POST GRADUATE EXPERIENCE REPORT

FOR
NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS (NSE)
MEMBERSHIP EXAMINATION
(DECEMBER, 2015)

BY
JOHN MARK

ABSTRACT

This report summarized the engineering experience of the author for the membership
examination of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in April 2013.
The report was structured as stated below:
Introduction chapter introduced the profile of the author and the purpose of the document.
Chapter one summarized the detail of Design of gas supply pipeline to PHCN Delta IV.
Chapter two focused on Design of fire water spray system for the pressure reduction and
metering station of PHCN Delta IV.
Chapter three summarized the project report of Compressed Natural Gas Mother Station (CNG)
Engineering, Procurement and Construction
The report of the project in each of the main chapters (1, 2 and 3) contained: title of the project,
statement of the problem, solution provided, problems encountered, conclusion and
recommendation.
In each of the projects reported, the objectives of carrying out the exercise were fully met. For
the Design of gas supply pipeline to PHCN Delta IV a 20 inches, Schedule 40, API 5L X
65(Grade B), Carbon Steel Pipe was the final design. A fire water spray system was successfully
designed based on the Single Fire Risk for the PHCN Delta IV PRMS. For the Compressed
Natural Gas Mother Station (CNG) Engineering, Procurement and Construction, the objective
was met in three phases. The first part involved successful management of the remaining design
phase. The second part involved managing the scheduled construction work for the period. The
third section involved successful management of delivery of the procured equipment skid to
Nigeria from Italy

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER ONE: DESIGN OF GAS SUPPLY PIPELINE TO PHCN DELTA IV.................8
1.1 Statement of the Problem.......................................................................................................8
1.2 Design Solutions....................................................................................................................8
1.2.1 Understanding of the design problem and gathering of basic design data......................9
1.2.2 Codes and Standards.....................................................................................................10
1.2.3 Options for pipe sizing..................................................................................................10
1.2.4 Sizing of pipe.................................................................................................................11
1.2.5 Calculation of pipe wall thickness.................................................................................12
1.2.6 Calculated External Pipe Diameter...............................................................................13
1.2.7 Recommended Pipe.......................................................................................................13
1.2.8 Transportation simulation and hydraulic studies...........................................................13
1.3 Problems Encountered.........................................................................................................14
1.4 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................15
1.5 Recommendation.................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER TWO: DESIGN OF FIRE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM FOR THE PRESSURE
REDUCTION AND METERING STATION (PRMS) OF PHCN DELTA IV.......................16
2.1 Statement of the Problem.....................................................................................................16
2.2 Design Solutions..................................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Fire outbreak assumption..............................................................................................17
2.2.2 Design Basis: Fire water demand..................................................................................17
2.2.3 Fire water source.........................................................................................................17
2.2.4 Fire water pressure........................................................................................................17
2.2.5 Fire pump system..........................................................................................................17
2.2.6 Looping.........................................................................................................................19
2.2.7 Criteria for above and underground network................................................................19
2.2.9 Protection for underground pipelines............................................................................20
2.2.10 Protection for above ground pipelines.........................................................................20
2.2.11 Sizing of fire water distribution ring main..................................................................20

2.2.12 Friction loss calculation in water distribution pipe.....................................................21

2.2.13 Pipe support.................................................................................................................22
2.2.14 Fire hydrants................................................................................................................22
2.2.15 Monitors......................................................................................................................23
2.2.16 Fire Hose Boxes..........................................................................................................24
2.3 Problems Encountered.........................................................................................................24
2.4 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................24
2.5 Recommendation.................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER THREE - COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS MOTHER STATION (CNG)
ENGINEERING, PROCUREMENT AND CONSTRUCTION (EPC)..................................26
3.1 Statement of the problem.....................................................................................................26
3.2 Solution Provided................................................................................................................27
3.3 Problems encountered..........................................................................................................27
3.4 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................28
3.5 Recommendation.................................................................................................................28

