Conference Papers
Mission Critical Buildings (MCB) are buildings that must remain operational in the event of a crisis or catastrophe in order to minimize risks due to asset damage, business interruption, and personnel impact. MCBs in processing facilities face unintentional operational hazards including explosions, fragments, fires, and toxic events. In the U.S. Chemical Safety Board’s (CSB) investigation report of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Refinery incident, a recommendation was included for the American Petroleum Institute (API) to update its standard to “require protection of critical safeguards and associated control system components from fire and explosion hazards, including radiant heat and flying projectiles.” This recommendation, if implemented, would require facilities to ensure MCBs are Multi-hazard Resistant Buildings (MRBs) able to withstand a range of potential impacts; however, even if not adopted by API, this recommendation is likely to become industry best practice regarding MCBs.
As the biofuels industry continues to expand in support of global decarbonization mandates and objectives, facility owners and developers are being challenged to balance production efficiency, operational reliability, and personnel safety.
As high hazard facilities, biofuels sites should focus on developing a fire protections strategy informed by performance-based analysis so strategies implemented meet the unique challenges found at each facility.
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