Flaresim Modul

COPYRIGHT
The copyright in this manual and its accompanying software are the property of Softbits
Consultants Ltd with all rights reserved. Both this manual and the software have been
provided pursuant to a License Agreement containing restrictions on use.
Softbits Consultants Ltd reserves the right to make changes to this manual or its
accompanying software without obligation to notify any person or organisation.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system or translated into any other language in any form or by any means, or disclosed to
third parties without the prior written consent of Softbits Consultants Ltd.
WARRANTY
Softbits Consultants Ltd or its agents will replace any defective manual, program disks
within 90 days or purchase of the product providing that proof of purchase is evident. All
warranties on the disks and manual and any implied warranties are limited to 90 days from
the date of purchase. Neither Softbits Consultants Ltd nor its agents or dealers make any
warranty, implied or otherwise, with respect to the software.
The Flaresim software is intended for use by a qualified engineer. The interpretation of the
results from this software are the sole responsiblity of the user.
Softbits Consultants Ltd shall bear no liability for the loss of revenue or other incidental or
consequential damages arising from the use of this software.
The governing law of this warranty shall be that of England.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Softbits Consultants Ltd would like to express their gratitude to Mr. John F. Straitz III and
the National Airoil Company and GBA Ltd of Slough for assistance in the development of
some algorithms within the software.
Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright Softbits Consultants Ltd, 1989, 1990, 2002
Table of Contents
1 Introduction.................................................. 1-1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Program Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Documentation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
2 Installation.................................................... 2-1
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Installing Flaresim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Installing License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Obtaining A License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
3 Getting Started............................................. 3-1

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Simple Flare Stack Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Sonic Tip Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Two Tip Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Welltest Burner Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
4 Interface........................................................ 4-1
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Menu Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Tool Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Log Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
File Dialogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
About View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Chart Control Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
5 General Setup .............................................. 5-1

5.1
5.2
Case Summary View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Case Description View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
5.3
5.4
Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Component Management View . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
6 Fluids ............................................................ 6-1

6.1
6.2
Fluid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Assist Fluid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
7 Environment................................................. 7-1
7.1
Environment View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
8 Stacks ........................................................... 8-1

8.1
Stack View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
9 Tips ............................................................... 9-1

9.1
Tip View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
10 Receptors ................................................... 10-1

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
Receptor Point View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Receptor Point Summary View . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Receptor Grid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Overlay Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Using Overlays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
11 Calculations ............................................... 11-1

11.1
Calculation Options View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
12 Printing ....................................................... 12-1

12.1
12.2
12.3
Print Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4

Graphic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7
Print Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-11
13 Calculation Methods ................................. 13-1

13.1
13.2
2
Thermal Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4

Surface Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
13.3
13.4
13.5
Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-23
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-25
A Graphic Report Layout............................... A-1

A.1
A.2
Introduction to XML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Layout File Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Introduction
1-1
1 Introduction
Page
1.1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2
Program Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.3
Flaresim Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Object Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Running a Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Documentation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1-1
1-2
1-2
Introduction
1-3
Flaresim is a computer program designed to assist professional

engineers in the design and evaluation of flare systems. The program
calculates the thermal radiation and noise generated by flares and
estimates the temperatures of exposed surfaces.
Flaresim provides a user friendly interface that follows standard
Windowstm conventions. The program actions are by menu and
toolbar options. Data entry is through a series of data views
controlled from an overall summary view. Context sensitive help is
available at all points to assist the user in the use of the program and
selection of appropriate design parameters.
Output from the Flaresim is highly customisable with the user
having the freedom to select summary or detailed output. The
reports also include graphical output where appropriate.
Experienced flare system engineers should read the remainder of
this chapter for an overview of the way that Flaresim does its
calculations. They may then find that they will be able to use the
program with assistance from the help system without further
reference to the manual. However we would recommend study of
the manual to become familiar with the full range of options and
recommendations for using the program.
Engineers new to flare system design should work through the
examples in the Getting Started section of the manual after first
reading this chapter. The examples provide a step by step guide to
using Flaresim for flare system design and highlight some of the
critical parameters that must be determined.
1-3
1-4
Features
1.1 Features
The following features highlight the main capabilities of Flaresim.
Equally applicable to the design of flare systems for offshore
platforms, gas plants, refineries and chemical plants.
Data may be entered and reported in the users choice of units
and may be converted at any time.
Correlations are available for modelling a range of flare tips
including sonic tips, pipeflare tips and steam or air assisted tips.
For assisted flares the quantity of steam or air required for
smokeless operation can be calculated.
A number of correlations are provided to predict the fraction of
heat radiated from flames of a range of hydrocarbon fluids with
different types of flare tip.
Liquid flaring systems can be handled.
A wide range of algorithms for calculation of thermal radiation.
These include integrated multipoint methods in addition to the
Hajek/Ludwig and Brzustowski/Sommer methods which are
described in the API guidelines for flare system design.
Full three dimensional flame shape analysis with complete flexibility in specification of the location and orientation of multiple
stacks.
A range of options for defining and analysing the noise spectrum
generated by flare systems including user defined spectra.
Ability to define multiple environmental scenarios to allow rapid
evaluation of flare system performance under different wind
speeds and directions.
Multiple stacks/booms which can each have multiple flare tips.
1-4
Introduction
1-5
Calculation of radiation, noise spectrum and surface temperatures at multiple receptor points.
Ability to define multiple receptor grids in multiple planes for
calculation of radiation, noise or surface temperatures.
Plotting of grid results as isopleth contours for sterile area
definition.
Receptor point characteristics for calculating surface temperatures include mass, absorbtivity, emissivity, area, specific heat,
orientation and initial temperature.
Sizing of stack or boom length to meet radiation, noise or surface temperature limits at defined receptor points.
Import of files from previous DOS version of Flaresim.
Quality Assurance options are included in the reports.
Customisable HTML reports
Customisable graphic reports
The wide range of calculation options available within Flaresim may
lead to the possibility of selecting inappropriate correlations for a
particular combination of fluid type and flare system configuration.
While we have tried to prevent the use of the move obvious
problems we have tried to allow flexibility for one off situations.
As with all engineering computer software, Flaresim is a tool which
should not be expected to replace sound engineering judgement.
Softbits Consultants Ltd are always interested in continuing product
development to ensure that Flaresim meets the needs of our clients.
Should you wish to see any feature incorporated in Flaresim, please
feel free to contact us at support@softbits.co.uk. If the request is
reasonable we will endeavour to include it in future releases of the
program.
1-5
1-6
Program Overview
1.2 Program Overview

