Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.

Calcgory - A l
Fl:lrc S ~ s c c ~ n s

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

Rcliancc I~iduslricsLi~~iilcd
P;~ial&?;la$?Tnitiilig S!.stcn~
I

INDEX

'

1-

TRE.

B3'3K
ACC

DsTE

NO. .. ..

.. ...

..

..

..

... .. ...... .... ,.

OF ENTRY ... ... ...
NO

Rcliancc lndustncs L I I ~ I I I C ~
Patalgaflgil T n ~ n l n gSys~cm

Cntcgon. A1
Flnrc Svs~crns

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-(114

Preprcd
b\. : h.1. G.

Rev : 00

, '

.f';'*'
{

?;-f Rcvic\vcd bv : A . M . Hattangadi 1 Approved b\. : Dr. H. V. Doctor I

1 Date
1 ~ J Z.-.. - c. ./&r-&~+?r&-,-:-r
-- ..:-.?Q!Gl~c;n'
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,&
.
,

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00

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Calcgoy - A l

Rcliana: lndustrics Limitcd 1

h t a l g a n p Training S~s~cm
I

Flarc Systems

1.0

INTRODUCTION
I

1.1

Mod~llcNo.

TES-TS-P-014

iI
I

What is flarir~g?

Many industries generate significant amounts of waste streams, such as

hydrocarbon vapors, which must be disposed of, on a continuous or intennittent
basis. Some of the examples can be like off-spec product or the bypass streams
generated during startup operations. Direct discharge of waste gas streams and
vapors into the atmosphere i s unacceptable due to safety and environmental
control considerations.
Gas flaring is a standard operation aimed at converting flammable, toxic and
corrosive vapors into environmentally acceptable discharges. Gas flaring converts
flammable, toxic or corrosive vapor to less objectionable compounds by means of
combustion. Flaring is a critical operation in many plants where design must be
based on strict safety principles. i~

1.2
I

Whv i s flaring reauired ?

In general, proper planning and layout of process plants require that special
consideration be given to the design of vanous safety facil~ties to prevent
catastrophic equipment failure. These facilities are designed to prevent
overpressure and to provide for safe disposal of dischuged vapors and liquids.
Portions of these facilities are also used as an operational tool for safe disposal of
hydrocarbons - particularly during start-up and shutdown phases
Standard pressure relieving devices most often used are safety and relief valt~es,
rupture disks, pressure control valves and equipment blowdown valves. Direct
discharge of waste or excess vapors to atmosphere is unacceptable either 1

Because of restrictions imposed by local ordinances or plant practices.

I

Concentrations of the contaminants at ground or adjacent platform levels

may exceed permissible explosion or toxicological threshold limits.

Meteorological considerations such as severe temperature inversions of

long duration may occur, creating hazardous conditions.

Xon hazardot~svapors such as low pressure steam are c;i;ally discharged di:ec;ly
to the atmosphere ir: contrast, hydrocarbon vapors that are dischar~edon a
continuous or intermittent basis can not be directly discharged to the atmosphere
and should be disposed ofthrough a closed system, and burnt in a flare.
I

Prcpllrcd b-: M. G.Manc

Rcv :00

I Rcvie\vcd by :A. M. Haltanpdi I Approvcd In.:Dr.H. V. Doctor

I Date : 30/01/9Y
I Page : 3 of 66

hlodnlc No.

Rclial~ccIndustries Li~ilitcd
Palnlg:injg 1'r;tioing S\slclll

Carcgop A l

Flarc Svstcllis

TES-TS-P-014

There are basically two types of flare systcm ~larncly,Elevated FI:~rcs & \I.(:ro~~nct
Flrrrs.
In an clevnted flare sys~enl,cotnbustion rcactlons are carried out : ~ tthe top of a
pipe or stack w!iere thc bt~rnerand igniter arc located Rclicving gascs are sent
throuzh an elevated stack from a closed collection systcm and Lmrned c!T at the
top The flame generated is open in this casc E 2 the flarcs of PX and LAB
I
plants at RIL - PG
A sround flare is also similarly cquipped except that the combustion takes place at

or near ground level The flare flame is contained in a flare chamber

Three types of ground flares are in general use -

The type that uses a water spray to disperse the combustion gases

The venturi type that depends on the kinetic energy available in the waste
gases to inspirate and mix the proper amount of air with the gases

Multi Jet ground flares where the fiow of the waste gas is distributed
through many,srna!l burners

* I

The principle advantages of a ~ r b u n dFlare system are 1

2
3
4
5

No structural support is required

Erection is reIa!ively straight forward and requires light parts
Maintenance is easy
i
Operating costs are negligible
The flame of the flare is not visible since it is hidden in a box. It requires
less steam to produce a 'smokeless flame since it produces relatively nonluminous flame because of more controlled combustion at the multiple
burners.
Finally, with the exception of the venturi type, it is a fairly quiet system

However, a disadvantage of the ground flares is that they must be well isolated
from the remainder of the plant and process lines, thus requiring considerable
space and Ions interconnecting piping. Concentrations of toxic gases are relatively
high because of corr.!x;;ti~n t3kiog place at ground le:re! A :*a:er spray can be a
possible solution, but it is often avoided because of
I

1.

high water consumption

the possibility ofextinpishing the pilot burners

7
-.
Prcprcd bv : h.1. G. M a w
Re\ : 00

I Rc~ic\vcdby : A. M. H n t a n g d i I
( D;ltc : 301011')X
-

-.

.
. .:

..

Approved b?. : Dr. H. V. Doctor

I Page : 4 of 66

Rcfi:!~icclr~d~~sfrics
1.ini1tcd
P:lfnlg~T~li~!ir~~:
Svsfcrn
I
potential water darna~eto ~n~trumcntatlon

Category A1

Flare S\.stcms

hlodul~'No.
I'ES-1's-1'-01.1

The vcnturi type ground flare is alniost obsolc.tc because of ol~jcctionnble h i ~ h

I
noise levels.
The multi jet type norrnally used has high initial costs and capacity liinitcd
I

In contrast, an Elevated flare requires less gdund arca Becatlse o!. its high
elevation, it can be locatcd within a process arca or on the periphery of tlic plant
site, since radiation effects and ground level concentrations of pollutants can bc
maintained within allowable limits P~pingcosts tend to bc lower duc to snlaller
and shorter pipe runs Also the distance between the point of discharge from
safety valves and the flare stack is less than that in the case of ground flares
A problem with elevated flares is that initial iand operating costs are high.

Maintenance is also difficult a d tedious. The visibility of the flame is the most
serious disadvantage and sometimes causes objections from local community.
These systems also require more steam to produce a smokeless flare. Afinal
disadvantage is that noise levels are relatively high.

The selection of the type of flare will be iduenced by availability of space,

characteristics of the flare gas (i.e composition, quantity and pressure !eve!),
economics including both initial investment and operating cost and concern over
public relations with the sul~oundingcommunity. I
In genera!, elevated flares are most often reconlmended. In spite of the numerous
advances of ground flares, the requirement of the large land area and the
associated high initial cost makes it less attractive than elevated systems.
However, in some cases, visibility of the flame, depending upon local regulatio~ls,
I
could be the determining factor.
I

There are situations when a ground flare is used in conjunction with a second
conventional flare, which may be an elevated system. The ground flare is designed
to handle the normal flaring requirement. In the event of major failure, excess flow
is automatically diverted by a seal to a second flare. Since, the possibility of a
major failure is rather remote, it may not conflict with pollution or local site
regulations.
i
I

Prcprcd b: : M. G.Mamc
Rcv : 00

1 Rc\ic!vcd

-__ !&- .

b?. : A. M. Hattangadi

. ?,),,>l;<,Q

--._,

I Approvcd b\. : Dr. H. V. Doclor

Lr a l c : 5 sf 5.5
- .-

C:ncgon - A I
FI:lrc Svstclils

-~

Rcli;~ilccI~ldt~s~rics
Lill~ilcd

PJI:I~~IIILXI
l'r:1111i11gSVSICIII

Module No.

TES-TS - ~ - O l 4

As wc know by now, that in a t1;irc systc~n,rclicving gases are sent t h r o i ~ ~ lan

l
clcvatcd stack from a closcd holiccliotl systcnl and burned ofiat the top. ;
I

Thus, a typ~calflare systcm is conlpriscd of tlic following con1ponct:ts .

Relief, safety and dcpressurising valves ('wldchrelieve the fluid to bc flarcd)

I

Pressure - relieving headers that convey discharges from safety valvcs and
pressure control valves in the process unit to the flare.

Knock out ( KO ) drum located before the flare stack in order to separate
any condensate or liquid from the relieving vapors (it is hazardous to bum
liquid droplets)
I

Flare stack consisting of riser structure, Molecular seal and burner tip

The relieving gases from safety relief valves and pressure control valvts are
collected in a horizontal or vertical hock-out drum through a flare main teader.
A n y condensate canied out alongwith the gases is knocked down here. A
constant liquid level is maint'ained in the boot'drum. The liquid is pumped to a
slop tank or is reused in oil recovery facilities. Jf required, steam is used for
winterizing to prevent freezing. The gas from the KO drum is then sent t o an
elevated flare stack. At the bottom of the 'stack, normally a liquid seal is
maintained. Alternately another seal may be located between the KO drum and the
flare stack. A positive water seal is maintained by controlling the le\rel. In cold
countries, the water seal is also provided with steam for winterizing.

I
The stack is comprised of a riser section, molecular seal and burner tip.
I

1.

R~serstructure
!

This normally consists of two o r more sections. The flare header enters at the
bottom section, which can also serve as a flare stack knock cut drum where any
condensate carried over from the main knock out drum is colle(:ted.

This is welded to the riser section. It provides a seal against entrance of air into
the flare stack and minimizes the possibility of a explosive mixture forming in the
Prcpclrcd bv : M. G. M3n.c
RCV : OO

.\

I Rcvic\\rd b\,: A. M. Hattan@& I Approved b~ :Dr. H. V. Doctor

I Pagc :e: 6or 66
..
. .~ .-~-

I Dare : 30/01198-~
.-. .
'!

.. . -

t,*

C : I I C ~-OA1~

Ilcli;tncc I~tduscncsLiltlitcdi

l'larc Svncrtts

P~I:II~:IIIEL
7r~111ing
SvsIc~n

Modllle No. :
TES-TS-P-OII'

flare system More infornlatcon on a niolccular steal is givcn in one of tile cbming
chapters Uriclly, it rescmblcs a bubble cap and creates a seal by usidg the
buoyancy of tile pursc gas to create a Lone where tlle pressure is greatek than
a!niosplienc pressure

Tlic t u r ~ c tip
r 15 sealed to the molecular seal outlet .r\cccssories on the burner tip
include about three or fo~crgas pilots, a similar number of pilot gaslair mixture
asseniblies, and steam supply nozzles for steam injection
I

At the top of the burner tip, pilot burners, whichare autoniatically lighted from a
remote place through the igniter line, are positioned The steam connection is also
provided for smokeless flares and a purge gas connection is provided for
maintaining an air free system and to prevent flash back by maintaining pressire at
the molecular seal higher than the atmospheric pressure. This arrangement
prevents air from re-entering the stack from ambient surroundings

F i ~ r e - 1shows a schematic diagram of the entire Flare System.

In the next few chapters, we shall go through the flare system design guidelines,

,;

Prcprcd h : M. G.h43ne

--

,-Kc* :OC

I Retlcned bv : A. M. h t b n g a d i ( Approved by : Dr. H. V. ~ocldr

I rJr.-.. >,r:* 91,,*,"
. . -.,! !'stw.7. ui 66
-.A

Cnrcgory - A l
I;l:~rcSvslcnls

3.2

Rclinncc Industries Limited

Pntalpnga Tnining Systcm

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

I<stintatinp rclief rates

I

Each prcssurc rclief valve shohd bc individually analyzed for any probable causes
of over pressure due to operational failures and plant fire.
Tlie valvc should be sized for the case that will require the maximum relieving rate.
If a fire condition is controllins, two separate safety valves, one for fire condition
and tlic other for operationai failure, may be provided since the fire situation'is less
likely to occur.