INTRODUC
TION
John Mark graduated from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso
in 2006 with a second class upper grade in Chemical Engineering. He has since then involved in
engineering project delivery. He first worked with Scanpin Computers in Sango Ota, Ogun State
between 2007 and 2009. He later joined the workforce of San Miller Limited Abuja office as a
Process and Technical Support Engineer in 2009. San Miller Limited is an engineering
consulting firm with over 25 years project experience in engineering design and process
simulation consultancy in oil and gas sector. In 2012 he became a Process/Project Development
Engineer in respond to the need of San Miller Limited. He was seconded as Project Manager to
Ener-Gas International Investment Limited in September 2012 for a period of four months to
manage engineering, procurement and construction of a compressed natural gas mother station.
He returned back to San Miller in January 2013 to retain his position as a Process/Project
Development Engineer.
As a Process and Technical Support Engineer, Mark was involved in process design for oil and
gas production facilities. He also offered product training on Aspen One Engineering (A suite of
process simulation software products sold by San Miller Limited on behalf of its owner Aspen
Technology Incorporated in Nigeria).
As a Process/Project Development Engineer, Mark combined project management with process
engineering for oil and gas upstream projects. His responsibilities included: process route
selection, development of process flow diagram, process equipment sizing, pipeline sizing and
hydraulic studies, development of process datasheet, project planning, project monitoring and
control, cost estimation, etc.
Mark in the last six years has been involved in the following engineering projects:
I.

Compressed Natural Gas Mother Station (CNG) Engineering, Procurement and

Construction (EPC)

Type of Project: EPC

Project Position: Project Manager
Client: Oando Gas and Power Limited

II.

III.

(FEED), Detailed Engineering)

Project Position: Process and Project Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Project Management Planning Consultancy Service Gas Supply Pipeline Delta IV

IV.

(Procurement and Construction Phases)

Type of Project: Project management consultancy
Project Position: Project Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Design of Fire Water Spray System for the Pressure Reduction and Metering Station

V.

VI.

(PRMS) of PHCN Delta IV

Type of Project: Front End Engineering Design (FEED)
Project Position: Process Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Design of Gas Supply Pipeline to PHCN Delta IV (Phase 1)
Type of Project: Engineering Design (Conceptual, Front End Engineering Design
(FEED), Detailed Engineering)
Project Position: Process Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Project Management Consultancy Services for Calabar-Umuahia-Ajaokuta Detailed

VII.

Gas Supply Spurline to PHCN Delta 1, 2, 3 and Delta IV

Type of Project: Engineering Design (Conceptual, Front End Engineering Design

Engineering
Type of Project: Engineering design review/Project management consultancy
Role: Process Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources

Study wide study on Agbami FPSO seawater system

Type of Project: Process Simulation
Role: Process Engineer
Client: Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources

Mark has undergone various local and international trainings such as:

Fundamental of Bentley MicroStation (Plant design software course)

Bentley Systems (SA) Ltd, Rivonia, South Africa (2012)

Fundamental of Bentley OpenPlant (Plant design software course)

Bentley Systems (SA) Ltd, Rivonia, South Africa (2012)

Aspen InfoPlus.21 Real Time Information Management Foundation (Information

Management System for Manufacturing Plant)
Aspen Technology Inc, Abuja (2012)

SAP CRM Training (Online Course) (Enterprise resources planning course)

Bentley Systems (SA) Ltd (2012)

Flare System Design and Radiation Analysis using Flaresim

Softbit, Abuja (2011)

Project Management Professional Course

Afrihub, Abuja (2010)

Process Modelling using Aspen Hysys

San Miller Ltd, Abuja (2009)

Modelling of Pipeline and Fire Protection System using Sunrise Pipenet Modules
San Miller Ltd, Abuja (2009)

Health Safety and Environment Awareness Course

MMC Management Consulting, Lagos (2007)

Mark was certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by Project Management

Institute (PMI) in 2012.

This report summarized the engineering experience of the author for the membership
examination of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in April 2013.
The report was structured as stated below:
Introduction chapter introduced the profile of the author and the purpose of the document
Chapter one summarized the detail of Design of gas supply pipeline to PHCN Delta IV.
Chapter two focused on Design of fire water spray system for the pressure reduction and
metering station of PHCN Delta IV.
Chapter three summarized the project report of Compressed Natural Gas Mother Station (CNG)
Engineering, Procurement and Construction
The report of the project in each of the main chapters (1, 2 and 3) was written in this format:

Title of the project

Statement of the problem
Solution provided
Problems encountered
Conclusion and Recommendation.

