RP 4-1

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
November 1994

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

Copyright The British Petroleum Company p.l.c.

All rights reserved. The information contained in this document
is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or
contract under which the document was supplied to the
recipient's organisation. None of the information contained in
this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient's own
organisation without the prior written permission of Manager,
Standards, BP International Limited, unless the terms of such
agreement or contract expressly allow.

BP GROUP RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING

Issue Date

RP 4-1

Doc. No.
Document Title

November 1994

Latest Amendment Date

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
(Replaces BP Engineering CP 5)

APPLICABILITY
Regional Applicability:

International

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

This document gives guidance on the design, construction, operation and maintenance of
drainage systems in land-based installations.

AMENDMENTS
Amd
Date
Page(s)
Description
___________________________________________________________________

CUSTODIAN (See Quarterly Status List for Contact)

Civil Engineering & Geotechnics

Issued by:-

Engineering Practices Group, BP International Limited, Research & Engineering Centre

Chertsey Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 1932 76 4067
Fax: +44 1932 76 4077
Telex: 296041

CONTENTS
Section

Page

FOREWORD ................................................................................................................. i
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Scope .................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Legislation and Standards .................................................................................... 1
2. DESIGN OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.................................................................... 2
2.1 General................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Integration with Processes ................................................................................... 2
2.3 Waste Minimisation ............................................................................................. 2
2.4 Fugitive Emissions of Hydrocarbon Gases............................................................ 2
2.5 Future Developments........................................................................................... 3
2.6 Design Factors..................................................................................................... 3
2.7 Effluents .............................................................................................................. 3
2.8 Effluent Types ..................................................................................................... 4
2.9 Effluent Segregation ............................................................................................ 6
2.10 Types of System ............................................................................................... 7
3. EFFLUENT VOLUMES......................................................................................... 9
3.2 Rainfall Intensities.............................................................................................. 10
3.3 Firewater Volumes ............................................................................................ 10
3.4 Groundwater Infiltration .................................................................................... 13
3.5 Bunded Tank Area Flow Capacity ..................................................................... 13
3.6 Water Discharge ................................................................................................ 13
4. LAYOUT AND CONFIGURATION ................................................................... 13
4.2 Process Areas .................................................................................................... 13
4.3 Offsites Areas .................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Treatment.......................................................................................................... 20
4.5 Measurement ..................................................................................................... 21
5. HYDRAULIC DESIGN ........................................................................................ 21
5.1 General.............................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Gravity-based Drainage Systems........................................................................ 21
5.3 Closed Drainage Systems................................................................................... 25
6. STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF BURIED PIPEWORK......................................... 30
6.1 Backfill.............................................................................................................. 30
6.2 Road and Rail Crossings .................................................................................... 30
6.3 Loads During Testing ........................................................................................ 31
6.4 Thermal Expansion ............................................................................................ 31
6.5 Submerged Pipes ............................................................................................... 31
6.6 Settlement ......................................................................................................... 31

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7. SECONDARY CONTAINMENT......................................................................... 31
7.2 Exfiltration ........................................................................................................ 31
7.3 Infiltration ......................................................................................................... 32
8. ANCILLARY STRUCTURES.............................................................................. 32
8.1 Manholes........................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Gully Traps........................................................................................................ 37
8.3 Open Ditches and Channels................................................................................ 38
8.4 Effluent Collection and Treatment (Neutralisation) Pits...................................... 39
8.5 Pumping Sumps................................................................................................. 39
8.6 Soakaways and Land Drains .............................................................................. 39
8.7 Cesspools and Septic Tanks............................................................................... 39
9. CONTROL OF FUGITIVE GAS EMISSIONS AND VENTING OF
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS........................................................................................ 40
9.1 Control of Fugitive Gas Emissions ..................................................................... 40
9.2 Design of Vents for Open Gravity Drainage Systems ......................................... 41
9.3 Extraction and Treatment of Vented Gases ........................................................ 42
10. MATERIALS ........................................................................................................ 43
10.1 General........................................................................................................... 43
10.2 Resistance to Effluents.................................................................................... 43
10.3 Strength.......................................................................................................... 44
10.4 Joints.............................................................................................................. 44
10.5 Other .............................................................................................................. 44
11. CONSTRUCTION AND WORKMANSHIP ....................................................... 44
11.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 44
11.2 Construction................................................................................................... 45
11.3 Connections to Existing Sewers ...................................................................... 45
11.4 Testing ........................................................................................................... 45
11.5 Back-filling ..................................................................................................... 46
11.6 Cleaning ......................................................................................................... 46
12. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE................................................................. 46
12.2 Cleaning ......................................................................................................... 46
12.3 Inspection....................................................................................................... 47
12.4 Rehabilitation.................................................................................................. 48
12.5 Operational Procedures (Closed System Only) ................................................ 49
TABLE 1 ..................................................................................................................... 51
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS ................................... 51
TABLE 2A................................................................................................................... 52
MATERIAL SELECTION...................................................................................... 52
TABLE 2B................................................................................................................... 53
MATERIAL SELECTION...................................................................................... 53

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FIGURE 1 ................................................................................................................... 54
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM - TYPICAL ARRANGEMENTS ............. 54
FIGURE 2 ................................................................................................................... 55
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM -............................................................... 55
TYPICAL CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT ....................................................... 55
FIGURE 3 ................................................................................................................... 56
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM -............................................................... 56
TYPICAL LINE DIAGRAM OF COLLECTION SYSTEM ................................... 56
FIGURE 4 ................................................................................................................... 57
PUMPED DRAINAGE SYSTEM - TYPICAL ARRANGEMENTS....................... 57
FIGURE 5 ................................................................................................................... 58
MANHOLE GULLY DETAIL................................................................................ 58
FIGURE 6 ................................................................................................................... 59
TYPICAL SEALED MANHOLE COVERS ........................................................... 59
FIGURE 7 ................................................................................................................... 60
TYPICAL STANDARD 150 MM GULLY TRAP .................................................. 60
FIGURE 8 ................................................................................................................... 61
TRAPPING OF DRAIN INLETS TO MANHOLES ............................................... 61
FIGURE 9 ................................................................................................................... 62
TYPICAL OFFSITES STORAGE TANK OILY AND CLEAN WATER
DRAINAGE LAYOUT........................................................................................... 62
APPENDIX A.............................................................................................................. 63
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................. 63
APPENDIX B.............................................................................................................. 64
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS............................................................... 64

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FOREWORD
Introduction to BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering
The Introductory Volume contains a series of documents that provide an introduction to the
BP Group Recommended Practices and Specifications for Engineering (RPSEs). In particular,
the 'General Foreword' sets out the philosophy of the RPSEs. Other documents in the
Introductory Volume provide general guidance on using the RPSEs and background
information to Engineering Standards in BP. There are also recommendations for specific
definitions and requirements.
Value of this Recommended Practice
This document represents the accumulated knowledge of BP in onshore drainage from a
variety of operating sites and projects. There are no comprehensive external documents
addressing this specialised area, other documents being concerned predominantly with urban
wastewater drainage. Provision of adequate drainage systems has wide ranging safety and
environmental implications which are addressed in this document to allow cost effective design
to be achieved.
Application
Text in italics is Commentary. Commentary provides background information which supports
the requirements of the Recommended Practice, and may discuss alternative options.
This document may refer to local, national or international regulations but the responsibility to
ensure compliance with legislation and any other statutory requirement lies with the user. The
user should adapt or supplement this document to ensure compliance for the specific
application.
Principal Changes from Previous Edition
Alternatives to gravity flow drainage; inspection and rehabilitation; and workmanship and
construction, are now covered.
Feedback and Further Information
Users are invited to feed back any comments and to detail experiences in the application of
BP RPSE's, to assist in the process of their continuous improvement.
For feedback and further information, please contact Standards Group, BP International or the
Custodian. See Quarterly Status List for contacts.

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1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1

Scope
This Recommended Practice gives guidance on the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of drainage systems in
refineries, terminals, pipeline associated installations, chemical plants,
drill-sites and jetties.
The design recommendations given are intended to form the basis of a
detailed design package to be prepared prior to construction tender.
It does not include requirements for drainage systems on offshore
platforms, which are covered in BP Group RP 44-11.
Guidelines are provided for the design of open and closed systems. For
closed systems, reference should be made to BP Group RP 42-1, Piping
Systems for detailed specification of material where appropriate
This Recommended Practice does not include a comprehensive listing of all
legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards applicable to the detailed
design of drainage systems. It is the responsibility of the designer to ensure that the
most recent version of the appropriate codes of practice and standards relevant to
the proposed location are used for the design, construction and testing of the
systems.

1.2

The basic requirement for the drainage system is to provide a safe,

reliable and economic system for the collection and transport of
effluents and surface water to treatment areas and discharge points.
Due regard should be given to the effect of effluent beyond the point of
discharge with respect to quantities and quality of the effluent. The
overall system should be kept as simple as possible in terms of
construction, operation and maintenance; usually this means that open,
gravity based drainage systems will be used for wastewater effluent
drainage where legislation permits.
The design of plant drainage and sewer systems shall be subject to
Owner's approval.
It is recommended that the conceptual design is agreed with the Owner, prior to
detailed design.

1.3

Legislation and Standards

The handling and disposal of effluents and surface water drainage is
subject to the approval of the local authorities and the subject of
legislation within that country or state. Standards relating to gaseous

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emissions, contaminants, and waste sludges shall be considered together

with the quality and quantity of effluent discharged. When constructing
or upgrading a drainage system, consideration should be given to
meeting new, and possible future, standards.
When Standards set by the local authority, BP standards and current
legislation are different, the most onerous standard shall be adopted.
2.

DESIGN OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

2.1

General
It is essential for the drainage system to be considered in the very early
stages of the design of a plant as part of the initial infrastructure
development layout.
In the UK, the drainage systems shall be designed generally in accordance with BS
8005 and BS 6297 where applicable, except as otherwise described below.
Elsewhere, equivalent local standards will be subject to review by BP.

2.2

Integration with Processes

Consideration should be given to the integration of drainage into the
process facilities. If process conditions permit, this may provide
financial savings.
It may be useful to incorporate the drainage system into the P&I diagram.

2.3

Waste Minimisation
The principles of waste minimisation should be followed.
Every effort should be made to reduce unnecessary mixing of water, oils and
chemicals before entering the drainage system e.g. oil slops can be collected in
drums and not poured into the drains, solid wastes can be screened and local
separators used. Such procedures should be revised and equipment modified so that
waste is reduced.

2.4

Fugitive Emissions of Hydrocarbon Gases

Fugitive emissions of hydrocarbon gases from conventional gravity
drainage systems can be reduced by changing work practices and
methods of operation (see section 9). New drain systems can be
installed which can almost eradicate fugitive emissions (see clause
2.10.2). These new drains are however expensive to install and more
complex to operate. The major cost savings are derived by avoiding
discharge of oily materials into the drainage system.

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2.5

Future Developments
The future use of technology to automatically monitor flow-rates and effluent
composition in drainage systems may allow operations to be better regulated.

2.6

Design Factors
There are many factors to be taken into account when considering the
selection and planning of a drainage system. The following is a list of
technical and financial considerations to be assessed by the designer:(a)

Safety of the system with respect to the site for which it is

selected.

(b)

The nature and quantity of effluent to be conveyed.

(c)

Effluent segregation requirements.

(d)

Legislative/environmental/social considerations.

(e)

Cost:(i)
(ii)

construction
operation and maintenance.

(f)

Design life.

(g)

Location of existing buildings and services (to be connected or

negotiated).

(h)

Topography of the site.

(i)

Method of construction and associated disruption of operations.

(j)

Material, jointing method, size, length and depth of pipework.

(k)

Condition of existing service.

(l)

Secondary containment requirements.

(m)

Site ground conditions which may affect the method and

materials of construction and consequently the cost.

(n)

Ground contamination

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2.7

Effluents
The range of possible effluents can vary significantly. At an early stage
of design every source of effluent should be identified.
The characteristics of all materials present in the system should be
assessed. These include the estimated maximum and minimum rates of
flow, concentration, the maximum temperature (and temperature
fluctuations) of the effluent, possible chemical reactions, effluent
pressure upon entry and details of any possible future additional
materials in the system. Every effort should be made to segregate clean
and contaminated water.
Where connecting to existing plant or drainage systems, effluent details should be
provided by BP. Otherwise the process design contractor should provide this
information.

2.8

Effluent Types
A range of possible effluents is described below; these descriptions are
a guide, and there are no distinct boundaries between the categories.
Exact definitions will depend on legislation and the treatment facilities
available.

