scope:

1 Scope

This document establishes recommended methods for improving the performance of standard API flanges when subjected to the adverse effects of external high temperatures induced by exposure to fires. It does not cover fire prevention, suppression, or fire fighting practices.

Innumerable factors contribute to flange failures under fire conditions, so it is difficult to formulate hard and fast engineering rules which will ensure fire resistant behavior under all circumstances. It is possible to formulate a generalized methodology to examine enhancements which will increase the probability of survival of API flanges under fire conditions.

1.1 COMPARATIVE TESTING

To provide a basis for comparing protection methods it is necessary to provide consistent testing criteria. Although primarily used for valves, API RP 6F and API Spec 6FA, as well as other test procedures, listed in the following, have been used for testing connection and seal performances.

a. API RP 6F.

b. API Spec 6FA (supersedes API RP 6F).

c. User Modified API RP 6F, (Appendix A).

d. API Spec 6FB--Should be considered as the standard test method.

It is not intended that the order of listing indicates test severity.