CHAPTER ONE: DESIGN OF GAS SUPPLY PIPELINE TO PHCN DELTA IV

1.1 Statement of the Problem

The Federal Government of Nigeria in pursuit of the desire to generate sufficient electricity
power to meet the demand of the country decided to develop a pipeline to supply natural gas to
the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) power plant located at Ughelli area of Delta
State.

The proposed pipeline was meant to start at a point on the Escravos Lagos Pipeline (ELP) and
terminated at a proposed processing facility in Ugheli. The length of the pipeline has already
been established by survey to be 3.6 km.
This engineering design study was established to recommend a suitable pipe (with adequate size,
wall thickness and other necessary properties) for the transportation of 300MMSCF/D of natural
gas from the tie-point to the processing facility.

The study was also meant to carry out

comprehensive transportation simulation or hydraulic studies to:

Confirm the calculated pipe size

Confirm possibility of hydrate formation and multiphase flow at any point of the pipeline
Produce material and energy balance for the pipeline network
Propose process route for the processing facility that will treat the gas to PHCN
specifications.

1.2 Design Solutions

The approach adopted to carry out the studies was as discussed below:

Understanding of the design problem and gathering of basic design data

Code and standard consideration

Proposing of various options for pipe sizing

Sizing of pipe based on optimal design option

Calculation of pipe wall thickness

Proposing final pipe wall thickness which included consideration for corrosion
allowance

Transportation simulation and hydraulic studies.

Analysis of results

Reporting

1.2.1 Understanding of the design problem and gathering of basic design data
Detailed analysis of the design problem based on the available information revealed that the gas
pipeline is a transmission line.
The basic designed data obtained from the client and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), the
operator of ELP is presented below:
Composition

Mol %

C1

81.64

C2

5.91

C3

3.77

iC4

1.24

nC4

1.18

C5+

1.60

H2S

N2

0.69

CO2

3.97

TOTAL

100.0%

Conditions and Properties

Molecular weight of the gas: 21
Specific Gravity: 0.7
Gross Calorific Value : 900 1150 Btu/ScF
Tie-in Pressure: 40-76Barg
Delivery Temperature: 20oC to 38 oC .
Design Volume of Gas: 300 MMSCF/D

1.2.2 Codes and Standards

The pipeline was designed primarily based on requirements of ASME B 31.8 (Gas Transmission
and Distribution Piping System), API RP 14E (Recommended Practice for Design and
Installation of Offshore Production Platform Piping System) and Department of Petroleum
Resources (DPR)
In addition API 5L (Specifications for Line Pipe) was also considered.

1.2.3 Options for pipe sizing

Pipes are always sized in the industry based on pressure drop. Sometimes for preliminary design
purposes when pressure loss is not a concern, pipe is sized on the basis of allowable velocity.
At this level of the project, pipe was considered to be sized based on pressure drop. Velocity
allowance would be considered later during transportation simulation and hydraulic studies.
During the course of this project, various mathematical models for calculating pressure loss in
gas were suggested for sizing this pipe. The suggested models were:

Weymouth equation

Panhandle A equation

Panhandle B equation

Spitzglass equation

Weymouth equation has limitations with respect to this type of flow. Its accuracy was limited to
sizing of short pipe within a production facility whose gas pressure fell below 450kPa. Also the
gas velocity and the Reynolds number (Re) must be low and the flow must be laminar before it
can be used. Since the operating pressure of this gas was above 450kPa and the line was
transmission type (3.6km) with high tendency of turbulent flow (Re > 2000) Weymouth equation
was disqualified.
Spitzglass equation also has limitations with respect to this type of flow. It usually gave
misleading results for pipe diameters over 10 inches. Since the gas throughput expected to flow

through the pipe was high, there is high tendency of having pipe diameter greater than 10 inches
hence Spitzglass equation was disqualified.
Panhandle A and Panhandle B equations were the best options for sizing the pipe at hand. The
two models were developed for large-diameter, long-pipelines with high-pressure. Both
Panhandle equations are dependent on Reynolds number but the Panhandle B is less dependent
than the former because it included implicit values for pipe roughness for each diameter to which
it is applied which makes it (Panhandle B) to be considered for this sizing.