2.8.1

Clean Water
Water that is not liable to be contaminated under normal operating
conditions and can normally be discharged from the site without further
treatment.
This will usually originate as rainwater or in some cases as emergency fire cooling
water.

2.8.2

Contaminated Water
Water from areas liable to be contaminated e.g.:(a)

Run-off from contaminated paved areas.

(b)

The use of hoses for wash-down and fire-fighting in

contaminated areas.

(c)

Laboratory wastes

Some areas may be contaminated indirectly, e.g. by particle fall-out from stacks this may even come from outside the site boundary.

2.8.3

Oily-water

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Water contaminated by oil to varying degrees may originate at the

following sources:(a)
Drainage from pipe trenches.

2.8.4

(b)

Spillages and leaks from process equipment.

(c)

Cooling-water from water cooled glands and bearings.

(d)

Drainage from sample points, level gauges, drain cocks etc.

(e)

Water from transformer bays.

(f)

Pump stations, meter proving stations, manifolds, roof drains

from floating storage tanks.

(g)

Drainage from circulating cooling-water systems which may be

contaminated with oil.

Acids, Chemicals, Solvents and Other Process Fluids

Discharges of these effluents should generally be regulated as part of
the production process. Reference should be made to P&I diagrams for
details.
These effluents should preferably be intercepted and re-processed rather than
discharged after treatment.

2.8.5

Liquefied Gas LPG/LNG

Discharges from spills and routine maintenance.

2.8.6

Lead-alkyl Compounds
Lead-alkyl compounds are found at the following sources:(a)
(b)
(c)

2.8.7

Leaded motor spirit tankage

TEL/TML blending plants
Leaded motor spirit pumps

Detergents
Detergents may be used in washing-down plant or vehicles.

2.8.8

Solids

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Solid waste can be either particulate matter such as clay particles, or a

product of the industrial process such as pellets or granules.
Solid effluents should be avoided wherever possible (with the exception
of 2.8.9).
2.8.9

Domestic Sewage
This includes waste from toilets, washrooms, kitchens and cleaners
sinks, (but not from laboratories)
Domestic sewage systems are also known as "Foul" or "Sanitary" drainage systems.

2.9

Effluent Segregation

2.9.1

The number and types of systems have to be optimised because of limits

on cost and the available space taken by the systems.
Ideally each effluent will have its own segregated drainage system with each system
specified in terms of capacity, ancillary structures, fittings and materials in
accordance with the particular requirements of that effluent. The waste treatment
facility would also be effluent specific, hence more efficient.

2.9.2

The degree of effluent segregation will depend on various factors that

are covered below:-

2.9.2.1

System Specification
The specification and features of a system containing a mixture of
effluents shall be those of the effluent that requires the highest level of
integrity and treatment. All branches and feeders joining the system
shall also meet this specification unless special precautions are taken to
isolate them, e.g. suitable water seals.
If the effluent requiring most treatment is of sufficiently low concentration for
legislation not to apply, the requirement for the highest level of integrity may be
varied.

2.9.2.2

Reactions
Physical, chemical or biological reactions between effluents may restrict
the amount of mixing allowed, e.g. detergents in oily wastes harm the
treatment process, and solvent mixing with water (at temperature above
solvent boiling point) causes boil-outs - a release of vapour.

2.9.2.3

Treatment

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The dilution of a concentrated effluent by large volumes of water may

reduce the effectiveness of the treatment process and cause the cost of
treatment to rise as the size of the plant required (perhaps by
legislation) increases.
2.9.2.4

Varying Flow Rates

To prevent siltation and blockages in the pipes, a minimum velocity
shall be achieved. This may be compromised if a shared system is sized
to cater for intermittent large flows while the continuous flows are
smaller (see clauses 5.2.3 to 5.2.6).

2.10

Types of System
Vented piped gravity drain systems are cheap and commonly used.
Higher integrity drainage systems should be considered if the increase in
costs can be justified for reasons such as environmental, safety or
legislative requirements.
The following sections provide guidance on types of drainage system
and their basic features. Table 1 lists the advantages and disadvantages
of the main drainage system types.
Table 1 is intended to provide initial guidance. The final type(s) of system and the
features required will depend on the types and quantities of effluent to be drained,
and the legislative requirements.

2.10.1

Open Gravity Systems

2.10.1.1

Vented Piped Gravity Drain System.

The effluent flows in pipes laid to suitable falls between manholes. The
manhole inlets shall be trapped and manholes vented. Traps are required
to prevent the spread of fire when the effluent system contains
flammable gases or liquids. Vents are needed to maintain atmospheric
pressure in each section of pipe avoiding pressure locks developing in
the system. Gullies are also trapped. Vapours expelled from the system
should be kept to a minimum.
Traps in manholes are achieved by installing dip pipes as shown in
Figure 8.
In the case of third-party or acquired installations, existing traps may consist of a
totally submerged system controlled by a weir in the downstream manhole or by use
of a system with conventional 'straight-through' manholes but with totally
submerged pipes laid as inverted siphons.

2.10.1.2

Ditch Gravity Drain System

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The effluent flows in open channels or drains normally lined, and laid to
falls or level. The channels/ditches shall be trapped to prevent spread of
fire.
2.10.2

Closed Systems
There may be legislation or safety reasons to restrict gaseous emissions
to atmosphere from drainage systems. If this is the case, certain oilywater and chemical systems will need to be closed to the atmosphere.
Process information should also be used to identify which effluent
streams should also be closed.
There are three types of closed system that can be considered:(a)
(b)
(c)

Closed gravity systems

Pumped systems
Pressurised systems (or vapour recovery/purged systems)

The United States is leading the way with rigorous legislation on air quality and
ground contamination related to drainage systems on industrial sites. There are
restrictions on the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be
released to the atmosphere. Several European countries are also developing
legislation that will have an impact on the types of drainage system commonly used
by BP, such as vented systems with traditional un-contained, spigot and socket
pipes.
In all cases the maximum process pressure must be established and used to design
the pipework.

2.10.2.1

Closed Gravity Systems

The system is configured as a conventional gravity system with sealed
access manholes and with a gas vent collecting system. The materials
and construction techniques used are of a higher integrity than with
open systems. Generally joints are welded and tested to higher
standards.
Connections to the drainage system are by air-tight connections at
tanks, bunds, process units, etc. At changes of gradient and direction,
bends are used instead of manholes. Changes of pipe size are made
using flat backed tapers. Connections from laterals to the main sewer
line are by flat tees or branches.
To ease cleaning of the system, rodding points are provided; these take
the form of a 'Y' branch on the sewer pipe with the branch pointing
upwards and extended to a suitable access point.

2.10.2.2

Pumped Systems

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Pumped systems are closest to normal process lines and may be run
below or above ground. Two types of pumped system may be
considered in the drainage design:(a)

Effluent lift stations to lift flow from one gravity system and
deliver to a second similar system. Such stations contain only
short lengths of pressurised pumping main local to the lift
station.

(b)

Pumping stations with associated pumping mains to lift and

deliver to a distant treatment facility. Such systems contain long
lengths of pressurised pumping main. These are normally
located above ground but can be buried as necessary.

The main components of pumped systems are:-

2.10.2.3

(1)

Localised gravity systems feeding to the lift/pumping station

sump.

(2)

The effluent lift/pumping station

(3)

A pressurised pumping main

Pressurised Systems
The pressurised drainage system flows under gravity but without the
access manholes and without conventional venting. The vapour space
above the liquid flow is large enough to allow displacement of gases
above the liquid level. The air space is then filled with an inert gas at
low positive pressure.
The inert gas is injected at discrete points in the system to prevent
accumulation of hazardous vapours. Venting of the inert vapour mixed
gas is provided at a controlled vent facility where the gases are
removed for treatment.
Connections to the drainage system are by air-tight connections that
will have a pressure reducing and isolating valve. These connections are
generally above ground for ease of access.
Bends, pipe size changes, connections to laterals and rodding points are
as for closed gravity systems (see clause 2.10.2.1).
This system is difficult to operate and maintain, and is expensive to
install and operate.

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3.

EFFLUENT VOLUMES
3.1

Systems draining paved and/or unpaved areas should be designed for

the greater of the following:either
(a)

Firewater case = Firewater plus effluent, or

(b)

Rainwater case = Rainwater plus effluent

'Effluent' includes all dry-weather flow. Usually process and domestic

effluents flow continuously in comparatively limited volumes. These
volumes can be obtained from process information or standard tables.
Drainage systems carrying these effluents shall not be allowed to flood.
It is more difficult to determine water quantities, whether the source is
rain or firewater. Guidance is given below on how to estimate likely
volumes:3.2

Rainfall Intensities

3.2.1

A range of storm return periods between 1 and 10 years should be used

for different areas on a site depending on how acceptable the risk of
flooding is in each catchment area and the balance of risk and cost.
For example in tank-farms where risk is low and some flooding could be tolerated a
return period of average once in 1 year would be acceptable. Where design
capacity cannot be exceeded so frequently, e.g. sections of treatment plant, then an
acceptable return period would be higher e.g. average once in 10 years.
A storm with an average return period of once in 10 years will be of the order of
25% to 50% greater than a one year return period storm, although this will depend
on the rainfall history of the area. This will affect the size of the drainage system
required.

3.2.2

The contributing area for rainfall drainage to the sewers shall be

assumed to be 100% of the paved area.
The contribution of runoff from unpaved areas should be considered on
a case by case basis. This may constitute a significant proportion of the
flow.
Where the time of concentration is less than 10 minutes, the maximum
hourly rate of rainfall may be applied as a 'flat' rate.
Where rainfall rates are not specified, design should be based on formulae derived
from local records, or in the UK on Table 3 of BS 8005

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3.3

Firewater Volumes

3.3.1

Area - Fire Exposed Envelope

The area in which a fire should be contained shall be determined. This
could be a bunded area or a part of a process unit. The area shall be
determined by considering the consequence of a fire incident spreading
from one area to another. (Fire Risk Analysis - see BP Group RP 24-1).

3.3.2

Volumes
The volumes of firewater should be contained or controlled in a
predetermined area (fire exposed envelope) such that the firewater does
not cause spread of the fire by flowing into adjacent areas. Water
should be directed into the drainage system and/or areas where the
water can do no harm.
There are several methods of calculating firewater volumes. The first in
clause 3.3.2.1 is recommended for initial sizing of the firewater system.
For a more accurate calculation of volumes the methods in clauses
3.3.2.2 to 3.3.2.5 should be followed, referring to BP Group RP 24-1.

3.3.2.1

Preliminary Design
As a guide, the total firewater demand for installations having a fire risk/hazard is
typically between 800m3/hr and 2000m3/hr. Usually an average rate of 1360m3/hr
will be sufficient unless the plant is particularly congested, when a higher figure
should be used.
For preliminary design purposes it should be assumed that water will be applied as
follows:
(a)

70% evenly distributed over an area of 1000m2 located anywhere within

the process area.
This is intended to cater for large plant areas where the firewater would
realistically be concentrated over a section only (i.e. 1000m2 - and not
dispersed over the whole area resulting in an inadequately designed drain
capacity.

(b)

100% evenly distributed over the whole of the process area.

For process areas of smaller than 1430m2, the maximum design intensity should not
exceed that given by (a), unless BP specify otherwise.
In assessing the total firewater demand for any site, the area of plant with the
largest firewater demand will be used as the governing factor. However, should this
demand exceed 2000m3/hr, consideration should be given to separation of part of
the area or plant in question by passive means (e.g. physical separation by fire
walls to reduce the demand to a more reasonable level.

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3.3.2.2

Minimum Flow
Minimum flow is that required to contain the fire and is not normally
used for design of drainage systems.
Guidance is given in BP Group RP 24-1 on the volume of water that may be applied
in different types of process or tank storage areas and is based on the surface area
of plant and volumes of cooling water applied per unit area.

3.3.2.3.

Design Flow
This should ideally be used as the basis of drainage design and is the
figure contained in the pre-fire plans. The design flow is based on the
minimum flow and is adjusted in the fire risk analysis and firewater
losses deducted.
Design Flow = Min. Flow + V1(actual output) - V2(firewater losses)
Typically the increase from minimum flow to design flow is 25% to 30% depending
on the equipment used, as the equipment can exceed its rated output. Mobile
monitors may need to deliver twice the volume of water to achieve the same cover
as a fixed system.

3.3.2.4

Firewater Losses
It is recognised that some losses will occur between the firewater being
applied and the water entering the drainage system; due to over-spray,
evaporation, infiltration into surrounding ground etc. These losses will
be influenced by factors including climatic conditions, ground
infiltration (see clause 3.4), duration of water application, type of
application and structural types, and should be assessed on a case by
case basis.

