FAQ

Generally, when people hear the term "disaster prevention," they imagine natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. However, we specialize in disasters and accidents such as leaks, gas diffusion, explosions, and fires in plants and hazardous materials facilities.
In the unlikely event of a leak or explosion, we will conduct an "impact assessment" based on the latest knowledge, utilizing our proprietary simulation technology to determine the extent of the damage.
Based on the analysis results, we are proposing various safety measures to mitigate the impact, leveraging the expertise we have cultivated over the years.

Yes, of course. We provide services regardless of the size of the facility.
We will propose the optimal solution tailored to your company's size and budget, so please feel free to contact us.

Leveraging our extensive experience and expertise gained from years of involvement in overseas plant construction projects, we are capable of handling projects not only domestically but also at our overseas locations.
We are well-versed in international standards such as NFPA, API, and IEC, as well as national safety regulations and major oil standards. We can also prepare reports in English.

We handle not only new construction projects but also safety reviews of existing plants.
After assessing the current situation, we will conduct various evaluations and analyses to clearly define the necessary measures and present the optimal safety solutions.

Our website"Achievements Page"Please check here.

Consultations are free of charge. We currently primarily offer web conferencing services, so please feel free to contact us.
*There is no consultation fee (time charge) based on the consultation time.

Estimates are free of charge.
While we generally create our reports based on the materials you provide, we may receive requests for on-site inspections and surveys if the required materials are difficult to prepare or insufficient.
In that case, we will be happy to accommodate your request, so please feel free to let us know.
Please note that we will charge you separately for the costs incurred in conducting the on-site survey.

Since each request is handled on a case-by-case basis, we do not have any specific fee guidelines or standards.
After carefully listening to your needs, we will provide you with a customized plan and estimate.

On our website"Contact Form"We have the necessary information, so please feel free to contact us here.
First, please fill in the required information and describe your inquiry to the best of your knowledge. A representative will contact you shortly to discuss the details.

"The page outlining the consultation process"Please take a look.

No. You don't need to prepare detailed specifications from the beginning. In typical cases, we will support you in organizing the specifications in the following way.

1. Free online consultation: First, we will listen to your needs, explain our approach, and then provide you with the necessary documents (drawings, etc.) for the estimate.
2. Providing Documents: After signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), you will be asked to share any documents you have.
3. Specification Confirmation and Quotation: Based on the information and materials we have received, we will organize the details and conditions and prepare a quotation.

For complex projects with a wide range of conditions, we can create a "Quotation Specification Document" and present it to you along with the quotation.

To accurately understand the potential risks of the subject being evaluated, we generally provide various documents as part of our service.
We accept requests for on-site inspections and surveys, but since these are conducted within a limited time on the day, supplementary documentation is essential to understand the detailed specifications and history.
If you have difficulty preparing the necessary materials or if you lack sufficient information, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to accommodate your needs.
In that case, we will charge separately for on-site inspections and the preparation of inspection materials, but our expert staff will directly check the situation and proceed with the evaluation.

We ask that customers handle the fire safety application procedures themselves.
We sometimes receive requests for our staff to be present during the application process, but we uniformly decline such requests.
This application concerns important licenses and permits related to your facility, and our presence is to prevent any careless remarks or misunderstandings.
We kindly ask that you handle this matter at your own responsibility.

Furthermore, if the authorities have any technical inquiries during the application process, we will continue to provide support.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Yes, it is possible. We conduct reporting sessions based on the risk assessment and simulation results you have requested.
We will carefully answer any questions or concerns that arise during this process, providing supporting evidence. Please utilize this service for information sharing and consensus building within your company.

While it's not possible to reduce the hazard zone in all cases, it can reduce the hazard zone in most cases compared to conventional sample diagrams (which use a uniform hazard zone designation).
By implementing leak prevention measures to reduce the gas release rate, or by reviewing ventilation methods such as increasing the capacity of existing ventilation systems or implementing local exhaust ventilation indoors, it is possible to make an area a non-hazardous zone.
By visualizing hazardous areas through risk assessment, this can also be used when introducing equipment for "smart security."

If ventilation methods are reviewed and hazardous areas are reduced or converted into non-hazardous areas, it may be necessary to strengthen ventilation equipment or reroute exhaust ducts.
If leak prevention measures are implemented, it may be necessary to replace equipment and machinery.

IEC standards can be used for evaluation regardless of the emission class. National review committees have also conducted studies targeting Class 1 emission sources such as tank vents, and have presented guidelines for hazardous areas.
I've heard that some fire departments have approved Class 1 discharge sources.