1.2.4 Sizing of pipe

The pipe was sized based on modified Panhandle B equation given below

P P
Q=0 . 00128084
L

2 0 .51

D2 .53

Where
Q = Volumetric flow rate of the gas (MMSCF/D)
P1 = Upstream pressure (psia)
P2 = Downstream pressure (psia)
L = Length (mile)
D = Internal pipe diameter (inches in)

Sizing assumptions used for the calculation were stated below:

P1 = 1117psig (worst case scenario)
P2 = 1092 (obtained from process simulation result)
Q = 300 MMSCF/D
L = 2.24 Mile (3.6km)
The calculated internal pipe diameter was 18in.

(1.1)

1.2.5 Calculation of pipe wall thickness

The Oil Pipeline Document published by DPR stipulates the use of API 5L X 65 for the large
diameter pipeline operating under high pressure.
The pipe wall thickness was calculated based on the steel pipe design formula of ASME
B 31.8, paragraph 841.11, based on design pressure (100 barg = 1470 psig).as given below:

P=

2 st
FET
D

(1.2)
Where
D = Pipe outer diameter = (18 + 2t) in. (Note t is the pipe wall thickness)
S = Specified min. yield strength = 65,000 psi (as per API 5L X 65)
E = Longitudinal Joint Factor = 1.0
T = Temperature Derating Factor = 1.0
F = Design Factor = 0.5 (Considering the available survey data and future development potential
of the areas forming the pipeline route, Location Class 3 has been selected for the pipeline design
owning to the long life design criteria by the client and the fact the town is rapidly developing.)
P = Design Pressure for the pipeline = 1470 psig
Pipe wall thickness t = 0.426 (10.82mm)

After determining the pipe wall thickness that meets mechanical requirements, such as pressure,
temperature and weight of equipment, an extra thickness called "corrosion allowance was added
to the pipe wall thickness to compensate for the metal expected to be lost over the life of the
equipment.
Based on requirement DPR and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), 3mm corrosion allowance was
recommended. However in view of the long life span (25 years) proposed for this pipeline, a

safety factor of 2mm was further added to the recommended corrosion allowance which put it at
5mm.
The final recommended wall thickness was 15.82mm (0.62)
1.2.6 Calculated External Pipe Diameter
The calculated external pipe diameter based on pipe wall thickness that meets mechanical
requirements and corrosion allowance to compensate for the metal expected to be lost over the
life of the equipment was 20 inches (18.00 + 2(0.62))
1.2.7 Recommended Pipe
Based on calculation the design pipe was 20 inches, 15.82mm wall thickness, API 5L X
65(Grade B), Carbon Steel Pipe was initially recommended but after availability, a standard pipe
of 20 inches, Schedule 40, API 5L X 65(Grade B), Carbon Steel Pipe was chosen.
1.2.8 Transportation simulation and hydraulic studies
The studies were meant to confirm the suitability of the pipe diameter based on API RP 14Es
Velocity limitation of 60ft/s and elevation changes as provided by surveying. Aspen HYSYS 7.3
version was used to simulate the pipeline network for two pipe diameters (18 inches Schedule 40
and 20inches Schedule 40) at two most extreme operating pressure conditions (40 barg and
76barg) at various operating temperature ranging from 20oC to 38 oC.
Based on the velocity limitation, 20 inch, schedule 40, carbon steel pipe was found appropriate
for the desired throughput at all considered operation conditions.
The valid assumptions used in the model were:
Roughness of the pipe: 0.0018inches
Average elevation change = 1.2 (based on surveying data)
Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient = 28.618Kj/h-m2 oC.
The simulation studies also used to propose process route for the processing facility that will
treat the gas to desired specifications of 30barg and produce material and energy balance for the
entire pipeline facilities

