Flare ignition system 1

[wd1980]

Hi Gents;
is it allowed by norms and standards to install the flare ignition system at the base of the flare (in the sterile area)?

thx

 

[georgeverghese]

Base of the flare may be too dangerous for operator access for the flare panel during startup in case the flare tip spouts flammable liquids. You can still keep the flare panel within 60m(?) radius sterile area, but check thermal radiation for all flaring scenarios and provide thermal shielding as required. Usually no more than 1500btu/hr/ft2. Check that materials of construction used in the flare panel and electronic components can withstand resultant temp. Equally critical is to check for worst case ground level concentration for chemical components with HSE concerns at proposed location in case of accidentally extinguished flare.

 

[MJCronin]

On every plant flare I have ever seen, the ignition system is at the top ... there is a reason for this

Installing the ignition system at the bottom of the flare will turn the device into an exciting cannon.

When the flare starts up, an entire column of flammable gas will ignite at once ....

This will certainly wake up those sleepy plant operators !!

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[wd1980]

thx gents for your comments, in general do you have an international reference, standards that forbid the installation of the ignition system at the flare bottom.

thx