The Flaresim program has been developed to provide great
flexibility in modelling by breaking down flare systems into a
number of objects such as fluids, stacks, tips etc. These individual
objects are then linked together to define the flare system.
Flaresim provides a Case Summary view, see Figure 1-1, that
shows a tree structure of all the objects that have been defined in a
given model and provides a rapid overview of which ones are
currently complete and in use.
Case Summary Icons
Figure 1-1, Case Summary view
Required object
present
Required object
missing
Optional object
Permanent object
Object data complete
Object data missing
Object ignored
1.2.1 Flaresim Objects

The objects that can be defined are:Case Details
Each model contains a single Case Details object which defines
descriptive information.
1-6
Introduction
1-7
Fluids
A model can contain multiple fluid objects. Each object describes
the physical properties of a fluid to be flared such as density, lower
heating value, lower explosive limit etc. Fluids may be defined
either by entering bulk properties or by defining the composition of
the fluid to allow calculation of its properties from pure component
data. A single fluid can be flared through multiple tips.
Environments
A model can contain multiple environment objects each of which
describes a combination of wind speed, direction, humidity etc.
Only one environment object can be active for a set of calculations.
Stacks
Multiple stack objects can be defined which may be active or
ignored in any set of calculations. Stack data includes length,
location and orientation. Each stack may support multiple flare tips.
Tips
Multiple tip objects can be defined and set active or ignored in a set
of calculations. Tip data includes tip type and associated calculation
methods, dimensions and stack location data and the flow and
selection of the fluid being flared. Tip objects provide access to
flame shape and other tip specific results.
Receptor Points
Multiple receptor point objects can be defined and then set active or
ignored in a set of calculations. Receptor point data includes
location, characteristics for surface temperature calculation and
constraints for sizing calculations. Receptor point objects provide
access to results calculated for the point.
Receptor Grids
Multiple receptor grid objects can be defined and then activated or
ignored in a set of calculations. Receptor grid data includes
orientation, location and coarseness data as well as characteristics
for surface temperature calculations. Receptor grid objects provide
access to their calculated results including contour plots of radiation,
noise and surface temperature.
1-7
1-8
Program Overview
Assist Fluids
Multiple assist fluid objects may be defined and used by one or more
flare tips. Data includes assist fluid type and calculation method to
be used.
Calculation Options
A single calculation options object defines the correlations to be
used in the calculations. It also provides for selection of a stack to be
sized if required in design calculations.
Component Management
A single component library manager object allows maintenance of
the pure component database.
1.2.2 Object Definition

Flaresim objects are created by selecting the branch in the Case
Summary view and then clicking the Add button. Alternatively the
Add menu can be used.
Creation of an object automatically opens its view to allow its data
to be entered. When all the required data has been entered the Status
Text at the bottom of the view will indicate Complete as shown in
Figure 1-2.
Some objects have more data items than will fit on a single form so
their views have been divided into multiple tabs, for example the
Tip view as shown in Figure 1-2 has tabs for Details, Location &
Dimensions, Fluids, Results, Noise and Flame Shape. Individual
tabs are selected by clicking on their name.
1-8
Introduction
1-9
Figure 1-2, Tip View
Existing objects can be updated by double clicking them in the Case

Summary view, selecting them in the Case Summary view and
clicking the View button or by selecting them through the View
menu.
1.2.3 Running a Model