The outlet gas from the pipeline at all operation conditions considered could not meet the
pressure requirement of 30barg which necessitated a need for pressure reduction station.
Based on standard practice and the need to ensure that the gas is free of unwanted particles and
liquid, a filter separator was proposed as the first unit in the pressure reduction facilities.
Next to the filter separator, pressure reduction unit was proposed to reduce the pressure of the
filtered gas to 30barg but after simulation studies it was discovered that the outlet fluid was a
gas-liquid mixture which cannot be used for power generation. A heater was then proposed to
preheat the filtered gas before it enters the pressure reduction which the simulation material and
energy balance confirmed appropriate. The preheating eliminates the tendency of hydrate
formation and multiphase flow throughout the facilities.
The main process units for the PRMS include:
i.

Filter separators

ii.

Liquid handling facilities

iii.

Heating system

iv.

Pressure reduction unit

v.

Gas metering unit

1.3 Problems Encountered

The problem encountered during the course of doing the design work and the solution provided
were:

Government bureaucracy which affected the project schedule. This was addressed by

working sometime on Saturday.

Hindrance from project host communities to gain access to site. A better community
relation approaches were formulated to take care of that

1.4 Conclusion
The major objective of this project was to recommend a suitable pipe (with adequate size, wall
thickness and other necessary properties) for the transportation of 300MMSCF/D of natural from
the tie-point to the processing facility and to propose units for the pressure reduction facilities.

This objective was met in three phases. The first part involved sizing of pipe based on modified
Panhandle equation (a pressure loss model) to determine the best internal diameter for the pipe.
The second part involved determining the pipe wall thickness based on mechanical requirements
and corrosion allowance. The third section involved comprehensive transportation simulation
and hydraulic studies to confirm the calculated pipe size, confirm possibility of hydrate
formation and multiphase flow at any point of the pipeline, produce material and energy balance
for the pipeline network and propose process route for the processing facility that will treat the
gas to desired specifications.
Conclusively, a 20 inches, Schedule 40, API 5L X 65(Grade B), Carbon Steel Pipe was the final
design.
1.5 Recommendation

Additional flow assurance studies should be carried for the entire length of the pipe

Further studies should be carried out to confirm the corrosion allowance considered in the
design

CHAPTER TWO: DESIGN OF FIRE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM FOR THE PRESSURE
REDUCTION AND METERING STATION (PRMS) OF PHCN DELTA IV
2.1 Statement of the Problem
The Ministry of Petroleum Resources decided to develop a Pressure Reduction and Metering
Station (PRMS) to treat and meter natural gas to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria
(PHCN) power plant located at Ughelli area of Delta State. For safety consideration, fire water
spray system was proposed as part of the station. Fire water spray system could be used for fire
extinguishment, fire control, cooling of equipment and protection of equipment and personnel
from heat radiation.

The proposed fire water spray system primarily comprised of

Fire water storage tank,

Fire water pumps

Distribution piping network

Hydrants and

Monitors.

This engineering design study was established to select and size the main units of the system.
The study was also meant to carry out hydraulic calculation for the water distribution network.
2.2 Design Solutions
The approach adopted to carry out the studies is as described below:

Understanding of the design problem and gathering of basic design data

Code and standard consideration

Proposing of various options for selection and sizing

selection and sizing of line and units

Hydraulic calculation for water distribution line

2.2.1 Fire outbreak assumption

Fire water spray system design was based on the Single Fire Risk concept which means that
only one major fire will occur at a time and fire will not take place simultaneously at different
locations.
2.2.2 Design Basis: Fire water demand
The design flow rate or fire water demand of 530 m 3/h was computed based on the largest area
with equipment skids that can catch fire easily in the open space of the Pressure Reduction and
Metering station.