II

Guidelines for determining individual relieving rates are illustrated with an eiample
1
of a column Consider a fractionating column where different causes of overpressure day be
I
analyzed as follows :

blocked olrtlet condrtiotr of the overl~eadvapor 11neby inadvertct~tclosure :

In this case, it may be assumed that heat input to the reboiler is normal, and the
reflux will still be maintained since the overhead receiver has the holding capacity
for about 10 minutes. Hence. the relieving capacity of the pressure relief,vdve
may be assumed as the normal vapor load to the overhead condenser. 1 The
relieving pressare \rill be the set pressure of the PRV and the temperature wilI be
the boiling point corresponding to that pressure. V2poriuition rate may have to be
corrected as the latent heat changes with change in boiling temperature which in
tun1 changes because of change in column pressure. Also the reboiler duty may get
affected due to process side changes in pressure and temperature.

cooling waterfailure
The cooling water typically, used as the cold utility in the overhead condenser may
stop because of power failure or some other operational problem. Under this
situation, overhead vapor will not condense in the condenser and because of the
vapor accumulation, the pressure will rise. The reflux can still be maintained for
about 10 minutes because of the holding capacity of the accumulator. The
relieving capacity of the pressure relief valve will also be the normal vapor rate to
the conienser. Vaporization rates may need correction here also.

3
, ,..

..

refl~x
f~iltrre

This may be ass:ciz:e~ with rhe rnalhnction of rkflux control valve, pump failure,
or any other operational problem. In this case, the overhead condenser becomes
flooded with condensate. ~ s result
a of this, overhead vapor can not condense and
pressure starts buildingup. Once the pressure reaChes to the set pressure of PRV,
Prepared bv : M. G.Manc
I Rexiewcd by : A. M. Haltangadi ( Approved by : Dr. H. V. Ddctor
Rev : 00
I ! Pzqe: 9 of 66
-I Datc :30101198
.

--

Catcgor).

- Al

Piarc Svsrc~lls

Rcliancc lnduarics Liniilcd

hlalpng3 Tnining Systcm

Module No

TES-TS-P-014

tlic relief occurs The vaporization rate, here as well, can get affected by rise in
pressure
I

If the reboiler controller n1alfu"ctions for any reason, the rate of vaporization nlay
incrcasc If the vaporization rate exceeds the rate of condensation, the pressure
will build up in this case, the relieving rate should be the difference between the
~iiasimunirate of overhcad vapor and the maximum rate of condensation of the
condenser. In thc absence of data, the relieving ratc may be assumed to be the
nomial vapor load to the condenser.
I
The column can also get subjedted to high pressuk, if the reboiler is an exchanger.
carrying the hot utility ( like steam ) at higher pressure than the column bottoms
pressure and the exchanger tube leaks
For relief load.^ drrc to fire

:
I

The surface area of a vessel exposed to fire, and which is effective in generating
vapor, is that area wetted by its internal liquid level up to a maximum height
limitation of 25 B above giade, which is the normal practice based upon the flame
length. "GRADE"is defined as any horizontal solid surface on which liquid could
accun~ulatei.e. roofs, solid piatform etc. I h e contents under variable level
conditions would ordinarily be taken at the average inventory L.in,uid f i l l vessels,
horizontal or vertical (such as clay treaters), operate with no vapor space, and the
wetted surface in such cases would be the total vessel area within a height of 25
feet above grade. It should be noted tha:, in such a vessel, at the start of a fire the
opening of the pressure relief may be due to thermal expansion of the liquid.
However, the PRV should be sized based upon the vapor generated at the relief
pressure and the boiling point corresponding to that pressure.
I

The surface area of typical vessels used in process loperations are

I

surge and rejlux drums

The wetted surface should be calculated using the high liquid level or 50% of the
total vessel surface, whichever greater, since 50% is the normal liquid level in
these vcssels.

KO Drums usuaily cperec nith only a small amou"t of liquid at the bottom of :lie
drum. If the normal liquid level is not known, the level at the high level alarm
should be used to estimate the wetted surface.
Prclwrcd by : M. G. Manc
I Rc\ic\red bv : A. h!. Harlnngad!
_(
Date : 30/OI/9X
I
--. .
-

Rev : 00

!
I

1 Approvcd bv : Dr. H. V. Doctor

1 Page: 10 of 66

Rcliancc Indusrrics Linlircd

Parnlfiinga Tninittg Systcnl

Carcgory Al
Flare SVS~CIIIS

hlodulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

/racliorialirtg coltmrrn

Usually fractionation columns operate with a nbrma~liquid level in the bottom of

the column plus level on each tray liowever, the entire wall of a fractionating
column within a fine height limitation of 25 fi. should be considered as wetted

Here the liquid level is independent of oper&ion, and therefore the rnaxinium
liquid level should bc used for determining the wettcd surface. The wetted
surfaces of spheres and spheroids are calculated as the area of the bottom half of
the vessel or up to a height of 25 ft. which ever $ives the greater surface area.
Ifeat absorbed bv ve&v
Where suitable drainage is provided to preclude an accumulation of flammable
liquids directly under vessel, the total heat input rate to the vessel may be
computed as follows :

Where,
Q = Total heat absorbed in B T U h
A = Wetted surface in sq.A.
F = Environment factor
This equation is recommended by the API, RP-520
Using the appropriate value of the wetted surface and the value of factor F
tabulated for different thickness of insulation, the heat input may be calculated :

F = 1.0 for bare surface

F = 0.3 for 1" thickness of insulation
F = 0.15 for 2" thickness of insulation
F= 0.075 for 4" thickness of insulation

~
I

If insulation exists but the thickness is not known, an F- value of 0.3 is

recomrrended. If drainage is not provided for the area under the vessel ( i.e. diked
or curbed area around a tank), then vapor relief for fire exposure should be
cmiipi~tedusing the fo~lownghear input criteria I
I

20,000 BTUhIft2 for an uninsulated vessel

10,000 BTUhrlA2 for 1" insulation
I
6.000 BTUhrfft2 for 2" insulation
Preparcd by : M. C. M3n.c
( Rc\ic\\rdby :A. M. Haltanpdi (
Rev : 00
...

-. ; Da!r

: .?0/01!98

Appro\.cd b\. :Dr. H. V. Docror

2 : . !1 of 5:.

.(

Cnlcgon A1
I-'l:~rcS\.S!CIIIS

--

Rcli;~nccI~~dustrics
Li1111rcd
I % t : ~ l p n gI ' c ~ i ~ ~ S\\tcn~
ing

hlcxlulc No.

TES-TS P-014

3,000 DTUn1rlfl2for 4" insular~ori

I
I

These values are based on the wcttcd surfitcc iipto tl~enornial liquid level.
provided tlic insulation is fire proofed. Ifinsirlatiol~is not fire proofed, the vesscl
i
should be assumed as bare.
i
Vapor generated for it fluid below critical point (i e at relieving rempera!\lre and
pressure) tlic rate of vapor released 1s -

where,

W = Vapor release rate in lbs/Hr

Total heat input BTUIhr

1 = Latent heat of fluid in vessel evaluated

it

the relief valve inlet pressure,

BTUilb
I

No credit is normally taken for the sensible heat capacity of the fluid in the tank
For 2 fluid zbove the critical point, i.e wlien pressure relief conditions are near or
above the critical point, the rate of vapor discharge depends upon the rate at which
the fluid will expand as a result of the heat input. The latent heat & vaporization
at or near the critical point is almost zero in this case.
l

a:

More information on the relief rate calculation is available in API 520 and in the
training module on the relief valves

3.3

I
I

Maximum vapor load to be flared

. -

a<
,

.'

Prcprcd bv : M. G. Mawc

'
"

After relieving loads of individual PRVs have been calculated, a detailed study is
required to determine how these relieving situations are related to each other. The
simultaneous occurrence of two or more contingencies (known as double
jeopardy) is so unlikely that this situation is not usually considered as a basis for
determining the maximum system loads. In determining the maximum load ri.nrn a, .
single contingency, all directly related continsenhies that influence the load must
be conjitlered. For example, in a plant where a single boiler or source of steam is
generation, a failure of steam
used for both, process drives i n d electric
source (a sinzle contingency) 'can cause simult'ancous loss of power (directly

.,. .

.-

RCV:00

I Rc~ic\vcdbv : A. M. Hatlangdi 1 Approvcd bv : Dr. H. V. Doctor

-..

1
.

/Pare:
-- - -.-- 17 of

66

--

Catcgory - A1
Flnrc S ~ s t c t ~ ~ s

Rcliai~ccIndustries Linrilcd
P;~mlg:~n~g
Training ~!s'icnl

Xlodulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

related contingency). If the electrical system had an alternate sorlrcc of supply

then only the loss of steamwould be considered, provided t11c elapsed time for
power supply source switching was not too long to be i~~clTcctive. In this
situation power failure would not be a contingency directly related to thc loss 01'
steam.
I

Since, double jeopardy is not usually considered, the niasirnun~load can be based
up on any one of the following continsencies.

Electrical Power Failure

Cooling Water failure'
Steam failure
Instrument Air failure I

I!

For the fire case, a cause of fire is normally lochized. The who!e plant is divided
into different fire zones. The flare load is generally calculated based up on one or
two related zones. However, it is not unusual to consider the total load

I
Another consideration is that the time delay relative to the discharge of individual
valves caused by the same and related contingencies should be properly studied
while determining the maximum load. A similar line of reasoning will in some
cases apply to a tire affecting several vessels where product composition and
p:es:urc vaii iyideiy.
"

The method of calculating the time element relaid to each pressure relief valve is
refereed to as 'TRANSIENT L O N ANALYSIS'. This is based upon the non
steady state condition in the flare system of a plant during emergency situations.
This calculation is tedious but with simplified assumptions, it provides an estimate
of the relative time delays of the individual valves:

Prepared b?. : M. G.Mawe

Rcv : 00

( Revic\\.cd bv : A. M. Halbn~adi ) Approved by : Dr. H.V. Doctor

1 Dale : 30/01/9X - - l I P a ~ 1 3 o f 6 6
.
'I

,I

Rclt:~t~cc
It~dr~slr~cs
Li~~iilCd

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

Tlie relievin~val~orsfro111difl'erent I'IIVs and deprcssurising valves must first be

collected in individual il;~re sul)licuders locited near each process arca. Sub
headers must be intcrcorir~ectedto a main flare header \\~l~iclileads to a knock out
drurii. Condens:ttes carried ' over by vapors are scpnrated in this vessel. Vapors
leaving the KO drulii from !c,p iliovc up the flare stack where they are
subsequently burneil a! t l ~ etip.
The no. of main flare headers and the individual sub headers connected to them
depends up on tile type of vapors handled, temperature and the back pressure
I
limitation of PRVs.

The pressure level of the flare header depends on the type of pressure relief valves
used to protect the equipment and the pressure levels of the equipment connected
to the flare system. In the conventional type of PRV, the performance depends on
the back pressure. A maximum back pressure of 10% of the maximum allowable
working pressure is a limit f o r the conventional type of PRV. For the nonconventional valves like balanced bellow type, piston type or pilot operated type,
the maximum allowable back pressure may be taken as high as 40-50% of thc
valve set pressure.

4.1

Determining the no. of flare headers

The no. of flare headers required depends up on an econonGc evaluation of system
combination & that will result in the minimum piping cost. The following steps
outline the procedure for comparative estimations -

Plot plan layout study - From the plot plan layout. the no. of safety valves in
different process areas, the set pressures of safety valves, individual relieving loads
of safety valves, relieving temperature of vapors, the nature of vapors (i.e. whether
corrosive, condensable or dry etc.) are recorded. I

A single subheader in each process area is drawn up, connecting area PRVs or
depressurising valves.

The sub headers are then connected to give a single main flare header based upon
shortest routing

The equivalent length of the main flare header is then calculated from the flare
stack to the last safety valve, taking in to consideration the straight length of the
pipe and approximat
Prcp~rcdb\. : M. G.M a n c

Calcgon - A l
F1:lrc Svs!cnis

Rclinncc Induslna Linr~lcd

Trninil~gSvstcm

P;ii:ll;;~ilg:~

Modulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

I
the flare stack is [lot known by that time, it may be assunled to be 500 R. from t l ~ c
1
last piece of equiptilent.

!
5

A trial estimate is nladc for determining the dianlctcr of the flare header bascd up

on tile m u , rclievin!: flare load and considerins thc back pressurc limitation of
10% for couventional valves and 40% for balarlccd type valves. Note, however, a
single main header in many cases, may be too large to be economically fcasiblc.
I

The second trial is rcquircd for two main flare headers, one collecting thc Low
Pressure (LP) flares (usually 5 to I0 psig) and ttiL other collecting relatively High
Pressure (HP) flares (usually 15 to 20 Psig) Th? two hcadcrs are connected to
their individual KO drums Thc vapor lines koin the KO drums are combined into
single header connected to the flare stack.
Maximum simultaneous load in each header must be calculated separately and the
pressure drop must also be computed for the entire length of the pipe including
combined len!:th from the KO drum to the stack 1
The load in a subheader used for the line sizing: need not be same as the load
whicn is utilized for designing the main header or the flare stack.

