Proper flare sizing is the cornerstone of safety in industrial processes

First and foremost, flares are used as a safety system to manage production incidents where explosive process gases need to be handled quickly and safely. While flaring eliminates the risk of explosion, it also breaks down most of the methane in the gas into carbon dioxide and combustion products.

In the processing industry, safety flares are among the most important safety components in many production units. Their essential purpose is to burn the gases released from the production process in a safe and controlled manner, both in planned situations and in the event of an incident.

Flares are also important backup devices. If the main equipment or process of an industrial facility fails, flares allow production to continue safely.

Elevated flares are the most common solution in the processing industry. They come in various models depending on gas types, pressure levels, and emission or radiation requirements. Typically, they feature an open, visible flame that releases heat and sound.

Flaring is never the preferred method of processing gases, and it should always be performed for a justified reason.

The following are examples of situations where flaring is appropriate.

• Incidents: When gas cannot be handled normally, the flare acts as a safety device that prevents the gas from entering the atmosphere untreated.
• Maintenance: When a production unit is ramped down for maintenance, its process units are gradually shut down, and the gases released are fed to a safety flare for combustion.
• Controlled pressure reduction: Flaring can be used to reduce the pressure of an industrial system in a controlled and safe way.
• Start-up: The start-up of production units often causes a temporary need for flaring when the process gases cannot yet be routed to normal production.

The reliability of a flare is always based on expert design, sizing and monitoring. The design of a flare system must take various factors into account, such as gas types and volumes, operating conditions, and the plant’s overall process.

A properly sized flare solution is an integral part of a functional and safe industrial process.

Looking for an experienced partner for industrial technology solutions? Sarlin designs and implements flare systems for a wide range of industrial needs with decades of experience in gas handling. We always tailor our solutions to meet the specific requirements of each process.

Sarlin offers flare solutions in various sizes, from single flares to extensive flare systems. The systems can consist of a number of separate flares that are activated as required. For example, in a three-flare system, the flares can be activated in steps as the gas volume increases.

For continuously active sites, we recommend isolated flares. We also offer so-called autonomous flares, which are able to self-pressurise the gas for their own use, eliminating the need for a separate gas pumping station. This makes the system more efficient and reduces the overall amount of equipment.

Sarlin also provides comprehensive lifecycle and maintenance services to keep your systems up and running year after year.