In order to run calculations a Flaresim model must contain at least
one of each of the following objects in an active state.
Fluid object
Environment object
Stack object
Tip object
While this is sufficient to perform calculations this will not calculate
any radiation, noise or surface temperature results without addition
of at least one active Receptor Point or Receptor Grid.
1-9
1-10
Program Overview
Calculations are started by clicking the

icon in the tool bar. The
model will then be solved using the current correlations and options
selected in the Calculation Options object. Progress of calculations
and any problems encountered are reported in the Message window
at the bottom right of the Flaresim screen.
Results from the calculations may be viewed through the
appropriate tabs in the Tip view, Receptor Point view or Receptor
Grid view. Results may be viewed in tabular or graphical format
where appropriate. Alternatively results can be viewed and printed
through the File - Print menu item.
1-10
Introduction
1-11
1.3 Documentation Overview

The remainder of the Flaresim manual is structured as follows:Chapter 2 describes installation of the software and activation with
license file.
Chapter 3 provides a getting started guide with detailed worked
examples.
Chapter 4 describes the layout and concepts of the Flaresim
interface, Menu structure, Log Panels and File Dialogs.
Chapter 5 provides a guide to the general setup views including
Case Summary, Case Details, Preferences and Component
Management.
Chapter 6 describes the Fluid and Assist Fluid object views.
Chapter 7 describes the Environment object view.
Chapter 8 describes the Stack object view.
Chapter 9 describes the Tip object view.
Chapter 10 describes the Receptor Point and Receptor Grid object
views.
Chapter 11 describes the Calculation Options view.
Chapter 12 describes the Print Preview/Report Control view.
Chapter 13 describes the calculation methods used by Flaresim.
Appendix A describes the definition of Graphic Report Layout files
1-11
1-12
1-12
Documentation Overview
Installation
2-1
2 Installation
Page
2.1
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1.1
2.1.2
Package Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2
Installing Flaresim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3
Installing License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.4
Obtaining A License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.4.1
2.4.2
Full License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Demo License. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2-1
2-2
2-2
Installation
2-3
2.1 Installation Requirements

2.1.1 Package Requirements
Before installation, check that you have the following elements of
the Flaresim package.
Program CD Rom
Computer ID Key
License File
The License File may be provided either on the CD Rom or sent to
you separately by e-mail as an attachment. If the latter, you should
save the file to a temporary location so that it is ready when required
by the installation process.
2.1.2 System Requirements

The following system requirements must be met to allow installation
of Flaresim.
Item
Operating system
Requirement
Windows 98, Windows Me,
Windows 2000 or Windows XP
Disk space - program directory
15 MB
Disk space - system directory
5 MB
Security device port
25 pin Parallel port
Flaresim install files
Usually supplied on CD Rom
2-3
2-4
Installing Flaresim
2.2 Installing Flaresim

The installation of Flaresim is similar to the installation of other
Windows programs. The steps are:1.
Shut down other windows programs. The Windows

Explorer program may be left open to start the Flaresim
Setup program if required.
2.
If you are installing a full licensed copy of Flaresim locate

your security device and plug it into the parallel port of your
computer. The parallel port is the 25 pin female connector
on the back of your computer. The arrows on the security
device show which end connects to the computer.
If you have a printer already connected to the parallel port,
disconnect it, connect the security device and then reconnect the printer to the female connector on the security
device.
If you do not have a security device skip this step.
3.
Insert the Flaresim CD Rom into your CD or DVD drive.

If the AutoRun feature is enabled then step 4 will be performed automatically and should be skipped.
4.
Start the setup program Setup.exe on the CD Rom.

This may be done through Windows Explorer by navigating
to your CD or DVD drive, locating the Setup.exe file in the
root directory of the CD and then double-clicking it.
Alternatively you can click the Windows Start button,
select the Run option, type d:\setup.exe in the pop-up dialog and then click the Ok button. Note that your CD or
DVD drive letter should be substituted if it is not d:.
5.
2-4
The Setup program will display the following screen.
Installation
2-5
Note that if the setup program needs to update your computers version of the Windows Installer component, there may
be a delay before this screen appears.
Figure 2-1, Opening Screen
6.
Check that you have closed any other Windows programs

running and click the Next button. The following License
Agreement screen should then appear.
Note that the setup program provides a Cancel button that
may be clicked to exit the installation procedure at any
point..
2-5
2-6
Installing Flaresim
Figure 2-2, License Agreement
7.
At this point you should read the License Agreement and

confirm your acceptance of its terms by clicking the accept
option.
Once the accept option has been selected the Next button
will be activated so click Next to continue. The following
screen, Figure 2-3, will appear.
If you do not wish to accept the license terms then click the
Cancel button to exit the setup program without installing
Flaresim. The license terms must be accepted before the
program will install.
2-6
Installation
2-7
Figure 2-3, Destination Folder
8.
If you are happy with the proposed installation folder in

your Program Files directory then click Next to continue.
Otherwise click the Browse button and use the standard
windows file browser to select the destination folder for the
Flaresim program. Once you are happy with your selection
click Next to continue.
The installation type screen will appear.
2-7
2-8
Installing Flaresim
Figure 2-4, Installation Options
9.
On this screen select the Typical option and click Next.