The next consideration is the cost of constructio" materisls This determines the
final no. of flare headers. Vapors that normally require expensive materials may be
listed as a
b

Corrosive vapors e.g. H2S, SO2

Very high temperature vapors e.g. high temp. gases used for regeneration
I
of catalyst in reactors.
I
Very low temperature vapors e.g. the relief load from cryogenic system.

Of the thrce, corrosive vapors are usually piped up in a separate header quite up to
the flare stack since such lines are very small and if combined with other streams
may run the risk of corroding the much larger and more expensive pipelines.
For a high temperature system, separate sub header may be run up to the point
where the temperature drops down to the allowable limit of a less expensive
material. It may then be connected to the main flare header. A heat loss
calculation is needed in order to properly evaluate this. As a rule of thumb, a heat
loss of 10 BTUlhrtfI2 may be assumed for a quicic estimate for bare pipe.
Consideration should also be given to the need for expansion joints. Main flare
headers may be as large as 36 t o 42" in diameter for a largc capacity plant.

.A flare sub header carrying very low temperature vapors (temperature ranglng
from 50 deg.F and below) may similarly be combined into a single low temperature
flare header and pipe all the way up to the flare stack. Again, since the atmosphere

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-OIJ

Rcliancc lndustrics Limitcd

P a m l m Training Svslc'n~

C:~tcgon A l
Flare Systc~iis

alier running a certain distance by themselves may be safely conibined either. with
the low pressure mail{ flare header or the HP main flare header depending upon
this @rating pressure.

\Yet flare and Dry llarc : Some tinies, relatively hot vapors carrying condensates
may be separated from the d j cold vapors. They do not run as separate headers
but either L,P or HP flare headers tnay be associated with any one of them. Thus a
wet flare header inay be in fact the LP header and !he dry flare header may bc thc
1
I-IP flare or vice versa.
I

After thc total no of flare headers has been estabhshed, it may be necessary to
recheck the vapor load in individual headers since introduction of a separate
header may allow subtraction of the flow quantity from earlier header to which it
was added initially.

II

For Example :
A typical coal gasification plant usually has -

I
HP wet flare header
HP dry flare header
An H2S header containing vapor which has more than 5% H2S

I
4.2

Line sizing for flare headers

I

Once the relief load is established and the maximum allowable back pressure has
been defined, line sizing is reduced t o standard flow calculations.
I

The flare lines ca11-y the vapors which are comp$sible in nature. The flare lines
are also normally long and not fully insulated. Hence, the flow can not be adiabatic
flow. Hence, the flare headers are typically sized based upon isothermal
compressible flow. This also gives more conservative design.

The criterion used for flare line sizing are 1.

The back pn ssure developed at the downstreamof any PRV connected to the
same header thould not exceed the allowable limit for that type of PRV

1 Revin\.cdbv : A. M. Hattangadi ! I Approvcd by :Dr. H. V. Doctor

Prcparcd bv : M.G.M;?M
Rev : 00
#

- .-

To avoid the sonic velccity and related noisi proklem, the velocity in the header is
limited t o 0 6 Mach
1

I Date : 30101i.i;
.

.-

I )

h g r : 16 or L.;

I .-

.- 1

Cnlcgoty - A l
Fhrc S?slcnis

Modulc No.

Rcliancc lndustrics Limitcd

R ~ t n l g a ~Tmininp
w
SvsIc111

TES-TS-P-014

A quick method for sizing compressible isothermal flow is developed by Lapple.

As per this,

For a purc gas -

Gci = Mau mass flow o r critical mass flow, lb Isec R2

Po = absolute upstream pressure, Ibhn2
A4 = molecular weight
To = upstream temperature, Rankine
Z = Compressibility factor
The actual mass flow G ( Ib /sec ft2 ) is a functior. of critical mass flow Gci, line
resistance N, & ratio of downstream to upstream pressure. This is represented by
figure 2. In the area below the line in the figure 2, the ( G / Gci ) remains constant,
which indicates that the sonic flow has been established. Thus, for sizing flare
header, the plotted pc;int must be above the line

4fL

+ Z Ki

Line resistance, N =

D
where,

L = equivalent !ength of line, A.

D = line diameter, ft
f = fanning friction factor
N = line resistance factor, dimensionless
Ki = Resistance coefficients for pipe fittings ( see table 1 )
Lapple method is useful when upstream presiure of a header is known 8:
downstream pressure is to be calculated. However, to develop pressure profile of
the headers as a function of distance from the stack, it is convenient to calculate
pressure drop backward, starting from the flare stack exit where pressure is
atmospheric F,g. 3 enables to calculate pressure drnp when downstrean pressure
~ surntilarize sizing flare headers
is k~own.The f o l l o w i ~steps

.approximate pressure at base of flare stack (varies slightly with type of seal used)
is taken as 2 psig This is based on 0.5 psi pressure drop at tip, 0.5 psi pressure
I

Prcpurcd tn.: M.G. Mane

Rev : 00 -~

--

I Rcvinvcd by : A. M. Haclan~di I Approvcd by : Dr. H. V.Doc'nr

.L
--- 1 P y - .
Dale : 30/01/98
.
----. . ..

-u----

17 ?f 6 5

Cnrcgon. - A t
Flnrc Svsccnis

Rcli:ll~ccIndustries Lin~itcd

Modulc No.

P~I~I&II~&I
Training S!.slcn~

TES-TS-P-01-I

drop dt niolecular seal and I psi pressure drop due to flow through the stack
I
height

0'(

Compute pressure in KO drum (2 psig + Delta P in header from stack to KO drum

and 0 5 psi Delta P as in KO drum)
I

As a tirst trial, inside pipe diameter is calculated based on 0 6 Mach ( 60% of the
sonic velocity ) corresponding to pressurc & temperature a! ~ S afPI!: sack, i e
2 psis and temp = To ( as it is assumed to be isothermal flow )

*(

sonic velocity, Vs = 223

* (I<T/M) O '

where,
Vs = Sonic velocity, Wsec

K = CplCv of gas, norn~allybetween I to 1.8

'

T = temperature, Rankine
M = molecular weight
The vapor density, p ( Iblft3 ), at pressure P (corresponding flare base i e 2+14 7
= 16.7 psia ) and temp T ( Rankine ) with a molecular weight ofM, is given as

Now,

Knowing all other values, the pipe inside diameter ( di ) is calculated. Knowing di,
the Reyno!ds no. and friction factor can be calculated. Assuming a straight length
'of pipe for L = 500, line resistance N is calculated. G is calculated based on the
di. Gci is calculated based on downstream pressure & is called Gc2 GIGc2
evaluated & P 2 P 1 determined from Fig.3 since P2 is known, PI can be calculated
Pressure at inlet o f K O drum is taken as P l i 0 . 5 psi
4

From the KO drum, indicated flare headers can b'e sized similarly. Based on a
Mach no. of 0.6 & density corresponding to (PI + 0.5) psia, trial diameter can be
estimated. The pressure at every intersection between sub header & main header to
be calculated with downstream pressure being (PI + 0.5) psia Knowing the
pressure at the icterscc:;oo of the sub header & main header, the pressure at the
intersection of sub header & dischargepipe of the safety vaive is computed. The
process continues till discharge pipes and subheaders of all PRVs are sized.
i

Rclint~ccl~ldustricsLin~ilcd
htalgnnga Training Svslcnl

Category Al

Flan: Svstcn~s

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

Tlie sum of all pressure losses starting from flare stack up to the safety valve
yields the total back pressure This back pressure niust be lower than the ninu
back pressure allowed in the system &. corresponding to the lowest set pressure of
the safety valve

Tlie rnmimum flare load of a system is 1,000.000 Soiiir of vapor Tlie prcssurc z:
!iie base of the flare stack is 2 psig, the average MW of vapor is 50 and temp is
200 F. The distance from the dnrm to stack is 500 ft The line has two 90 degree
weldins elbows and an orifice with Ki factor of 0 2 The total pressure drop at thc
knock out drum is 0.5 psi. Determine pressure at inlet of the knockout drum. Also,
given are

Solution :

=(MtP)/(R*T)

= SO* (2+14.7)1( 10.73 * (200+460))

= 0.12 1bIit3

Hence, d = 2.35 A = 28.2"

This is approximated to 29" corresponding to standard pipe of 30': 20 schedule.
Now, we shall calculate pipe resistance factor, N
From table 1, Ki for 90 degree welding elbow is 0.32
Thus, C Ki = (2' 0.32) + 0.2

I
=

0.84

I ( orifice Ki is 0.2 )

A tflkal Fanning friction factor, f = 0.004 ( It ca; be also &mated t ~ i t hhelp cf

Re)

.
I

4fL

Line resistance, N

= -----

~-

Prepared b?. : M. G . M a n ~
Rev : 00

+ ZKi

i
I

I Revica.cd bv : A. M. Hattangadi 1 Approvcd by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

1 Date : 30/01/9S .~-. .- . - -' ] P-a g e : lq of 66 -

-J

!
I

,,..:

Now, G = Wl( rrd214)

Po will be replaced by downstream pressure, i.e. 2 + 14.7 = 16.7 psia and figure 3
will be used
Gci = Gc2

= 12 6

* 16.7 * ( 501 (2-1)*660) ** 0.5

= 57.9 lblsecft2

At this ratio, and N = 4.15, figure 3 gives P2@1 = 0.56

Hence, PI = 16.710.56= 29.8 psis
Pressure drop =

PI-P2 = 29.8-16.7 = 13.1 psi

This is a very high pressure drop. Typically, it should not exceed 3 psi Hence, a
larger pipe diameter is required
I
The above procedure is repeated for higher diameter pipes. It can be seen that,
when pipe ID is 41.25" (corresponding to standard OD of 42"),
N=3.1
G lGc2 = 0.49
..
I,
P2/P1 = 0.87
I
PI = 19.2
and the pressure drop ( PI - P2 ) is 2.5 psi, which is acceptable.
~

Prclwrcd bv : M. G. M a n e
Rev : 00

1 Rcilc~scdbv :A. M. Haltrnydi ( Approved h : Dr. H.

I Date : 30101198
~ n e ..
r cf! 66
-- 1 .

~. .

\I.

Dmur
-

1
I

Cntcgon - A l
Flare Svstcms

Rcli:iricc Indos~ricsL~riiitcd
I ' : I ~ ~ ~ : 'Tr:~i~ii~ig
I I ~ ~ ; I S\SICIII

hlodulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

f lcnce, total pressure drop

= 1,inc AI' i KO dnlm AP

= 2.5 4 0 5 = 3 psi
I

Tllus, the pressure at inlet of the KO drum is 16 7 4- 3 ,i e I9 7 psia or 5 psis

Prcparcd br : M. G. Manpc
Rev : 00

1 Rctic!rcd by : A. M. Hattang~di I Approvcd bv : Dr. H.V. Doctor

1 Date : 30I0119Y
--

d - - -

LP.-~ G O ~ - -66

(.:~fcgon A I

Fl:trc S~srcnis

5.0

Rclt:ll~ccI~lduslncsLi~iiilcd
I ? ~ f n l $ i t ~ gTrmning S\.sfcm

hlodulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

DESIGNING TIIE I;I,AIIEST:\Ck' LC ACCESSORIES

The hydrocarbon relief streams are ~rln~nly

vapors, but they niay carry son]?
liqu~dthat condcr!sr i n tile collectins lines A panicle that is 150 micron or less,
can be burnt in the flare ~wthoc~t
hazard Larzer particles arc removed in the KO
drum

KO drums are either florizontal or venical They are also available in a variety of
contiprations and arrangements which include I

Horizontal drum with vapor enterins at one end of the vessel & exiting at the top
of the opposite end (no internal baming)

Horizontal drum with vapor entering at each end on the horizontal axis & a central
outlet.

Horizontal drum with vapor entering in the center & exiiing at the two ends on the
horizontal axis.

Vertical drum with vapor entering at the top on a certain diameter & provided
with a baffle so that the flow is directed downward. Out!et noule is located at the
top of the vertical axis.

5.

Vertical drum with a tangential n o u l e

I
!

('
(

.
!

Selection of the drum arrang;ment depends o" economics. When large liquid
volume storage is required & the vapor flow is high, normally a horizontal drum is
more economical.
Split entrylexit reduces size of the drum for large flows. As a rule of thumb, when
drum diameter exceeds 12 feet, split flow arrangement is normally economical.
I

e
a

KO drums are usually sized by a trial & error mahod Liquid particles can drop
out when the vapor velocity traveling through the drum is sufficiently low In other
words, the drum must be of sufficient diameter tc, effect the desired liquid - vapor
separation.

The factors considered while designing the knockout drums are -

C:ltc~on- A l
I:l:~rc Sisccl~ls

2.

I
I

Ilcli:~nccIndttstncs Lir~~ifcd

Modulc No.

