Offsites · Refining
Flare System
The safety outlet of the refinery: relief valves send gas to a header, a knockout drum and a tall stack where it is burned.
What it does
Burns gas released during upsets, startups and shutdowns instead of venting it. The knockout drum keeps liquids out, a seal or purge gas prevents flashback, and steam at the tip cuts smoke.
Basics
| Parts | Relief header, knockout drum, seal, stack, pilots |
| Smoke control | Steam injection at the tip |
| Rule | No liquids to the flare |
Common failures
- Liquid carryover that rains burning hydrocarbon from the stack
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Black smoke at the flare
- Likely cause
- Not enough steam for the gas load
- What to check
- Increase tip steam and find the source of the release