Petrochemical flare systems are the systems that incinerate waste gasses to prevent those gasses from entering into our atmosphere. Designing and constructing a flare system that will do this job safely and efficiently is the task of the Flares & Stacks, Inc. petrochemical engineers. Here are some of the critical factors that Flares & Stacks, Inc. must take into account when designing a flare system, and the data they must collect prior to flare stack construction.
Flare systems design factors
It is important to first define exactly what waste gasses are expected to be burned. It is important to ascertain the amount, flow rate, temperature, and if it is anticipated that there may be variable compositions of the types and amounts of gasses that will be processed by the flare.
Flare system environment
Flare systems often must be accommodated in a limited space. Stack construction and stack support systems must be planned in advance to account for the confinements of the space available. Pre-planning for the immediate environment will instruct flare system designers in what flare equipment will be used and whether certain systems would be best constructed as retractable systems (retractable pilot systems, retractable FAA lighting, etc.). Also, support structures have to be designed to accommodate the space that is available. Of the three main types of support structures, guy wire support structures are the most common, the most cost-efficient, and allow for the greatest variation in stack height. How high the stack should rise if often dictated by the regulatory systems. So the third and final aspect of flare stack construction is to design with the EPA in mind.
Flare System Design Factors to Meet EPA Guidelines
Combustion of the waste gasses must comply with the emission and dispersion standards lined out by the EPA, and they must be eliminated at the efficiency rating required. Knowing this data will instruct the flare systems developer what flare tips to use, the necessary height of the flare stack, and a thousand other facets of stack construction that will make the stack construction safe, efficient, and approvable by regulation entities.
Together, all these areas of flare system design forethought will result in a flare system stack construction that is effective at protecting the cleanliness of the air. It will be a combustion equipment system that is safe to operate. It will be a reliable part of the petrochemical process for which it was designed, and help the oil and gas workers do their jobs in the safest and healthiest environment possible. This is what Flares & Stacks, Inc. designs and constructs for its clients. Our standards of excellence in flare system stack construction meets and exceeds the regulation standards for flare systems upheld by the industry at large.
