion

Selecting a **mobile foam trolley for petrochemical plants** that adheres to OISD 116, 117, and 118 is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical safety imperative for refineries and storage terminals. Kinde Fire delivers ISO 9001:2015 certified, BIS-compliant mobile foam units engineered to meet these exacting Indian standards while satisfying international NFPA requirements. With 15+ years of experience, 1000+ projects, and a presence in 26+ countries, we are the trusted partner for global fire safety projects.**Ready to secure your facility with a compliant mobile foam trolley?** Contact Kinde Fire today for a **4-hour quote** and expert consultation. Reach us via WhatsApp at **+91-8141899444** or visit our product collection for [Mobile Foam Trolleys](/products/mobile-foam-trolleys) to view our full range of compliant equipment.