TES-TS-P-014
P:I~~~J$IIIGI
Tr3111ingSvstc111
I
.!.llc residence time 01. [he vapor shollld be eci"al to or Sreater than the time
required for a liquid droplet t o travel the available ve~iicalheight at dropout
velocity of the liquid particle.
Sulticient volume should be provided for the liquid accurnulatio~~
in the knockout
drr11>1.
!
i

Tan propos-d (I:? tollw+btng tornlula to deternri!e

for particle size of400 micron

sire of horizontal drum, valid

I
I

Where,

W=
p~ =
p, =

M=
T=
P=

D=
I

vapor flow, lblhr

liquid density, lblA3
gas density, lblfi3
molecular weight
Vapor temperature, R
KO drum pressure, psia
KO drum diameter, ft

!
i

If the calculdted KO drum diameter for 400 micron pzticle ( Daoo ) is t o be

converted to liquid particle size of say, X microns, then the Eew KO drum
I
diameter ( Dx ) is given as :

The min. L.4) ratio recommended for a split flow horizontal drum is 2.5 for proper
separation of liquid particles From vapors.

A practical formula for the vapor velocity in vertical KO drums is,

I

'1

PL
PG

vapor velocity, Blsec

liquid density, Iblfi3

gas density, 1blft3

C:~tcgon- A l
Fl:~rcS~srctiis

Modnlc No.

Rcli~ttcclndusrrics Lin~itcd
P i ~ ~ a I g aTr;iiliing
~ i g ~ Syslcm

TES-TS-P-014

I t is also a k!,eneral practice to assunlc a liquid holdup time between 10 and 32

ruinutes In absence of data. volume of 2000 gals of.tiquid can be a good

approsinlation.
5.2

Sral svqtcnl

Seals arc provided in the flare system to

flash back . If seal is not
provided, a continuous quantum of gas may be bled to the flare to inaintain a
positive flow. The scals can be of two main types !liquid seal and gas scal.

1,iquid seals are further classified as seal drums and seal pipes In the former, a
liquid seal is used in a seal drum located between the KO drum & flare stack Seal
drums can be horizontal or vertical. the selection mainly depends on the availability
of space F~gure4 shows a horizontal and a vertical seal drum Instead of a drum,
sometimes, a piping seal is used as a seal leg located at the bottom of the stack.
I
This is often an integral part of the stack.
A seal drum maintains a seal of several inches on the inlet flare header, preferably
6 inches. More is the height of the seal, more is the back pressure
~ i o exceeding
t

Sealing liquid is usually water with a continuous flow, the ovefflow goins to the
I
sewer.
I
I

In cold regions, a submerged steam header is provided to avoid freezing of sealant

water or water may be replaced by liquid such as alcohol, kerosene etc. which do
not require continuous flow.
The capacity of the seal drum is usually the volume corresponding to 8-10 ft. of
the vapor inlet line. In a vertical drum, the ratio of the inlet pipe cross-sectional
area to the vessel free area for gas flow above the liquid should be at least 1:3 to
prevent upsetting surges of gas flow to the flare. For this, area for the gas above
the liquid surface should be atleast equal to that of a circle having diameter, D= 2
d, where d is inlet gas pipe diameter.
I
I

The height of the vapor space above the liquid ~kvelin a vertical drum should be
app.2-3 times the diameter (d) to provide disengaging space for entrained seal
liquid
I
If 2 horizontal iiquid xi! vessel is used, a minimum dimension of 5 A between
Itquid level & top ofthe drum is recommended
I

I
PrclxlrcC by : M. G.hlanc
Rev : 00 . -.--- -

1 Revicwcd by : A. M. H3llanf;ldi I Approved by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

I Page
: 21 of66
--

1 Dare : 30/01/0X
..
-

I
-.

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

Rcliaricc l~lduslricsLitaitcd
Pnl3lp:lngn T n i ~ i i Systcn~
~~g

C31cgory A l

Flnrc S!stcols

Seal pipes (Fig 5) located at the base of stack are cheaper than drums. llowever
they can cxpericnce pulsation of the gas flow to the flare under very low flow
condit~ons Also during a large gas release, the water seal may be blown out of the
I
top to the flare stack
I

G1rrdc.1it1c.s
for s r z i scal
~ ~ legs
1

Slope of the inlet line 1s designed to provide a volume of water below the normal
sealing water level equivalent to inlet pipe volume of 10 A.

Depth of water seal should not exceed 12" to &event gas pulsation

Seal water level is maintained by a continuous flow ofwater at about 20 gpm

Normal overflow is taken off the bottom of the seal through a seal leg height of
which is equivalent to about 175% of the pressure at the base of the stack durins
maximum vapor release so that gas release at the base of flare is prevented.

Gas seals
A more recent gas seal type of device that has been developed to prevent flash
backs in the flare system is 'Molecular' type seal. It uses a purge gas of molecular
weight of 28 or less ( like N2, CH4 or natural gas ). Because or" the buoyancy of
the purge gas, it creates a zone having pressure greater than the atmospheric
pressure. The molecular Seal is located at the top of the flare stack immediately
below the burner tip, the ambient air can not enter the stack because of this high
pressure. (Figure-6). The recommended purge velocity through the molecular seal
is about 0.1 Wsec. If a molecular seal is not used, the recommended velocity is 1
Wsec, thereby increasing the purge gas requirement.

5.3

Flare burners
The flare burner is located at the tip of the flare stack. The top secticn is normally
about 12 A long & is called the flare burner tip. The burner diameter is sized on a
velocity basis. The flame blowout can occur when the exit velocity of the vapor
exceeds 20-30% of the sonic velocity.
I
I

Mass ilow is given as -

W=360O*p~*&*V

a'
a'

.
1

Prcparcd by : M. G. Man.c
Rcv : 00

I Rc\~c~vcd
by : A. M. Hatlangadi I Approved b!.

I Date : 30/01/98
-

! Pap::

: Dr. H. V.

: 25 nf 66

Doctor

Rcliancc I~idus~r~cs
Lit~~ilcd
k131gnt?p~
Tr.ltaitlg S?.slc111

Cntcgo:01? A1
Flnrc S~slcms

Modulc KO
TES-TS-P-014

-j

where,
C\' =

p,, =

V =
Ac =

mass flow rate, Ibl sr

gas density, lb/R7
exit velocity, 111s
CISarea, 11'

Vapor dcnsity p,;

---------10 73 T

Exit velocity correspondins to 20% of sonic velocity

v = I 15

(g K R T / ~ ~ ) "
d2

Flare tip cross-sectional area, Ac =

144
where,

M = molecular weight
P = absolute pressure ofvapor = 14.7 psia
T temperature, .P

-K=m=

g = acceleration due to gravity = 32.17 ft/sec2

R gas constant = 1546 A ib f o r c a . mol
1.2(assumed)

CV
d = diameter of flare tip, inches
Col~lbiningthe above equations and substituting values for g, K, R & P; we obtain,

If based on the maximum rate, the diameter map be too large. In such case, the
normal flow is used to anive at value of d and velocity for the maximum flow is
1
kept at maximum 40% of the sonic velocity.
~-

5.4

Example

.~

The flare normal load is 800,000 I b h whereas hax load is 1,000,000 Ibhr. The
vapor temperature is 300 degree F and molecular wt. i s 50. What should be
!
diameter of the burner tip ?
) Revic~vcdbv : A. XI. H:ittangadi I Appro~cdt?\. : Dr. 14. V. Doctor
Prcprcd b?. : M. G.Mane
Re\. : (xi

- -.--..
-.

:>...+&30/01/9?- -.

Rclinncc Ind~~strics
Li~iiitcd

C;llcgon A l
Flare S!.slcms

Hence, d

Modulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

P;~tnl&lngT r ~ i n i nSvstc111
~

* ( 760/5O)"*i).5

800.000

1370
47.7 i.c. 4S inch.

MP

----------

Vapor density, p~ -;

1073 T
= 50*14.7/(10.73*760)
= 0.09 Iblft3

Max Velocity

= W/( 3600* n

* p~ *d214 )

= 1C00,000*4/(3600*0.09*3.14*(48/12)*(48/12))
= 246 ftlsec

= (g KRT/M)O.*

Sonic velocity, V,

.. based on max flow

Thus, the maximum velocity is 25.8 % of the sonic velocity, which is less than the
max limit of 40%. Hence, the diameter of br~mertip should be 48".

5.5

Flare stack- statutory reauirement

The location of flare, is a safety related issue. The flare stack is generally located
on the downwind of normally prevailing winds & remote from operating & traffic
zones.
In India, as per Petroleum Rules, 1976 ( page 49, point 169 ), no flare shall be
situated nearer than 90 meters to any tank, still, pump-house o r any faeiiily
for the refining, cracking, r c f r i blending, storage for handling of
petroleum o r liquefied pctrolel~m gases o t l ~ e rthan knock-oot drum and
condensate recovery pump attnchcd to such flare.
Prcp~rcd : M.G.M3n.c
Rcs : 00
..
. ~..

Rcsie\\.cd by : A. M. H~1t:lng~di ] Approvcd by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

r....*.-.. 30/01/9X
P a g e d (.I.
---.---

. -.

-.

Calcgoq A 1
I;I:lrc Svsrcrns

5.6

Hcliancc Industries 1.1111ilcrl

I?t~:tlgang:~
'I.~:IIIII%
Svs~c~ii

.\lodulc No.
TES-TS-r-014

i:l:lrr stark drsign

I

I
IIci~Iitof the flare stack depend%upon -

-*

'!

>.

I Icnt rclcascd by the flarc sas in Dl'lJAl:

Clia:acfc~is!ics ofthe fianic & flame Icng 11
Emissivity of the flame
Radiation intensity of the flame in R'TUIhr R2
Ground level concentration of toxic sases present in tlic flare stream in the event
of a ilarne blow out.
I

Flame burning characteristics and flame lcngth are of considerable importance in

sizing the flare stack.
Flame burning characteristics are shown in Fig.7 A which identifies zones of the
flame spectrum in terms of dimensionless numbers. Figure-7B enables estimations
of tlie critical flame points in each combustion zone. Figure-8 helps to visualize
how a flame profilc may be superimposed on the loci of Figure-7B. Note that the
flame height increases appreciably when combustible gas flow is sufficiently
reduced so as to cmse a shift back into laminar zone. By designing flare tip which
induces premixing of gas and air or selecting a smokeless design which indsces
partial premixing by agitation with steam, the increased peaking of the flare in the
laminar zone may be avoided or materially reduced. This type of flare tip design
a!so reduces the noise level.
Figure-8 should be used alongwith following criteria Peak at Reynolds number = 3,000
Valley at Reynolds number = 5,000
Blow off at Mach number = 0.2

Note that the Reynolds number is based on stack diameter. Each of these criteria
refers to the gas state before combustion at the exit from the stack tip. The
Reynolds number of 3,000 applies to the Peak Loci Curve, the Reynolds number
of 5,000 applies to the Valley Loci Curve, and the Blow off Mach number applies
to the limit of Valley Loci Curve. The blow off point is reached when the velocity
of gas leaving the stack causes the flame to separate from tip, at which point the
flzne becomes unstable.
I
. __
-. . .. I
For max. stack discharge, a mach number of 0.2 is recommended. From Fig.8
then, corresponding LID ratio is 118.' From the stack diameter D, the flame length
L can be determined. Thus.~,
Picprcd h : M. G.M3n.c
Rc\. : 00

1 Rc\ficn.cd bv : A. M. Hallangadi I Approvcd b!. : Dr. H. V. Doctor

1 Dnlc : 3010119X -I Pagc : 28 of 66 - ~ - . . ~
.- I

..

~- -.

Cnlcgor\.- A 1
I.'l;~rcS\SICI~IS

h l d o l c No.

Rcil:l~rrcI11du5trics1.i11iilcd

I';II;I~~:IIIC:I 'Tr:r~tri~ig
SVSICIII

TES-TS-P-014

l'lle tliernial radiation and escape timc car1 bc cstinrated from tlic data in table-'.
Valucs arc based on cspcrir~~cn:al
data on tlic tllrcsllold limit of pzirl to the human
generated by a flame.
body as a functiori of the radiatior~illtctisity in ~TUll~lrIR2,
A silfe level of heat radiatiot~intensity for unlimitcti time esposurc has been found
ta bc 440 BTUnlrlttZ. I t is apparent that a time interval with varying radiation
intensity must be allowed, to per~ilita I1unia1l to escape fro111a sl~ddcrllyreleased
irltense heat source. The varyins radiation intensity results from an irldividual
increasilig his distance from tlie source of heat.