The other options are included for possible future use but do
not provide any useful options at present.
The final install screen will appear..
2-8
Installation
2-9
Figure 2-5, Ready to Install Screen
10.
At this point Flaresim is ready to install. Click the Next

button to start the installation process.
If you wish to change any data entered in an earlier screen
the Back button may be used to return to earlier screens.
After clicking the Next button the installation will start. If
the installer detects a conflict with any other programs running the following screen shown as Figure 2-6 will be
shown.
If this screen is displayed, close the indicated programs and
then click the Retry button. The installation will then start.
2-9
2-10
Installing Flaresim
Figure 2-6, Conflicting Programs
11.
The setup program will show the progress of the installation

as files are copied from the CD Rom to your install folder as
shown below.
Figure 2-7, Installation Progress
2-10
Installation
2-11
Should you need to halt the installation, the Cancel button

may be used to stop the installation. A confirmation dialog
will ask you to confirm that you wish to exit without completing the installation of the program.
12.
During the installation the following screen may be

displayed. This is a warning from the installation of the
security device driver and indicates that an existing
installation of the device driver has been detected. The
Flaresim installation will not automatically upgrade these
drivers, if you wish to do so manually run the Setup.exe
program from the Drivers sub-folder on the Flaresim CD.
Click OK to continue.
Figure 2-8, Existing Driver Warning
13.
When the installation has completed the installer may

display the following screen warning that the system will
need restarting to complete the installation. Normally this
will only happen for systems running under Win98 or
WinMe. If this screen is displayed click the Ok button to
continue. Note that the restart will not happen immediately.
2-11
2-12
Installing Flaresim
Figure 2-9, Restart Warning
14.
Following the completion of the installation the following

screen will be shown. Click the Finish button to complete
the installation process.
Figure 2-10, Completion Screen
15.
2-12
At this point the following screen may be displayed asking

you to restart your system to complete the installation of
any components that have been updated. Click the Yes
button to restart the system immediately. If you click the No
button you should not try to use Flaresim until after the your
system has been restarted.
Installation
2-13
Figure 2-11, Restart Screen
16.
Congratulations, Flaresim has been successfully installed.

You are now ready to run the program for the first time and
activate it by selecting it through the windows Start menu.
2-13
2-14
Installing License File
2.3 Installing License File

Flaresim requires installation of a license file before it will run. If a
license file is not found when Flaresim starts, the Activate License
Message will be displayed.
Figure 2-12, Activate License Message
The procedure to install the license file is as follows. If you do not

have a license file see the instructions in the following section, 2.4,
to obtain one.
1.
Click the Yes button in the Activate License Message. The
Flaresim Activator application will open as shown below.
Figure 2-13, Flaresim Activator Application
2-14
Installation
2.
2-15
Click the Activate Now button. The following view will be

displayed.
Figure 2-14, Activation Screen
3.
Click the
button and use the File Open dialog to search
for and open your license file. For licensed copies of
Flaresim the license file is normally found on your Flaresim
CD. It will have a .LIC file extension. Once you have
selected it, click the Next button that will now be activated.
4.
The following screen will appear to confirm installation of

the license file. Click the Finished button to start using
Flaresim.
2-15
2-16
Installing License File
Figure 2-15, Activation Complete
2-16
Installation
2-17
2.4 Obtaining A License File

If you have a fully licensed copy of Flaresim your license file will
normally be found on the Flaresim CD Rom. It will have a .LIC
extension. If a license file was not shipped to you with your copy of
Flaresim you will need to supply some information about your
installation to Softbits Consultants to allow a license file to be
generated and shipped to you. The information required will depend
on whether you have a full license for the program or a demo license.
2.4.1 Full License

If you have a full license for Flaresim you will have been supplied
with a security key. The security key and its associated license file
will allow Flaresim to be used by any PC as long as the security key
is installed.
The procedure to obtain the license file is as follows:
1.
Open the Windows Explorer program and browse to the

Support sub-folder in the Flaresim program folder (usually
C:\Program Files\Flaresim).
2.
Locate the program echoid.exe and double click it to run it.

The program will check the security key and report the
information required through a message window as shown
below.
Figure 2-16, Security Key Information
3.
Report this information by e-mail to support@softbits.co.uk

together with your name and contact details. Your license
file will be generated and returned to you by e-mail.
2-17
2-18
Obtaining A License File
2.4.2 Demo License