IEC standards can be used to evaluate all types of non-explosion-proof equipment, not just portable devices.
I've heard that some fire departments approve non-explosion-proof equipment, both stationary and mobile (such as cranes).

Yes, it is possible. The evaluation can be conducted based on IEC 60079-10-1, which is the standard on which the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's guidelines are based.

I understand that it is approved not only in plants such as petroleum refining and the chemical industry (including petrochemicals), but also in a wide range of other industries.
Some fire departments specify this in their hazardous materials assessment standards.

Yes, it is possible.
Edition 3.0 includes revised formulas for calculating liquid evaporation rates and other aspects, reflecting the latest knowledge.

When defining hazardous areas (explosion-proof zones), large-scale leakage accidents are excluded from the scope of application.
This evaluation is conducted under normal operating conditions, i.e., when the equipment is running within the design specifications.

Yes, that's correct. Under the conventional method of defining hazardous areas (explosion-proof zones), the entire facility is uniformly designated as a hazardous area.
When introducing the latest digital devices (smartphones, tablets, Wi-Fi devices, etc.), which are essential for smart security and digital transformation, the first step is to conduct a thorough risk assessment and clearly define non-hazardous areas.

Our precise risk assessment of hazardous areas is based on the international standard IEC60079-10-1, making us fully capable of handling projects at overseas locations.
We also offer report writing services in English.

Everything is included in the evaluation. On the other hand, fittings that are Class 2 emission sources (flanges, threaded connections, valves, pumps, etc.) have a fixed opening area regardless of the pipe size.
Therefore, if the operating conditions (pressure, temperature) are the same, multiple leak sources can be evaluated together.

Leaks caused by human error, such as spills due to mishandling or the tipping of storage containers during transport, should be evaluated as Class 2 release sources.
Although not explicitly stated in IEC Ed3.0, it is clearly stated in user-oriented factory explosion-proof equipment guides and in the hazardous materials assessment standards of various fire departments.

If specific evaluation methods are not described, each case will be considered individually, taking into account the handling procedures for hazardous materials. In such cases, it will be necessary to consider engineering considerations such as chemical engineering, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, requiring a high level of expertise.
To address a variety of cases, our company conducts technically sound evaluations based on the knowledge and experience we have gained regarding leakage and evaporation.

Since the evaluation will be stricter than that for mixtures, it should not be a problem. However, in the fire department application, you will need to be able to explain that the substance being evaluated has the strictest physical properties.
On the other hand, evaluating only the pure components can sometimes result in an overly broad hazard zone, so we recommend evaluating the mixture to better reflect the actual situation.

While measured values are acceptable, IEC Ed3.0 requires that the wind must be one that blows for at least 951 TP3T hours throughout the year.
(In practice, proof is difficult, so we believe that the ventilation rate indicators shown in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry guidelines and IEC Ed3.0 will be used.)
If average wind speeds from the Japan Meteorological Agency or similar sources are used as ventilation speeds, there is a possibility that the risk assessment may be too lenient, so caution is advised.

For details,"Evaluation Results and Hazardous Area Map" pagePlease check.

Yes, of course.
Since disaster and disaster prevention issues are wide-ranging, it's perfectly fine if your topic isn't listed on the menu.
We welcome initial consultations, even from those who are unsure where to seek advice.
Based on our current situation assessment, we will propose the form of support we can provide.

That's right.
We scientifically and statistically analyze the "frequency of occurrence" and "magnitude of impact" of serious accidents such as fires, explosions, and toxic substance leaks, and quantitatively assess the risks. Based on the assessment results, we prioritize the countermeasures that should be taken and, if necessary, provide proposed countermeasures.

While it depends on the specifics of the project you're considering, based on past experience, the review period has typically been around 6 months for overseas coal-fired power plants and 3 months for advanced technology research institutions.

The simulation results will be submitted as a layout study drawing in 3D AutoCAD format.
Foam cannons, fire trucks, water cannons, and related firefighting equipment (mobile fire pumps, generators, hoses, etc.) should be positioned so that firefighting operations can be carried out from the same location even if the wind speed changes.
Furthermore, we will submit the following necessary data on a single sheet as a drawing to be attached to the fire prevention plan.