3.3.2.5

Maximum Flow
This is the total flow rate from all the fire-fighting equipment (both
fixed and mobile) that could conceivably be directed on to a fire in a fire
exposed envelope.
The consequences of over-application of water by flooding the drainage system
should be evaluated with respect to escalating the fire. Maximum flow rates should
only be used if it is likely that design flow rates would be exceeded by the firefighters.

3.3.3

Combined Flow Rates

The consequences of applying design flow rates (or parts of these) to
adjacent areas must be considered.

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If for example a tank on fire threatens 3 adjacent bunded tanks, then the total
amount of water that must be drained is the design flow for each of the tanks, plus
any allowance for foam for the tank on fire.

3.4

The design of downstream pipework must allow for the combination of

flow rates from adjacent areas. Also the design of effluent treatment
and discharge facilities should be checked against combined flow rates.
Groundwater Infiltration
No allowance for groundwater infiltration should be made in the design
of new drainage systems. In the analysis of existing systems, an
allowance may be made based on site observations.

3.5

Bunded Tank Area Flow Capacity

The flow capacity of a bunded tank area drainage system shall allow for
the greater of:(a)

Drainage of all accumulated rainwater within the bund in less

than 4 hours.

(b)

Continuous drainage of firewater used for cooling purposes (see

clause 3.3.1).

In both cases the tank base must not become submerged.

3.6

Water Discharge
Many countries require all drainage, including that used for fire protection to be
rendered harmless before being discharged into Local Authority drains, rivers, or
the sea. The exception to this is where water is being used for the protection of life.
Proposals for new facilities must be referred to BP (Client) for approval (see clause
4.4.2).

4.

LAYOUT AND CONFIGURATION

4.1

The layout of the drainage systems should be decided at the same time
as the plant layout. The impact on drainage systems of future
developments in plant, waste treatment facilities and improved practices
such as waste treatment and vent gas extraction should also be
considered.
Main drain lines should run along the edge of plant areas and roads
whenever possible, to minimise the impact of future drainage work on
operational areas.

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4.2

Process Areas

4.2.1

Paved Areas

4.2.2

Process units are paved and divided into catchment areas to contain
water using paving gradients and kerbing/bunds. The catchment areas
are arranged and drained in such a way as to prevent, in a fire incident,
the spread of firewater and/or flammable liquids to unaffected areas
(see clause 3.3.1).
Area Layout
The shape and size of the catchment area draining to each
manhole/gully should be related to the process equipment which it
surrounds so that ideally any leakage of liquids from that equipment will
not be directed under any other item of equipment before reaching a
drainage system. This layout should be determined at an early stage of
design, in conjunction with the plant layout and using risk assessment
techniques. The size of each catchment area should be minimised, while
taking account of the most efficient drainage layout.
Within process areas, paving should be sloped at a gradient no flatter
than 1 in 80 in large open areas or 1 in 60 in restricted areas. The
vertical fall across paving should not exceed 250 mm. The use of 100
mm kerbing/bunding around the perimeter of the catchment area and
around sensitive process units will aid containment of firewater and the
separation of effluents.
In determining the shape and features of each catchment area, it is
important to maintain safe and convenient access routes for people and
vehicles. Kerbs in certain areas may create trip hazards and limit
vehicle access - ramps may be necessary.

4.2.3

Entry Points for Effluent into the Drain System

There are four main types of collection point for effluent entering the
drain system; manhole gullies, gully-traps, tundishes and channels.
All manhole gullies, gully-traps and tundishes shall be provided with
rodding points.

4.2.3.1

Manhole Gullies
Where rain/firewater is to be drained from paved areas a combined
manhole gully in the centre of each catchment area provides greater
capacity and a simpler system than a number of smaller gullies leading
to a trapped manhole. Figure 5 shows typical details for a manhole
gully. Details of manhole gullies are given in clause 8.1.3.

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4.2.3.2

Gully Trap Connections

Individual trapped gullies are appropriate where lower volumes of
effluent have to be collected. Figure 7 shows typical details for a 150
mm gully trap. Within process plot limits, gullies should generally be
connected by individual lines from each to a manhole, which shall be
trapped on entry to the manhole, in accordance with Figure 8.
Where the physical obstruction of foundations makes it difficult for gullies to be
connected to manholes in their section of the process area, connections may be
made to adjacent areas provided that they are suitably trapped.
Each end of the pipe connecting a gully to a manhole is to be trapped using a water
seal. This can lead to the following "double-trapping" effects.
(a)

Depression of water seals and escape of vapour through the weakest.

(b)

Increase in flow resistance; requiring additional hydraulic head on the

upstream side of the gully to maintain hydraulic capacity. This can lead to
flooding.

Hydraulic analysis of this situation has shown that the "BP Standard 100 mm gully"
fails in case (a) above by allowing vapours to be released back into the process
area. Larger sized gullies (150 mm [see Figure 7] and 200 mm) designed in
accordance with clause 8.2.2 permit sufficient head to prevent escape of vapours
upstream and overcome the flow resistance in (b). However, where possible it is
recommended that combined manhole gullies (see clause 4.3.1) are used to
overcome the double trapping effect.

4.2.3.3

Process Drain Connections

Process drain connections should be via tundishes.
Where several process drains connect to the underground drain system at the same
or closely adjacent locations, collector drains and branches may be used. In such
cases the collector drain shall be connected direct to a manhole, and trapped on
entry.

4.2.3.4

Drainage Channels
Drainage channels are a suitable way to collect flows (especially large
volumes of water), when the risk of fire spreading due to flammable
liquids and vapours is minimal and a combined drainage system is
appropriate.
The disadvantage of open channels is that they could contain burning hydrocarbon
for the unrestricted length of the channel.
The use of concrete channels can simplify the drainage layout by reducing the
number of manholes and associated underground pipework. The grading of the
paving can also be simplified with a single fall to the channel. Several proprietary

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drainage channel systems are available. However, some of these contain plastic
components or polymer/concrete mixes which may be susceptible to chemical or
hydrocarbon damage, and should be checked for suitability before use.

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4.2.3.5

Valves
Valves may be incorporated into open and closed systems to isolate
sections of pipe. Where located underground these should be mounted
in suitable concrete valve pits.

4.2.4

Manhole Location
Manhole location should be determined at an early stage in layout
design. This will allow vents to discharge in safe areas with the
minimum length of underground vent pipe.
Manholes should generally not be located in access-ways within process
units or where crane outriggers may be placed. When located outside
or on the edge of process units, they should, where possible, be at least
5 metres (16 ft) from the edge of any road.

4.2.5

Drains Crossing Foundations

Drains should not be laid below or through structural foundations. The
drainage system and foundations should be designed so that drains can
be laid above the upper surface of any foundation which they cross.
Precautions should be taken to allow for differential settlement where drains laid in
unsupported ground (outside the limits of a piled foundation) join those laid within
or above a foundation.
Drainage positions and foundation types should be examined at an early stage with
respect to groundwater conditions to ensure compatibility.

4.2.6

Other Features
Placing roofs over items of process equipment or tanks will reduce the amount of
rainwater that becomes contaminated. This is especially useful where there is a low
fire-risk or where the firewater drain could be valved.

4.3

Offsites Areas

4.3.1

Oily Water

4.3.1.1

Oily Water From Storage Tanks

Water draw-off from oil storage tanks and roof drains (floating roofs
only) should be drained to the oily-water drainage system (see Figure
9).
The most efficient way to carry out draw-off is to use an automatic valve which
shuts when the amount of oil reaches a pre-determined level. If this is not possible,
then some form of segregation at source, usually consisting of a sump connected to

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the oily water system may be necessary if control of the draw-off cannot be
guaranteed. Excess oil released into the sump can be recovered.

The connection to the oily water system should be valved outside the
bund. Ideally this valve should remain closed except when draining oily
water, under control, from the area.
If there are areas within the bunded area which are heavily
contaminated with oil (e.g. under valves/manifolds), they should ideally
be paved and connected to the oily water system (instead of the clean
water system).
The storage areas should be sized to contain any products which are
spilled, until they can either be passed into the drainage system or
returned to a tank.
The tops of the walls of any sumps should be sufficiently high to prevent rainwater
from within the bund flooding into the sumps during periods of intense and
prolonged rain.

4.3.1.2

Oily Water From Storage Tanks With Leaded Product

Effluent from leaded motor spirit tanks shall pass to a combined
separator within the bunded area. Water shall be drained off to the oily
water drainage system and motor spirit pumped back into the storage
tanks. The outlet to the pit shall connect to a valve, outside the bund.
This valve will normally be kept closed, so that drainage is only let into
the system when known to be lead free. See Figure 9.
The tops of the walls of any sumps should be at the elevation indicated in clause
4.3.1.1.

4.3.1.3

Oily Water From Other Leaded Product Areas

Effluent from leaded motor spirit pumps shall pass to a combined
separator within the bunded area. Water shall be drained off to the oily
water drainage system and motor spirit recovered.
Drainage from TEL/TML Blending Plants shall be intercepted by a
holding pit. The outlet to the pit shall connect to a valve which will
normally be kept closed.

4.3.1.4

Oily Water From Transformer Bays

Generally, drainage will be to the oily water system via a trapped gully.
Where transformer bays are remote from an oily water sewer, discharge
may be to a clean sewer although it is recommended that a valved
collecting sump is used.

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The requirement for oily-water drainage can be removed in areas of high rainfall if
a roof is constructed over the transformer bay and a sump is used to collect
intermittent spills which can then be pumped out.

4.3.2

Clean Effluent

4.3.2.1

Clean Water From Storage Tank Areas

Rain and firewater from storage tank areas should be drained by the
clean water drainage system, (see Figure 9).
Where the surface of the storage area is not naturally impermeable, a
lining material (rigid or flexible) will be required for both the surface
and any features such as ditches and sumps. It is important to ensure
that any lining material is integrated properly with any under-tank lining
system.
The surface of the ground within tank bunds should be graded to a
shallow open channel around the inside of the bund. This should
discharge into a silt chamber and then via a pipe drain through the
bund. The drain should be valved outside the bund in a convenient
position to enable the discharge to be controlled without an operator
having to enter the bunded area. Ideally the valve should be normally
closed .
Where necessary to meet local authority or statutory requirements,
interceptor pits should be provided. These would generally be sited
outside the bund but before final discharge from the site.

4.3.2.2

Clean Water From Storage Tank Areas With Leaded Product

Requirements for clean water drainage are the same as for clause
4.3.2.1

4.3.2.3

Clean Water From LPG Storage Areas

The drainage of surface water from the area around and under liquefied
gas storage vessels should be discussed and agreed with BP.
LPG storage areas in the UK are designed in accordance with HSG 34.
Excessive amounts of LPG will depress the water seals in the system and allow LPG
to pass through the traps. This negates both the integrity of the trap and the
hydraulic performance of the system.
If there is a discharge of LPG, there is a possibility that the gully seal may freeze.
This phenomenon has previously been taken advantage of by designing LPG tank
bund outlets so that the water seal freezes quickly to prevent loss of containment.
Further advice is necessary if this is being considered as a solution.

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4.3.2.4

Clean Water From Area Land Drainage

Rainwater falling on unpaved un-contaminated ground within the
process area should normally be disposed of by natural percolation into
the subsoil and evaporation. Where the land is not sufficiently
permeable for this to be effective without undue ponding, the surface
should be graded to suitably located trapped gullies discharging to a
buried pipe system. Where this is not practicable, land drains should be
provided.
Where pipe drains are required, they should be arranged to discharge into the
clean water drainage system or such other system as may be specified by BP. It may
be necessary to remove additional sludge and grit from this system, and so larger
sumps should be provided.

4.3.3

Drainage from Buildings

4.3.3.1

Industrial Buildings/Workshops
Floor drains in pump or compressor houses and workshops shall be
connected to fully trapped and vented manholes when they form part of
a system draining oily or chemical contaminants. There shall be no
possibility of hazardous gases entering the building from the drainage
system.

4.3.3.2

Control Rooms
No drains are permitted within control rooms. In other areas of control
buildings, electric substations and switchrooms, the appropriate type of
drainage systems (usually sewage wastewater) are allowed.

4.3.3.3

Laboratory Drainage
To maintain control over waste disposal, laboratory collection points
should be used. Uncontaminated waste liquids can be drained to the
sewage wastewater system.
It is not good practice to dispose of laboratory waste via the sink system, as this can
involve the need for costly glass drainage systems within the laboratory.

