Did you know that a single moment of delay in a fire suppression system at an oil refinery could cost millions of riyals and halt production entirely? In industrial facilities, especially oil and gas refineries, safety isn’t measured by the number of fire extinguishers or pipe efficiency, but by the response speed and precision of fire pumps under the most extreme conditions.
The high temperatures, high operating pressures, and flammable materials make any minor malfunction a potential disaster. That’s why major companies like Aramco and SABIC rely on systems specifically designed to withstand the unique risk environment of this sector.
Continue reading to learn about the specific requirements for fire pumps in oil and gas plants and how Takteek Agency (ANC) offers certified solutions that meet the highest global standards.Risk Environment in Oil and Gas Facilities
Oil and gas facilities are among the most complex and hazardous industrial environments, where production, processing, and storage operations are highly sensitive to any thermal or mechanical failure. Therefore, the fire protection system becomes a strategic component as crucial as the production line itself.
Nature of Fire Risks in Processing, Refining, and Fuel Tank Facilities
These facilities are exposed to the risk of ignition due to fuel leaks or flammable vapors during pumping and processing operations. The presence of high heat sources and dense electrical equipment increases the likelihood of sudden fires that require an immediate response from industrial fire pumps to prevent the spread of flames in the production area.
Common Types of Fires: Flammable Liquids, Vapors, and Compressed Gases
Fires in oil and gas plants vary between Class (B) fires caused by flammable liquids, and vapor or gas fires that explode upon contact with oxygen. These types require specialized firefighting systems capable of working with foam or high-pressure water to reduce the thermal impact and prevent re-ignition.
The Importance of Designing Fire Protection Systems to Withstand Heat and Secondary Explosions
The challenge in designing the system is not only to extinguish the fire but also to withstand shocks and secondary explosions resulting from thermal pressure or equipment failure. Therefore, fire pumps and piping systems must be designed with explosion-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, adhering to international standards such as NFPA, API, and SASO to ensure continuous performance in the harshest conditions.
Special Requirements for Fire Pumps in Industrial Facilities
The nature of work in oil and gas plants imposes precise specifications on every component of the fire protection system, especially the pumps that act as the heart of the system. These environments cannot tolerate any downtime or malfunction, making high performance, continuous reliability, and strict adherence to standards essential for ensuring protection and operational continuity.
High Performance and Continuous Reliability
Industrial fire pumps operate under harsh conditions that require high pressure and constant flow without interruption. Therefore, the fire pumps at Arif Al Nahdi (ANC) are designed according to UL, FM, and SASO standards to perform at optimal efficiency during emergencies. Each pump is tested in the factory before delivery to ensure stable performance and the ability to respond immediately when needed.
Explosion Resistance and Compliance with Standards
Oil and gas facilities face potential explosion risks from flammable vapors and gases, necessitating the use of explosion-resistant pumps manufactured to strict standards such as NFPA 20 and API 610. ANC adheres to these specifications in all design and production stages to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability, as required by clients such as Aramco and SABIC.
Operation in Chemical and Corrosive Environments
Refining and processing plants rely on systems operating amidst vapors and highly corrosive chemicals, requiring materials and designs capable of withstanding chemical and thermal factors. The fire pumps at Arif Al Nahdi are constructed with treated metals and protective coatings that provide long-lasting durability in severe environments, unaffected by sulfur, moisture, or high temperatures.
Advanced Control Systems
ANC utilizes advanced electronic control systems to enhance operational efficiency and monitor performance in real time. These systems allow precise readings of pressure, temperature, and flow rates, with immediate alerts in case of any malfunction. They also offer automatic periodic testing (Auto Test) and flow testing (Flow Test) to ensure system readiness around the clock.
Types of Fire Pumps Used in Oil and Gas Plants
Oil and gas plants require specialized fire protection systems that combine high performance and maximum reliability, especially in operational environments where no downtime is acceptable. Therefore, Arif Al Nahdi (ANC) relies on a range of fire pumps that are certified and compliant with NFPA, UL, and SASO standards to cover the diverse needs of industrial facilities, from small stations to large energy projects like Aramco.