2.2.3 Fire water source

The water for the fire water system was designed to come from a borehole dedicated for such
function. Fire water would be stored in an overhead storage tank made of steel on aggregate
reinforced concrete plinth foundation and support based on NFPA 15 (Standard for Water Spray
Fixed Systems for Fire Protection)
The effective capacity of the tank above the level of suction point was designed for 4 hours
working capacity of pumping system.
2.2.4 Fire water pressure
The fire water system was designed to operate at a minimum residual pressure of 7 barg at the
hydraulically remotest point of application at the designed flow rate at that point.
The fire water network was design to be kept pressurised by a jockey pump which will maintains
the system pressure at 7 barg by starting and stopping automatically based on the system
pressure.
2.2.5 Fire pump system
The fire water pump system was designed to deliver the pressure and flow required for the
operation of water based systems sufficient to meet typically the single largest credible fire in a
fire area plus any anticipated manual fire fighting demand (monitors/hydrants).
The fire pumps was designed to deliver fire water at minimum of 7 barg at the hydraulically most
remote monitor or hydrant with the largest fire water requirement in the biggest area.
In line with codes and standards requirement, the fire water pumps consist of two (2) main
pumps (2 Diesel engine driven centrifugal pumps) with each pump being able to provide at least
100 % of the maximum fire water requirement. Assuming one fire pump accidentally fails when
called to operate; the other pump can come in. Each of the two pumps was proposed to be
horizontal centrifugal type.
There would also be in addition, a jockey pump with a minimum capacity of 16 m 3/hr (3% of the
design fire water rate) and maximum capacity of 53 m 3/hr (10% of the design firewater rate) and
a minimum discharge pressure of 9 barg (which is 2 bar above minimum fire water pump
discharge pressure at the hydraulically most remote monitor or hydrant.)

The specification of fire water pump summarized as described in the table below:

Rated
S/N

Service

Type

Rated Capacity
(m/h)

Head

Driver

(barg)
1

Fire Water Pump (Duty)

Fire Water Pump (Stand By)

Jockey Pump

Centrifugal
Horizontal
Centrifugal
Horizontal
Centrifugal
Horizontal

636

13

636

13

53

13

Diesel
Engine
Diesel
Engine
Electric
Motor

Fire Water Pumps, Drivers and Controllers were proposed to be installed in the Fire Pump
House, which was decided to be located in the safe area (non hazardous area).
The fire water pump system was designed to be operated as follows:
The main fire water pump shall be provided with automatic starting facilities which will be
activated for any of the following causes:

When the fire water ring main pressure is lower than 7 barg at the hydraulically most
remote monitor or hydrant

Local manual start (Local control panel)

The fire water ring main pressure was designed to be always maintained by the jockey pump that
could start automatically when the fire water header pressure is low (below 7barg) and stop
when the fire water header pressure is high (above 7barg).
For any reason, if the fire water ring main pressure falls down below 7 barg the duty fire water
pump was designed to start automatically. When the duty fire water pump failed to start or not
able to develop the required minimum pressure of 7 barg at the most remote point, the standby
pump was designed to start automatically.

Pumps can also be started manually from the pump local control panel. The only way for the
operator to shutdown the fire pumps would be by pressing the local stop push button.
2.2.6 Looping
The fire water network was designed to be laid in closed loops as far as possible to ensure multidirectional flow in the system.
Isolation valves were proposed to be provided in the network to enable isolation of any section of
the network without affecting the flow in the rest as shown in the attached Plot Plan.
The Isolation Valves was proposed to be gate valves made of cast steel.
2.2.7 Criteria for above and underground network
The fire water network piping was normally designed to be laid above ground at a height of
300mm above finished ground level. However, the fire water network piping was proposed to be
laid below ground level at the following places:
1. Road crossings
2. Places where the above ground piping could likely to cause obstruction to operation and
vehicle movement, and get damaged mechanically.

2.2.9 Protection for underground pipelines

Where the pipe was laid underground the following protections were proposed to be provided:
1. The pipes would have at least one meter earth cover in an open ground and 1.5 meter
earth cover under the road. In case of crane movement areas, pipes would be protected
with concrete/steel encasement.
2. The pipes would be internally non-lined and externally coated
3. In case of poor soil conditions it was recommended that concrete supports be provided
under the pipe.
2.2.10 Protection for above ground pipelines
Where the pipes were laid above ground, the fire water mains should be by the side of road on an
independent route. The pipe should not be laid on common route with the process piping.