4.3.4

Other Buildings
Other buildings can generally be connected to the sewage wastewater
system, when only "domestic type" waste is being drained. Canteens
shall be connected via a grease trap.

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4.4

Treatment

4.4.1

Effluent Treatment
The treatment of oily and chemical waste and subsequent discharge
must conform to the requirements of the local and national authorities,
in addition to meeting BP's own requirements relating to health, safety
and the environment.
It is anticipated that an effluent treatment plant would feature low shear pumps,
storage capacity, primary separation, filters and biological treatment.

4.4.2

Holding Basins
The discharge of the system will be specified by BP.
Although some local authorities may permit direct discharge into a river or the sea,
it should generally be assumed that future, more onerous requirements may require
some form of holding basin and/or treatment plant to be installed. Specific
provisions should be made for example to accommodate future requirements on
layout and the direction of flow.
A suitable holding basin would be designed to capture and retain the first 10 mm of
rainfall (or equivalent firewater) from paved areas.

4.4.3

Sewage Treatment
All means of sewage handling and treatment must conform to the
requirements of the Local Authority and BP.
Failing any such requirements, the design and construction should be in
accordance with the British Standard Codes of Practice or approved alternatives.
The drainage should preferably be discharged to the nearest Local Authority sewer.
Where this is not economical, or practicable, biological treatment may be
necessary. In the case of isolated buildings there are three alternatives to the above
options; cesspools, septic tanks and prefabricated sewage treatment plants.
Cesspools are the most basic and cheapest, but septic tanks are the preferred
choice where there is no possibility of polluting underground potable water
supplies.

4.4.4

Removal Of Solids
Process solids such as pellets and granules are best removed at source,
before entering the drainage system, using screens which can be
regularly cleaned. Alternatively, a decanting system further downstream
may be appropriate when the solids are coming from a number of
sources.

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4.5

Measurement

4.5.1

Effluent Discharge Rate

A simple weir or monitoring device should be installed at or near the
final effluent discharge point.

5.

HYDRAULIC DESIGN
5.1

General
Most drainage systems will be gravity based open drainage systems. On
occasion, particularly for process drainage, closed drains may be
appropriate because of technical, safety or legislative requirements. The
design methods and criteria for both open and closed systems are
closely related.
The following sections describe methods and criteria for gravity
systems (open and closed) and then set out the different methods for
the other two types of closed system: pumped and pressurised.
Gases or vapours which may be carried forward with the effluent or
evolved during the course of treatment or due to contact with other
effluent may affect the flow regime of the system.
Hydraulic design involves consideration of the following:(a)

Maximum and minimum flows.

(b)

Sediment transport capacity.

(c)

Degree of surcharge, or controlled flooding, that can be

tolerated.

(d)

Hydraulic capacity required which necessitates determination of

pipe size, gradient and condition, nature of the liquid to be
carried and vapour pressure likely to arise in the system.

5.2

Gravity-based Drainage Systems

5.2.1

The following guidelines apply to open gravity systems where

controlled surcharging is allowed; and closed gravity systems with partfull (0.7d) pipes (i.e. no surcharging), operating at or near to
atmospheric pressure. (d = Internal diameter of pipe). For equipment
requirements of closed gravity systems see section 5.3.1.

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5.2.2

Design Methods
It is recommended that the Colebrook-White formula is used for the
design of gravity drainage systems.
For most drainage designs, hand methods of calculation are adequate for the small
areas involved. Where firewater (including dry-weather effluent flow) is the critical
design case, these constant flows shall directly provide the design flows throughout
the system. Where the rainfall case (including dry-weather effluent flow) is to be
checked, flows should be calculated throughout the system by the Modified Rational
Method, or the procedures of BS 8005 or similar document.
Design may be carried out by computer if appropriate software is available. Steady
state design can be carried out by spreadsheet. Rational Method design can be
done using proprietary software such as Hydraulics Research Ltd's WALLRUS and
SPIDA.
Some software allows direct production of sewer long sections for import into
propriety CAD software. More complex computer programs are available for the
design and analysis of large and complex sewer networks. Examples are
WALLRUS-SIM and WALLRUS-HYD in the UK and the US Stormwater
management model (SWMM). Such programs should only be used for drainage if:(a)
(b)

Rainwater flows are critical; and

The design involves major modifications to an existing drainage system
that may result in under capacity of existing sewers

Calculation of open channel flows should be done using the Manning formula.

5.2.3

Velocities
Velocities shall be kept within a range that prevents damage to the
pipes and fittings and allows self-cleansing.
Pipe runs should be designed to accommodate the maximum expected
flow when running just full. For some lengths of drain the flow from the
emergency use of fire hoses may greatly exceed the normal process and
rainwater flows.

5.2.4

Design Velocity
The design velocity (from combined process and rainwater flows)
should be about 1 m/s. Velocities for firewater or emergency flows may
exceed this.

5.2.5

Minimum Velocity
All piped drains shall, if possible, be designed to attain a minimum
velocity of 0.75 m/s either from process flows alone, or from combined
process and rainwater flows (return period of 1 in 2 months). This

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velocity shall be attained a minimum of 6 times per year to achieve

periodic cleansing of the drains.
5.2.6

Maximum Velocity
High velocities present problems due to the high friction losses and
hence head-losses. If design velocities exceed 3 m/s at any point in the
system, the pipe manufacturer should be consulted to ensure no erosion
will take place.
In oily-water systems velocities should not exceed 1.2 m/s to avoid
emulsification.

5.2.7

Open Ditches
All ditches in fine sands or silts should be lined. In unlined open ditches,
the velocity should be kept sufficiently low to prevent scouring. This
velocity shall be selected according to local soil conditions and
construction, but may typically be in the range 0.5 to 0.8 m/s.
Where the velocity is likely to be high (e.g. greater than 0.8 m/s), such
that scouring of the bed or sides would result, ditches in cohesive soils
or coarse sands are to be suitably revetted.
Higher velocities will be necessary where oily-water is being drained.
If considered necessary, ditches may be bottomed in concrete to facilitate cleaning.

5.2.8

Siltation
The introduction of solids into the drainage system should be avoided
where possible.
The drainage system should be capable of carrying any solids in the
system with minimum maintenance effort.
Where minimum velocities for periodic cleansing of the system cannot
be obtained through process or rainwater flows, flushing facilities
should be installed to provide a flow of 0.75 m/s in each pipe run of the
system.
Flushing facilities should be actively considered at arid sites with occasional or
unreliable rainfall, or where large quantities of sediment are likely to enter the
system.
Fine solid particulate matter such as clay particles from stormwater runoff on
unpaved areas should wherever possible be excluded from oily-water drains. The

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solids adhere to oil droplets forming neutrally buoyant particles which are difficult
to separate in a gravity oily-water separator.

Where lengths of sewer are designed to be permanently flooded either

for hydraulic reasons or for reasons of safety (e.g. ditch firetraps), the
design flows should be increased by 10% as an allowance for siltation.
In more complex situations, where large quantities of solid material may
enter the system, further analysis is necessary.
5.2.9

Surcharging and Flooding

In open gravity systems only, surcharging of the drains may be taken
into account in emergency conditions (or extreme rainfall) in order to
provide sufficient hydraulic capacity, provided that surface flooding is
not thereby increased. Under these maximum flow conditions, the
hydraulic gradient within the drainage system can extend no higher than
300 mm below any point of entry into the system.
If there is a risk of flooding, each drainage catchment area should be
assessed using a recognised risk assessment technique.
Where some flooding can be accepted, then any sensitive areas should be bunded or
kerbed, and the water directed away using the paving falls. Allowing flooding in a
controlled manner in safe areas can provide additional storage for the drainage
system, until the peak flow conditions have eased.

5.2.10

Pipe Roughness
In assessing the frictional head-loss of the effluents flowing in the
drains, pipe roughness factors (ks) shall be chosen to take account of
the likely mature condition of the pipe, having due regard to the
materials of construction and the nature of the effluents drained. The
use of conservative values will increase the hydraulic gradient and depth
of the system and consequently the cost of excavation required to meet
the design flow.
Where effluent is likely to produce large quantities of chemical precipitate, the
roughness values will be greatly increased. Special consideration of roughness
values will be necessary in such conditions. An increase in ks from 0.3 mm to 6.0
mm reflecting a 10% loss in cross-section due to precipitate build-up will reduce
the design flow by nearly 40%.

5.2.11

Head-losses at Manholes and Fittings

All hydraulic designs of sewers should take due account of the likely
head-losses at manholes and fittings. These losses will be dependent
upon the detailed design and it is not therefore possible to give exact
figures - most design manuals provide approximations.

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By choosing certain standard details, head-losses can be reduced. For example, the
introduction of a socket or bell-mouth outlet instead of a plain straight-end pipe
will reduce the exit head-losses by between 40% and 80%. Alternative sections will
increase cost though, bell-mouths are approximately 3 times more expensive than
plain ends, although sockets are only 1.1 times more expensive (based on average
UK costs).

5.2.12

Gradients
Trench excavation is usually limited to 6 m depth because of
construction difficulties and associated high cost - especially where
water tables are high. Physical difficulties with the accurate laying of
pipe laying at very flat gradients dictates a minimum gradient.
Recommended minimum gradients for pipe size ranges are given
below:Pipe Internal Diameter
Less than 150 mm
150 mm to 450 mm
Greater than 450 mm

Gradient
1 in 80
1 in 250
1 in 500

In the UK, reference should be made to BS 8301 for foul drainage, to ensure that
all pipes are self-cleansing.

5.3

Closed Drainage Systems

The following section covers the equipment requirements for closed
gravity systems (see section 5.2 for hydraulic design) and the hydraulic
design of pumped and pressurised systems.

5.3.1

Equipment Requirements for Closed Gravity Systems

5.3.1.1

General
Backflow from high pressure to low pressure systems across common
drain systems in the event of mal-operation should be considered during
design.

5.3.1.2

Drainage Lines and Headers

All drainage lines should fall towards a closed drain drum.

5.3.1.3

Closed Drain Drum

Sizing of the closed drain drum should be based on the largest item of
equipment likely to be drained to the closed drain drum and the
contents of inlet drains.

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For very large vessels, there should be provision to reduce the inventory to a
minimum using normal process outlets. The size of the drain drum can then be
based on the lowest practical inventory of the vessel and piping. Consider supply
operations and the likely overflow from storage tanks.

The requirement for electric heaters to maintain the temperature of the

liquid in the drum should be considered.
An extra-high-liquid-level switch shall be provided in the centre section
of the drum. Operation of this switch should open an emergency dump
valve.
Operation of the extra-high-liquid-level switch shall cause an emergency dump
valve to open, allowing the drum contents to discharge. It should be noted that the
high-level control should be designed to avoid the risk of liquid carry-over to the
flare system.

5.3.2

Pumped Systems
Flows from process units, tanks, drains, etc. are fed by short gravity
sections designed by conventional methods to the pumping station wet
well. Figure 4 provides typical details of the arrangement of a pumped
drainage system.
Pumping station design should be in accordance with BP Group RP 4-3 or other
suitable codes, such as BS 8005 and WAA Sewers for Adoption.

Wet wells and pumping mains shall not be oversized in order to avoid
excessive retention times of the effluent.
Pumps should be located in dry wells or above ground to facilitate
maintenance and removal. Wet wells shall be of air tight construction
with adequate venting to provide hydraulic stability.
If wet-well pumps are used (with lifting guide rails for maintenance), then the airtight construction requirement remains and must not be compromised.

Pump heads and capacities should be chosen to accommodate both

normal process flows and emergency fire water flows or rainwater
flows. Separate pumps may be needed for each of these duties, however
no less than 33% standby capacity shall be provided at all pumping
stations.
Pump and pumping pipework design should be carried out by normal
hand methods of calculation. Pump and pipe capacities shall be defined
as peak flows in the system.
Emulsification of oil globules makes treatment and separation difficult.
For liquids containing oils, pumping stations shall be designed using

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low speed screw impeller pumps to minimise emulsification. Pumping

plant should generally be low speed centrifugal pumps with operating
speeds below 970 rpm. However, consideration should be given to the
use of Archimedean screw pumps, particular care being taken in the
design to achieve adequate venting of the screw.
Computer aided analysis should be used to determine transient
pressures due to pump operation or failure.
Proprietary programs are available for this analysis.

