Flare efficiency studies. In a comprehensive study, funded by government and industry, emissions from steam‐ and air‐assisted flares were tested. 99% combustion efficiencies were achieved

Abstract

Flares are used to control both emergency and low-level continuous releases of combustible gases. Information on the effectiveness of flares to completely combust these gases, the combustion efficiency, is limited because of the difficulty and expense involved in measuring flare emissions. As a result, various regulatory initiatives have been based on limited knowledge. Recent environmental concerns by both industry and government have recognized the need to better quantify flare combustion efficiencies. Recognizing this need, the Chemical Manufacturers Association, jointly with EPA, structured, funded, and executed a test to better quantify flare efficiencies. The objectives of the test program included determination of hydrocarbon combustion and destruction efficiencies for an air-assisted and a steam-assisted flare burning propylene. The primary-flare operating variables studied in this flare test program were flow rate of the flare gas, heating value of the flare gas, steam-to-flare gas ratio (steam flare only), and smoking and non-smoking conditions. 13 references.