• Tank data (tank type, contents, diameter, tank height, liquid level, density, viscosity, etc.)
• Atmospheric conditions (wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity)
• Data on foam cannons, fire trucks, water cannons, etc. (flow rate, nozzle pressure, horizontal/vertical angle, nozzle angle)
- Area of influence of radiant heat from a tank fire
・A three-dimensional diagram showing the surrounding area of the equipment and materials.
- Residual pressure in each piece of equipment (We will provide a separate pressure loss calculation)

If you have AutoCAD (LT is not supported), you can use the FM Viewer on your own computer to freely manipulate the 3D model and check the simulation results.
Furthermore, the FM viewer allows you to change wind direction, wind speed, nozzle direction, spray angle, and other parameters, enabling you to perform simulations under a variety of conditions.
Please contact us separately if you wish to change the type of oil stored in the tanks, the radiation characteristics of the foam and water cannons, or their placement.

Yes, we have received your request.
After reviewing the latest local regulations and insurance company requirements, we will create a basic design that ensures compatibility with existing facilities.
Even if the drawings are outdated or the documents are only in English, please share the current materials with us first.

Yes, we can accommodate that.
We select the optimal system according to the characteristics of the target object, such as foam fire extinguishing systems, gas-based fire extinguishing systems, and high-sensitivity smoke detection systems.
We will present a design policy that takes into account environmental impact and the prevention of secondary damage after firefighting.

Yes, we can accommodate that.
However, before commencing work, you will need to confirm local standards and regulations and provide us with a document in English, including the specifications to be followed.
The final product will be in either Japanese or English, but we can provide both languages upon request. In that case, an additional fee will be charged for translation and adjustments.

We ask that customers handle the fire safety application procedures themselves.
This application concerns important licenses and permits related to your facility, and we are taking this measure to avoid any careless remarks or misunderstandings that may arise if we act as your representative or accompany you.
Therefore, we are unable to accept such requests. We kindly ask that you handle this matter at your own responsibility.
Furthermore, if the authorities have any technical inquiries during the application process, we will continue to provide support.

If you wish to purchase, please contact us individually.

First and foremost, it is to fulfill our "accountability" based on public guidelines.

Fire and Disaster Management Agency Special Disaster Office,"Guidelines for Disaster Prevention Assessment of Petrochemical Complexes"Section 9.3, "Utilization and Publication of Disaster Prevention Assessment Results," requires that when disclosing assessment results to residents, a sufficient explanation of possible risks and countermeasures, taking into account uncertainties based on simulations, be provided.

Furthermore, this is to eliminate "unforeseen circumstances" and to develop effective countermeasures.
Since 3.11, people have become particularly sensitive to earthquake preparedness, and the phrase "unforeseen" is no longer acceptable.
Especially in facilities handling hazardous materials, it is crucial to consider in advance the events that could trigger a disaster and to understand what kind of damage could occur, when, and to what extent, in order to develop concrete countermeasures.

Furthermore, it allows us to "visualize" invisible risks and create a shared understanding.
Events such as explosions, fires, and gas leaks are invisible and difficult to predict based on experience alone.
By visualizing these factors through simulation, we support the sharing of a sense of crisis within the company and among stakeholders, as well as facilitating rapid decision-making.

These standards are set based on domestic and international standards and case studies.
In Japan, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency's Special Disaster Office,"Guidelines for Disaster Prevention Assessment of Petrochemical Complexes"It is set based on the disaster prevention assessment formulation standards indicated in [the relevant document].
Furthermore, the extent of the damage varies depending on various factors, such as the circumstances of the accident assumed as the initial event, the leaked substance, and the duration of the leak.
We can also discuss the details of your factory equipment and offer suggestions. Please contact us for more information.

We have many successful examples, such as the following.
- Assessment of the impact of toxic gas/odor diffusion to public facilities, etc., following a leak accident at a factory handling high-pressure gas containers. Conducted with the aim of explaining to residents as a measure against the most likely disaster at an oil refinery.
- Impact assessment assuming an accident during product transportation from a chemical plant.
- Study aimed at installing pressure-resistant walls to protect surrounding manufacturing equipment in the event of a high-pressure gas tank explosion.

Leakage calculations can be performed using a mixed liquid.
Regarding the evaporation of mixed liquids, assuming that new leaked liquid is constantly flowing across the surface of the leaked liquid pool, and keeping the liquid composition constant, it is possible to calculate the amount of evaporation and the composition of the evaporated gas at that time as the pool temperature changes over time.
While gas diffusion simulations can perform calculations with mixed gases and account for changes in the amount of evaporated gas generated over time, they cannot account for changes in the gas composition over time. Therefore, calculations will be performed using a representative composition.
The diffusion range can be expressed in ppm, LEL, or odor intensity.

We do not sell programs. We provide consulting services on behalf of our clients.
Based on your inquiry, our consultants will conduct an analysis using various simulations and report the results and proposed solutions.

