3.1.8 CETP Instructor PowerPoint Template

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Before ASME tank maintenance tasks can be done,
it may be necessary to evacuate propane liquid
and flare the propane vapor.

• In this module you will identify
• Procedures for conducting vapor flaring
  operations

3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 1
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Flaring is the process of burning LP-gas removed
from storage containers in a controlled and safe
manner.
NFPA 58 requires that LP-gas be burned at least
25 feet from combustibles.
Although venting vapor may be the simplest way to
evacuate a container, it is not the safest, and
not permitted in some areas.
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 1
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Types of Flaring Burners
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 1
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Types of Flaring Burners
Figure 4a. Electronic Ignition Flare Tower
Figure 4b. Top of Flare Tower Burning Propane
from Cylinder
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 2
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations

• The following procedures are limited to
• ASME tanks with capacities under 2,000 gallons
• Removing most of the liquid in the container with
  a pump or compressor before the flaring operation
  begins
• Using a suitable burner to flare the remaining
  propane in the container
• Flaring the propane at the bulk plant

3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 3
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Step 1 Evacuate as much liquid propane from the container as possible.
Step 2 Select the proper site for flaring the remaining propane in the container.
Figure 5. Recommended Site for Flaring
Containers (At Bulk Plant)
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 3
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Step 3 Select the necessary equipment for flaring the propane vapor remaining in the container.
The flare should have the following features A restrictive orifice or other gas flow controlling device (should incorporate a regulator) A built-in shutoff valve Designed for vapor service An approximate input rating of 500,000 Btu/hr. or less The flare should have the following features A restrictive orifice or other gas flow controlling device (should incorporate a regulator) A built-in shutoff valve Designed for vapor service An approximate input rating of 500,000 Btu/hr. or less
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 4
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
It is important to select a burner with both a
built-in shutoff and a regulator. This allows
for adjustment of the output of the burner and
prevents any excessive withdrawal from the tank
being flared. Remember, excessive withdrawal
could easily cause the tank to temporarily stop
vaporizing enough gas to supply the burner. This
condition may be noticed when a frost line
appears on the container yet sufficient liquid
may remain to re-pressurize the container when it
regains heat from surrounding air.
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 4
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Gas Supply Line
Figure 6. Supply Hose for Flaring Burner
3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 5
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations

• Gas Supply Line The supply line should
• Be an approved propane hose (350 psig working
  pressure 1,750 psig bursting pressure)
• Be at least 20 feet long (15 feet for safety
  distance with 5 feet of "slack"). If the
  container is leaking, the burner may have to be
  located more than 15 feet from the container
  being flared
• Have an excess-flow check valve installed on the
  inlet (container end) of the hose to limit the
  volume of gas released if the supply line breaks
  during the flaring operation

3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 5
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Burner Supports
Figure 7. Flaring Burner Supports
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Step 4 Assemble and connect all necessary hoses, fittings, burner, etc., to flare the remaining propane in the container. (Includes a recently inspected fire extinguisher minimum 18 BC rating)
Step 5 Pressure test the flaring assembly.
Step 6 Flare the remaining propane in the container.
When the pressure drops below 15 psig or, a frost line develops on the container, temporarily shut down the burner and allow the pressures in the tank or cylinder to increase. When the vapor pressure no longer increases above 15 psig, flare the remaining vapor until the burner extinguishes. When the pressure drops below 15 psig or, a frost line develops on the container, temporarily shut down the burner and allow the pressures in the tank or cylinder to increase. When the vapor pressure no longer increases above 15 psig, flare the remaining vapor until the burner extinguishes.
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Procedures for Conducting Vapor Flaring
Operations
Step 7 Bleed down and disconnect the flaring equipment.

• Flaring operations should incorporate the
  following safety practices and recommendations
• Flaring operations should never be left
  unattended and qualified personnel should
  continuously monitor flaring equipment and
  conditions.
• If qualified personnel must leave the flaring
  operation for any reason, the operation should be
  shut down and the valve(s) on the container being
  flared should be closed.

3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Page 9
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Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This
Module

• Complete the Review on page 10.
• See if you are ready for the Certification Exam
  by checking off the performance criteria on page
  11.

3.1.8 Student Book ? 2004 Propane Education Research Council Pages 10 11