2.2.11 Sizing of fire water distribution ring main

Fire water distribution ring main was sized based on the 120% of the design water rate as shown
below:
Using the basic pipe flow equation (Q = VA). This equation was converted to normal units of
measure, as well as using the inside pipe diameter. The new equation later used was:

Q=2 . 448 v d 2

(2.1)

Where:
Q = flow rate in gallon per minute
v = Maximum velocity for fire water in ft/s
d = diameter in inches 850 (4.402) (114.4)

v = 10ft/s, Q = 120% of 530m3/hr = 636m3/hr = 2799.7gpm

2799.7=2.448 10 d

d = 11 in.
Selected pipe diameter is 12 in., Schedule 40.
Based on NFPA 15 (Section 5.1.3) which states that fire water spray system components shall be
rated for the maximum working pressure to which they are exposed, but not less than 175 psi
(12.1 bar); Design Pressure (P) of 13bar (188 psi) was selected for this system.
2.2.12 Friction loss calculation in water distribution pipe
Pipe friction losses was determined on the basis of the Hazen and Williams formula
4 .52 Q1 .85
p= 1 . 85 4 . 87
C d
(2.2)

Where:
p = frictional resistance in psi per foot of pipe
Q = flow in gpm (gram per minute)
C = friction loss coefficient
d = actual internal diameter of pipe in inches
For the pipe distribution (based on fire water spray system plot plan), a friction loss is calculated
as follows:
Q = 2799.7 gpm
C = 120
d = 12inch
120

4.52(2799.7)1.85
p=

p = 0.00852psi per foot of pipe.

For 1148ft (350 m) straight pipe, a friction loss is calculated as:

11480.00852=9.78 psi

For 4 (four) 900 Standard Elbows each with equivalent pipe size of 27ft, friction loss (p) is
calculated as:
27 4 0.00852=0.92 psi

For 8 gate valves each with equivalent pipe size of 6ft, friction loss (p) is calculated as:
8 6 0.00852=0.41 psi

For 8 Tee or cross (flow turned 90) each with equivalent pipe size of 60 ft, friction loss (p) is
calculated as:
8 60 0.00852=4.1 psi

Total friction loss along the pipe network = (9.78+ 0.92 + 0.41+ 4.1) psi = 15.21psi = 1.03bar.
2.2.13 Pipe support
Fire water piping was designed to be supported in order to maintain its integrity under fire
conditions.
Piping was designed to be supported by a concrete bases that will rise up to 300m above the
ground at 15ft from each other.
2.2.14 Fire hydrants
Fire hydrants were proposed to be provided in the network to ensure protection to all the
facilities. The location of the hydrants was carefully decided keeping in view the easy
accessibility as shown in the Plot Plan for Fire Water System. Hydrants were designed to be
located along road side for easy accessibility as far as possible.
4 (four) number of hydrant is selected for this system based on hazardous area considerations as
shown in the Plot Plan for Fire Water System (Appendix 1).

All fire hydrants were proposed to be able to deliver 100% of the fire water requirement
(530m3/hr) at its outlet at 7 barg.
One fire hydrant was 6in. (150 mm) type with a single hydrant valve. One 4in. (100 mm) and
two 2 1/2in. (65 mm) outlets with chained caps.
The hydrants would be fed from the fire main.

Other Specification

Design Pressure :

Material :

13 bar (188 psi)

Body ASTM A 106 Grade-B, Cap ASTM A 105, Chain SUS 304,

Valve B.C.6

Isolation Valves:

Gate valves made of Cast Steel.

2.2.15 Monitors
Monitors was deigned to be located at strategic locations for protection of cluster of filters,
heaters, etc.
2 (two) monitors were proposed for the protection of the area.
Each of these monitor connections would be provided with independent isolation valves so that
the area the monitor is protecting can be isolated from the remainder of the station in case of an
emergency.
Monitors would be located to direct water on the object as well as to provide water shield to
workers approaching a fire.
The monitors would not be installed less than15 metres the equipment cluster.
Water monitors would have a straight stream range of at least 55 m in still air conditions at the
normal water operating pressure with a flow rate 530 m3/hr at 7 barg.
Other specification

Type: Fixed water monitor

Design Pressure: 13 barg (188 psi)

Isolation Valves: Gate valves made of Cast Steel.

