Ground level flare

[essenwood]

Hi there,
The refinery that I am working in is surrounded by communities (due to historical reasons) and we are always in the firing line when we have a "big" flaring incident. And of course "big" depends on how educated the authorities and residents are.

Can I know from any flare experts out there; what is the consideration for havin a ground level flare system vs the elevated one.

Thanks
Essenwood

 

[pmover]

essenwood,

investigate these links:

http://www.johnzink.com/products/flares/pdfs/tp_important.pdf

http://www.johnzink.com/products/flares/pdfs/tp_safe.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/dir1/fflare.pdf

Good Luck!
-pmover

 

[essenwood]

Thanks Pmover
you've been helpful as always.

 

[Flareman]

Essenwood
One of the things you have to consider is that a Ground level flare which will adequately hide a flame is essentially like a furnace and has a limitation of the size. Most enclosed ground level flares are intended for the day-to-day conditions. The biggest capacities in my own experience have been about 30 tonnes/h.

Ground level field flares which are basically a whole bunch of small flare burners behind a fence in a big field are also used, and these can handle larger capacities. However, if you have a neighborhood issue, be warned that when these "go-off", particularly at night, it can look as though the refinery is on fire and the neighborhood issue can be worse. Even if the flame is (theoretically) hidden behind the fence, the visible light in the atmosphere, and reflected from low cloud, can be quite significant. I have been on plants where the neighbors were more comfortable with the elevated flare because they could see it all the time and be more familiar with the appearance.

Another issue with the field ground flare can be the day-to-day flue gas drift. Locating the flare to avoid potential flue gas interference with tall structures inside and outside the plant should be a consideration (depending on just how popoulated your area is). Also, think outside the plant boundary relative to visibility. Does the ground rise away from your intended location? Are there people who live higher than the intended top of fence. You get the idea!!

I can steer you commercially if you drop me an email at flareman_xs@netzero.net.


David