With the consequences of the world's gas flaring practices only just beginning to be understood or even studied, this volume is the first in decades to tackle a very difficult hot-button issue for our time that could significantly reduce CO2 emissions and their affect on global warming.

When properly used and maintained, flare gas systems can be a safe and reliable technology for system protection and in controlling emissions stemming from emergency releases. However, when misused and/or not carefully maintained, flaring operations can be a significant source of toxic emissions that adversely impact on air quality. Further to this, there are often misconceptions and misrepresentations on flaring efficiencies. This has led to under reporting of releases of toxins within communities.

Flares are widely used throughout the oil refining and petrochemical industries to manage waste gases and as a means of safety control of over pressurization of process units. Both industry and environmental statutes concerning the regulation of flares characterize flaring as a safe practice that is capable of controlling air emissions to a high level of efficiency. But flaring operations are conducted far more frequently than systems were originally intended to operate, and aging refineries and petrochemical plants have given low priority to the critical maintenance and replacement of flare system components. The consequences have been far greater emissions than are generally reported along with serious accidents that have caused loss of lives and extensive damages to facility infrastructure and community property.

This volume is intended as a technical reference for refineries and chemical plants. The information contained herein is the result of reviewing the general literature of flaring options and technologies, reviewing industry and U.S. EPA-published studies, and examining some of the practices of certain refinery operations where information has been accessible.

About the Author

Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff, PhD, is a consultant to industry, international lending institutions, and donor agencies on pollution prevention and responsible environmental care practices. With a career spanning more than thirty years, he is also the author, coauthor, or editor of more than 150 technical books and hundreds of state-of-the-art review and scientific articles. He received his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in chemical engineering from Clarkson College of Technology.

Reviews

"Written by a chemical engineer, the book offers a comprehensive look at this complex subject . . . As the consequences of gas flaring practices become more widely understood, this reference can help professionals in refineries and chemical plants to reduce CO2 emissions." (Chemical Engineering Progress, 21 May 2013)

Book Information
ISBN 9781118237878
Author Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Wiley-Scrivener
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 243mm * 163mm * 21mm