If you have a demo license for Flaresim you will not have a security
key. A license file will be supplied to activate Flaresim for the single
PC on which it is installed and for a limited period.
The procedure to obtain the license file is as follows:
1.
Open the Windows Explorer program and browse to the
Support sub-folder in the Flaresim program folder (usually
C:\Program Files\Flaresim).
2.
Locate the program wechoid.exe and double click it to start

it. The program will start and display the screen shown
below.
Figure 2-17, Wechoid Program
3.
2-18
Clear all the Locking Criteria check boxes except that for
Disk ID as shown above. Note the Locking Data displayed
at the bottom of the screen. If the Locking Criteria check
Installation
2-19
boxes have been set correctly, the Locking Data selector

will be 0x4.
4.
Report the Locking Data by e-mail to

support@softbits.co.uk together with your name and
contact details. Your license file will be generated and sent
to you by e-mail.
2-19
2-20
2-20
Obtaining A License File
Getting Started
3-1
3 Getting Started
Page
3.1
Simple Flare Stack Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
3.1.10
3.1.11
3.2
Objective and Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Define Fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Define Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Define Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Define Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Save File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Define Receptor Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Define Calculation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Run & Review Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Print Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sonic Tip Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
Objective and Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Open Starting File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Sonic Tip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run & Review Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . .
Compare Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Optimise Burner Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19
19
19
21
22
23
3-1
3-2
3.3
Two Tip Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.3.7
3.4
Welltest Burner Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.4.7
3.4.8
3.4.9
3.4.10
3-2
Objective and Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Open Starting File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Update Tip Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Run & Review Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Update Pipe Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Optimise Burner Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Generate Isopleths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Objective and Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Open Starting File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Add New Fluid Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Add New Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Add Welltest Burner Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Add New Receptor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Run & Review Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Add Water Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Evaluate Rate of Temperature Rise . . . . . .37
Check Safety Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Getting Started
3-3
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the use

of Flaresim. The examples show how Flaresim may be used to
calculate thermal radiation, noise and exposed surfaces temperatures
arising from flaring at one or more flare stacks. The examples begin
with a simple flare stack design which is then refined and expanded.
The examples attempt to highlight some of the critical parameters to
be considered when designing a safe flare system.
The examples build up in stages. If you wish to skip a particular
stage, the Samples sub-folder of the Flaresim program folder has
model files saved at each stage.
3-3
3-4
Simple Flare Stack Design
3.1 Simple Flare Stack Design

3.1.1 Objective and Data
The objective is to design a flare stack for an offshore platform. It is
assumed that an inclined flare boom will be used mounted on the
side of the platform which faces the prevailing wind. The design is
to be based on thermal radiation limits as follows: 600 btu/hr/ft2 at the helideck located 150 ft from the side of the
platform and 30 ft above the base of the flare stack.
1,500 btu/hr/ft2 at the base of the flare stack.
The following design data is available
Fluid
Material
Hydrocarbon Vapour
Flow
100,000 lb/hr
Mol Wt.
46.1
Vapour Temp.
300 F
Heat of combustion
21,500 btu/lb
Heat Capacity ratio
1.1
Tip Diameter
18 in
Wind Velocity
20 mph
3.1.2 Preparation
3-4
1.
Start the Flaresim program through the windows Start

button in the usual way.
2.
Since all our data is in field units we will first select this set
of units to work in. Select the File - Preferences menu
option. The Preferences view shown below will appear.
Getting Started
3-5
Figure 3-1, Preferences View
Case Summary Icon
3.
Select the unit set to Default Field as shown. If you wish to

make this the default for future runs, click the Save
Preferences button. Then close the window.
4.
Now open the Case Summary view using either the View Case Summary menu option or the icon from the toolbar.
The view will show an empty case as shown below.
Figure 3-2, Case Summary
The
icons indicate that the
there are no objects of that type
defined and that the model is
incomplete.
3-5
3-6
3.1.3 Define Fluid

5.
Select the Fluid branch in the Case Summary and click the
Add button to create a new fluid. The fluid view will open.
Figure 3-3, Fluid View
LEL is used only by the

Brzustowski flare radiation
method.
3-6
6.
Enter a name to describe the fluid, Hot Gas Relief
7.
Enter the temperature of the fluid, 300F and reference

pressure 14.7psi - i.e. assumed to be atmospheric.
8.
Enter the Mole Weight of the fluid, 46.1.
9.
Enter the LHV of the fluid, 21,500 btu/lb. Note that

Flaresim requires the lower heating value for its
calculations. We are assuming that the heat of combustion
we have been given is the lower or net heating value rather
than the gross heating value.
10.
Enter the Cp / Cv ratio of the gas, 1.1.
11.
Enter the lower explosive limit (LEL)of the gas, 1.95%.

This value was not provided as part of our data but it was
estimated from the LEL of hydrocarbon components of
similar molecular weight.
Getting Started
The
icon indicates that a
valid object of that type exists.
12.
Enter the saturation, 100%. For offshore fluids this is a

reasonable assumption.
13.
At this point the status text at the bottom of the view will
show that the data entry is complete. The critical
temperature and critical pressure data will be estimated if
not provided. Close the Fluid view. Note that the Case
Summary view is updated to show the new valid fluid.
3-7
3.1.4 Define Environment

14.
Select the Environment branch in the Case Summary

view and click the Add button to create a new environment
object. The environment view below will open. Enter the
name Design Environment.
Figure 3-4, Environment View
The humidity value is only

used when calculating the
transmissivity.
15.
Enter velocity as 29.3 ft/s. Note that we have to convert this

value manually at present.
16.
Enter wind direction as 0 degrees i.e. due North. We have

not been given a prevailing wind direction so it is
convenient to set it to due north.
3-7
3-8
17.
Leave the default values of Temperature, Humidity and

