The Flaretot program is designed to solve flare network problems, either for new network design, revamp and horizontal / vertical auditing.
A rigorous approach to Flare problems is used to endeavour to get the most accurate solution possible, while use of in built data source, an integrated physical property simulator and clear interfaces all help to minimise setup time. Designs can be comparatively accurate from an early stage in the project, thus reducing redesign throughout project life.
Use of transparent (detailed) reporting and support for simultaneous solution using different methods is used throughout since we believe this helps checking and reduce unsuitable design by poorly chosen input data.
Comprehensive help files and standalone tutorials are provided to help reduce user training requirements.
We are also constantly striving to improve Flaretot by adding functionality and improving methods, and these updates are provided without charge during the licence period.
HYDRAULIC NETWORK ANALYSIS AND INTERFACE
At the core of Flaretot, is a windows style graphic interface where the piping network is defined. The data defined in sources and resulting from the hydraulic analysis is linked to many of the modules in Flaretot.
In addition, if flare network analysis is not required, but rather flare property related modules, like radiation or dispersion, it is equally as easy to set up a simple system to define the flare properties.
It addresses all possible conditions of flow likely in flare networks, (compressible, two-phase flashing flow & potential for sonic conditions at pipe exits).
Easy to use interface
Windows style graphic interface is designed to reduce user learning curve.
Network is fast to set up using drag and drop
functionality with on screen connectivity. The drawing space is not constrained, so that even large complicated networks can be modelled.
The interface supports quick header building and full copy and paste functionality.
Move seamlessly to Flaretot - Import and export data
Piping network models can be imported and exported to Flarenet™.
Stream and component data from process simulators (currently Hysys® and ProII™) can easily be imported and mapped to source / cases in the Flare piping network.
User input is minimised as component mapping is automated to aliases used in the simulators and source mapping is automatic if equivalent stream / source names are used. Full user override control is provided. Data clarity helps reach a solution faster
A full piping network property summary with pipe sizing criteria can be viewed and exported to spreadsheet
format. Flowrate, pressure, temperature and Mach number data is provided directly on the interface drawing to help identify bottlenecks in the system. Colour coding also gives additional feedback for example for undefined units.
CASE MANAGEMENT Source cases
Cases in sources provide data for hydraulic analysis and device sizing. An unlimited number can be created.
Network cases
Network cases map source cases to a given overall plant scenario. An unlimited number can be created.
Use grid based source to network case mapping Active source cases in each network case are easily defined in the case manager grid.
When a network case is active, non-contributing sources are greyed out on the network drawing.
PIPE SIZING AND CLASSES
Size piping using sizing criteria
Piping can be automatically sized using any combination of maximum velocity, mach number, Density x Velocity2
and maximum pressure.
Piping is selected from network classes Both user and automatic pipe selection is based on classes defined in the network so that data does not have to be input from piping class tables. Classes can always be overridden for cases where final project classes do not exactly match.
Piping class definitions reduce data input Network piping classes use design temperature / pressure conditions, material and other piping design parameters such as weld type etc. to allow selection of suitable pipe for given nominal bores.
Typically these should closely match final project specifications. This ensures preliminary design can proceed with close to final design pipe sizes even though piping classes may not be available until the project is well under way.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Flaretot has a built in physical property calculator with 310 library components. Library components can be located easily using name/synonyms, formula or CAS number. The Peng-Robinson EOS and Lee Kesler methods for enthalpy are used for flash and fluid properties.
Petroleum fractions and components not in the library can be defined as user components using the flexible user component designer, which supports both Petro and Joback group contribution methods. The Joback group contribution method is presented in a clear diagrammatic form.
Liquid temperature dependent properties can be calibrated with known data. Feedback on predicted property data is presented in chart form.
FLARE RADIATION MODULE
Calculates combined radiation for multiple flares
Radiation is calculated at user specified points for all or selected flares.
Data is linked to network
Flare data for radiation calculations is derived from the flare network, so no further data entry is required.
Uses detailed flame shape models
Various 3D multi-point flame shape and length models with up to 100 points ensure the highest level of accuracy.
Uses detailed flame radiation models
The mixed IMS model allows any combination of traditional opaque IDS or transparent IPS models to be used for radiation prediction.
Several methods for heat fraction radiated are provided, with velocity and molecular weight correction.
Size the stack based on maximum radiation requirements.
Generate contour plots
Generate plan and side view (from 2 directions) contour plots.
Overlay the plots onto scaled images such as plot plans.
FLARE STACK DISPERSION MODULE
Calculates combined pollutant for multiple flares Uses gaussian model to calculate pollutant levels at user specified points can be calculated for all or selected flares, with any combination of flared or flame out conditions. Data is derived from the flare network as in the radiation module.
Detailed plume shape calculation
The briggs equation models plume shape for both hot bouyant and cold jet plumes.
Covers a range of meteorological conditions A range of dispersion coefficients are included covering
atmospheric stability, and rural/urban conditions. Wind speed is corrected for height and conditions.
Includes sampling time basis
The sampling time basis for concentration values can be changed to a user value.
Combustion calculated automatically.
The concentration of combustion product pollutants is calculated automatically as well as combustion temperature.