Heavy Diesel Fire Pumps
Diesel pumps are a key option in facilities that require an independent power source from electricity to ensure continuous operation during emergencies. One of the prominent models in this category is the D.J Model (Diesel + Jockey) from Arif Al Nahdi (ANC), designed to provide immediate response even under the harshest conditions. These pumps combine a powerful diesel engine with a jockey pump to maintain ideal water pressure. They are SASO and ISO 9001 certified and fully compliant with NFPA 20, making them ideal for protecting heavy industrial facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Multistage Centrifugal Pumps
Multistage centrifugal pumps are used to provide high pressure and stable flow in large industrial systems. At Arif Al Nahdi (ANC), this technology is part of models such as the E.D.J Model (Electric + Diesel + Jockey), offering a comprehensive solution for fire protection. The pump combines a primary electric motor, a backup diesel engine, and a jockey pump to ensure maximum operational flexibility. It is designed to start at 50 GPM with 100 PSI pressure, making it ideal for processing plants, warehouses, and storage stations that need continuous, reliable performance.
Vertical Turbine Fire Pumps
Vertical turbine pumps are used in locations where the water source is below ground, such as deep tanks or wells. The Split Case UL Approved pumps from ANC provide high flow and long-term operational stability. With their axial split casing design and dual defense, they can be easily maintained without realigning, making them ideal for oil and gas plants that require 24/7 operation.
Industrial Jockey Pump
The jockey pump plays a vital role in maintaining pressure within the fire protection network and automatically compensates for any drop in pressure before the main pump is activated. Arif Al Nahdi offers several solutions in this area, including the E.J Model (Electric + Jockey) and E.D.J Model, which feature compact designs and easy installation even in limited spaces. These systems guarantee reliable performance and immediate response when needed, and they comply with SASO and UL/FM standards to provide continuous protection in factories and major commercial establishments.
All of these types of fire pumps are available and certified at Arif Al Nahdi (ANC), which is committed to supplying world-class fire protection systems designed to meet the requirements of Aramco and industrial projects in Saudi Arabia.
Common Operational Challenges in Industrial Plants
Factories and industrial facilities face recurring challenges when operating and maintaining fire protection systems, especially in work environments characterized by high operating pressure and harsh climatic conditions. Addressing these challenges requires integrated systems and reliable equipment designed specifically to minimize failures and ensure immediate response at any moment of danger.
Some of the most common operational challenges include:- Low water pressure or supply interruptions during emergencies
- Corrosion of metal components due to chemicals or moisture
- Poor integration between pumps and control panels
- Delayed automatic response of operating systems
- Difficulties in maintenance and periodic inspections in large sites
- Non-compliance with NFPA or SASO local standards
To avoid these issues and achieve the highest levels of safety, Arif Al Nahdi (ANC) offers comprehensive engineering solutions, including design, supply, installation, and regular maintenance of certified industrial fire pumps and systems in Saudi Arabia. Contact us today to secure your facility with the highest quality and safety standards.
Approved Design and Installation Standards
The design and installation of fire pumps in industrial facilities are subject to a set of strict international standards to ensure system efficiency and safety at all stages of use. Compliance with these standards is not optional but a fundamental requirement for system approval in major projects like Aramco and SABIC within the Kingdom.
Key approved standards include:- NFPA 20: Specifies the requirements for the design, installation, and operation of fire pumps to ensure safe and efficient performance.
- NFPA 25: Focuses on inspection and periodic maintenance procedures to maintain system readiness and operational continuity.
- API 610: Specifies the technical standards for centrifugal pumps used in high-performance industrial applications.
- SASO and ARAMCO Standards: Require full compliance with Saudi standards and specific requirements for local oil and gas projects.
Arif Al Nahdi (ANC) is committed to applying these standards across all its systems to ensure that its clients receive the highest levels of quality and operational safety in the Kingdom.
Integrated Solutions from Arif Al Nahdi (ANC)
Get comprehensive protection for your industrial facility with the integrated solutions offered by Arif Al Nahdi (ANC), specifically designed to meet the highest quality and safety standards in fire protection systems for factories and oil facilities in the Kingdom. Our services include:
- Supply of certified electric, diesel, and hybrid fire pumps.
- Design and implementation of systems compliant with Aramco and SABIC standards.
- Maintenance, operation, and performance testing services (Flow Tests).
- Supply of original spare parts and certified technical warranty.
Protect your facility with Arif Al Nahdi (ANC), your trusted partner in certified fire protection solutions in Saudi Arabia. Contact us today for a free technical consultation and choose the best system for your project.
Fire Pump Installation at Aramco Factory
We take pride at Arif Al Nahdi (ANC) in executing one of our outstanding projects in collaboration with Aramco Saudi Arabia, where we supplied and installed certified industrial fire pump systems according to the highest global standards. This project reflects the trust of major national companies in our expertise and ability to implement precise engineering solutions that ensure operational safety and immediate emergency response.
Contact us today to secure your facility with the same standards used by Aramco.