Pressure at 60 F, 10% and 14.7 psi respectively.
18.
Leave the background radiation at 0 btu/hr/ft2 and the

background noise at 60dB.
19.
Ensure that the Transmissivity method is set to User

Specified and that the value is set to 1.0.
20.
At this point the status text should show that the data is
complete. Close the Environment view.
3.1.5 Define Stack

21.
Select the Stack branch in the Case Summary view and

click the Add button. A new Stack object will be created
and its view displayed as shown below.
Figure 3-5, Stack View
3-8
22.
Enter a name for the stack, Main Stack.
23.
Since we are using the base of the stack as the reference

location for all our calculations we leave the Relative to
selector set to Origin and leave all the location information
set to 0.0.
Getting Started
24.
In the Dimensions section of the view set the length to an

initial value of 50ft and the Angle to the Horizontal to 60.0.
Note we will be sizing the stack i.e. calculating its length,
but we should enter a starting value.
25.
At this point confirm that the status text is showing that the
form is complete and close the Stack view.
3-9
3.1.6 Define Tip

26.
In the Case Summary view select the Tip branch and click
the Add button to add a flare tip. The following view will
open. Set the tip name to Pipe Tip.
Figure 3-6, Tip - Details View
27.
In the Details section, set the Tip Type to Pipe, the Number
of Burners to 1 and the Seal Type to None. A pipe flare is
the simplest and cheapest type of flare so we will use this
for our initial design.
3-9
3-10
28.
In the Fraction of Heat radiated section, set the Method to

High Efficiency to allow this to be calculated by the
program. Note the value in the Value field will be cleared.
29.
Click the Location & Dimensions tab to move to the next

set of Tip input data.
Figure 3-7, Tip - Location & Dimensions View
3-10
30.
In the Base Location section, use the On Stack dropdown to

select the Main Stack which is the only choice available.
31.
In the Dimensions section set the Length to 10ft, the Angle

to Horizontal to 90.0 and leave the Angle from North at 0.0.
Pipe flares are generally vertical to avoid the potential for
differential erosion that could occur if they were angled.
32.
Still in the Dimensions section set the Exit Diameter to

18in, the Effective Opening to 100% and the Riser Diameter
to 18in. The Contraction Coefficient, Exit Loss Coefficient
and Roughness may be left at their default values of 1.0, 1.0
and 9.84e-4in respectively.
Getting Started
33.
3-11
Next click the Fluids tab to continue setting up the Tip data.
Figure 3-8, Tip - Fluids View
34.
In the Fluid section use the dropdown list to select the Fluid
we defined earlier - Hot Gas Relief. Enter the Mass Flow as
100,000lb/hr.
35.
At this point the status text should indicate that our Tip
definition is complete. Close the Tip view.
3.1.7 Save File

36.
If you check the Case Summary view now, it should be as

shown below. Note that the
icons have disappeared and
been replaced by
icons indicating that we have created
and entered sufficient data for all the major components
required to allow Flaresim to calculate.
3-11
3-12
Figure 3-9, Case Summary - Major Components Defined
37.
This is a suitable point to save the data we have entered so

far. Use the File - Save menu option or the
icon. Since
we have not yet saved the file, a File Dialog window will
appear to allow us to specify the location and name of the
file.
38.
At this point we are able to run the calculations if we wish

by clicking the calculate icon in the tool bar. If you do this,
you will see messages in the Error/Warnings/Info log saying
that the tip exit properties and flame shape have been
calculated.
You can open the view for the Pipe Tip if you wish to see
these results on the Results and Flame Shape tabs. However
these results do not tell us anything about the radiation at
our reference locations.
3.1.8 Define Receptor Points

39.
3-12
Select the Receptor Point branch in the Case Summary

view and click the Add button to create the first of the two
receptor points that we will need. The Receptor Point view
will open.
Getting Started
3-13
Figure 3-10, Receptor Point View
As location data is entered in

Cartesian coordinates, the
Polar coordinates are automatically updated. We could
also enter data in Polar
coordinates
40.
Enter the name of the first receptor point, Helideck.
41.
In the Location section set the following: Relative To as

Origin, Northing as -150ft Easting as 0ft and Elevation as
30ft.
42.
In the Sizing Constraints section set the Radiation value to

600 btu/hr/ft2. Following this close the view after
confirming the status text indicates that it is complete.
43.
Repeat steps 39 to 42 to add a second receptor point called

Stack Base with Relative To as Origin, Northing as 0ft,
Easting as 0ft, Elevation as 0ft and Radiation constraint as
1500 btu/hr/ft2.
3.1.9 Define Calculation Options

44.
Select the Case Summary - Calculation Options branch

and click the View button to display the following view.
3-13
3-14
Figure 3-11, Calculation Options - General View
45.
In the Radiation Calculation section set the Method to

