Abstract

NAVA, Eudo et al. Atmospheric dispersion from flare stack. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.1, pp.95-106. ISSN 0798-4065.

In this study we develop momentum, heat and mass transfer equations for a flare stack and Gaussian dispersion equations for atmospheric stability in the city of Maracaibo. First, the operational variables according to the proper dimension of the flare stack so that it may respond to complex petrochemical requirements, such as: i) mass feed rate; ii) hydrocarbon mixture composition; iii) wind speeds and surrounding temperature; iv) flame length; v) sound control and mach number; and vi) safety coordinates. The second part of the study analyses the atmospheric dispersion of gas combustion through these variables: i) emission rates of SO₂ and NO₂; ii) dispersion height; iii) atmospheric stability; and iv) dispersion coefficients. The results show that the stable operating condition of flare stacks based on an optimum mach number between 0,20 and 0,30 requires a feed rate between 400.000 lbm/hr and 600.000 lbm/hr, molar composition less than 70% and molecular weight of hydrocarbons mixture between 16 and 36.

Keywords : flare; stack; atmospheric dispersion; atmospheric stability; Maracaibo.