Project Synopsis
Perform a brief evaluation and recommend appropriate steps needed to properly tie in thermal relief devices into an existing maintenance flare system at a pipeline terminal facility.
Project Summary
STUDY TO CONVERT A MAINTENANCE FLARE INTO A PROCESS FLARE
The client, a regional engineering company, was asked by the ultimate client, a pipeline operating company, to provide an assessment of an existing flare system for a pipeline terminal in Texas. More specifically, the client wanted to tie the thermal relief system into their existing maintenance flare. To properly tie in the thermal relief devices, the flare would need to be transformed into a process flare and the client needed to know what was required to accomplish this task. Process Engineering Associates, LLC (PROCESS) was contracted by the client to answer these questions.
To determine the requirements to transform the site’s maintenance flare into a process flare, the following tasks were accomplished by Process:
- A review of API 521 “Pressure-Relieving and Depressuring Systems” and API 537 “Flare Details for General Refinery and Petrochemicals Service” was completed
- A simulation model was developed for the materials flowing to the flare via PROCESS‘ licensed computer process simulation software, CHEMCAD
- Calculations were completed to determine the amount of thermal radiation that the flare would generate under worst case conditions.
The results and recommendations from the tasks listed above were summarized in a written letter report and submitted to the client.
Industry Type
- Gas Pipeline
Utilized Skills
- Evaluation of process changes
- Flare system design