Why do refineries flare gas?

Why does the refinery need flares? Occasionally as part of the refinery process, more fuel gas (e.g., propane, butane) is produced than needed by the plants. The flare’s function is to eliminate this excess process gas by burning it off rather than venting potentially damaging hydro- carbons to the atmosphere.

How do gas flares work?

The typical flare used in the oil and gas industry is composed of a boom or stack which collects the unwanted gases to be flared. At its tip is an air-assist mechanism which combines free air with the generated gases being burned to improve combustion efficiency.

How does a flare stack work?

The tall, thin structure with flames or steam coming out of the top is called a flare stack. It’s a gas combustion device used at industrial sites to burn off waste or other unwanted gases.

What is flaring in oil and gas?

Flaring is the controlled burning of natural gas and a common practice in oil/gas exploration, production and processing operations. A flare system consists of a flare stack and pipes that feed gas to the stack. Because natural gas is valuable, companies would rather capture than flare it.

Why do flames come out of oil refineries?

Flares are important safety devices used in refineries and petrochemical facilities. They safely burn excess hydrocarbon gases which cannot be recovered or recycled. During flaring, excess gases are combined with steam and/or air, and burnt off in the flare system to produce water vapour and carbon dioxide.

What is the flame on the top of a refinery?

One of the prominent features of every oil refinery and petrochemical plant is a tall stack with a small flame burning at the top. This stack, called a flare, is an essential part of the plant safety system.

How does flare gas recovery system work?

Key to the safe operation of refineries and petrochemical facilities, the process involves capturing the gas from the flare knock-out vessel and compressing it using liquid ring compressors. The so-recovered gases can be reused within the facility’s fuel gas system, as a refinery feedstock or for re-injection.

What is the difference between flaring and venting?

Natural gas flaring is the controlled combustion of volatile hydrocarbons and venting is the direct release of natural gas into the atmosphere, typically in small amounts.

Why is there a flame at refineries?

Which gas is used in flare lamps?

6.6. 1 Sizing

Gas	Burner Diameter, cm	(Radiate Output)/(Thermal Output) × 100
Butane	20.3	28
40.6	29.9
Methane	0.51	10.3
0.91	11.6

How do Refinery flares work?

Why do refineries have so many lights?

Originally Answered: What is the purpose of all the lights on oil refineries? Safety. All parts of the refinery need to be easily seen 24/7/365. Maintenance, inspections, security, etc.