Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
(OP)
Hi
I work in a crude production plant and I was asked the other day about "reInsulating the flare headers after their regular maintence was over". I have about 2yrs exp in this field & i am running around in circles trying to figure this one out.
No one quite remembers why we need to insulate the headers, it seems insulation is a solution to a problem no one remembers.
the location I work in is a desert & hot and dry, so i don't quite get why we need insulation
I appreaicate any input on this
thanks
I work in a crude production plant and I was asked the other day about "reInsulating the flare headers after their regular maintence was over". I have about 2yrs exp in this field & i am running around in circles trying to figure this one out.
No one quite remembers why we need to insulate the headers, it seems insulation is a solution to a problem no one remembers.
the location I work in is a desert & hot and dry, so i don't quite get why we need insulation
I appreaicate any input on this
thanks





RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
The resulting mixture is usually at high temperature, and we need to have personal protection for that condition, so that, even if sombody touches it, he can feel max temp of 60°C.
In refineries, if suddenly material is relaesed,(in nights/winter) the temperature can be low enough to lead to cocondensation of hydrocarbon liquid, so the line will be sloped to drain the condensing liquid towards the surge drums.
RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
1. Protect equipment from structure failure in the event of a fire.
2. Protect employees from burns.
3. Minimize condensation in the lines (Doesn't it get cold at night in the desert?)
4. Help maintain process temperature constant for performance reasons,
etc.
RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
TAD123
RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
Is there a scrubber or knock-out drum in the header. If so, insulation might be required upstream of it.
Good luck,
Leo.
RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
David
RE: Insulation of flare headers in crude oil production plant
thanks again for all ur input