2 replies to this topic

[Poet]

Hello, I'm junior process engineer working for EPC contractor.

 

Recently, for cleaning purpose, our Company requested us to confirm the necessity of steam purge for acid gas flare header.

 

However, most relieving fluid heading to acid gas flare consists of high concentration of H2S and SO2. I'm worrying that when steam is condensed into water and contacts remaining relieving fluid compound, they seem to be converted into acidic fluid, causing corrosion issue.

 

I would like to know steam purge for acid gas flare header is really available and whether such cleaning method is generally used or not.

 

Thank you

 

 

[ankur2061]

Hi,

 

Steam is definitely a very good cleaning medium for removing scaling and deposits, if you know for sure that this is why the acid flare header needs cleaning. You can use steam but with a caveat. You will need to dry out the flare header by blowing nitrogen (preferred) or air after the steam blowing and ensure that no traces of water remain in the acid flare header.

 

If you decide to use steam for cleaning, make sure that you use steam which is somewhat superheated instead of saturated steam.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Regards,

Ankur.

[Poet]

 

 

Thank you very much for reply. I'll try to discuss with Company.