Generate contour plots
Generate plan and side view contour plots showing plume and stack, and overlay on scaled images.
FLARE NOISE MODULE
Calculate combined noise from multiple flares
Sound pressure levels at user specified points can be calculated for all or selected flares. Data is derived from the flare network as in the radiation module.
Uses custom or standard noise spectrum
Generate contour plots
Generate plan and side view contour plots and overlay on scaled images such as terrain maps.
Actual flare frequency spectrums can be supplied or a typical built in profile can be used.
Calculates atmospheric attenuation
Calculates attenuation by frequency to ISO9613 standard.
Reports A or C weighted sound pressure levels.
SHIELDING MODULE
Supports user or water shields
Define user (usually mesh type) or water spray shields. Attenuation for water shields can be based on flare combustion temperature.
Define shield shape from sections
Define the shield shape from sections of rectangles, circles and polygons, and rotate into 3D space for actual shield position.
Included in radiation and flare noise calculations modules Both attenuation of radiation and noise (by frequency) is modelled.
VESSEL DEPRESSURISATION MODULE
Rigorous calculations
The blowdown module uses a rigorous component property and phase model combined with unsteady state wall and insulation heat conduction to predict conditions during vessel depressurising. Blowdown of vertical, horizontal and spherical vessels can be modelled. Rigorous restriction orifice flowrate calculations are used rather than generic pressure / flowrate equations so that simulated conditions are as realistic as possible.
Model both fire and normal blowdown
Wall property library data provided
A small library of metal and wall temperature dependent properties for the metal wall and insulation is provided to minimise data input required.
Solution feedback provided in chart form
Extensive feedback on the blowdown calculation is given in chart form to aid in reaching a viable solution with a
Includes wall stress analysis
Metal wall stress calculations are included to allow a realistic assessment of possible wall rupture during blowdown.
Calculated stress during blowdown is overlaid on the material allowable stress chart, so it is clear where allowable stress may be exceeded.
STRUCTURAL STEEL TEMPERATURE RISE MODULE
Calculates transient temperature rise
Predicts tubular metal element temperature rise with time resulting from flare radiation.
Rigorous modelling
Uses a detailed 4 quadrant model with radiation and re-radiation, conduction and convection taken into account. Convection coefficients for heat transfer to air are calculated internally.
RELIEF VALVE SIZING MODULE
Create stand alone or network linked calculations
Rigorous sizing for all flow conditions Size to API520 and rigorous DIERS method.
Unlimited sizing cases
Use any number of sizing cases, which can also be linked to relief load calculations.
Supports ASME VIII and BS5500
Use ASMEVIII multiple or supplemental fire valves.
Automatic valve selection based on API526
Includes excess area minimisation analysis.
Create API style or custom data sheets
Rigorous piping installation analysis Analyse the inlet / outlet piping
and fittings in detail by defining the installation from piping elements and using rigorous pressure drop methods including DIERS and Beggs Brill. Create
pressure profiles.
RUPTURE DISK SIZING MODULE
Create stand alone or network linked calculations
Unlimited sizing cases
Size using Kd or Kr methods
Supports coefficient of discharge and flow resistance methods.
Size to API and rigorous DIERS methods Detailed piping installation analysis
Kr method uses the same approach as relief valve piping analysis, rather than a lumped K value.
View pressure profile for Kr sizing.
RELIEF LOADS
Link relief load calculations to cases
Relief load calculations are included in the case list for network sources, and device sizing calculations (relief valves & rupture disks). The sizing results from the calculation provide the case data.
All calculation properties are component based
Fire relief load
The fire relief load supports vertical, horizontal and spherical vessel types.
Connected piping and equipment is included
Takes into account partial fire exposure and insulation Uses API521 methods or heat transfer model.
Tube rupture relief load
Includes rigorous DIERS method to cater for 2 phase, flashing liquid and retrograde condensation cases. Allows for hot shellside liquid relief load heating.
Gas blowby relief load
Models gas escape through a liquid control valve. Includes control valve rating using ISA equations and
allows for attached fittings.
Includes bypass valve modelling (adiabatic/isothermal) Has database of typical control and bypass valve
coefficients. All data is defined
on a graphic
interface for clarity.
KNOCK OUT DRUM SIZING MODULE
Supports unlimited stand alone or network linked calculations
Sizes vertical or horizontal knock out drums
Sizes based on user provided hold-up time and droplet size criteria.
FLARE SYSTEM PURGE RATE MODULE
Calculate required purge rate with 3 methods
The Husa, Tan and modified Husa methods are provided to calculate a maximum 6% oxygen concentration at a distance of 25f from the flare tip.
ADDITIONAL NOISE MODULES
Calculate noise produced by control valves and piping.
PHYSICAL PROPERTY CALCULATOR MODULE
Generate additional physical properties Perform a flash calculation and generate additional physical properties for a specified composition.
Create physical property tables
Data for a selected pressure and temperature range.
Generate phase envelopes Make standard dry based phase envelopes
Make full phase envelopes showing 2 and 3 phase regions
UNIT CONVERSION MODULE
Aside from the ability to select custom units for the flare network, Flaretot also offers a unit conversion module covering conversion from a wide range of other units.