Mixed, the Element Position to 50% and the Elements to 20.
As discussed in the Methods chapter, the Mixed method is a
compromise designed to give the best accuracy for calculating radiation both close to and further away from the flame.
Since one of our reference locations is relatively close and
the other more distant this is the appropriate method for this
case.
20 Elements is usually sufficient to calculate the flame
shape with a reasonable degree of accuracy. The default
Element Position of 50% indicates that the centre of each
flame element is to be taken as the source of the radiation.
46.
3-14
The remaining items can be left at their default values

namely options for Solar Radiation, Windchill and
Background Noise excluded (i.e. checkboxes cleared),
Atmospheric Noise Attenuation, Adiabatic Temperature
Correction and R-K Z Factor included, Pipe buoyancy
10ft/s, Sonic buoyancy 15ft/s, Welltest buoyancy 0.1ft/s.
Getting Started
3-15
The Active Environment should show Design Environment

and the Noise Calculation should show Spectrum.
47.
Click the Sizing tab to display the following view.
Figure 3-12, Calculation Options - Sizing
48.
In the Select Stack to be Sized drop down select the Main

Stack. Note that the calculation mode indicator in the
toolbar Enter the minimum length as 50ft and the maximum
length as 500ft. You can then close the view.
49.
At this point the model is ready to calculate. Before doing

this it is worth saving the model.
3-15
3-16
3.1.10 Run & Review Calculations

50.
Click the
icon to start the calculation running. As the
calculation runs messages will be output to the Error/
Warnings/Info log to show progress as shown below.
Figure 3-13, Error/Warnings/Info log
Note that the scroll bars can be used to review earlier messages. Also the log window can be resized by dragging the
separator bar above it.
3-16
51.
We can now review the results. First click Main Stack in

the Case Summary view and click the View button. The
view will show that the stack length has been calculated as
165ft.
52.
Click the Receptor Point branch of the Case Summary

and click View. The summary view shown below will open.
This indicates that the radiation limit for the receptor point
we defined for the Helideck is the limiting factor in our
design since the thermal radiation received at this point
exactly meets our limit of 600 btu/hr/ft2. The thermal
radiation at the Stack Base is much less than our allowed
value of 1500 btu/hr/ft2 at 802 btu/hr/ft2.
Getting Started
3-17
Figure 3-14, Receptor Point Summary
53.
This completes our initial design. Save the case.
3.1.11 Print Results

54.
Select the File - Print menu option. The Report Preview

view shown below opens. Note that this is a modal view and
you cannot work with any of the other Flaresim views until
it is closed.
3-17
3-18
Figure 3-15, Report Preview
55.
Select the report elements you wish to see printed. To see

what the report will look like with the current set of
elements you will need to click the Refresh button to update
it.
In order to allow us to compare these results with future
results you will need to ensure that the Stack Configuration,
Tip Results - General and Flame Shape elements and the
Receptor Point results are included.
56.
3-18
When you are happy with the options you have chosen click
the Print button to send the report to your default printer.
Getting Started
3-19
3.2 Sonic Tip Design

The design that we produced in Example 1 meets our design
radiation limits but requires a long 165ft stack. Since we are
designing a flare stack for an offshore platform we wish to minimise
the length and hence the weight of the flare stack as much as
possible. Therefore we will attempt to reduce the required flare stack
length by redesigning the system using a sonic flare tip.
The fluid data, environmental data and radiation limits are the same
as for Example 1.
3.2.2 Open Starting File

1.
If you are continuing from Example 1 you should save your

case before continuing using the File - Save menu option or
the
2.
icon from the toolbar. Skip to step 3.
Otherwise use the File - Open menu option or the

icon.
In the File Open dialog that appears, browse to the Samples
sub-folder in the Flaresim installation folder (usually
C:\Program Files\Flaresim) select the file Example 1 Result.fsw and click the Open button.
3.2.3 Create Sonic Tip

3.
Create a new tip by selecting the Tip branch in the Case

Summary view and then clicking the Add button or by
selecting the Add - Tip menu option.
3-19
3-20
Sonic Tip Design
4.
On the Details tab of the Tip view that opens enter the
following data:
Name - Sonic Tip
Tip Type - Sonic
Number of Tips - 1
Seal Type - None
Fraction Heat Radiated Method - High Efficiency
Combustion Noise Method - Standard Reference.
5.
Move to the Location & Dimensions tab and enter the

following data:
On Stack - Main Stack
Length - 10ft
Angle to Horizontal - 90
Angle to North - 0
Exit Diameter - 18in
Burner Opening - 10%
Riser Diameter - 18in
Contraction Coefficient - 1.0 (default)
Exit Loss Coefficient - 1.0 (default)
Roughness - 9.843e-4in (default)
6.
Click on the Fluids tab and enter the following:

Fluid Name - Hot Gas Relief
Fluid Mass Flow - 100,000lb/hr
3-20
7.
At this point the Status Text at the bottom of the Tip view
should indicate that the tip data is complete. Close the view.
8.
In the Case Summary, select the branch labeled Pipe Tip

and then click the Ignore button. The icon beside the label
should turn to a
icon to confirm that the tip will not be
included in the calculations.
Getting Started
3-21