In order to limit both silting and emulsion, all pumping mains shall be
designed for a velocity of between 0.8 and 1.2 m/s for maximum
process flows alone, or from combined process and rainwater flows. In
general, high velocities present more problems due to the high friction
losses and, hence, head-losses.
In assessing the frictional head-loss of the effluents flowing in the
pumping mains, pipe roughness factors should be chosen to take
account of the likely mature condition of the pipe, having due regard to
the materials of construction and the nature of the effluents drained.
The Colebrook-White formula should be used for relating friction of
pipe walls, gradient, flow and pipe diameter for aqueous liquids. The
following values shall be used for assessing friction loss in rising mains
for all pipework:Operating velocity < 1.0 m/s

k = 6.0 mm

Operating velocity 1.0 - 1.2 m/s

k = 3.0 mm

Operating velocity 1.2 - 1.4 m/s

k = 1.5 mm

Operating velocity > 1.4 m/s

k = 0.6 mm

Where effluent is likely to produce large quantities of chemical

precipitate the roughness value shown above may be increased and the
hydraulic capacity substantially reduced. Individual assessment of
roughness shall be carried out for such systems and may require:(a)

Research of parameters used in existing drainage designs for

similar processes, or

(b)

Site measurement of friction losses in similar lines.

For pumped systems where hazardous vapours are generated, venting

should be provided at all entry points to the pumped system and to

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pumping station wet wells. All hazardous vapours should be removed

and transferred by a closed piping system to a treatment plant.
All mechanical and electrical equipment should be designed for the
required hazardous area classification.
5.3.3

Pressurised Systems
The main design requirement of the pressurised system is that all liquids
and gases entering and/or generated within the system are contained
and released from the system through controlled outlets.
The pressurised system is designed in a similar manner to an open
gravity drainage system except that the pipes shall always run part full
to maintain the continuous gas phase above the liquid flow. The design
of the system cannot therefore permit full pipe flow or surcharge
conditions to occur.
Design of pressurised systems normally forms part of the design scope for the
process design package.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 provide typical details and layout arrangements for a

pressurised drainage system.
The design criteria to be adopted for a pressurised system are those
detailed previously for gravity drainage systems with the additional
criteria described below:Since the maintenance of the continuous gas phase is required
throughout the system, the design flows into the system require careful
consideration (clause 12.5.1). The design shall be carried out for the
total flows from all connections or for a combination of the flows, if it
is determined that the flows can be adequately regulated.
To avoid surcharge and hydraulic instability the system is designed for a
maximum operating depth of flow in the sewer of 0.7d.
In order to limit siltation within the sewers and maintain self cleansing,
minimum flow velocities of 0.5 m/s are required.

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Detailed design of the pipe bends and junctions is required to avoid

high local head-losses and consequent surcharge of the system. The
following measures are recommended to avoid excessive head-losses:-

Change in pipe diameter

Bends

Junctions

Flat backed tapers to be used with

level soffits
Limit velocities to less than 1.2 m/s
Use Pipe bends of radius >3d.
Limit bends to angles of 45 degrees or
less
Limit losses to 0.1d
Branches to be used with level soffits
Use 45 degree junctions

Detailed design and management of the gas phase is critical to the

operation of the system. The main design features for gas systems are
detailed below:All tapers for changes of pipe size and tees of branches are designed
with level soffits so that the continuous gas phase is maintained above
the liquid surface.
Connections to the drainage system are valved in order to give
controlled discharge into the system. Pressure reducing arrangements
(valves or liquid seals) are required at each connection point to prevent
over-pressurising the drainage system.
Inert gas injection points are required at the connection points to
maintain the inert gas levels.
Inert gas/liquid vapour removal is required at the pumping
station/treatment works located at the downstream end of the system.
Rodding/cleaning points require an isolating valve and an inert gas
purging system to prevent release of vapours during use. The rodding
points are located upstream of all connections to the system, at major
changes in direction of the main sewers (greater than 45 degrees) and at
appropriate points along the straight length of the sewers (adjacent to
branches and at a maximum spacing of 50 m).
The gas pressure system is designed to operate at low pressures,
between 1 and 5 psi.
Effluent sampling points can be provided at each connection point.

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6.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF BURIED PIPEWORK

6.1

Backfill

6.1.1

Examples of suitable backfill configurations for rigid and flexible pipes

are given in national standards and pipe manufacturers information.
The installation of pipes in the ground should result in the construction
of a composite soil/pipe structure. It is essential for the integrity of the
pipe system that the pipe material, its strength class or wall thickness,
and the bedding should be designed having due regard for the surface
loads which may be applied, the type and quality of soil and backfill,
and the quality of workmanship which may reasonably be expected at
that particular site.
Where drains are in short runs of small diameter (e.g. within process
areas), the bedding and backfill may be of nominal design with respect
to pipe strength, except where vehicular or other exceptional top loads
may be applied. For these exceptions and for long runs of large
diameter pipework (e.g. in tankage and other extensive areas) the
pipe/soil structure should be designed to make maximum use of the
soils' properties.
In all cases where backfill is required to provide support to surface
construction, e.g. paving or pipe supports, the backfill should be of
similar material and compaction to the surrounding soil.

6.1.2

Additional Requirements for Flexible Pipes

The maximum deflection should be limited to 50% of the maximum
value stated by the manufacturer.
Where flexible pipes are laid underground in poor soil conditions, it
may be necessary to use imported bedding and backfill in order to
achieve the desired soil strength for the type and thickness of pipe being
used. In such cases the ability of the natural soil of the trench sides to
support the compacted embedment should be checked and the trench
and/or backfill and/or pipe designs modified as necessary.

6.2

Road and Rail Crossings

Where pipe runs laid in open cut trenches cross under roads and
railways, pipes and their bedding should be designed to support the
maximum expected applied load with an adequate factor of safety e.g.
>1.5. Where it is not possible to provide pipe and/or backfill of
sufficient strength, the whole pipe should be installed in an adequate
load bearing sleeve, or protected by a reinforced concrete slab.

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For rigid pipes of 300 mm diameter or less, structural concrete

haunching, surround or arched capping is an acceptable alternative to
sleeving. Where such concrete protection is used movement joints
consisting of a minimum of 25 mm of compressible packing should be
provided in the concrete at each flexible joint of the pipe.
6.3

Loads During Testing

Pressure pipelines such as pumped effluent lines and deep inverted
siphons will be tested to a pressure equal to either 1.5 times the
working pressure or the sum of the working pressure and the surge
pressure, whichever is the greater (in accordance with BS 8010). The
pipe structural design should therefore allow for hydrostatic pressure in
combination with the various possible external loads.

6.4

Thermal Expansion
Sufficient movement joints should be provided in the pipe so that the
pipe may freely expand and contract. Where this is not possible,
manholes shall be designed to resist thrusts applied to the walls by such
thermal expansion or contraction (see clause 8.1.8).

6.5

Submerged Pipes
If it is intended that sections of pipes remain full to act as traps, then the
method of jointing should be examined to ensure integrity. Otherwise
pipes should be at such levels and gradients that liquids are not retained
in any part of the system, except manholes.

6.6

Settlement
Due account should be taken of likely future ground settlements
particularly where constructing on reclaimed or filled land.

7.

SECONDARY CONTAINMENT
7.1

Secondary containment of the drainage system may be necessary to

prevent leakage and/or damage to the piping materials and to meet
legislative requirements.
All components of the system shall be contained to the same standard.

7.2

Exfiltration
The effect on the surrounding ground of leakage of effluents (both
aggressive and non-aggressive) from the drain should be assessed and

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include chemical reactions, dissolution, or flocculation. Contamination

of groundwater and/or soil, and damage to foundations must be
avoided.
Secondary containment may take several forms:-

7.3

(a)

Advanced: e.g., double pipes and concrete trenches. With these

systems, provision can be made for leak detection. The
containment system can drain to a collection sump(s) and can be
vented to prevent accumulation of hazardous vapours.

(b)

Basic: e.g., membrane pipe 'jackets' and membrane trench lining.

Leak detection is more difficult, but effluents will be contained.

Infiltration
Installing drainage systems in contaminated ground may adversely
affect the pipe materials and lead to accelerated corrosion and loss of
integrity.
Composite pipe materials can be used to protect the outside of the pipe,
e.g. plastic coated ductile-iron pipe. The material chosen will depend on
the compatibility with the aggressive chemical in the ground and the
effluent being carried.

8.

ANCILLARY STRUCTURES
8.1

Manholes

8.1.1

General
Manholes in open drainage systems shall be located where pipe
diameter, gradient or direction change and at all major junctions. For
sewers of less than 0.9 m diameter manholes should not be more than
100 m apart. For larger sewers the spacing may be up to 100 times the
pipe diameter, up to a maximum of 200 metres.

8.1.2

Trapping
The influent drains in all manholes, other than manholes on sanitary
drains and certain chemical drains (see exceptions below), shall be
effectively trapped in the manner shown on Figure 8.
If due to unavoidable circumstances it is necessary to depart from this drawing the
alternative proposals should provide for adequate seal of 230 mm, and facilities
above the water level in the manhole for rodding, whilst at the same time permitting
any separated oil to travel in the normal direction of flow, and not to be held up in
the system.

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There are two exceptions to the above where trapping can be omitted:-

8.1.3

(1)

Where the manhole is in a safe area and is only necessary for a

change in pipe direction or gradient. No additional influent pipes
are connected. If any are added at a future date, then the
manhole must be modified to include a trap and a vent. This
modification may alter the hydraulic flow and so should be
considered at the initial design stage.

(2)

For certain chemical effluents carrying solids in suspension it

may not be desirable to trap drain lines at manholes. Such
drains, should be identified in the particular Plant Specification,
and should preferably have manholes of the catchpit type.

Combined Manhole-Gully
Specific guidelines for combined manhole gullies are given below:The sealed area of the gully shall be not less than the open grated area
of the gully. This reduces the seal depth required to prevent vapour
escape and the effects of evaporation in hot climates.
The grate over the open areas of the gully shall be arranged for easy
removal. The cover over the sealed part of the gully shall be secured to
prevent removal during normal operations.
It is important to ensure that the size and design of the gully grating will not restrict
the maximum capacity of the outlet pipe.

Details of a typical combined manhole gully are given in Figure 5

8.1.4

Design to Control Leakage

For oily water and chemical sewer systems all manholes should be
designed as water retaining structures. This will take into account both
external water pressure from ground water and internal water pressure
from the effluents in the manhole. Walls should be not less than 225
mm thick and all pipes through the walls shall be sealed. Puddle flanges
should be used for sealing, where possible.
As an alternative to puddle flanges, the use of self-sealing sodium bentonite seals
around the pipe can be considered. These expand upon contact with water.
Construction joints should also be sealed at the kickers and vertical joints with
EDPM nitrile chemical resistant water bars or sodium bentonite seals.
Guidelines for the design of water retaining structures are provided in BS 8007.

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8.1.5

Internal Protection
Chemical manholes should generally be protected internally as
described below, either:(a)

A suitable continuous chemical resistant membrane should be

applied to the walls and base slab. The walls and base slab
should then be lined with 105 mm thick chemical resistant
bricks, bedded and jointed in a suitable chemical resistant
mortar. The joints should not exceed 3 mm thick, or

(b)

Sheet plastic linings to manholes, pits, etc. should be adequately

anchored to base, walls and roof of structure. Such anchoring
should take account of possible unbalanced hydrostatic pressure
between the lining and the structure. Joints to such linings
should be tested by high voltage spark testing. Where this is not
possible, joints should be of a multi-pass welded type, or

(c)

Suitable protective tanking for the effluents being drained

should be applied to the internal surfaces of the manhole in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions, and

(d)

The under-side of the roof slab should be protected with a

suitable chemical resistant membrane.

Good surface preparation for all linings is essential. For resins this should
comprise mechanical abrasion (or as a minimum nail or chemical etching),
particularly in the splash zone.

8.1.6

External Protection
Where the soil or ground water contains chemicals which may have a
deleterious effect on concrete this shall be allowed for in the detailing
and mix design for concrete structures. In severe conditions the
structures should be tanked externally.
External tanking can comprise sheet liners, resins or proprietary sodium bentonite
sheets in geotextile/board form (except in saline conditions where the expansion
properties of the clay are reduced).

8.1.7

Other Types of Manhole

For clean water and sanitary sewer systems, manholes may be of precast concrete construction (or if shallow, of brickwork) provided that
long-term settlement or other movement of the surrounding ground is
not expected.

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Catchpit Manholes
Catchpits should have a flat base slab, the finished level of the base slab
being at least 150 mm below the invert level of the outgoing drainpipe.
The retention time in the manhole should be at least 1 minute.
Where there is a particular problem with solids, then it may be better to provide a
specific chamber for removal of the material rather than relying on maintenance
procedures.