Our company believes that, since the preconditions for simulations such as gas diffusion, fire, and explosion that result from calculations following a series of disaster scenarios are determined first, it is basically necessary to consider initial events such as leaks.
However, if you provide the data necessary for each individual simulation, we can limit our work to providing only the results of each simulation. For details,Partial supportPlease refer to [this].

We offer simulations for "Water/Foam Discharge," "Water Spray/Water Curtain," "Tank Fire Extinguishing," and "Radiant Heat Calculation."

Yes. Many customers have commented that it "closely reflects the reality of the actual work environment."
Using our unique simulation technology, we analyze complex events over time and present evaluation results based on our accumulated experience.

Each plant disaster prevention simulation is performed on a three-dimensional model created from CAD data (two-dimensional) of the layout plan.
If CAD data for the layout plan is not available, it can be created from a scanned PDF file of the paper document.
Furthermore, we will also create three-dimensional models of the water spraying/water curtain nozzles, cannons, related disaster prevention equipment, and the equipment to be protected.

If you have AutoCAD (LT is not supported), you can use the FM Viewer on your own computer to freely manipulate the 3D model and check the simulation results.
Furthermore, the FM viewer allows you to change wind direction, wind speed, nozzle direction, spray angle, and other parameters, enabling you to perform simulations under a variety of conditions.
Please contact us separately if you wish to change the type of oil stored in the tanks, the radiation characteristics of the foam and water cannons, or their placement.
DetailsPlant disaster prevention simulationPlease check the page.

About each programDemo videoWe have it ready.
I hope you'll take a look, as it will give you a good overview of the program.

The results of the tank fire simulation will be submitted as a layout plan in 3D AutoCAD format. Foam cannons, fire trucks, water cannons, and related firefighting equipment (mobile fire pumps, generators, hoses, etc.) will be positioned so that firefighting operations can be carried out from the same location even if the wind speed changes.
In addition, we will submit the following necessary data compiled into a single sheet as a drawing to be attached to the fire prevention plan.
• Tank data (tank type, contents, diameter, tank height, liquid level, density, viscosity, etc.)
• Atmospheric conditions (wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity)
• Data on foam cannons, fire trucks, water cannons, etc. (flow rate, nozzle pressure, horizontal/vertical angle, nozzle angle)
- Area of influence of radiant heat from a tank fire
・A three-dimensional diagram showing the surrounding area of the equipment and materials.
- Residual pressure in each piece of equipment (We will provide a separate pressure loss calculation)

While atmospheric conditions are taken into consideration, real-time settings are not implemented.

The tank fire extinguishing simulation only covers "full-scale fires."
Ring fires are classified as small-scale fires, and in simulations, it is important to assume the maximum risk (full-scale fire) that would cause more extensive damage and to develop countermeasures accordingly.

The footprint theory is one method of extinguishing tank fires, targeting the center of the tank, and is advocated by companies such as Williams in the United States. In contrast, in Europe, the dominant method is to target the sweet spot, which is the edge of the tank where the updraft caused by the fire is relatively slow.
Regarding which approach should be applied as a firefighting strategy, opinions seem to be divided in the United States, with the footprint theory being preferred in Europe, while the sweet spot theory is more prevalent.
We believe that adding foam to the sweet spot is a more rational and practical approach.

The flight path simulation allows us to verify whether the foam is being deployed appropriately to the target location according to each theory by calculating the flight distance of the foam, thus supporting both firefighting methods.
However, this does not apply to simulations of firefighting time, such as calculations for foam deployment during tank fire extinguishing.
The calculation of fire extinguishing time is based on experimental data (FOAMSPEX) conducted in Sweden and applies only to cases where foam was introduced from the periphery of the tank.
Since we lack data on cases where foam was injected into the center of the tank, we cannot currently calculate the fire extinguishing time using the footprint theory.

Yes, it is possible. In principle, we will reflect the physical properties of the oil you are handling.

It's necessary to consider which approach should be applied as a firefighting strategy, but opinions seem to be divided, with the footprint theory being preferred in the USA and the sweet spot theory in Europe.
We believe that adding foam to the sweet spot is a more rational and practical approach.

The effects of rain have not been taken into consideration.

Yes, it is possible.
The effectiveness of the water discharge is determined by calculating how much of the discharged water actually hits the target object.

there is.
If you provide us with the conditions and results of your water discharge experiment, we can perform a water discharge simulation and verify the results by comparing them.
In past projects, we have obtained simulation results that are very similar to experimental results.

We can handle any type of structure. Please feel free to contact us if you have any requests regarding verification of water coverage or the effectiveness of water discharge.

