Estimate flare radiation intensity

Abstract

Thermal radiation intensity from flares is more accurately determined when the flame source is considered as a surface. Flares show very peculiar engineering and hygienic problems compared with other combustion equipment for conversion of toxic or polluting substances into less or non-noxious products. Experimental methods for predicting radiation have been researched in scale models dealing with observed flame shape and size. Prediction of jet diffusion flame shape and size in crosswind is of practical interest to assess radiative heat flux to neighboring plant structures or operating personnel. Since luminous flame radiation depends on parameters which are generally difficult to assess, empirical equations are usually applied, giving radiative heat flux as a function of molecular mass and calorific value of waste gas.