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Dear all,

 

I have a problem to calculated radiation from ground flare.... the major problem is the flare stack is horizontal ( because there is a possibility flare gas contain liquid..but in radiation study assumed no liquid),

is there any different to calculate radiation effect between horizontal stack and elevated vertical stack,,,API 521 just give calculation for elevated flare...

 

thanks...sorry for my bad English..

[ankur2061]

eonecaem,

 

Ground flares do not require radiation calculations because they are fully enclosed with a fence capable of absorbing the radiation generated from the flare. I had written a standard for an operating company in the middle-east where ground flares were also a subject. I will reproduce the overview about ground flares from that standard:

 

Ground Flares

A ground flare is a fully shielded device that produces essentially no ground level radiation. Ground flares are for on-shore installations only.

Following is the justification for providing ground flares :

- To eliminate or reduce radiant heat to nearby equipment or work areas.

- To reduce noise in the immediate vicinity.

- To make the flare flame less obvious for community relations.

- To potentially achieve improved emissions.

- Ground flares use multiple burner tips arranged on staged burners, ensuring smokeless burning under all flow conditions.

- Ground flares generally have higher total costs compared to an elevated flare for the same load.

- Ground flares have lower operation costs and better turndown (generally 0 to 100%).

 

If you want to have an idea of how enclosed ground flares are configured refer figures 4, 5 & 6 of API STD 537 (Flare Details for General Refinery & Petrochemical Service, 2003 edition).

 

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

Ankur