6 replies to this topic

[colt16]

Dear all, 

 

We recently experienced high vibrations in our flare header. We believe this is due to liquid sloshing happening in the liquid seal drum. 

 

Since then we lowered the liquid seal level a little bit and it seems to alleviate the vibrations. 

 

However, I'd like to check if anyone has ever attempted to design a liquid slosh alarm before that can detect these sloshings? This will alert operator to reduce the liquid seal level a little bit during flare load. 

 

I know this is not a long term solution but would like to mitigate this effect. 

 

[Bobby Strain]

Sounds like a fundamental flaw in the seal design. Is this a new system? If it has operated before without problem, I would look at the piping supports. Always the first thing to check.

 

Bobby

[colt16]

Sounds like a fundamental flaw in the seal design. Is this a new system? If it has operated before without problem, I would look at the piping supports. Always the first thing to check.

 

Bobby

 

Fairly new. Flare unit is around 3 years old ... 

[Bobby Strain]

Stable seal design uses a distributor. What does your seal look like?

[colt16]

Stable seal design uses a distributor. What does your seal look like?

 

It has a "jagged teeth" design. 

[Bobby Strain]

I have used those successfully in large and smaller flares. Never had vibrations that you are experiencing. Pulsations are generally low frequency. So be sure the piping is securely supported.

 

Bobby

[colt16]

I have used those successfully in large and smaller flares. Never had vibrations that you are experiencing. Pulsations are generally low frequency. So be sure the piping is securely supported.

 

Bobby

 

how do we define "low frequency"? 

 

Is there a way vibration or any movement at all can be totally avoided?