Project Overview
Client: Electricité Du Liban (EDL)
Location: Zouk Mikael & Jieh, Lebanon
Project Type: Industrial Safety & Fire Protection
Standards: NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) / ISO
Year of Execution: 2016
Scope: Turnkey Installation of Fire Detection & Suppression Systems
Project Description
Power plants are high-risk environments where the presence of fuel, oil, and high-voltage equipment creates a constant fire hazard. ISPC was entrusted with a dual-site contract to upgrade and install comprehensive firefighting infrastructure at both the Zouk and Jieh Thermal Power Plants. The objective was to create a robust, responsive defense system capable of detecting and suppressing fires instantly to protect critical power generation assets and ensuring the safety of plant personnel.
Scope of Work
1. Piping Network & Hydrants:
Underground & Above-Ground Piping: Excavation and installation of the main fire water ring main, using corrosion-resistant pipes to withstand the coastal environment of both plants.
Hydrant Installation: Strategic placement of fire hydrants and hose reel cabinets across the facility for manual firefighting intervention.
Monitor Installation: Erection of high-capacity water/foam monitors to protect fuel storage tanks and transformer bays.
2. Automatic Suppression Systems:
Deluge Systems: Installation of deluge valve sets and spray nozzles around high-risk areas like Hydrogen storage units and Turbine bearings.
Sprinkler Network: Designing and installing automatic sprinkler networks in administrative buildings and warehouses.
Foam Systems: Integration of foam induction systems for fighting oil-based fires (Class B fires).
3. Pumps & Detection:
Fire Pump House: Installation and alignment of the main fire pumps (Diesel and Electric) and Jockey pumps to maintain constant system pressure.
Detection Integration: Coordinating with the fire alarm system to ensure automatic pump activation upon smoke or heat detection.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Both Zouk and Jieh are situated directly on the Mediterranean coast, leading to severe corrosion of outdoor metallic piping.
Solution: ISPC utilized Galvanized Steel piping and applied high-grade red protective coatings (Marine Paint) to ensure the longevity of the firefighting network against salt spray and humidity.
Results
The project significantly enhanced the safety rating of Lebanon’s two major power plants. The installed systems provided immediate response capabilities, complying with international safety standards and protecting millions of dollars worth of power generation equipment.
