Flares. Part I: Flaring Technologies for Controlling VOC-Containing Waste Streams

The emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is attracting increasing concern from both public and government agencies. Among the many available control technologies for VOC-containing waste streams, flaring offers an ultimate disposal strategy rather than a means for collecting or concentrating the offending compounds. This article describes the major, commercially available flare systems that are designed to control VOC-containing waste streams. Their applicability and performance are discussed. A process description and design procedures are presented for steam-assisted elevated flares. The capital and operating costs estimates associated with a particular design are presented in a companion article. In this manner, a budget estimate can be obtained for the costs of controlling a waste stream containing VOCs.