Assume a person is at the base of a flare stack when heat is suddenly relea'sed.
The average individual reaction time is between 3 and 5 seconds. Hence, during
this short reaction time interval, the full radiated heat intensity will be absorbed
Then follows another short interval (20 IUsec is normally assumed to be the
average escape velocity of a man) during which continually decreasing amounts of
heat will be absorbed until safe distance is reached (heat intensity for a safe
location is 440 BTU/Hr/sq.fl.)

Where, t,

= t,

+ t.

t, = total time exposed

t, = reaction time
t, = escape time
t~ (Ia = total heat flawfarea for the exposure time

a = maximum radiation intensity

= minimum radiation intensity

Figure 9 is a solution to this equation

The escape time depends on the stack height, H. The following st+ outline the
,approach to detemining th&flarestark: l?eigh! based spot; :he radizion intensi!;..
1

Calculate the radiation intensity using the following equation -

Prcrwrcd Sr : M. G . Marvc

1 Rn.ie\\.cd @ : A. M. Haltnngndi I Approvcd bv : Dr. H. V. Doctor

Rcv : 00

( D3tc : 30101/98

I Page : 29 of 66

C:;lcgon - A i
FI:irc SYSICIIIS

I?cli;ll~ccInd~~strics
Li~~lifcd
P:I~~~~:IIII$J
? ' r : ~ i l ~ i ~Svgcnl
~fi

Modulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

\v11ere.
(I
f
',

(2
S

'- radiation intensity, h ~ ~ ~ l ~ r l s ~ . l t

ernissivity ofthe flame

11~31generated by the flame, BTUIllr
distar~ccfrom center ofllanle, Mnl feet above ~ r a d to
e point P ( F i s r c - l o )

Flatllc criiissivity valves for colnlllon gases are as follows

I

Gas

I-iydrocarbons
Propane
Methane

04
0 33
0.2

A relationship between f and the net calorific value of a gas can be used in tlle
absence of data -

Where hc = net heat value of a gas (LHV) in BTUIscf (60 deg.F, 14.7 psia)

Calculate the heat flow Q, B T U h

where,

W = Ibhr of vapors released.

hc = Net heating value of gas in aTU/Scf (60 deg.F, 14.7 Psia)
M = Moiecular weight of the gas.

>

The formula for the stack height is first derived. Refening to Fig.10, we have -

x ~ = x , ~ a+n d~X m
~=

[H(H+L)]"
I

I
-.

Where,
X , = distance (ft) of the punt of maximum intensity from grade
H =-stack l!eigh:, ft L = flame length in 2 = i 18 L, as per equation 1
Hence,

x2=H ( H + L) + y2

Prepared b~ : M.G.M3mc
Rcv : 09

--

---------------- ( 111

1 Raicn-cd b?. : A. M. Haltangndi I Approved by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

( Date : 3OIOll9X

Pzgc : 3 0 ci 66

---J

*f

Cntcgo:or?.
- Al

Modi~lcNO.
TES-TS.P-014

Rcli:~ticcIndustries Limited
Palal~lngnTmi~~inl:
S\stc~n

0-

I Icnce. from cqilations I1 and L i l . and ror tnau radiation density (qtl ) at flare basc
~vllerc5-0,

I let~ce,!t is derived as -

0
0 s { [ ~ ' + ( ~ I r ; q \ l ) ] ~ -------(IV)
'-~~

el

If=

(1,

The shortest stack is obtained when q \ l = 3,300 BTU/hr/sq R ( or

from figure 9, at te = 0 )
I
The lim~tingsafe radial distance from the flame is -

a'
ct
9

fQ

X = (----------) I R
4 n 440

i,e,

x2=fQ/5530

* I

and we note that y = radial distance from the base oithe stack = [ x~-H(H+L)]"
Allowing for the speed of escapc ( 20 ftfsec) we have y = 20 te = [ x2- H(H+L)]

*
I

The above analysis must be extended to accountfor the more prevalent case of
wind circulation in the vicinity of the flare. For those sections where wind
intensity is unknown, it is suggested that an average 20 mph wind be assumed in
all directions, which results in increasing the safe circular boundary by the resulting
tilt of the flame (Figure 11). he flame tilt and its effect on the safety boundary
I
increase may be determined as follows :

Uw = wind velocity
C = flare exit vcloci~

Uw = [ Xm - H ] sin 0 and Ut = (Xm-H) cos 0

el

----- ( V )

This defines the safety boundary, corresponding to quiescent ambient air. Thus,
the stack height H,the limiting heat radiation q ~and
, the radial distance, y can be
evaluated with a trial and error procedure, by assuming a value of te.

In

Prcprcd h : M. G. Mawc
Rev : 00

I Revicwcd by :A. M. Haltnnpdi I Approvcd bv : Dr. H. V. Doctor 1

( Datc : 30101198
-~ ' 1 P:lgc,e~31of 66
1

**

C:ltcgon. - A l

Rcliancc Industries LimiiCd

I;I:lrc S.VSICII~S

Palalg;111g:1Trniliilig Sysic~n

y = [ x2-(I 1 + (Xm-H)cos 0)2 ] In + (Xm-13) sin O

i l l

Modolc No

TES-TS-P-OIJ

------ ( V! )

This fbrniula establishes the liinitina- houtida'ry for wind circulation

Wlien
evaluating wind erects on flame tilt, an average wind intensity should be used in
I
the calculations.
I

*
0
0

I
1'

d
6

!
i

For high flaring rates, ilie stack height calculation previously described leads to a
very tall stack. Part of the reason for this conservative estimate is that
calculations arc based up on tile thermal effect on bare skin. If proper cloth in^ is
provided to personnel before entering the flare stack area and proper sllielding is
installed at the stack or at the equipment to reduce the radiation effects, the
required stack height can be gieatly reduced. However, there is a tradeoff in that
the safe boundary limit must be increased.
I
Since heat load of the flare, the flame length, an; the safe radiation intensity (440
BTU/hr/sq A) remain the same, decreasing the stack height leads to an increase in
the safety radius Another important consideration is the type of support provided
for the stack In general, the higher the stack the greater the structural support
costs
An alternative method of stack sizing is based on the allowable limit for radiation
intensity. For operating personnel the allowable intensity is 1500 BTU/hr/sq.fi. ,
and for equipment it is 3000 BTUihr/sq.ft.
The 1500 UTU/hr/sq.tl criterion is established From the following basis. In
emergency releases, an operation time of 3 to 5 sec. may be assumed. Perhaps 5 to
10 sec. more would elapse before an individual could escape the area via an
average velocity of 20 Wsec. This would result in a total exposure period ranging
from 8 to 15 sec. only. The time to pain threshold corresponding to 1500
BTU1hrtsq.A. is 16 sec. before the individual cduld escape to a safe place. The
effect of radiation on equipment is shown in figure-12. The temperature of metal
equipment increases with exposure time and higher the radiation heat intensity, the
greater the temp. Curve 1 in 'fiSure 13 shows the theoretical equilibrium temps.
for metal equipment, based on view factor of 0.5 . The actual temp. on surfaces
facing the flame the flame will be between curves 1 62 2.

The teapiraiure or'the vebscls Lontniriing iicjxid br flowing vapors iilay be lower
becausc of cooling effcz:~. Curve-2 applies to materials having a low heat
conduciivity coefficient e.g. wood. In this cask, equilibrium temperatures are
reached within a shorter time as compared with metal objects. Dehydration of

Cntcgory A l
~ 1 3 r cS!.SICIIIS

Modutc No.
ES-TS-P-014

Rcliancc lndunrics Limiccd

Palal&~ngaTninil~gSyacn~

a:ound SO0 deg .F, corresponding to heat intensities of 1300, 3000 and 4000
BTUAlrIsq A respectively This meanc that wooden structures and vegetation
exposed to heat intensities of 3000 to 4000 BTUltirlsq tt. and higher may catch
fire and bum Paint on equipment also may also be damaged
Therefore, it is recommended that equipment located in this area be protected by
proper heat shielding or emergency water sprays.
The following steps outline caiculations by the alternate method :

I
1

From equation 11, the radial distance from the flame at Q = 1500 RTUlhrlsq.ft. is
calculated.

The safe radial distance at Q

equation

A suitable value for Q is assumed at the base of the stack Q = 3000

BTU/hr/sq.ft. is a good start since protective shielding will be provided in this case
at the stack.

From equation IV, H i s calculated.

440 BTUhr1sq.A. is calculated from the same

rigtlle-14 illustrates the different heat intensity loci that should be examined

The flare normal load is 800,000 lbhr whereas max load is 1,000,000 I b h . The
vapor temperature is 300 degree F and molecular wt. is 50 Stack diameter is 48"
Average wind velocity is 20 mph and net heating value is 1500 BTUlscf )
Calculate the stack height and the safe boundary.
Sollrtiot, :

Total heat released, Q = W * hc * 3 7 9 M

----- equation as given earlier
= 1,000,000 * 1500 * 3791 50 ---- max flow considered
= 11370X10~3~~/hr.
II
Flame emmisivity, f = 0.2 (hd900)'"
= 0.2 ( 15001900 )
= 0.258
I

'"

----- equation as given earlier

Radiation intensity,

4 nx2

f~

Prcplrcd bv : M.

Rcv : 00

G.Mawc

---------as per equation ( 11 )

1 Rcvicwcd by : A. M. Haltangadi I I
( Datc : 30/01/98
---

.- -.-

Approvcd by :Dr. H. \I. Doctor

.; .p..--.
,..33ofl-5

440

= 0.258

* 1 1370 S 10"/ (3

:: X' )

-- 410

is s n k intensity \salus

Nencc, safe radial distance, ?;

728 6 R.
--------as per equation ( I
=
1
1
S
D
T l ~ cflamc icngh, L,
= 1 IS *4 ---- as the stack diamctcr is 4S" i e. 4 tt.
= 471 fi
*(

The stack height, II

0 5 ( [ I.'

( 1Q/ rt ']\I

1 "'- L

} --as per equailon ( IV )

For sl~ortcststack, escape t ~ ~ nte

c ,=: 0 Figure 9 s ~ v e corresponding
s
value of
q 3300 BTU/llr/sq ft

Hence, H = 1 19 6 li = 120 R
This is the shortest possible stack hc~ght,but is not a practical height as it assumes
te = 0

If a reasonable escape time i e te = 30 sec. is assumed, then figure 9 gives

q,,= 1330 BTUhrlsq A. Then, H = 245 fl ( as per equation IV )

a(
oi

Now 20 te = [ x2- H(H+L)]

0'.

*
@(

-----ix
per equation ( V )

We have: X = safe radial distance = 728.6 A.

H=245ft
L= 472 A

1,

a((

In

Hence, te = 29.8 sec. This is almost same as the assumption of te = 30 sec

Hence, the selected flare height is 245 ft

Now, let us calculate the wind effect on the safe bcundary around the flare stack
1

Wind velocity, Uw = 20 mph = 29.3 fdsec

I

Gas density = Mole. Wt * abs. Pressure in psia '/ ( 10.73 * temp in R )

I
= 50*14.7/(10.73*760)
= 0.09 1bIfi3
I
The gas exit velocity, U = 1,000,000 * 4 / ( n * 4 *4 * 0.09 * 3600)
= 245 Wsec
Vow, tan O
Crw I U
..
= 29.3!245 = 0.1196
Hence, 0 = 6.82, sin 0 = 0.1187, cos 6 = 099
I

Prcprcd h-: M. G.M3n.c

Rev : 00

] Rniccvcd b\. : A. M. H311311jpdi ! Approved b\. : Dr. H. V. k q o r

! narc : 301011~s
/ PL-2 . I : O; .:5 -- - - -

--

Now, y = [ XZ-(H + (Sm-H)cos 0)2 ] 1- + + (Sm-t I) sin 0

Substituting the values, wc get y
618 fi.

safe radial dictance from thc bnse ofs:nc!,

ARer the stack height has been established from radiation intens~ty\,slues, thc
maximum permissible ground level concentration of toxic gases in the event of a
flame blow out should be evaluated Table 3 represents toxicological threshold
limit as allowed by the environmental protection agency (EPA)
Estimated ground level concentrations should be based on the emergency
condition of flame blowout. The calculation is normally done for a range of
c!imatological conditions at the plant site.
For a rough estimate, the following empirical formula may be used

3697 VM Dz

Cmax =

---------------pH2DY

Where,
Cmax = Concentration at grade in ppm (volume)
V = Specific volume of toxic gas, cu ft per lb
M = Weight discharge of pollutant component in tons per day
Dz = Vertical difision coefficient
I
I
p= Air velocity at grade, mph
H = Stack height, A.
Dy- Horizontal diffusion Coefficient
Xmax = Distance from stack to the point of maximum concentration, fl
N = Environmental factor
The following values are taken from API manual

PrcprcC b\. : M. G.M a n z

1 Rcvicwcd by : A. M . tlntlang3di I Approvcd b\. : Dr.!j&.

IX
.- ..

