Discussion on the layout of surface flares for hydrogenation projects
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Recently, during the environmental impact assessment of the project, some experts suggested that the safety vent gases from hydrogenation units, especially those used for processing residue oil or wax oil with high sulfur content, should only be discharged into elevated flares and not into ground-level flares. Moreover, page 26 of GB50160 does not mention anything regarding this issue. Since some projects are of small scale and cover a limited area, installing elevated flares would require a significant increase in land use. How have those working on these projects approached this issue? Are there any regulations specifying which types of devices can be used in ground-based flares? Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts!
Are experts worried that hydrogen sulfide might be present in the gas being released? In the case of ground-based flares, if the flame does not stay lit, hydrogen sulfide, which has a lower density than air, will leak out and can easily cause poisoning and harm to people. On elevated structures, if the flame remains unlit, the hydrogen sulfide gets diluted and disperses over a larger area, reducing the risk somewhat. This is just my personal opinion
Yes, that’s what the experts mean. Are there any clear regulations specifying this? What is the probability that a perpetual light will go out? In the case of small businesses, for example, if a tall torch is used, few devices can be placed around it
According to SH3009-2013 \"Design Code for Fuel Gas Systems and Flammable Gas Emission Systems in Petrochemical Enterprises\", 10.1.1 specifies that surface flares are used to handle non-toxic or less toxic flammable gases! The likelihood that an eternal light will stop working depends mainly on the choice of equipment; generally, conventional ignition devices for eternal lights have a high failure rate. When multiple ignition units are used, they need to be replaced entirely every 2–3 years! The spacing between overhead torches is primarily determined by the issue of fire rain; by taking measures to prevent fire rain under the overhead structures, the required safety spacing can be significantly reduced!
Does it contain hydrogen sulfide? Take a look at SH3009
Even if the torch is not extinguished, it cannot be guaranteed that hydrogen sulfide will be completely burned off, and it will still cause pollution to the ground
Even if all the hydrogen sulfide is burned, it still depends on the emission rate of sulfur dioxide and its concentration at the ground level. We have carried out ground torch emissions of hydrogen sulfide; before signing the technical agreement, we asked the client to modify the data and remove hydrogen sulfide, with the client taking responsibility in case anything goes wrong – the torch manufacturer is not involved in that. Otherwise, no one would dare to do it. Accidents will definitely occur if the hydrogen sulfide level is high.