FIRE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
We’re Here When the Unexpected Happens
Industrial fires can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and leave facilities facing significant challenges. Regardless of industry, fire damage demands a rapid and expert-led response to assess, repair, and recommission the affected components.
At Equity Engineering, we specialize in helping plant personnel determine the cause of the fire, assess affected equipment and piping, and restart operations or equipment safely and efficiently. Our Materials & Corrosion team has performed dozens of fire damage assessments for refineries, petrochemical plants, offshore platforms, and other industrial facilities. We deliver detailed engineering reports with clear action items and recommendations for every component.
Why Conduct a Comprehensive Fire Damage Assessment?
Conducting a fire damage assessment will help facilities ensure long-term equipment safety, minimize downtime, and accurately determine the extent of damage. We will send a team to your facility on the same day or the next day to conduct a thorough incident investigation and develop a prioritized approach to determine whether high-cost, long-lead time items are fit for service.
By involving our team of experts, you can significantly reduce repair costs and minimize delays as we identify which equipment can be “saved” and safely restored to full operation.
Equity Engineering’s Fire Damage Assessment Services
Our fire damage assessment process begins with gathering critical evidence and understanding the fire’s origin. Using heat exposure zone (HEZ) analysis, our team will map the fire-affected areas and assess the extent of the damage to piping, fixed equipment, structural steel, and other components.
Depending on your needs, we can perform a basic fire damage assessment that applies the API 579, Part 11 methodology to assign HEZs to the piping and equipment. Alternatively, we also provide a detailed fire damage investigation which identifies the root cause of the fire and the impact on materials.
We use several methodologies during a comprehensive fire damage assessment, including:
- Hardness testing
- Laser scanning, vibration/dynamics measurement, and other field tests
- Photographic documentation
- Sample extraction and offsite laboratory testing
- Replications to look for microstructure degradation
- Thermal distortion measurement
- Structural engineering analysis and assessment
- Root cause analysis
Always Be Prepared! Purpose of a Proactive Fire Damage Strategy
We recommend implementing a proactive incident response strategy to ensure a swift, coordinated emergency response. Our team can help you develop a comprehensive plan with clear protocols to safeguard employees, protect assets, and streamline critical documentation required for audits or insurance investigations. With a proactive approach, you’ll be prepared to act efficiently and confidently when it matters most.
