flare

petroleum refinery

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

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In a petroleum refinery, a flare is a crucial safety system. It's a tall stack with a flame at the top, designed to burn off volatile hydrocarbons. This controlled burning prevents explosive mixtures of hydrocarbons and air from forming, especially during equipment failures, plant shutdowns, or emergency conditions. While normally only a pilot light is visible, during emergencies, the flare system safely disposes of large quantities of gases. Flares are essential off-site facilities, alongside tankage, utilities, and environmental treatment units, ensuring the safe operation of the refinery.12

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petroleum refining
Flares
One of the prominent features of every oil refinery and petrochemical plant is a tall stack with a small flame burning at the top. This stack, called a flare, is an essential part of the plant safety system. In the event of equipment failure…
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One of the prominent features of every oil refinery and petrochemical plant is a tall stack with a small flame burning at the top. This stack, called a flare, is an essential part of the plant safety system. In the event of equipment failure…
Read More