Steam Flares

Steam is used in steam assisted flare tips to either achieve smokeless operation, maximize tip life, and/or to shape the flame depending on the flare tip technology applied.

The amount of steam supplied to the flare must be precise. Excessive steam flow will decrease the destruction efficiency and could possibly extinguish the flame. Insufficient steam during a flaring event can cause the flare to smoke or wear prematurely.

Many refineries, and chemical plants, have called to discuss how the refinery sector rules would impact their business as it relates to flaring, especially in net heating value (NHV) calculation and pilot monitoring.

There are many considerations in designing a steam flare system. EnviroPro is knowledgeable and experienced in steam flare applications. Contact us to discuss your project.

steam flare
steam flares
  • IS3 Steam Flare Tip
  • Upper Steam

IS3 Steam Flare Tip

Internal steam flare tips use inner steam to inspirate more air into the combustion zone. The steam manifold and nozzles are located in a lower position on the flare tip. The steam/air mixture is directed up through the inside of the flare tip to exit and mix with waste gas for burning.

This approach significantly reduces the amount of steam required to inject the same amount of air using upper steam tips. Relocating the manifold to a lower position on the flare tip allows a muffler to be installed, significantly reducing steam noise.

The IS3 is a great choice for many applications especially where customers seek maximized smokeless capacity and reduced noise, some of the most common include:

  • Ethylene Plant Flare
  • Coker Plant Flare
  • Refinery Flare
  • Butadiene Plant Flare
  • Propylene Plant Flare
  • Polyethylene/Polypropylene Plant Flare
Steam flares

Upper Steam

Sometimes referred to as steam assisted pipe flares, upper steam flares have a steam manifold near the top of the flare tip. The manifold distributes steam to nozzles surrounding the outside diameter of the flare tip, just above the flare tip exit. Steam injected into the combustion zone pulls air in along with it. This additional combustion air increases the amount of waste that can be burned for smokeless operation. Upper steam flare tips are often used where customers have lower smokeless capacity requirements or where less demanding waste gasses are being treated,

Upper Steam Assist flares incorporate a high-stability pilot and a flame retention system. With a high efficiency, low noise steam injection ring, the flare tip provides smokeless burning with quieter operation than traditional steam injection systems.

Steam flares