8.1.8

Design for Movement

Flexible joints shall be provided at connections to all structures
including thrust blocks, valve chambers, manholes, rodding eyes etc.
The joints shall be as follows:-

8.1.9

(a)

first joint less than or equal to one pipe diameter or 550 mm

from the structure whichever is greater.

(b)

second joint not less than two pipe diameters or 450 mm from
the first joint whichever is greater for pipe diameters up to 750
mm or from 450 mm to 750 mm for pipe diameters up to 1000
mm (see clause 6.4).

Manhole Roof Slabs

Consideration should be given to constructing the roof of the manhole as a slab,
with cast-in lifting lugs. It can be removed for construction and major repairs,
enabling work to be carried out more safely and efficiently.

8.1.10

Manhole Covers
Sealed manhole covers shall be used within or adjacent to process area
limits and other hazardous areas, and in offsite areas on manholes which
are trapped or located near roadways.
The cover seal referred to above shall be of the type shown in Figure 6.
The sealant shall be selected with due regard to any solvents with which
it may come into contact.
Where subject to high vehicular traffic flows or heavy mobile equipment, gas-sealed
manhole covers can be rebated into the manhole and covered by a normal heavy
duty or structural cover. This reduces the risk of sealant being squeezed out and
the consequent loss in integrity.

For clean water drains, or land drains, minimum sizes should provide a
clear opening of 550 mm diameter or 600 mm x 450 mm.

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Manhole covers should be located over the outlet side of the manhole, to allow the
insertion of jetting equipment, CCTV survey equipment and flow monitors. This will
aid maintenance procedures.

For oily water, chemical or acid drains, manhole covers should provide
a minimum clear opening of 750 mm x 600 mm as it may be expected
that access will be required for personnel wearing breathing apparatus.
Chemical Manhole Covers
Chemical manhole covers should be of the double seal type where the
effluent is liable to give off poisonous or flammable vapours, and should
be protected with a suitable chemical resistant paint on the under-side.
Covers should also bear a clear warning of the hazardous nature of the
manhole contents.
Colour Coded Covers
Consideration can be given to colour coding manhole covers (by painting) to
indicate the type of effluent being drained. This aids identification of the correct
system in the event of having to pump effluent directly into a manhole in an
emergency or during inspections and repair.

8.1.11

Rodding Points
Rodding points should preferably be provided which do not require
access to the manholes.

8.1.12

Sumps
Where volumes of sludge and grit are large enough to necessitate
regular cleaning of the manholes, a sump incorporated into the base can
improve collection.

8.1.13

Access
Access to manholes should be by portable wooden ladders. However,
step irons should also be provided in all manholes (except chemical
manholes), to allow escape in emergencies.
Step irons should be of galvanised steel and set into the wall of the
manhole at 300 mm centres, vertically and staggered.
The use of step irons for regular access should be discouraged as the integrity of
the steps cannot be guaranteed, especially where contaminated effluents are being
drained.

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8.1.14

Design for Maintenance

At the design stage, it may advantageous to make allowance within
manholes for additional connections to be made in the future.
Access space in the manhole for suction cleaning should be considered
at the design stage. There should be no corner within a manhole less
than 300 mm square.

8.1.15

Manhole Identification System

For all new drainage systems a manhole identification system is
recommended.
All manholes should have cast on to them a code which identifies the type of
effluent, a reference to the area it services and an identification number. This
should be cast into the top of the manhole lid, or be a corrosion proof plate. A
further refinement of this which could save much investigation work at a later date
is the simple addition of arrows showing connections, flow direction and diameters.
Identification can also be applied retrospectively and may be used in conjunction
with colour coded covers (see clause 8.1.10).

8.2

Gully Traps

8.2.1

Gullies shall be capable of draining the maximum water volume without

extensive flooding of paved areas occurring.
Within hazardous process area limits, other hazardous areas, and such
non-hazardous areas as may be connected into an oily water drainage
system, drainage gullies shall be trapped with a depth of seal not less
than 150 mm and should have adequate provision for rodding.
In other, non-hazardous areas, such as administration areas, gullies may
be of concrete or stoneware, which should be concrete encased.
The use of plastic gullies is not recommended unless it can be shown that the
ground does not (or will not) contain deleterious contaminants such as
hydrocarbons, which would damage the gully. Plastic gullies should not be used in
any process area or areas where oily or chemical effluents are drained.

8.2.2

Gully Design
Gullies should be designed to meet the following requirements:The depth from the top of the gully grating to the top of the gully outlet
pipe shall be greater than 230 mm. This will allow full flow to pass
through the outlet pipe and prevent escape of vapours.

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The hydraulic capacity of each gully shall be defined as that flow which
passes through the gully grating without surcharge.
The pipe downstream of the gully shall act as the major hydraulic
control of the flow.
Where appropriate the standard 150 mm gully trap shown on Figure 7
should be used.
Use of the BP 'Standard 100 mm gully' should be discontinued (see clause 4.2.3.2)

8.3

Open Ditches and Channels

8.3.1

Where the velocity is likely to be high (e.g. greater than 0.8 m/s), (see
clause 5.2.7), such that scouring of the bed or sides would result,
ditches in cohesive soils or coarse sands are to be suitably revetted. All
ditches in fine sands or silts should be lined.
If considered necessary, ditches may be bottomed in concrete to
facilitate cleaning.

8.3.2

Firetraps
Trapping facilities should be provided to prevent fire spreading from
one area to another via ditches. Such fire traps should consist of a
minimum 9 m length of permanently flooded pipe with access sumps at
each end.
Access to the sumps should be provided for tanker suction hoses.

The location and spacing of firetraps should reflect the different usage
of the areas through which the drain runs e.g. process areas, black oils
tankage, white oils tankage, LPG storage areas etc. In no event should
the spacing of firetraps be greater than 200 m.
8.3.3

Open Drainage Channels in Process Areas

Open drainage channels in process areas should be of reinforced
concrete construction and the base slab should be laid to falls of not less
than 1 in 60 and wherever possible, of 1 in 40.
Recessed channel grating covers should be provided to suit the
conditions specified, in the particular plant specification. The
mechanical strength of these gratings shall be as described in clause
8.3.5.

8.3.4

Open Drainage Channels for Chemical Effluents

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Open drainage channels for carrying corrosive effluent should be

constructed as for clause 8.3.3, and should be lined throughout
internally as for chemical manholes (see clause 8.1.5).
8.3.5

Channel Grating Covers

Channel grating covers shall be of sufficient mechanical strength to
support the loads as defined in BP Group RP 4-3.

8.4

Effluent Collection and Treatment (Neutralisation) Pits

Similar comments apply as for manholes. It is desirable that acidic
effluent should be neutralised at or near source. Retained batch
operation is preferred for neutralisation systems. Neutralised effluent
should be discharged to the appropriate drainage system as specified by
BP.
Effluent collection and treatment pits shall be designed and constructed
to the same criteria as for chemical manholes (see clause 8.1.5).
Special consideration shall be given to thermal movement and the general stability
of linings.

Provision should be made to allow removal of precipitates left by the

neutralisation process.
8.5

Pumping Sumps
Any pumping sumps required in oily water drainage systems, should be
so designed that separated oil can be readily collected and pumped
away to the recovered oil system or other suitable place of disposal.

8.6

Soakaways and Land Drains

Soakaways and Land Drains are to be provided for clean water use
only.

8.7

Cesspools and Septic Tanks

Cesspools, and septic tanks should, unless agreed otherwise with the
designer, be of prefabricated, glass-reinforced plastic construction
installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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9.

CONTROL OF FUGITIVE
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

GAS

EMISSIONS

9.1

Control of Fugitive Gas Emissions

9.1.1

General

AND

VENTING

OF

Fugitive emissions of hydrocarbon gases from conventional gravity

drainage systems can be reduced by changing work practices and
methods of operation. New drain systems can be installed which can
almost eradicate fugitive emissions. These new drains are however
expensive to install and more complex to operate. Major cost savings
can be derived by avoiding discharge of oily materials into the drainage
system.
9.1.2

Location of gaseous emissions from drains

There are three main sources of fugitive gas emissions from refinery oil,
water/gravity drain systems:
(a)
(b)
(c)

9.1.2.1

at the point of entry to the drainage system

at vents and manholes along the drainage system, and
at the point of exit which could be a treatment plant, a pond, or
final discharge during maintenance

Emission at point of entry

It is normal for entry points to be open to the atmosphere as are
tundishes and catch basins. It is also common for entry points to be
trapped. This is a safety feature in reducing risk of spread of
fire/explosion, it also minimises gas escape from the piped system.
Emission at points of entry can be avoided by providing a continuous
connection into the drainage system. This however is inappropriate in
many cases due to the need for pressure interface control between any
plant and drainage systems.
The surface area of hydrocarbon exposed to the atmosphere at the entry
point should be kept to a minimum. Freefall of effluent and oversize
tundishes and catch basins should be avoided.

9.1.2.2

Emission at Vents
The majority of emissions from vents in gravity drainage systems are
caused by changes in the volume of liquid in the piped system. In a
steady state flow condition very little gas leaves the system through the
vents. Large increases in volumes of effluent contained in the piped

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drainage system will cause corresponding large volumes of gas to be

emitted.
To minimise emissions from the vents the flow conditions should be
kept as steady as possible. It is desirable to avoid sudden large
discharges of process water or ballast water. Rainstorm and emergency
fire water are the single biggest contributions to large changes in
effluent volumes. If rain and fire water can be diverted to a segregated
'clean-water system', this would significantly reduce gaseous emission
from the source.
9.1.2.3

Emission at point of exit

The effluent will discharge into some form of pond, chamber, sump or
tank with an increased surface area. Ideally open ponds or chambers
should have a floating cover (zero air space).
Floating covers are restrictive if any form of mechanical treatment is required; the
container then is covered forming void spaces beneath the cover. The void is likely
to contain high percentages of hydrocarbon gas which should be contained and/or
treated.

9.1.2.4

Emission during Inspection and Maintenance

Access to the drainage system is affected by lifting the manhole covers
and exposing the gaseous void inside the manhole. It is no longer
necessary to purge the air spaces in the drainage system before
inspection. Explosion proof cameras and light systems are now
available for remote inspection of the drains (see clause 12.3).
All cleaning work, when materials such as sludges have to be removed
and disposed of (see clause 12.2), should be conducted in such a way as
to minimise emissions to air.

9.2

Design of Vents for Open Gravity Drainage Systems

9.2.1

General (Open Gravity Systems)

Where necessary, manholes (and treatment pits) shall be fitted with 100
mm minimum diameter vent pipes. These will be required both for
hydraulic reasons and where gaseous effluents (especially toxic or
explosive) may be discharged into the system or where gas may
otherwise be released from the effluent (for example by contact with a
hotter effluent stream).
Vent pipes shall be arranged with a fall, to drain condensation back to
the manhole. Any materials susceptible to corrosion shall be suitably
protected.

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9.2.2

Vent pipes Discharging to Atmosphere (Open Gravity Systems)

Where it is permissible to discharge to atmosphere, vent pipes shall
discharge in open air, clear of areas accessible to personnel and at least
15 m away from any permanent source of ignition. Particular attention
shall be given to ensure that vapours cannot be admitted to a building
via air intakes or windows and vents shall be a minimum of 5 m from
such openings.
Where venting gases may be ignited by an intermittent ignition source
(for example a lightning strike in an exposed location) a flame
protection device shall be fitted. The device should be of a type
requiring the minimum of maintenance consistent with being suitable for
the gases present in the sewer. It shall be mounted so that it does not
trap condensation and it should be readily accessible for maintenance.
Vent pipes should be distinctively marked to warn personnel of the
hazardous nature of the vapours which may be emitted.

9.3

Extraction and Treatment of Vented Gases

Where it is not permissible to discharge directly to atmosphere,
drainage systems will incorporate extraction of gases. Treatment of
these vented gases should be carried out by proprietary treatment
methods and will require detailed treatability and design studies for the
types of gases extracted. Methods which are commonly used for
treatment are:Hydrocarbon vapours:(a)
(b)

capture and direct to flare stack

capture and direct to activated carbon plant

Water miscible vapours:(a)

(b)

capture and direct to water scrubbers

capture and return to effluent flow

Due to increasing legislation, flaring off hydrocarbon vapour may not be

acceptable.
In assessing the feasibility of activated carbon plant, account should be taken of
disposal/replacement costs of spent carbon and use of carbon regeneration
equipment.

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10.