2.2.16 Fire Hose Boxes

Fire Hose boxes are generally provided for the storage of fire hoses and nozzles to enable easy
access during fire emergencies.

Hose boxes (cabinets) were proposed to be located in the fire storage section of the security shed
of the PRMS. They are proposed to be manufactured of steel and be of the self standing type,
colored red, and have air vents in the side panels and lockable doors with a key in a glass fronted
box located on the side of the cabinet itself. They are designed to stand on legs. The base would
have a suitable drain hole at its lowest point.

2.3 Problems Encountered

The problem encountered during the course of doing the design work and the solution provided
were:

Government bureaucracy which affected the project schedule. This was addressed by

working sometime on Saturday.

Hindrance from project host communities to gain access to site. A better community
relation approaches was developed to take care of that

2.4 Conclusion
The project was meant to select and size the main units of the fire water spray system. The study
was also meant to carry out hydraulic calculation for the water distribution network.
This objective was met in three phases. The first part involved selection of main units. The
second part involved sizing of the units. The third section involved hydraulic calculation for the
water distribution network.
Conclusively, a fire water spray system was designed based on the Single Fire Risk for the
PRMS.
2.5 Recommendation

Additional hydraulic analysis for the water distribution network involving use of
simulation software such as PIPENET software suite should be carried out.

Further structural and mechanical engineering design studies to confirm mechanical and
structural part of the project should be carried out.

CHAPTER THREE - COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS MOTHER STATION (CNG)

ENGINEERING, PROCUREMENT AND CONSTRUCTION (EPC)

3.1 Statement of the problem

Oando Gas & Power Limited (OGP) awarded an Engineering, Procurement and Construction
(EPC) project to Ener-Gas International Investment Limited to develop Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) Mother Station (CMS) along Oshodi-Apapa Express Way in Lagos for the supply of
natural gas through tube trailers to consumers away from the existing gas pipeline network and
also for vehicular usage.
The expected output capacity of the plant is 150,000 Standard Cubic Meter per Day (SCMD) at a
discharge pressure of 250 barg.
The plant comprises of the following components:

6 inches, 100m spur line from the existing 8 dia. main distribution network along
Oshodi-Apapa Express Way.

Gas Inlet filter separator.

Pressure Regulating and Metering Skids (PRMS) for the CMS and the Power generation
units.

Gas drying unit

CMS for dispensing to tube trailers and NGV filling

Power generation system

Utility systems

Operator control building

The author was involved in managing the project for a period of four month as a project
manager.
3.2 Solution Provided
As the project manager, the author performed the following responsibilities:

Serving as Contractors representative to manage project planning, design, procurement,

construction and acceptance of work related to the project.

Identifying and qualifying sub-contractors for the project

Leading negotiation with sub-contractors

Reviewing and approving bill of quantities from sub-contractors

Handling invoicing

Working with project sub contractors to develop project management plan; maintain scope,
time and cost; and review and approve work/deliverables.

Reviewing test results/certificates of all subcontractors.

Development and implementation of project quality system.

Developing and maintaining project communication plan to ensure adequate flow of

information among all stakeholders

Developing project risk management plan, identifying possible risk factors and proposing
and executing appropriate mitigation.

Coordinating project reporting

Securing necessary approvals required for the project, etc.

3.3 Problems encountered

The problem encountered during the course of doing the design work and the solution provided
were:

Failure of the previous project management team to apply sound project management
practices to the management of the project activities. This was addressed by re-planning

from the period the author took over. The new plan was fully deployed for the project.
Missing design information which was addressed by engaging fresh design engineers to
redesigning the missing design packages.

3.4 Conclusion
The major objective of this project was to develop downstream facilities for the supply of natural
gas through tube trailers to consumers away from the existing gas pipeline network.
This objective was met in three phases. The first part involved successful management of the
remaining design phase. The second part involved managing the scheduled construction work for
the period. The third section involved successful management of delivery of the procured
equipment skid to Nigeria from Italy.
3.5 Recommendation

Sound project management practices should be deployed at all stages of project

lifecycles.

Comprehensive checklist should be developed at planning stage of project to ensure all

work packages are adequately completed at scheduled time.