: 35
..- .J. .papc
- -. .~

CT

Doctor

-+--

1 ; ~

.l'herc arc generally thrcc typcs of'llarc stack supports . Guyed type, i>crricb ant1
sclr supporttng
A s a rousli y i d c to thc cco~~omics
of'tl~csc rl~rcctypcs of flare structures, the
comparative costs for material al?d lal;cr 's fi~:>c!i~n:
zf s:;i:k hcight are tnbul;~tcd

as r o l l o ~ s-

Least expensive
ivfost expensive

Derrick type
Self supporting
Guyed

Derrick type
Guyed
Self supporting

Self supporting
Guyed
Derrick

Derrick
(Self supporting
Guyed)*

Guyed
Derrick
Self
supporting

Installation Labor
Least expensive
Most expensive

-,.."
Gv-rrerl
Derrick
Self
Supporting

* denotes that both options of around the same cost.

5 .

Pilot burners
To ensure ignition of flare gases, continuous pilots with a means of remote ignition
are reconunended for all flares. Generally the pilot system consists of three
components - a continuous pilot, an ONJOFF pilot and an igniter. The most
commonly used type of igniter is the flame front propagation type which utilizes a
spark from a remote location to ignite a flammable mixture. The ONIOFF type is
used only to ensure ignition of the continuous pilot. Pilot igniter controls are
located near the base of elevated flares and atleast 100 ft. awa: from ground flares.
The number uf piiot systems required per flare is largely a function of the wind
conditions. A minimum of tivo pilot systems is recommended while nonnally three
pilot systems are used. They are uniformly placed around the top of the flare.

PrcpareC by : M. G. M a n c
RCV : 00

] Rcvicrvcd by : A. M.H;ltwngadi 1 Approvcd by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

I D;IIC: 3010 1/98- 1 Pngc : 36-of 66

I
Calcgon - A1
Flnrc S~sfcms

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

Rcliann: l~rdusrricsLi~~lited
P;~I:~lglog:~
Trilling Svslcnl

Typical narc pilot systclns f ~ ani elcvated flarr: stack is sllown

same type of assenibly insralled horizontally may be used for

ill

figu~c-15. Tile
flares.

Tile pilo! is piped to the top of the flare stack via a 2" venturi burner. Nozzles are
pr-ovidcd at the end of tllc pipe. In some designs, nozzles are hooded and shbuld
the flatnc blow out, the heat ofthe nozzle will ilnmediately rei~niteit.

I
I

In tlie pilot igniter system, tlie gas pipe is connected to a 3" venturi type burner-,
~vhicliis located at the bot:om of the stack. The fuel gas flows througi~a nozzle to
inspiratc air to for111 a combustible mixture. The isniter with spark gap is located
approx. 3 f above the burncr. When the igniter button is pushed, tlie resulting
spark ignites the gas air niisture. The flame front generated travels up the pipe at
the top of the flare and ignites the gas from the pilot nozzles.

by : M. G. Marvc
.

1 Rmie~vcdby : A. M. Hatiangadi I Approvcd b\. : Dr. H. V. Donor

1 Dale :30/0119X

+
Pagc

.-.

: 37 of 66

Catcgoq A1
FIarc Svstcms

Rc1i:incc Iriduarics Liiiiited

P:~lalgniigaTraining Svscc~ii

6.0

OTHER IIESICN CONSIDERATIONS

6.1

Rlatrrinls Of Constrllrt ion

Mod~ilcNo.
TES-TS-P-014

Followinl: table outlines nlaterials of colisttuctlon for different components o f t l ~ e

flare system
I
Component

hlaterial of construction

Up to - 20 deg.F

Conventional carbon steel

Up to - 50 deg.F

Special low temp. carbon stecl

-150 deg.F & below

18-S stainless steel

Above 750 deg.F

High temp. resistant alloy

&
l
&

Bottom section

Gunite line (cemented for

corrosion resistance)

Burner tips (about 10 A)

Stainless steel !ined with

refractories

Section upto 20 ft. bc!ow

burner tips

High temp resistant refractories

Other sections of the stack

Special ION temp. carbon steel

I

Structural members,
hardware and bolting

6.2

Should bihot dip

-ealvanized after fabrication

Steam requirement for smokeless oneration

I

A flame is referred to as hein2

.- !-mincx when incandescent carbon particles are
present in it. When these pdrticles cool, they form smoke. Smoke formation
mainly occurs in fuel rich systems where a low hydrogen atom conccntration
suppresses the smoke.
Prepred bv : M. G . M3n.c
Rcv : 00

--

( Rcvieacd bv : A. 51. H n t b n g d i ( Approved by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

! Dnrc : 3011111OX

?.s J : .:h
_
A'.
.
4

&'

