Flare Minimization Strategy for Ethylene Plants

Flaring is an important but passive method in ethylene plants to protect plant personnel, facilities, and the ambient environment. However, excessive flaring emits huge amounts of CO, CO 2 , NO x , and hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause locally transient air pollution problems and negative societal impacts. Flaring may also cause high losses of raw material and energy that could generate more desired products for the industry. Thus, flare minimization has great benefits to environmental, societal, and industrial sustainability. Based on current industrial practices, a general strategy for flare minimization under various ethylene plant events is presented.