MATERIALS
10.1

General
The choice of material will depend on the type of effluents being
drained. Particular attention shall be paid to the effects on the materials
of all possible changes in physical, chemical and biological properties.
Aggressive conditions in the soil and possible movements of the soil or
of drainage structures shall also be taken into account. The degree of
integrity of the drainage system should be established, and the method
of proving continuing integrity should be identified.
Pressure testing of pipework is the most direct method of establishing integrity, but
this has cost implications with regards to material choice.

It is essential that any pipe material to be used under process areas

should be chosen so that the possibility of damage is minimised.
Where future access to pipes will not be possible, the use of higher specification
materials should be investigated (this is to include the types of joint system for each
material).
A pre-installation survey is recommended so that methods of corrosion protection,
the suitability of the natural soils for embedment, and design of structures,
including anchorages, are all given full consideration.

Materials for drainage pipework should be chosen from those shown in

Tables 2A and 2B. Other materials may be used only with the prior
approval of BP. However, for chemical effluents, the suitability of each
material proposed should be confirmed in writing with the
manufacturer, and shall be subject to BP approval.
The specifications given in the material tables are predominantly UK based. When
working elsewhere, the local standards should be used providing they specify
acceptable performance.

The installation of chemical resistant materials should be carried out by

specialists having experience of the materials specified.
The main features to be assessed when considering the suitability of
materials are:10.2

Resistance to Effluents
The material and its jointing should be completely impervious and
resistant to degradation by the effluents being carried, and any
contamination present in the ground.

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10.3

Strength
The material should have sufficient mechanical strength to support the
loads it will be required to carry in conjunction with a designed backfill
(see clause 6.1).
Where the material is subject to long-term loading, such as buried
pipework, it should not be subject to creep.
The material should, wherever possible, possess some flexible
properties, either inherently or by virtue of its jointing system.

10.4

Joints
Joint integrity should be maintained for the design life of the drainage
system or for as long as directed by BP.
Flexibly-jointed pipework shall be provided for all underground
applications unless otherwise agreed by BP.
Joint rings for such pipework should conform to BS 2494 or equivalent.

Jointing materials should have resistance to the specified chemical and

physical conditions at least equal to that of the materials being joined.
For oily water sewers, oil drains and for any other drain system to be
buried in potentially hydrocarbon contaminated ground, joint rings and
gaskets shall be of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), and any
external corrosion protection coatings to the pipes and fittings shall be
hydrocarbon resistant.
10.5

Other
Membranes for secondary linings to manholes, effluent collection and
treatment pits and open drainage channels should be resistant to the
chemical conditions prevailing in the drain system and the ground in
which the system is being laid (see clauses 8.1.5 and 8.1.6).

11.

CONSTRUCTION AND WORKMANSHIP

11.1

Introduction
This chapter specifies general requirements for the construction and
workmanship of drainage systems in refineries, terminals, storage and
pipeline associated installations, and chemical plants.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 45

Specifications for closed drainage systems which are regarded as

process plant pipework should be in accordance with BP Group RP 421, Piping Systems.
Where reference is made to spigot and socket pipes, the same guidelines generally
apply to other types of pipes.

11.2

Construction
Unless agreed otherwise by the designer, drainage works should be
carried out in accordance with a specification based on BP Group RP
4-1 Drainage Systems and the requirements of local standards.

11.3

Connections to Existing Sewers

Connections to existing sewers should be made either by way of a pipe
saddle, a new manhole or a new branch into an existing manhole.
Before entering, breaking into, or connecting to an existing sewer, drain
or manhole, the contractor should give notice of his intention to do so
to the authority responsible for the pipe to which the connection is to
be made.
The proposed method of connection is to be agreed by BP before
commencing any work. Construction is to be carried out under the
supervision of BP.
Connections using vitrified clay or concrete pipe on clean surface water
sewers may use a pipe saddle connection where the incoming sewer
invert is equal to or higher than the soffit level of the existing sewer,
and the incoming sewer pipe is of a smaller diameter than the existing.
A new manhole connection should be made where the existing sewer
pipe has been bedded in concrete or where the sewer flow cannot be
stopped off during connection. This connection may be used for any
type of pipe. Sanitary effluent sewers should be connected only by this
method.
A new branch connection into an existing manhole should be used for
all sewer conditions other than those referred to above.

11.4

Testing
All sewers and drains with water-tight joints, regardless of pipe size,
and all manholes should be tested. The test pressure should be
appropriate to the class of pipe, the material used, the working
pressure, and in accordance with national standards.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 46

In the UK BS 8005 is the standard for testing and should be used for all testing,
except oily and contaminated drainage systems.

Oily and contaminated drainage systems should show no detectable loss

when tested.
BS 8005 is too lax for testing oily and contaminated drainage systems, in that it is
allows a certain amount of leakage to take place (1 litre/hr/m [dia]/m[length])

11.5

Back-filling
Back-filling should be carried out as soon as possible after the drain run
has been satisfactorily tested.

11.6

Cleaning
The interiors of pipes, manholes, gullies and pits should be left clean
and free from all rubbish and surplus material.
On completion, all manholes, drains and sewers, other than French
drains, should be flushed from end to end with water and left clean and
free from all obstructions.
Consideration should be given to camera inspection prior to acceptance of the
drainage system.

12.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

12.1

Regular inspection, and maintenance, is essential to the operation of all

drainage systems. To preserve or improve the hydraulic performance, it
is necessary to remove debris, prevent leakage and repair damage.
Each section of the drainage system should be categorised according to
it's importance in the system; this will be reflected in the time between
inspections. Importance will depend on the nature of the plant or area
being drained and where in the system the pipe is located.
To facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the drainage system, a
system maintenance layout should be produced, either as one of the
design contractor's deliverables or as part of an overall site drainage
maintenance plan.
The plan would show main drain lines and manholes, with identification numbers
(see clause 8.1.15). Also see clause 8.1.10 - coloured covers.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 47

12.2

Cleaning
Drains require periodic cleaning to remove silts, sludges and
precipitates which impair the performance of the system. The most
common method uses pressurised water jets. When this action is carried
out, the seals on the system will be temporarily broken. This increases
the risk of any vapours spreading through the system and ignition
occurring at a remote location.
When cleaning closed systems, that are not permitted by legislation to
release gas to the atmosphere, the system will have to be purged prior
to opening any jetting points.
Sludge that collects in the drainage system and waste treatment plant is a
contaminated material, impairs the hydraulic flow and can be expensive to dispose
of.

12.3

Inspection
The following section generally covers Open Systems with conventional
construction, additional specific guidelines for alternative closed
systems are provided in clauses 12.5.1 and 12.5.2.
Inspection will be manual or remote, depending on three main factors size of pipes, type of effluent carried and whether the system is open or
closed. The principles of the inspection are the same whichever method
is used.
In the UK, the WAA Manual of Sewer Condition Classification and Model Contract
documents for manhole location surveys and non man-entry sewer inspection,
provide guidance on the procedures involved in an inspection.

In addition to periodic surveys of the drainage system, routine

inspections should be made of the following features; manhole cover
seals and sealant (especially after covers have been moved), vent pipes
(for blockages or flame-protection device damage) and water-trap seals
(in manholes, tundishes and gullies). This is essential to continual safe
operation of the system.
12.3.1

Pressure Testing
This can prove the integrity of a system, but not the condition. Pressure testing of
concrete and clay pipes is not normally possible because of natural leakage.

12.3.2

Remote Imaging Systems

All other systems will require some form of remote inspection.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 48

Generally closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) or SONAR are most

appropriate for most drainage systems. The use of computer recognition systems
enables the analysis of video tape records for pipe defects to be made more
efficiently. The equipment used shall meet safety regulations for hazardous areas. It
may need to be explosion proof, otherwise over-pumping and purging may be
necessary. This will remove one advantage of remote inspection where access can
be made without interrupting the flow. All components of an explosion proof CCTV
system would require BASEEFA or similar approval.

12.3.3

Man Access
Man access can be achieved in open systems where pipes are greater
than 600 mm in diameter, but working is difficult in sizes below 900
mm. Safety rules will determine whether entry can be permitted without
draining or over-pumping the system. All work will meet safety
regulations for working in confined spaces.
Because of the hazardous nature of the drainage systems, man access into the
drainage system should only be carried out when no other method is available.

12.4

Rehabilitation

12.4.1

There are three options for rehabilitation; replacement, renewal and

renovation.
The choice of technique will depend on the individual conditions of the site, the cost
and nuisance involved with disruption and the delay compared to the costs of each
method.

12.4.2

Replacement
The complete reconstruction of a system to take account of new flows
and future development in addition to the existing flow.

12.4.3

Renewal
Reconstruction to a design that caters only for original design flows.
The route of the new system can be different to the existing, and an
alternative construction method can be used.

12.4.4

Renovation
This option is used to extend the design life of a drainage system, with
the same design flows continuing.
In operational plants it is advantageous if repairs can be done from within the pipe,
without the disruption of excavation. Such trenchless technology is becoming
increasingly available. Repairs can be either structural or non-structural. There
are a variety of methods which can be used.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 49

Structural repairs include inserting rigid pipe sections inside the existing pipe
and/or grouting around the pipe perimeter with cementitious or resin based grouts.
Non-structural repairs include patching with composite resin based materials or
mortars, relining with flexible membranes cast in-situ, and injecting resins into
cracks. Robotic methods have been developed which can carry out a range of
patching and injection repairs without disrupting flows. Care needs to be taken with
the joint between repair materials and the existing pipe section. This has been the
location for failure in the past. Manufacturers should be consulted to ensure that
repair materials and techniques are compatible with the effluents being carried.

12.5

Operational Procedures (Closed System Only)

The following section describes the additional operation and
maintenance procedures for alternative closed drainage systems:-

12.5.1

Pressurised Systems
Operation of the System
Operation of the system requires maintenance of the invert/vapour gas phase above
the liquid flow throughout the system.
Prior to releasing effluent into the system, the system is purged with the inert gas.
Following completion of this operation, the system is filled with inert gas to the
system pressure.
Effluent can then be drained into the system at the controlled rates determined by
the design, thus maintaining the continuous gas phase above the liquid level.
During operation, the gas pressure will gradually increase as volatile gases are
generated from the effluent flow. The design will allow the gas pressure to increase
until the upper system pressure is reached, at this point a gas relief mechanism
located at the downstream end of the system will open and the mix of inert gas and
vapour will be extracted. The extracted gas is removed by a closed piping system to
a treatment plant (see clause 9.3).
Extraction of gases continues until a low set pressure is reached, at which point
further inert gas is injected into the system to return the pressure and to maintain
the purging effect within the system.
Operation of the system is more difficult than a normal gravity system, since flows
into the pressurised system have to be carefully monitored to maintain the gas
phase above the liquid level.
Maintenance of the System
Maintenance of a pressurised system is more complex than an open gravity system
as access to the system is restricted. Ensuring correct operation of the effluent flows
into the system and thus retaining the gas phase will reduce the maintenance
requirements.
Regular maintenance of the mechanical and electrical equipment associated with
the gas injection and removal system is required for satisfactory operation.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 50

Repair or removal of pipework within the system will be more difficult than a
conventional open gravity system since the pipelines require isolation and purging
to remove any hazardous gases.
When installed below ground, secondary containment will make maintenance easier
to carry out, particularly with respect to location and isolation of leaks to the
system.
12.5.2

Pumped Systems
Operation and Maintenance of the System
Operation of the system is controlled by the liquid levels in the pumping station wet
well.
Effluent is pumped, either to a high level gravity pipeline, an underground pipeline
or direct to a remote treatment facility.
Repair or removal of pipework within an aboveground pumped system will be easier
than a gravity system since the pipes are laid above ground level and will generally
be of flanged joints.
Where hazardous liquids or gases exist, maintenance within the wet wells will be
difficult, since the sumps are not free draining, a separate drain down facility needs
to be provided with a system of purging the air space.

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 51

Drainage
System
Open Gravity
Open system Most basic form of
drainage.
No environmental
constraints on
vapour discharge.

