What is the role of flare systems at an LNG loading terminal?

The role of flare systems at an LNG loading terminal is to safely combust waste gases and vapors that cannot be recovered or processed, particularly during emergency situations, maintenance activities, and process upsets. Flare systems are a crucial safety device to prevent the release of flammable or toxic gases into the atmosphere, which could pose a significant fire or explosion hazard. During LNG loading operations, boil-off gas (BOG) is generated in the LNG carrier's tanks. While BOG is typically recovered and reliquefied, there may be situations where the BOG recovery system is unavailable or the BOG generation rate exceeds the capacity of the recovery system. In these cases, the excess BOG is sent to the flare system for safe disposal. Similarly, during maintenance activities, equipment may need to be depressurized, resulting in the release of hydrocarbon vapors. These vapors are also sent to the flare system. The flare system consists of a flare stack, which is a tall chimney-like structure, and a flare burner, which is located at the top of the stack. The waste gases are piped to the flare burner, where they are mixed with air and ignited. The combustion process converts the hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are released into the atmosphere. Flare systems are designed to operate reliably and efficiently, even under adverse weather conditions. They typically include features such as pilot flames, which ensure continuous ignition, and steam injection systems, which reduce smoke and noise. While flare systems are essential safety devices, they also contribute to air pollution. Therefore, LNG loading terminals are designed to minimize flaring whenever possible by implementing efficient BOG recovery systems and optimizing operating procedures.