Catcgory - A I
Flnrc Syslcms

---~

~~

~~~

Mod~tlcNo
TES-TS-P-014

Rcliancc Industria Limiccd

Pala1g:lng Tnining S!.stctn

.
!

Prevention ofsmoke in flares in normally accomplislied

I
in three different ways :

0'

*(
I
a'

Bv the addition o f steam

2.

By making a premix of &el and air before combustioti so as to provide

sufiicicnt oxygen for efficient combustion

By distribution ofthe flow of raw gases through number of small burners

I -

Among these methods, the addition of stearn isimost commonly used to produce a
smokeless flare for economy and superior perfohance. In steam addition, the raw
gas is preheated before it enters the combustion zone of the flare. If the
temperature is high enough, cracking of the hydrocarbons may occur. This
produces free hydrogen and carbon. When the cracked hydrocarbons travel to the
combustion zone, hydrogen reacts much faster than carbon. Unless the carbon
particles are burned away, they cool down and form smoke. Consequently, in
order to prevent smoke, either the hydrogen atom concentration must be decreased
to ensure uniform burning of both hydrogen and carbon or enough oxygen must be
provided for complete combustion.
There arc several theories which try to explain the chemistry of smokeless flares,
using steam. One of them assumes that the steam separates the hydrocarbon
mo!ecules, thereby ~ilinimizing polymerization reactions and forms oxygen
compounds that bum at reduced rate and temperature, so as to prevent cracking.

*(

Another theory, claims that steam reacts with carbon particles forming CO, C02
and H2,thereby removing the carbon which forms smoke after cooling. Following
reactions are expected to take place as per this theory,

The latter reaction is also known as water gas shift reaction

Following empirical formula is recommended for evaluating the requirement of
steam for producing a smokeless flame as a function of the flow rate of
hydrocarbon and their molecular weight.

where,

Ws = Steam rate, lbsihr

Wh Hydrocarbon rate, lbshr
Prcparcd by : M. G.Manjc
1 Re\ic\vcd by : A. M. Hatmngndi 1 Appro\.ed .!h : Dr. H.V. Doctor
Re\- : 00
I Pnec!. ?'I-.--?f <,;
Date : 30/01/95
-- ., 1 --------.
-

Catcgor).- A l
Flan: Svstctns

Rcli~ncclndustrics Lir~~ilcd

Patnlgtng:~Tninitlg S! stctil

Modulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

M = hfo!ecular weight of hydrocarbon

It may be observed From this that the highertlie mol. wt., the hi~Jrcr the rcquired
steam. This may be associated with the tlicory tl~atthe liiglicr t l ~ cr~iol.wt, rllc
lower the ratio of steam to C02 after combt;stion, resulting in a greater tendcncy
I
to smoke.
Since, steam consumption is rather high ( about 0.464 ib/lb of hydrocarbons with
mol. wt.50 ), it is too expensive io provide for s~nokelessburning for tile mas.
flare load. Normally, 20% of tile mas. flare load is designed ibr smokeless
burning. This is well supported by the fact that massive failure is very larc and in
90% of occurrences, smokeless flares are produced.
6.3

Fuel requirement
I

Fuel gas supply to the pilots and igniters must have high reliability. Since, normal
plant fuel sources may be upset or lost in the plant upsets, it is desirable to provide
a backup system connected to the most reliable aiternate he1 source with provision
for automatic cut in on low pressure. The flare he1 system should be carefully
checked to ensure that hydrates are not present to cause problems. Because of
small iines, long exposed runs and large vertical rises up the stack, use of liquid
b o c k out poi is frequently warranted to remove condensates that may have
collected in the fuel line especially during winter. It is a good practice to provide a
!ow pressure alarm on fuel supply after the last regulator, which will warn the
operator.
I

6.4

Purrnine of flare line?

Any gas or mixture of gases that can not reach dew point at any condition of
ambient temperature can be used as a purge for flare system Nitrogen, Methane
or Natural gas are normally used as purge gases.

Purging is normally of two types : Normal purging and emergency purging

I

Normal purging is used continuously and admitted to the flare system at the end of
each sub header and at the bottom of the molecular seal at the flare stack. When
the molecular seal is used, it is that purge volume which will create a velocity of
0.1 ft Isec. at thi flare tip. When a molecular seal is not provided, the exit velocity
is 1 A fsec. The purge co!un:e Lzpend~upon the wind velocity ai thc flare
elevation. These velocity criteri- s!r i w e d on a wind velocity of i5 mph and vary
as the square of the wind velocity.

P T C P ~h,E:~
M. G.Mamc
Rm:W
!

( Resicwed by : A. M. H a t u n p d i

] Dale : 30/01/98

1 Approved

: Dr. H. V.

Doctor

Emergency purging is used to compensate Sbr thcr~~inl

slirinkasc, .Allcr ccssntioli
of 1101 vent gas flow. the systcnl residual %aswill shrink as it cools to the ambient
temperature. It nornlally takes about 15 niinu~csto reach ecluilihriuni. U111cssthc
purge is admitted,to the systen~.the shrink will draw air back i n to the flare hc3dcr
The shrink problem can be overcome by sensin: thc systc~il tcnlpcrnturc and
addins makeup gas at a rate commensurate wit11 the system voltrmc ;ind lllc niax.
anticipated gas temperature. :
6.5

Noise poll~ltion
Noise pollution from flares has for too Ion? been a n inconvcnicnce, acceltted in
pctrocllemical plants as an inevitable byproduct of flarin~process. I t has been
established that major individual source of noise from tlare is usually at the flare
tip itself. This is especially true when the flare tip is of the type used for sn~okclcss
flaring of hydrocarbon gases utilizing steam injection.
Basically noise is created because of two reascns, steam energy losses at the high
pressure steam injectors and unsteadiness in the combustion process.
Ground flares are normally quieter than elevated flares. This is probably due to the
fact that the flame contained inside a box is protected from wind effects and the
st~bi!iring effect of the hzat re-radiated from the refractory walls reduces the
random characteristics of combustion. The walls themselves will absorb some of
the sound energy.
Sophisticated design of flare tips have greatly reduced the noise pollution. In some
designs, combustion efficiency has been greatly increased by renixing of air with
gas before they are combusted. Steam is also premixed with air and gas before
gases leave the flare tip. Some of the turbulent noise energy is thus shielded by the
tip itself.

6.6

Stress reliefand winterizing

The major stress to which the discharge piping of a relief system is subjected, are
results of thermal strains from entry of cold or hot gases. Temperature
fluctuations are normally very wide. In majority of situations, it is usually possible
to maintain stress levels within allowable limits over the full temperature range by
providing an expansion joint or expansion with a cc!d G r hot spiing. Special
afterition :o stresses is rccommended where pipins constructed of carbon steel is
used for metal temps. as low as -50 deg. F.
I

Prcp:~rcdh : M. G. M3n.e
, Rcv : O;!

I Revic~vedbv : A. M. H31tangadi 1 Approved b\. : Dr. H. V. Doctor

. - :-ZLIC: ?t!:0:!15- .-- -- -- 1 p:i.: : -4
I ,,f

,;j

~-

FI:IIC S\SIL,III>
~-

Rclinocc Induslrlc 1.irtiilsd

TES-TS-P-OIJ

I)csi;11 of' disch;lr;c pipin: requires careli~lanal!.sis of the possible thermal and
111ccl1;1nic;11
scrcsscs i~~iposcdon the pressure relief' \.alvcs. I'roper anchors,
s u i ~ l ~ l rand
t s l)~o\.ision
fi~rllevibility of (lischnryc pipins can prevent these stresses.

l\'iri~cri/.in: of 111cfl;~rcsystan depends upon tile severity ofanlbient temperatures.

I I is norln;~!pr;lclicc to slope ihc tlare hcadcrs lowards knock out drum 114 in per
0 1 S I . Ihis cllables condensate to tlow ir.10 KO drum, thereby reducing the
y
to lo:,, ambient temperature.
possil,ility of';,ipc li.cczc up due lo l e n ~ t l ~exposure
I<O d~ulus;we usur\lly providcd wilh a a ~ b m c r ~ esteam
d
healer in order to prevent
li-cczing \\'here ;I \ \ ~ n t a seal
is used. 4 sil!lil;lr rlrrar~~cn~ec~t
is warranted. In some
cold clirna!c areas, t h e headers cbntaini11: water are steal11 traced and insulated.

I
6.7

I ~ i ~ t c ~ ~ r n r n t anr~cl
t i o ncolitrols
Typical flarc system in?trurnentation and controls are as follo\\s -

TO ensure smokeless burning, a suitable control systeni is provided to regulate

steam injection into flare tip. Normally, a flow sensor is provided on the main flare
header. The flow sensor is in ratio control uith the steam. Alternatively, the
lurninosity of flame is aeasured by a flame nonitoiing device, ~viiicilsets the steam
flow in order to maintain the sniokeless operation of the flare.

Thermocouples are provided for the pilots with an alarm in the control room

An oxygen analyzer with an alarm is normally provided to indicate the pressure of

the air or oxygen in the flare system

The KO drum is level controlled in order t o maintain a constant level for providing
a seal and to prevent the pump from running dry. The KO drum pump, many a
times can cut in automatically at high level of KC drum. It also typically, has a
AUTO standby pump.
I

5.

A flare video monitor is provided in the control room which helps to observe
smokeless operation as well as to identify the abnormal releases in the flare
headers

?
1

Prcparcd 6 : M. C. M;IW
,CRrv
00
-:-

-_

-- I

bv : Dr. H. V. Doclor

Modulc No.
IT.S-TS-P-014

R C I I ~ ~ I I ICI CI ~ L I S I ~ I Li~~iitcd
CS
P : I I ~ ! ~ ; ITr:~i~ii~ig
I ~ ~ I Svstcrii

.l.l ~ cilarr

st;t~tupand s~iutdbwriprocedures &ay differ from a plant to plant

dcl>cr~ding
cti rhc flare systenl' it has. [{ere arc some general guidelines, which are
follo\vcd wllen starting up or slluttilig down a flare system.
ltrilicrl c l ~ ~ ~ c k o r r ~

I
I

After cornplction of construction, the system should be thoroughly flushed with

water to remove scale and debris. Pressure testing should be conducted where
required. Special attention should be given to all flanged joints, valves and
connections. All leaks found should be repaired and re-tested.

The flare KO drum pump should be checked for ease of operation and correct
rotation.

All instruments sbou!d be checked fcr proper connections and performance

Eqvipment such as flare tip, molecular seal, flare front generator, water seal, flow
sensor and all associated piping should be given final check.

The flare system must be purged of air before the pilots are ignited, otherwise
there is danger of a severe explosion. After the flare system has been purged of
air (less than 2% 02), the pilots are lighted as follows :

All valves in the flare front generator are closed.

Plant air and fiel gas lines up to flare front generator should be blown down to
remove any line condensate before gas or air is admitted.

Push the ignition button and check for a spark at the slght port

Open valves for the flare front generator to pilot No.] and fiel gas to all pilots.

n
upen
the gas supply to approx. I0 psig by observing the pressure gauges

Purge for 3 minutes. Then push igniter

button to light the d o t . Then light
- .pilot
~ 0 .&
2 3 in the same manne;.
Prcplrcd b~ : M. G.Mamc
I Rc\ic\\rd by : A. M. Halranfi?di ( Approwd by :Dr. H. V. Doctor
6

Rcv : OO

-,.~.---

- I--.Pa=

---of 66

Tltc tot;ll flare svsrc~iicnri olily bc shutdown and isolated after all tlie process units
al-c shut dowri, drained of liydrocarbons, dcprcssuriscd and purged as necessary.
l'hcri llarc systcrl~is pirrgcd wit11 nitrogen before opcning up the KO drum,
rnolccular scal ctc. l i ~ rany rnaintenalicc.
Individual proccss units or pipes of equiprrtent cat) be isolated from operating flzlre
syslc~iialtcr tltcy arc shutdo\r,~iby closins block valvcs and installirig blinds, when
niaintenancc is rcquircd.

The flare inspection is carried out generally in the plant turnaround.

In the inspection, the flare tip and tlie pilot burners, the steam nozzles etc are
checked and replaced if required UT testing is done for the flare shell welds. The
flare shell thickness is measured at different locations. General visual inspection is
a!so carried out.
The guy ropes are checked for prciper tension and are re-tensioned if required. The
guy anchor points are also checked. The guy ropes are greased.
The straightness of the flere stack is also checked. In the PX plant of RIL -PG,it
was found that the guy ropes were not adequate for flare stack support. Hence, the
stack support is being modified to a Derrick type.

7.4

Normal operation
I

During the normal operation, the shift crew monitors the flare and ensures that it is
smokeless The flame length is monitored to identify abnormal releases in the flare
system In the normal operation, the amount of vapors flared can be monitored As
his is the material wasted, efforts are to be taken to minimize the normal load
I
.\liicli is flared.
I
The KO drum level and the flare header p u r s e a s minimum flow is ensured d u r i n ~
rhe normal operation. The operations crew also ensures that the seal liquid rate
1 and hence, the scal ) is maintained for the liquid seal system It is also checked
that thc pumpout pump ofthe KO dmrn is always available
Prcwrcd kw : M. G.M m e

.-Ilcv : VO

---.--

I Rc~icrvcdtn : A. M. H311angdi I Approrrd b\ : Dr. H. V. Doclor

I .htc

: 301!l I!')!

..

p,,~
. :! c: ;,;
9: :

Cnlcgo? - A l
Tl:lrc S~stcms

1,

8.0

Rclinncc 111dustricsLili~ilcd
