Elmendorf Lubrizol Corporation Specialty Additive Plant

FPCG served as the Prime Consultant and Fire Protection Engineer of Record (FPE DOR) for a major life safety and code compliance upgrade at the Lubrizol Corporation Specialty Additives Plant in Elmendorf, Texas. Following the site's annexation into the City of San Antonio, Lubrizol was required to bring its facility into compliance with current fire and hazardous materials codes per the International Fire Code. FPCG led the effort to evaluate existing conditions, recommend corrective actions, and implement compliant solutions in coordination with the San Antonio Fire Department.

As part of our prime consulting role, FPCG oversaw all design disciplines and managed a multidisciplinary team. Our in-house fire protection services included the design of interior fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems, fire pump sizing and design, fire protection utility alignment, fire flow testing, life safety and code compliance plans, a detailed Occupancy Classification Letter, and a Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA). We also provided site monitor nozzle layout, secondary containment wall evaluation, and engineered plans for all fire protection systems supporting the tank farm, warehouses, and process buildings.

FPCG retained and managed subconsultants for the following scopes:

• Architectural: Design of a new fire pump house, rated partitions in the warehouse, fire-rated door and vent details, addressing, and TAS submittals.

• Geotechnical: Review and supplementation of the 2009 geotechnical report and foundation design for the new fire pump house.

• Civil: Site survey, utility coordination, dike wall elevation documentation for secondary containment volume, finish floor elevations, and fire responder access planning.

• Structural: Design of the fire pump house structure, pipe support design, load evaluations for existing structures, and modifications to dike walls and building access points.

• Mechanical: Heating and ventilation systems for the fire pump house, warehouse, catalyst building, and riser closet—designed to meet Group H occupancy requirements.

• Electrical: Power supply and emergency generator design, panel and switchboard schedules, and emergency lighting/exit signage in key areas.

FPCG’s leadership on this complex industrial project ensured code compliance across multiple high-hazard areas, integrated fire and life safety design into existing infrastructure, and supported Lubrizol’s ongoing operational reliability and regulatory alignment.