0. What is purpose of flare piping?

1. What should we consider for support study of flare header (support type and
layout for big pipe size)?
2. What data should be get for thermal bowing stress analysis (different temp.)?
3. Do we need to consider slope of big size in the model (1/500)?
4. How will we input data in the model to simulate this thermal bowing effect?

0. What is purpose of flare piping?

All Refineries and some Chemical plants have highly flammable gasses that may be released
through a PSV (Pressure Safety Valve) when the PSV set pressure is exceeded by the
system pressure. All of these hydrocarbon and Chemical PSVs are (or should be) piped to a
collection header which is routed to a Flare Knock-Out Drum and then to a tall Flare Stack
where the Gasses are safely burned off. The Flare Knock-Out drum provides a place for any
liquid condensables to be removed and pumped back to the plant for reprocessing. The
Flare Knock-Out Drum is normally located about 300 feet (100 meters) from the Flare
Stack. A Flare Stack is capable of generating very high and intense heat for long periods of
time during a full plant shut-down. So it should be located as far as possible from all other
plant equipment and facilities as well as any public homes, shops, schools, hospitals, etc.
1. What should we consider for support study of flare header (support type and layout for
big pipe size)?
The Flare Header is normally a large line, 24" (DN600) or 30" (DN750) or larger. This line
would normally be supported above the pipe rack on the centerline of one of the pipe rack
columns. The pipe rack column is extended up to form a "T" pipe support at a graduated
elevation so the line slopes toward the Flare Knock-Out Drum. The top bar of the "T" must
be very wide to allow for line movement and have tall and very strong "Stops" to prevent
the pipe from jumping off the support.

2. What data should be get for thermal bowing stress analysis (different temp.)?
Do an overall Flare Header Isometric Diagram and locate all the hot discharges. Then do a
temperature degradation study on the hot discharges. Don't get too finite with it you will
not be able to determine if the release is during the heat of a mid summer day or the dead
of the coldest winter night. Keep it a general condition study.
3. Do we need to consider slope of big size in the model (1/500)?
Yes you need to slope the Flare Header from in the plant (farthest & highest) point down to
the top of the Flare Knock-Out Drum. Slope the Flare Header from the Drum up (at the
same 1/500 slope) to the Flare Stack.