Ptllal@ng Tni~iinp,Svslcnl

hlodulc No.

TES-TS-P-014

1:LARES :\I' RIL - I'G

I

I n P a t a l ~ a ~complcs
l ~ ; ~ of IIIL, there arc t\vo flares - one each in PX and LAB
plants. Thc detailed information of both the flare systems is available with
rcspective plants. Hcre is a brief introduction to both flare systems.

@
01;

I
I

I ,

The flare i n the PX plant is designed to llandle maximum flow rate o r 500,000
kgllr of hydrocarbons. This load can arise whell there is plant wide elcctricity
failure. The normal operating flow in the flare design is 640 k ~ r The
. flare has a
molecu!ar scal, with height of 15 fl and diameter of 80". Minimum purge gas
required is 7.21: nm3Ihr. The riAer height is 305 A and the riser diameter is 42".
The flare tip is From 'John Zink' and is of 31OSS. There are 3 pilot burners and 21
steam jets. It uses LP ( 6 bar g ) steam for smokeless operation.
I

The system had a ZOOM control ( Zink Optically Operated Monitor ) for ensuring
the smokeless operation in the original design. This was supposed to monitor the
luminosity of flame by a remotely located detector and adjust the steam for
smokeless operation Rut i: i z not conaissicned 2s some of :h: critical
components of the control system are not available. Currently, the steam control to
the fiare is on 'manual'.
I

The stack has guyed rope type of support, but it has been found inadequate
Hence, the support is being changed t o Derrick type.

\
8.2

Flare System in LAB

The flare in the LAB plant has maximum design load of 265,600 kghr of
hydrocarbons. The flare has a molecular seal as well as a water seal. The
molecular seal has a diameter of 1.37 m. The water seal drum has a diameter of 1.8
m and the height of 5 m. Minimum purge gas required is 9 nm3hr. The riser height
is 80 m and the diameter is 24". The flare tip is from 'John Zink' and is of SUS
310s. There are 3 pilot burners. The steam used for smokeless flame is at 28 bar g.
The steam rate is controlled manually. The suppori is ofguyed rope type.

1
I'

Prcparcd h : M. G. Many

.a

Re;. : 29

1 Rcvicwcd by : A. M. Ilattangadi I Appro\.cd by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

4.~31~
: 32!Oli?J

I Pa<.* . .I! 6 . C 5

: _ I T 1 - 4 2 -

__,-.

..

I..

.-:

Caccgor) AI
Flnrc Srslcrns

Tnble - I

Rclr~ncclrlduslncs L~rn~lcd
Pnt:11p111pn
Tmlnlng Svslcm

- Resist:~llcecoeflicirnt K for varior~spipe fittittgs

hlodulc No
TES-TS-P-01.1

I
I

Catcgory A1
Flnrc S\stcrns

Tnble 2

htodulc No
TES-TS-1'-01.1

Rcltancc Industrtcs L~nitlcd

Pnln1gnn.c.. Tnining S~stcnl
I

Ilcrt radintion and escnpe time

Radiation intensity
(BTU~KIA~)

Time to pain threshold

(Seconds)
I

I
I

cC

Prcplrcd
Rc\. : 00

---"

,'

h. : M. G. M3n.c

I Rcvicr\.cd b\. :A. M. H311nng:tdi 1 Approvcd b\. : Dr. H V. Doctor

I D x e : I9iOlI9S I F-.~ r-:c 47
-~ 01 66
-,

--PJ

C:ilcpry - A1
Flilrc S ~ s ~ c n l s

T r r l ~ l c3

- l'ltrrsl~old

- -.. ..
--

Acrnlcin
Arvlani#tre
Ammonia
h y l lcculr
h y l dcohul
hdmc
Arrinlc

R c l i ~ n c cIndos~ncsL i t l i t l c d
~ I J ! E ~ I I ~Tr3i111112
I
S~.,s\stctll

l i r ~ l i t si o r s o n ~ ctoxic

.
PPAf
203
10
5
I.m
0J
20

trrbon m u &
tvbar utnchl3tide
Gdarinc
aombrwcnc
Cs!cx!am
C d (all uorrm)
Cycloheunc
cyclokunol
cyc1ahewohcrme
C%~opmpur
Dianionc doh4
c-Dicblombcnrmc
1.1-Dichlomcr)luu
Dicthylunine
Dikoburyl ketone
Dlmcti,).Lnili~c

Prepared h : hl. G.b1nn.c

Rev : 00

s t ~ b s t n ~ ~ c g:~scs
r s
:III~
vnpors

$1

I . , ~I.)

Elbyl bmmidc
Elhyl chloride
Ethyl r t h r i
Elhylrnc rhlomhydtin
Eth~lcncdtivninc

&-nc

&TIchlatidc
Bmmdc
Bulrdlrne
B u v l dcoh0I
Buvlunirr
G r w o 4'0,id~
G r b n &sulfide

h l d o l c No
TI:S-TS-P-o14

I
1.000
la,
5
5.m

20
la,
25
1

75
la,
5

Hydnune
Hydrogen vicnidc
Hvdmecn rdlidc

i'
,.
'>

403
la,

J!

la,
ux,
403

r..
i'

53
JO

i.

IW
23

I~ph0rm~
lropm~ylunine
M c t i v I oxidc
Methyl cam.
hbthyl r q l m c
Methyl dcohol
Methyl bmmidc
2-Melhonlethual
Mcthyl chloride
McthylqdohcMethylcyclaheuml
Mcthylryclohemns
Mcthyl fomu~e
Mcthyl m y 1 drohal

I R c v i c \ v c d bv :A. M. H i t 1 1 3 a ~ r d i I Approved bv : Dr. H. \'.

I D;IC -:-1-910 11'98
1 P a ~ c: 48 or 66
- .

Doctor

. ~.

Catcgoy - A l
Flnrc Smlcn~s

I<cl~nnccInd!~slncsI.ln11tcd
P:~lnl,mnr~
Tninirig Svsccrn

hlodulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

FIGURES

P ~ p 3 r c dbv :M. G. Mnnrc

Re\. : 00

1 Rclicn-cd by : A. M. Hallmgadi ( Approved b\. : Dr. H. V. Doctor

I Dncc : 19/01/98
I Pagc : 49 of GG

Cnlcgon A l
1-inrc S!.s!cna

..

1.1g11rc2

I~cllilllccItld~~strics
L~n~~tcd
P:I~&:III?~
T r a i t ~ i S~SI
~ ~CcII

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

- I'rrssl~rrdrop c!r:trt

( li!~o\rn t i p s t r r s l n conditions

- by Lnpple )

Prcrurrd bu : M. G h13n.e
RCY :

I R m i c ~ v c dbv : A. hf. H3113nr~di I Approvcd bv : Dr. H V. Doctor

1 D ~ [ :C1 9 / oI I V X
1 P J ~ C: 50 or 66- .--

Cnlcgon - A l
Flnrc S~stcnis

Rcli;~nccInd~rslricsLinlrtcd
P:~tnlg:~np
Tr3111ing
S~slcm

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

I:ig~tre3 - Prrsstlrc drop clt:trt ( knowrt tlownslrcarn cor~ditions by Locb )

I

~ V E L3 O C I T
9Y RATIO.

a/aC2

f;igt~re4 - (A) Ilorizontal seal d r u n ~

',

FROM
a L o w o o w N DUV

(U) Vertical seal drum

SLOPED FROM FLARE

-c'E
,

SEAL DeEP ENOUDH

T O F I L L VERTICAL
BECTION OP VAPOR
NLCT L I N E I N EVENT 0
PLAEHBACK, 6"

r-'
1.6"

LlOUlD
LEVEL

DRAIN

SEAL LIOUID

(A)
t.

.,

DLOWDOWN DRUM8

'

TO FLARE STACK

8 E A L LI(1UID

t--.----c

(B)
,

e
!a
a.

1 Rcvic11cd by : A. hl. H3113npdi 1 Appro\.cd bv : Dr. H.V. DO:LOI

1 Dace--: 19/11l l%i.-_ha-C
52 .of 66 ----.

-I--

- ..

Calcgory - A l
1'larc Svstcms

hlodulc No.
ES-TS-P-014

Rcliaacc Induslr~cs1.1milcd
P n l n l p n p Training Syslcm

Prcpt~rcdbv : H.G.M;ln.c
Rcv : 00

I Rcviovcd bv : A. M. Hattangadi

1 D31c: 19/0l/OS

( Approved by : Dr. H. V. Doctor

1 P3sc : 53

of 66

blodulc No.
TES-TS-P-014
!

Cxcgon

- Al

Flarc S~stcnls
r
\

c7
crtically

Rcli:tncc It~dusrncsLintllcd
P:~l:~lg.~n&!a
Trainill!: Svstcni

h,lodulc No.
TES-TS-P-01.1

( A ) Ilurr~ingcl~ar;lctcristicsof fl:rnrcs fronr circular ducts dischnrging

irrto qrricsccnl a i r ~ i l l ~ o r prclf~ixirig
rt
1
I
I

(13) Plot oC(IJ1)) versus rrrncl~n~rrrrl~cr

e'
'

e I

C:!rcgon - A I
Fl:~rcS~lsrcn~s

Rclinncc Induscrics Linlilcd

Mcdulc No.
ITS-Ts-P-014

~:ll:ll!::ll~~~
Tr~iningSvsfcm

zoo

0 .02

.lo

.20

.24

.30

MACH N U M B E R

I b; : M. C.M2n.e

1 Re\.ictrrd bv : A. M. H311:111y~d;1 Approved h.: Dr. H. V. ~

1 Dace : 1910 1/93 ----.L-_____
?:I?? ? 56 or 66

0 ~ 1 " ~

____

Carcgory - A!
Fhrc Svsrcnls

Modulc No.
TES-TSiP-013

Rcliancc Induslrics Linlilcd

Pmlgnnga Training Sysccm

I;ig~~re9 - Plot of m:txirn~ltt~radi:~tion intensity vcrslrs escape time, nssrt~ning5

sccond rcrction time.
I

>

C
LO

-zz a

C 0
b7
.
I

c< 3
+
s m

< 0
a o

.o
r
<

10

20

30

40

60

80

E S C A P E TIME. S E C .

Prcwred b~ : M. G.M a n r
Rcv : 00

I Rcvic~vcdbt. : A. hl. H311311pdl

1 D ~ I:C19/01/98

( Appro\.cd b!. : Dr. H . V. D o ~ l o r

I Rlgc : 57

of 66

CJIC~A
Ol~
Flnrc Svstcnis

Rc1i:incc I~idustricsLimilcd
P:ihl!::~i~!..;irnillinr svsicm

hlodulc No.
TI-S - TS - I' - (114

Figllrc 10 - Flnrc stnck nnd f l r n ~ cin strtgrtallt sttrrot~ndings

Prcpllrcd h : M. G . M:tn.c
Rcv : 00

1 Rn.icncd b? : A. hl. H31131ig:ldi I Approwd by : Dr. t i \I.

1 Dalc : I910 1/98
1 ( f?~cc : 58 or 66

DOC~O~

C3rcgoq A 1
Fhrc S\.stcnis

Figure I 1

Rcliancc lndustrics Liniiccd

f'3131pn&l T m i n i n ~Svstcln

Modt~lcNo
TES-TS-1'-014

- Flare stack and flame in k i n d blown stlrroondingt

I

Prcparcd
RCV :00

by

:M

G.M3n.c

1 Rc~icwcdby : A. M. H a t f ~ n p d i I Approvcd bs : Dr. H

1 D31c : 19/01/98
1 PXC : 59 of 66

\'. Doctor

c3lcgon. - A l
FI:rrc S\~srcn~s

Rclinncc lnd~lstrlcs1.in11tcd

M@?:lc No.

l ' ; ~ t a l y t ~Tr:t~ni:l:
p
SYSICIII

TES-7.;-P-014

Figllrc 12 Plot o T t r n i ~ ~ c r ~oft ~steel

~ r ccqcril,rrrr~ltvcrsrls rxposllre tintr for d i f k r r ~ r t
rndiant l ~ e n Iintcnsitics. Clln2cs nrc based or1 0.25" [tl:~tetlrirklrcss wirh nn r f i r t i v r
cmissivity of 10 nlrd v i e r f:rctor of 0.5. Coolinx r : ~ l ~ s r dl ~ yco~~vcrtiori
rtc. nrc
ncglectcd.

Prcp:~rcdh\ I . G . h1an.c
Rcv : 00

1 Rcvlcncd bv

'

A. M. Hallang:~di

1 D m : lYlOll98

( Appro~rdbv : Dr. H

( P3gc : 60 or

66

\'

Doctor

C;ltcgon A1
Flxc S~slems

Kcliancc Ind~~slncs
Ltnl~lcd
I'nlnl;nri~:~ Tr:~inin~:
Svsicrn

hlodtrlc No
TES-TS-P-01.1

Figure 13 - Plot or rqitilil>rir~n~

tcn!prr:ttttrc vcrsljs r:~di:lnt l ~ c a ti r ~ t c n s i t ~ .1.11~
Cltrve 1 i s for mctnl c q ~ ~ i [ ) n ~ cwhile
n t cttnrc 2 is for wootl.

RADIANT HEAT INTEHSITY, BTU/HA-SO.FT.

I'rcp~rcdh hl. G.M2n.e

1 Rctiencd bv : A. M. H~ttntlgadi 1 Approved tn.: Dr. H. V.Docror

1 Dnlc : 1910ll9X
I

1 P a y : 61

of 66

C:llegon - A 1
Flitrc SYS~CIIIS

Rclinocc lndustrics Lillliicd

P:irnlg:~~~p
Tra~nin!:Svstcm

-_

--................
.-- ........
.....

Modulc No.

ES-TS-P-014

-- - ..

..

.................. - '...:.u SAFE B O U N D A R Y

.. ..
..
:. ( 4 4 0 B T U / H R / S Q . F T . )
..a

3.

..............
..
i

:-:

:.BOUNDARY
FOR RADIANT
i HEAT INTENSITY

..~7

... ).
/-.. ..

=-Z.

/ ". ...........
..

,:\

(1500

a.

. BTU/HR/SO.FT.)
'-NORMALLY
FENCED

...

IN WITH

................\ ,... WARNING S I G N A L

P R O T E C T I O N ......
......
REQUIRED FOR
\ .........-',\PROTECTION
........1..........
REQUIRED
EQUIPMENT
a .

a.....

:
'

FOR PERSONNEL
BOUNDARY FOR
RADIANT HEAT INTENSITY
( 3 0 0 0 BTU/HR/SQ.FT.)

a
a

I Rc\icn.cd by :A. M. Ji3113ngadi I Approved b\. : Dr. H. V. ~

1 Date : 1~~/01/9R-I R S- C- :. (12- _or_ (6

0 ~ 1 0 ~
I

Ca!cgon A l
Flnrc SIS~CIITS

I<ctinllccIrldustrics Linr~tcd
Tt~!lri~ig
SVSICIII

Modulc No.
TES-TS-P-014

I:i:t~rc 15 - 'Typical flnrc pilot and igttilcr

Prcporcd h- : M G.~ 3 n r
Rev : 00

I Rcvicacd bv : A. M. H x w n p d i I Approved bv : Dr. H. V. Docfor 1

1 Datc : l 9 ~ 0 1 1 9 ~
'1 Pagc : 63 ol' 66
!

follo\\~r?grcli'rcnccs havc bccn u\cd ~vl~ilc

i ~ r c p , ~ r tllis
i ~ ~module
g
I

I.

Flnrc Gas Systcn~sPocket Ifandbook by K. ~ancrjcc,N. P. Chct-cmisinotTct. al

~ImcricanI'etroleun~ Institute, lielirit~yP~dctices,520 and 521

>.

lnfonnation regarding statutory requirerncnt and LAB flare system has been
obtained from Mr. A. E. I'atil ( TS ) and Mr. U. D. Deshpande ( TS ).
I
I

rcprcd % : M. G.hlnnr

1 Rcvicncd by : A. hl. Ha1Iane::;;i

----1 D:!;c

: A::[;; 138

.
..

--I

Approvcd bv : Dr. H V Doctor I

-I
I P:tgc : 64 of 66

Calcgory A l
Flnrc SVSICIIIS

Rcli:~t~cc
Industrin Liniilcd
P:~lnl&?ng.nTnini~ifiSvslcnl

Modulc No.

ES-TS-P-014
I

11.0 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR \'ALIDATIOIV

I

I'ollowin~ is a list of some of the questions which can be useful for validation of
training on this module.
I

I.

\Vhat is fl;!ring ? Why is it required ?

.3

Wliat are direrent types of flares? Wliat are tlie advantages and disadvanta~es
I
associated with then1 ?

*
3

What are the components of a typical flare system 7

4.

what arc the causes which lead to overpressurization of a process system ?

5.

How is the relieving lotd calculated in case of a external fire ?

6.

How is the maximum load to be flared is arrived ai ?

7.

Describe the guidelines to estimate no. of flare headers in a plant.

8.

Outline briefly the method of sizing the lines in a flare system.

9.

How are the ho~izontaland vertical flare KO drums designed ?

10.

What are the types of seals used in the flare system ?

11.

What are the guidelines for seal leg sizing?

12.

Describe the molecular seal which is utilized in the flare system.

13.

How is the flare burner tip diameter is anived at ?

14.

What are the parameters which determine the flare stack height?

15.

Explain briefly how the flare stack height and safe boundary is arrived at

16.

How are the ground level concentrations determined in case of flame blow out ?

17.

\!'hat

18

How is srnolieless flame achieved in a flare system 7

19.

are different types of the stack s ~ p p o r t?s

how is the steam requirement for smokeless flare operation calculated ?

Prcprcd bv : M. G. Marvc - 1.-Rcvic\\cd
.
. bv : A. M. H~tlangadi I Approvcd b?. : Dr. H. V. Doctor
L H ~ :~61;r
-i
ate :30/Oi!W
t--. .
1-5 oi 61:
- -1

I Y . T-.

IA-.

20

What are the types of flare purging ? Why is pursing rcqi~ircd

21.

\\'hat is typical instrunlentationand control associated with a flare system ?'

27.

Wliat are the steps in startup and shutdown of a Ohrc system ?

23

Wliat are the inspection checks carried out on the flare stack

24

\\Illat are the things, operations crew shol~ldmonitor 111 tllc normal operation of the
flare 7

---. I Re\?c\vcd
- --- b\. : A M H;:Bnglfi
. .
.! c;=: . ,<.,,.-,,>"
.,..,-., ,.,

I.pp:o;.cC b\. : Dr :1
o i 65

I P~;;c : 66

b'.

1
Doc:::
F

l',\T/\L(;ANC;A

Topi;

TRAINING SYSI'ISRI
&Iodule No :TES-TS-P-O I 4

Flare Systems

: .IMC

C a t e e n r y t\l

Sr. N.J.

2
3

-.

-.I

Author

Rcquirclncnt orfl:~ring
11)pcsof narcs
Co~llpncnts of tltc
flare system
Detcrn~ini~lg vzpour
loads to be flare6
Dcsign of collection

thc

Resources

Available

Hrs #

Y .

Self Study

Quiz

Sclf study

Quiz

Sclf study

Sclf stndy

Quidproblem
solvinz
Quidproblem
solvins

MGM

Chapter 2.0

MGM

Chapter 3.0

MGM

Chapicr 4.0

MGM

Chaptcr 5.0

.~

dcsigt~ MGM
considentions
Flarc opcralio~~s
MGM
Flares at RIL PC
MGM

Chspter 6.0

Scll study

Quiz

Chaplcr 7.0
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