Gas Processors Association Europe

James Marriott, Process Systems Enterprise Ltd., UK, Brian Marshall and Alexis Haro, Softbits, UK

Determining the minimal required Flare System size, layout and equipment during the early stages of the design is essential in order to minimize costs and avoid late design changes. Existing Flare and Relief Systems are often potentially bottlenecked when considering plant upgrades and expansions. Conventional steady state calculation methods can result in Flare Systems being over designed requiring larger and more costly flare stacks, tips, network headers and relief valves. Revamp and expansion projects may be jeopardised by this unnecessary higher cost.

This paper shows how up to date computer dynamic analysis and detailed evaluations of Flares can yield significant savings in both weight and cost of Flare and Relief systems.