Rim Seal Fire Protection System for Petroleum Storage Tanks
What Is a Rim Seal Fire in Petroleum Storage Tanks?
- Spread across the entire rim area within minutes
- Damage the structural integrity of the tank wall
- Lead to a full-surface tank fire or explosion
- Cause major environmental damage and financial loss
- Endanger the lives of plant personnel
Technical Specifications
| Control Type | Automatic / Manual (Dual Control) |
| Operating Pressure | 7 – 12 Bar |
| Voltage | 24V DC (Detection & Control Panel) |
| Working Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Coverage Area | Entire Circumference of Tank Rim Seal |
| Technology | Automatic Detection & Suppression using Linear Heat Sensing Cable and Foam-based Extinguishing Agent |
| Fire Extinguisher Type | Pre-engineered Foam Module (AFFF – UL Listed) |
| Agent Type | AFFF / CF3I – Trifluoroiodomethane |
| Fire Class | Class B (Flammable Liquids) |
| Shape | Curved / Linear |
| Coating Type | Corrosion-Resistant Epoxy Paint |
| Color | Red |
| Mounting Type | Clamp-on / Bracket Mount |
| Installation Type | Fixed Horizontal Mount Along Tank Rim |
| Enclosure Rating | IP65 |
| Detection Cable | Linear Heat Sensing Cable |
| Response Time | Within Seconds of Fire Detection |
| Discharge Duration | 60 – 120 Seconds |
| Max Flow Rate | Up to 120 LPM |
| Diameter | Customized as per Tank Rim Circumference |
| Capacity | Varies by Tank Size and Rim Design |
| Connectivity Type | Wired / SCADA Compatible |
| Alarm Interface | Remote Signal Output & LED Indicators |
| System Reset | Manual Reset After Activation |
| Tank Compatibility | Floating Roof & Fixed Roof Tanks |
| Application | Petroleum Storage Tank Rim Seal Protection |
| Operating Life | 10+ Years |
| Maintenance Interval | Annual |
| Humidity Tolerance | Up to 95% RH Non-condensing |
| Water Requirement | Not Required |
| Applicable Standards | IS15821, OISD 116, OISD 117, NFPA 2001, NFPA 11 |
| Minimum Order Quantity | 1 Piece |
| FOB Port | Ex-Works |
| Payment Terms | Cash Advance (CA), COD |
| Packaging Details | Appropriately Packed |
| Main Domestic Market | All India |
| Installation Services Required | Yes |
| Design | Modular |
| Color | Red |
| Type | Rim Seal Fire Protection System |
| Pressure | High Pressure (7 – 12 Bar) |
| Operation Mode | Non-electrically Operated |
| Material | Corrosion-Resistant Steel, Epoxy Coated |
Floating Stats
Working Principle of Rim Seal Fire Protection System
Detection
An EN-certified linear metallic sensor is routed continuously along the entire rim seal perimeter of the floating roof tank. It monitors for abnormal heat rise and incipient fire conditions 24×7 without any human intervention.
Confirmation & Alarm
On detection of fire or abnormal temperature rise at the rim seal zone, the system simultaneously triggers a remote surveillance alarm at the control room, alerting operators immediately without any delay.
CF3I Agent Discharge
CF3I (Trifluoroiodomethane) is automatically released from the pressurized modular vessels through directional spray nozzles, directly onto the rim seal area, interrupting the combustion chain reaction.
Oxygen Suppression
The CF3I agent rapidly displaces oxygen at the rim seal area, removes the oxidizer from the fire triangle, and extinguishes the hydrocarbon fire at the incipient stage — typically within seconds of activation.
Fire Suppression Complete
The rim seal fire is completely extinguished before it can spread across the floating roof or escalate to a full-surface petroleum tank fire, protecting the asset, stored product, personnel and surrounding infrastructure.
Manual Override (Backup)
In the event of automatic system non-availability, local manual operation is possible from the fire extinguishing module mounted on the tank roof, ensuring fail-safe protection under all operating conditions.
Application industries
Crude Oil Storage Terminals
Petroleum Refineries
Petrochemical Plants
Oil Depots & Tank Farms
Aviation Fuel Storage
Pipeline & Lube Oil Installations
Benefits of Rim Seal Fire Protection System (RSFPS)
Rapid Detection & Suppression
CTR's EN-certified linear metallic sensor detects incipient rim seal fires within seconds. The system immediately activates CF3I suppression, extinguishing the fire before it can spread — protecting the tank, stored product and surrounding assets.
Prevents Tank Fire Escalation
Rim seal fires, if left unchecked, rapidly escalate to full-surface petroleum tank fires causing catastrophic damage. CTR's system arrests the fire at the incipient stage, preventing escalation and eliminating the risk of large-scale industrial fire incidents.
Reduces Downtime
Because the system is modular and can be installed while the tank remains in service, there is zero operational downtime during commissioning. Post-fire, clean agent suppression leaves no residue — enabling faster tank return to service.
Cost-Effective Protection Solution
With unlimited shelf life of the CF3I agent, no water infrastructure requirement, minimal maintenance, and in-service installation, CTR's RSFPS delivers a significantly lower total cost of ownership compared to conventional foam or water deluge systems.
Why Choose CTR Manufacturing Industries Pvt. Ltd.?
Compliance & Standards — CTR RSFPS
Standards & Compliance
- IS15821:2008 — Indian Standard for Rim Seal Fire Protection Systems
- OISD STD 116 — Oil Industry Safety Directorate Fire Protection Standard
- OISD STD 117 — Fire Protection for Petroleum Depots, Terminals & Pipelines
- NFPA 2001 — Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
- NFPA 11 — Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam
- IS 15325 — Indian Standard for Rim Seal Petroleum Tank Applications
- EN Certified — European Standard for Linear Metallic Detection Sensor
- MoEF Approved — CF3I (Trifluoroiodomethane) approved by Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India
- IP65 Rated — Enclosure protection for detectors and actuators
- UL Listed — AFFF foam agent (where applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Rim Seal Fire Protection System is an advanced fire detection and suppression solution designed specifically for floating roof petroleum storage tanks. It protects the vulnerable rim seal area where flammable vapors can accumulate and ignite. The system automatically detects fire at an early stage and suppresses it before it can spread across the tank roof.
The rim seal area is one of the most common locations for fire incidents in floating roof tanks. Factors such as lightning strikes, static electricity, friction, and hydrocarbon vapor leakage can cause ignition. A Rim Seal Fire Protection System minimizes fire risks, protects valuable assets, and helps maintain operational safety.
The system uses a linear heat sensing cable installed around the tank rim. When abnormal heat or fire is detected, the control panel immediately activates the suppression mechanism. Foam or clean extinguishing agents are discharged directly onto the affected area, controlling the fire within seconds.
Rim Seal Fire Protection Systems are primarily designed for floating roof petroleum storage tanks. However, they can also be customized for fixed roof tanks, chemical storage tanks, fuel depots, and other industrial storage applications where fire protection is critical.
Depending on project requirements, the system may use AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) or environmentally approved clean agents such as CF3I. The choice of extinguishing agent depends on tank size, hazard classification, environmental considerations, and applicable industry standards.
Yes. The system is designed to meet the requirements of major fire safety standards, including OISD STD 116, OISD STD 117, NFPA 11, NFPA 2001, and other relevant industry regulations. Compliance ensures reliable performance and enhanced safety for petroleum storage facilities.