Safe Operation of Adjacent Multi-Point Ground Flares Predicted and Measured Flame Radiation in Cross Flow Wind Conditions

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Title Safe Operation of Adjacent Multi-Point Ground Flares Predicted and Measured Flame Radiation in Cross Flow Wind Conditions
Creator Smith, J.D.
Contributor Jackson, R., Sreedharan, V., Suo-Anttila, A.,
Date 2016-09-14
Spatial Coverage Kauai, Hawaii
Subject 2016 AFRC Industrial Combustion Symposium
Description Paper from the AFRC 2016 conference titled Safe Operation of Adjacent Multi-Point Ground Flares Predicted and Measured Flame Radiation in Cross Flow Wind Conditions
Abstract Multi-point ground flares (MPGF) are normally selected for processing large quantities of hydrocarbon gases generated in chemical processing and petrochemical refining units. These flares normally consist of hundreds of individual flare burners. These burners, oriented in a staggered configuration along feed lines, operate in a staged fashion. Staged operation allows safe and efficient processing of large flows of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon flare gases ranging from purge to full operating conditions. These flares include a wind fence designed to support efficient mixing of air with flare gas to reduce smoke formation and lower radiation levels associated with soot radiation. Safe operation is a significant concern due to expected radiation flux and associated high temperatures on surrounding equipment and in nearby work zones. Large MPGF's must operate safely and cleanly during all ambient conditions including high winds. The potential for non-standard ignition of large quantities of hydrocarbon fuels is also a significant safety concern. Previous testing by Zeeco has quantified the expected thermal radiation levels from multiple flare burners for various hydrocarbon fuels (i.e., ethylene, propane, natural gas, etc.). This paper compares predicted and measured radiation levels from testing conducted at Zeeco's flare test facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This paper presents results of a CFD analysis of a large MPGF to assess radiation flux and associated surface temperatures on the wind fence and surrounding locations. The impact of burner-burner spacing on cross lighting for wind blowing along and perpendicular to burner rows has been assessed. Results assess expected radiation flux and temperatures of nearby equipment and expected levels in designated work zones. Potential over-pressure conditions caused by partial ignition of a MPGF have been examined. This work helps establish guidelines for safe and efficient operation of large MPGF under various wind scenarios. Special attention was paid to safety issues associated with radiation flux and hot gas exposure of nearby operating process equipment and associated work locations.
Type Event
Format application/pdf
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ARK ark:/87278/s6pg62n5
Setname uu_afrc
ID 1387879
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6pg62n5