Siting and Layout

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Siting and Layout

This ebook describes issues to consider when choosing a site for a process facility. Also discussed are the layout and spacing of equipment, utilities, buildings, roads, emergency equipment and piping and valves. (Futher information is provided in the article Siting and Layout of Process Facilities and in Safety Moment #57: Equipment Spacing (Pumps/Fireproofed Pipe Racks)).

The words ‘siting’ and ‘layout’ are often used interchangeably, but, strictly speaking, they have different meanings. Siting is concerned with the location of a facility. For example, if a company is planning on building a new chemical plant its management may consider the relative merits of sites in Texas, Mexico or China. Layout, on the other hand, is to do with the locations of equipment, piping and buildings at the selected site and how they connect with one another.

Moran (2016) divides the term ‘Layout’ into:

• Site Layout ― How plots within the site relate to one another and to facilities outside the site.
• Plot Layout ― How process units relate to one another.
• Equipment Layout ― How individual equipment items are laid with respect to one another.

Most layout decisions will be made during the design phase but the topic also needs to be considered when making facility modifications, particularly when new equipment or piping is being added.

Table of Contents

Introduction 
Regulations and Standards
Siting 
Layout 
   Layout Risk Analysis 
   Facility Orientation 
   Hazardous Areas 
   Blocks and Roads 
   Piping
   Drainage Systems
   Loading/Unloading Facilities
   Routine Access and Egress
   Explosion Protection
   Safe Areas
   Emergency Escape
   Manual Alarm Call Points
   Process Isolation Valves
   Firefighting 
   Emergency Showers and Eyewashes 
Equipment Spacing 
   Pressure Vessels
   Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks
   Pumps
   Compressors / Compressor Drivers
   Heat Exchangers
   Boilers
   Fired Equipment
   Air Intakes
   Equipment Stacking
Piping and Valves
   Piping 
   Valves 
Flares and Vents
Buildings
Utilities
Stairways and Ladders
   Stairways 
      Dimensions
      Landings
      Load Capacity 
      Stair Rails 
      Stair Treads
   Ladders
      Dimensions
      Safety Cages and Gates
      Rungs and Stringers
   Platforms
   Guardrails, Handrails and Toeboards
   Ramps