The following three items are required.

- The head placement, piping route, and size are clearly specified.
- Something that shows the difference in elevation from the pump to the end of the line.
• Head performance data

The following documents are available.

- Data for creating a complete main pipe network diagram for calculations.
• Recent pump performance curve
• Piping system diagram around the fire pump
- Data on the number of years since installation for each piping system.
• Fire scenarios to be anticipated across the entire site, and the required water volume and pressure for each piece of equipment that should be used simultaneously.

The basic flow is as follows:

① Confirmation of calculation conditions, including confirmation of the current layout, confirmation of required water volume and pressure, confirmation of pump performance, confirmation of piping deterioration over time, and selection of roughness and slipperiness.
② Creation of an overall diagram of the fire extinguishing water main pipeline network for calculation purposes.
③ Perform hydraulic calculations to identify problems (such as pump overruns, insufficient pressure, and piping systems that become bottlenecks due to pressure loss).
④ Remodeling plan drafting
⑤ Recalculate based on the proposed modifications and confirm that sufficient pressure can be supplied.
⑥ Compile the entire process into a consulting report.

Of course, that's possible. You can use the calculation data as evidence to support your explanation.

While there are numerous areas in plants and factories where fires should be anticipated, conducting comprehensive water discharge tests in all of these areas would place an extremely heavy burden on resources such as wastewater treatment and personnel allocation, making it impractical.
The greatest advantage of using hydraulic calculations is that it allows for precise verification of the overall system pressure balance without actually performing water discharge tests. Furthermore, the calculations can clearly identify potential problems that would not be apparent from water discharge tests alone, such as excessive pressure loss in specific piping sections or uneven pump utilization.

The following three items are required.

- The head placement, piping route, and size are clearly specified.
- Something that shows the difference in elevation from the pump to the end of the line.
• Head performance data

In principle, it is possible. However, since it involves reading the pipe lengths from the drawings (take-off), the construction period and costs may increase compared to when CAD data is available.

Yes, it is possible. We will use hydraulic calculations to determine the optimal pipe diameter that meets the requirements.

No problem.
Super AquaDuct uses high-quality polyurethane resin for both its inner lining and outer covering, so even if the water supplied through it is ingested, it will have no effect on the human body.
It complies with food and additive standards established by the Japan Food Research Laboratories, as well as overseas safety and quality standards.
The Wellmaster hose and offshore hose (orange) are made of the same material.

We generally use the coupling hardware requested by the customer. If no specific requests are made, we will inquire about the properties of the fluid to be used and then propose our recommended hardware.
However, to ensure that the fittings do not detach from the hose under pressure, we thoroughly inspect the compatibility and suitability of the fittings and hoses before providing them to you.

In particular, for oil transport hoses, we also handle fittings that are used in F1 racing and other applications, which have a cap that closes to prevent any leakage if the hose comes loose. Please feel free to contact us.

Pressure loss varies greatly depending on various factors such as the length of the hose laid, the inlet pressure, and the flow rate. However, Super AquaDuct is designed to minimize pressure loss during water delivery by having an extremely smooth hose lining and a characteristic that causes the hose diameter to expand significantly when pressurized (the larger the hose diameter, the less pressure loss there is).
For example, when using a 300mm Super Aqua Duct, with an inlet pressure of 1.0 MPa, the pressure loss when transporting 10,000 liters of water over 1,000 meters is approximately 0.08 MPa.
Our proprietary program calculates and presents pressure loss figures tailored to various situations. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

While our hoses are generally suitable for long-term use and storage*, we recommend considering replacement every 5-7 years.
*The "Super Aqua Duct Hose," which we sold in 2006 for use in large-capacity foam discharge systems, has been continuously used and stored by our customers for over 15 years.

Even if the outer coating is slightly scuffed or peeling, it is not a problem, but it will need to be replaced immediately, so please refrain from using it any further and contact us.

While laying and retrieving small-diameter hoses manually is manageable, laying and retrieving large-diameter hoses is extremely difficult. For laying and retrieving medium and large-diameter hoses, it is common to use specialized equipment such as hose retrieval units and reel systems. We design and provide various types of equipment tailored to our customers' costs and needs.

While hoses typically come with connecting fittings, other accessories are also available, such as adapters for connecting to existing piping, manifolds for branching hoses depending on the purpose, installation/retrieval equipment as needed, and water pumps suited to the flow rate and operating pressure.
Our company undertakes engineering consulting services in addition to supplying equipment, including on-site surveys, selection of necessary materials and equipment, system proposals, and creation of specifications based on pressure calculations.