Closed
Gravity
Closed system No emissions
allowed to
atmosphere.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Design, construction, materials and

operation/maintenance are conventional
and well known/proven
Generally fail-safe
Design caters for variable flows
Can operate under surcharge
Vapours easily vented
Relatively low operation and maintenance
cost
Fire hazard can be controlled
Design, construction, materials and
operation/maintenance are conventional
and well known/proven
Generally fail-safe
Design caters for variable flows
Relatively low operation cost
Fire hazard can be controlled

Extensive systems expensive to

construct due to depth
May require containment
Requires oil interceptors and fire traps
Requires regular venting (open) or gas
removal (at collection drum/pit for closed)
If laid in ground, possible exfiltration

Design, construction, materials

and operation/maintenance are
Closed system - No conventional and well known/proven.
emissions allowed to Design caters for variable flows.
Pipework can be laid above ground or in
atmosphere
shallow excavation.
Design caters for segregation of effluents.
Fire hazard can be controlled.
Gaseous emissions to atmosphere are
minimal.
Higher integrity pipework.
Easily pressure tested to prove integrity.
Design, construction and materials for
Pressurised
piping system well known/proven.
Closed system - No Generally fail-safe for effluent flow.
emissions allowed to Fire hazard can be controlled.
Possible to convert from existing gravity
atmosphere
system.
Pipework can be laid above ground
Gaseous emissions to atmosphere are
minimal.
Higher integrity pipework.
Easily pressure tested to prove integrity.

Pumped

Extensive systems expensive to

construct due to depth
May require containment
Requires regular gas removal (at collection
drum/pit for closed)
If laid in ground, possible exfiltration
Higher maintenance cost than open gravity
Difficult to inspect
Dependent upon m/e plant,
Requires standby system for confidence of
operation.
Requires dedicated reception point.
Expensive to cater for large variable flows.
High operation and maintenance costs.
Possible septicity/chemical attack in
pumping mains.
Materials of construction for plant may be
expensive.

Overall design, construction and

operation/maintenance not well
known/proven.
Air-tight system required.
Design caters for fixed flows.
Design of gas system expensive and
specialist.
Extensive systems very expensive to
construct (if below ground).
If laid in ground, possible exfiltration.
High operation and maintenance cost.
Not suited to surface water run-off or
firewater.

TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 52

Pressure*

Flanged

Welded

Spigot/Socket

Y1

(mm)

Y1

Y2

Y2

60-220

(BS 2633)

BS 534

Comments

1 Special precaution to be taken in use e.g. internal linings

2 Good for above ground and pressure mains

(butt weld)

RP 4-1

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

TABLE 2A
MATERIAL SELECTION

API 5L

Ductile Iron

Size Range

Gravity

Y3

Jointing Type

Chemical

BS 1600

System
Type
Foul Sewage

carbon steel

Caustic

BS 534

Acid

and Cement lined

Y1

Oil

API 5L

Water
Carbon steel

Solvent

Service for which material is

suitable/unsuitable

Specification

Oily Water

Material

3 Stainless steel should be used at high temperatures

BS 2971

Materials for jointing need to be checked in relation to the service

BS 3602

Provision for thermal expansion and differential movement required

BS 3604

Screwed and coupled joints also available

BS 3605

Cathodic protection may be necessary below ground

BS 4515

Special protection required externally if laid in ground

BS 4772

ISO 2531

80-1600

Normally used below ground

(BS 4772)

External protection should be provided in aggressive soil conditions

(Table 45)

Max pressure rating 40 bar

Provision for flexibility should be made

Vitrified Clay

BS 65

100-1000

(BS 65)

Care should be excercised during laying of pipes and the provision of bedding
Problem with in-line valves if required
Sleeved joints are also available
Jointing material can also be made from various materials - consult manufacturer
Specially suitable at normal temperatures and normally suitable at high temperatures
Not suited to cyclic variations in temperaure
Chemical resistant pipes available

Y1

Reinforced

BS 5911

and

(reinforced)

150-2400

1 Flexible joints incorporating an "O" ring gasket of a high quality rubber material
Not recommended for effluent containing sulphide

Prestressed

BS 5178

Special precautions should be taken in aggressive ground conditions

Concrete

(prestressed)

Reference should be made to corrosion resistance charts for specific chemicals and effluents

Suitable/applicable

Refer to pipe manufacturer prior to specifying any pipe application

Unsuitable/not applicable

* Pressure refers to both pumped and pressurised systems

PAGE 53

Pressure*

Flanged

Y1

BS 3506

Size Range

Spigot/Socket

Gravity

Welded

Foul Sewage

Jointing Type

Acid

System
Type

Chemical

Solvent

Caustic

Oily Water

BS 3505

Oil

UPVC

Service for which material is

suitable/unsuitable

Specification

Water

Material

Comments

(mm)

Y2

(BS 6464)

(BS 5481)

160-400

1 Inorganic chemical wastes (not nitric acid)

2 Chemicals can affect solvent welded joints

BS 5481

Flexible pipeline design more complex than rigid pipe design

BS 4660

Good supervision required during installation

RP 4-1

DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

TABLE 2B
MATERIAL SELECTION

Choice of plastic material determined by effluent constituents

ABS

BS 5391

12-225

BS 5392
Polyethylene

BS 5556

BS 6437

(BS 6464)

BS 6572
BS 6730
BS 7336
Polypropylene

BS 4991

GRE and GRP

BS 5480

Y2

Y2

Y1

(Glass

BS 6464

reinforced

API 5LR

Polypropylene can be fusion welded

50-2500

(BS 6464)

1 Low Pressure applications only

2 Check long-term stability of material and consider likelihood of fire damage in pipe
Choice of resin/epoxy and pipe details determined by effluent constituents

plastic/epoxy)

Good supervision required during installation

Expensive if special resins required

Stainless steel

BS 3605

austenite

(BS 4870)

type 304

(BS 4871)

Glass

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

60-1000

Very expensive
Good for drainage effluent containing hydrocarbons, nitric acid and caustic effluents

n/a

Laboratory drains only

Very Expensive

Reference should be made to corrosion resistance charts for specific chemicals and effluents

Suitable/applicable

Refer to pipe manufacturer prior to specifying any pipe application

Unsuitable/not applicable

* Pressure refers to both pumped and pressurised systems

PAGE 54

Clean Water

Basic
treatment
& drainage
requirements

2.8.1.

Open
No vents/traps

(2.10.1)

Contaminated
Water
2.8.2
Holding Basin
Effluent Treatment
Unit (ETU)
Vents/Traps? (2.10.1)

Chemicals

2.8.4

Non-aggressive
Detergent
2.8.7

Oily Water
(Low VOC)

Sewage

2.8.9

Solids

No vents/traps
Sewage treatment

2.8.3
Open

2.8.8

No traps

Sealed Manhole?
Vents/Traps?
Neutralisation Pit?
Materials
Holding Basin (2.10.1)

Vents & Traps

Sealed manhole
ETU
(2.10.1)

High Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Oily Water

All Closed Systems
Gravity

(2.10.2.1)

No Manhole
Sealed Joints

Pumped

Chemicals

(2.10.2)

(2.10.2.2)

Non-emulsifying pumps
Higher specn materials
Sealed tundishes

Pressurised

(2.10.2.3)

Vapour Extraction
Suction pumps
Scrubber
Sealed tundishes

2.10.2

Aggressive
Closed
Materials
Neutralisation Pit?
Complex
drainage
& expensive
treatment

Clause numbers refer to text

? indicates options to be considered

FIGURE 1
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM- TYPICAL ARRANGEMENTS

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 55

FIGURE 2
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM TYPICAL CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 56

FIGURE 3
PRESSURISED DRAINAGE SYSTEM TYPICAL LINE DIAGRAM OF COLLECTION SYSTEM

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 57

FIGURE 4
PUMPED DRAINAGE SYSTEM - TYPICAL ARRANGEMENTS

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 58

FIGURE 5
MANHOLE GULLY DETAIL

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 59

Section of cover

10mm min.

Sealing Material
Section of frame
DOUBLE SEAL

SINGLE SEAL

FIGURE 6
TYPICAL SEALED MANHOLE COVERS

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 60

Notes:
1. Actual method of hingeing airtight lid to be decided by the manufacturer. Hinge pin to be
of mild steel galvanised.
2. Material cast iron to be BS 1452.
3. The trap is shown to a manufacturers' design for a UK project.
4. Flanged sockets equal to BS 4622 to be used in conjunction with trap where connection to
flanged pipes is required.

FIGURE 7
TYPICAL STANDARD 150 MM GULLY TRAP

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 61

FIGURE 8
TRAPPING OF DRAIN INLETS TO MANHOLES

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 62

Notes:
* If a product spillage occurs, and clean water could become contaminated, close valve and
then recover locally or allow to pass to final separator.
** Leaded or special products not suitable for mixing in the oily water system, must be
retained in a local separator, until the product can be recovered. The water remaining can
then be allowed to drain to the oily water system.
FIGURE 9
TYPICAL OFFSITES STORAGE TANK OILY AND CLEAN WATER DRAINAGE
LAYOUT

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 63

APPENDIX A
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Definitions
Standardised definitions may be found in the BP Group RPSEs Introductory Volume.
Abbreviations
ABS
BASEEFA

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

British Approvals Service for Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres

d
GRE
GRP
ks

Internal Pipe Diameter

Glass Reinforced Epoxy
Glass Reinforced Plastics
Surface Roughness (m or mm)

EDPM

Ethylene - propylene terpolymer

TEL
TML
UPVC

Tetraethyl Lead
Tetramethyl Lead
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride

VOC
WAA

Volatile Organic Compound

Water Authorities Association

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 64

APPENDIX B
LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
A reference invokes the latest published issue or amendment unless stated otherwise.
Referenced standards may be replaced by equivalent standards that are internationally or
otherwise recognised provided that it can be shown to the satisfaction of the purchaser's
professional engineer that they meet or exceed the requirements of the referenced standards.
British Standards
BS 2494

Elastomeric Seals for Joints in Pipework and Pipelines

BS 6297

Design and Installation of Small Sewage Treatment Works and Cesspools

BS 8005

Sewerage: Parts 0 to 5

BS 8007

Design of Concrete Structures for Retaining Aqueous Liquids

BS 8010

Code of Practice for Pipelines

BS 8301

Building Drainage

BP Group Documents
BP Group RP 4-3

Civil Engineering
(replaces BP CP 4)

BP Group RP 24-1

Fire Protection - Onshore

(replaces BP CP 15)

BP Group

RP 42-1

Piping Systems
(replaces BP CP 12)

BP Group

RP 44-11

Drainage - Offshore
(replaces BP CP 47)

Other Documents
HSG 34

Health & Safety Guideline

WAA

(Water Authorities Association) Sewers For Adoption

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 65

Documents Referenced from Table 2A and 2B

API 5L

Specification for Line Pipe

API 5L

RSpecification for Line Pipe

BS 65

Vitrified Clay Pipes, Fittings and Ducts, also Flexible

Mechanical Joints for Use Solely with Surface Water Pipes and
Fittings

BS 534

Steel Pipes, Joints & Specials for Water and Sewage

BS 1600

Dimensions of Steel Pipe for the Petroleum Industry

BS 3505

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Pressure Pipes for Cold

Potable Water

BS 3506

Unplasticized PVC Pipes for Industrial Purposes

BS 3602

Steel Pipes and Tubes for Pressure Purposes: Carbon and

Carbon Steel with Specified Elevated Temperature Properties

BS 3604

Steel Pipes and Tubes for Pressure Purposes: Ferritic Alloy

Steel with Elevated Temperature Properties

BS 3605

Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes for Pressure

Purposes

BS 4515

Process of Welding of Steel Pipelines

BS 4660

Unplasticized PVC Pipe & Plastics Fittings Nominal Sizes 110

and 160 for below Ground Gravity Drainage and Sewerage

BS 4772

Ductile Iron Pipes and Fittings

BS 4991

Propylene Copolymer Pressure Pipe

BS 5178

Prestressed Concrete Pipes and Fittings for Drainage and

Sewerage

BS 5336

Polyethylene Fusion Fittings with Integral Heating Elements for

Use with Polyethylene Pipes for the Conveyance of Gaseous
Fuels

BS 5391

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pressure Pipe: Pipe for

Industrial Uses

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 66

BS 5392

ABS - Fittings for Use with ABS Pressure Pipe Part 1

BS 5480

Glass Reinforced Plastics, Joints and Fittings for Use for Water
Supply or Sewerage

BS 5481

Unplasticized PVC Pipe & Fittings for Gravity Sewers

BS 5556

General Requirements for Dimensions and Pressure Rating of

Pipe of Thermoplastics Materials

BS 5911

Precast Concrete Pipes and Fittings for Drainage and Sewerage

BS 6437

Polyethylene Pipes (Type 50) in Metric Diameters for General

Purposes

BS 6464

Reinforced Plastics Pipes, Fittings and Joints for Process Plant

BS 6572

Blue Polyethylene Pipes up to Nominal Size 63 for Below

Ground Use for Potable Water

BS 6730

Black Polyethylene Pipes up to Nominal Size 63 for Above

Ground Use for Potable Water

ISO 2531

Ductile Iron Pipes, Fittings and Accessories for Pressure

RP 4-1
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

PAGE 67