9.
We are now ready to run the calculations. Confirm that the

mode indicator in the Tool Bar is still set to Sizing and click
the
icon to run the model.
Check the Errors/Warnings/Info log panel to confirm that

the expected calculations for the two Receptor Points have
been completed. Note that if earlier messages in the log
panel are causing confusion, you can click the right mouse
button over the log panel to access a pop-up menu which
provides a Clear option to remove the current log messages.
10.
We are now ready to review the results. Open the Stack

view for the Main Stack. The new length calculated for the
stack is 60ft.
11.
Open the Receptor Summary view. As shown below, this

indicates that the Stack Base receptor point is nowl the
controlling limit since the thermal radiation at this point is
still calculated as 1500 btu/hr/ft2. The radiation at the
Helideck receptor point is 563 btu/hr/ft2.
Figure 3-16, Sonic Tip, Receptor Summary
3-21
3-22
Sonic Tip Design
12.
Save the new design.
13.
Generate a report for this new case using the File - Print
menu option.
3.2.5 Compare Results

Our new design with the sonic flare tip is clearly better since it leads
to a much shorter stack that will save a great amount of weight and
hence cost over our initial design using the pipe flare tip. It is worth
doing a detailed comparison to understand the difference between
the designs.
14.
Find the reports you printed for both examples. If you have
not done this you can use your Internet browser to view the
saved report files Example 1 - Result.html in the
Samples\Example 1 - Result sub-folder and Example 2 Result.html in the Samples\Example 2 - Result subfolderin the Flaresim installation folder (usually C:\Program
Files\Flaresim).
15.
Find the Tip Data - Results section in the reports. The

fraction of heat radiated value for the Pipe flare design is
0.21 while that for the Sonic design is 0.1.
The fraction of heat radiated by a flare is a critical parameter in the design. Pipe flares exhibit relatively poor mixing
of air with the flared fluid and as a result the flame contains
many partially combusted luminescent carbon particles that
give it an orange colour and a relatively high fraction of
heat radiated. Sonic flare tips are designed to maximise the
mixing of air and the flared fluid and so burn with a clearer
flame with lower heat radiation.
By selecting the Flaresim method to calculate the fraction of
heat radiated in both our designs we have allowed the program to calculate an appropriate value for the different tips.
However since this is such an important factor in the design,
the heat radiation factor to be used should be confirmed
3-22
Getting Started
3-23
with your flare system vendor prior to the final design.

Should you wish to use a heat radiation factor supplied by a
vendor you should set the method to User Specified and
enter the value.
16.
Still in the Tip Data - Results section of the reports find the
flame length. For the Pipe flare design this is 173 ft. while
for the Sonic flare design the flame length is 88ft. Note that
the flame length calculated by the API method is the same
in both cases.
Sonic flare tips by their design and by their greater gas exit
velocities lead to a flame shape that is shorter and stiffer
compared to that of a pipe flare. As a result the flame is less
affected by wind and stays closer to the tip and thus further
from the platform. This can be seen most clearly by comparing the 3D plot of the Flame Shape in the reports.
Finally in the Tip Results section of the reports find the tip
backpressure i.e. tip inlet pressure. For Pipe flare this is 14.7
psi while for the Sonic flare it is 54.0 psi.
The fact that the sonic tip is operating at choked conditions
means that the pressure drop over this type of tip is much
higher than for the pipe tip. Thus a sonic tip can only be
used if the resulting backpressure on the flare system is not
so high as to prevent safe relief of the gas.
3.2.6 Optimise Burner Opening

In specifying our sonic tip we set the burner opening to 10% to
ensure that the flow was choked. Since this was an arbitrary value,
we should now optimise this to minimise the tip back pressure while
ensuring that choked flow is maintained.
17.
Open the Sonic tip design case (Samples\Example 2 Result.fsw if you do not have you own version saved.
3-23
3-24
3-24
Sonic Tip Design
18.
Open the view for the Sonic Tip. On the Location &
Dimensions tab change the burner opening to 25% and run
the case.
19.
Still in the Sonic Tip view, click on the Results tab and
check the Mach Number result. It will be around 0.79.
20.
Clearly we have increased the burner opening too much.

Move back to the Location & Dimensions tab and reduce
the burner opening. Run the case and check the Mach
Number again. Repeat this until you find the maximum
burner opening that still gives an exit Mach Number of 1.0.
21.
You should find that a burner opening of 19% is the largest

possible. With this value check the tip backpressure. It
should be 27.1 psi.
22.
Save the case.
Getting Started
3-25
3.3 Two Tip Design

Comparison of our two designs using the pipe tip and the sonic tip
shows that the sonic tip is much the better since it produces a
shorter, stiffer and above all lower emissivity flame than the pipe
flare. This means that the flare stack can be much shorter while still
meeting radiation limits. Given the advantages of the sonic tip it
might appear that we should always specify this type of tip.
However we have also seen that the sonic flare tip results in higher
back pressures on the flare system. In many cases this additional
back pressure will be too high to allow safe relief from all the
possible relief sources in the process. Therefore it is common to see
designs with both high and low pressure flare systems relieving
through different tips.

The relieving sources in our process have been reviewed to confirm
that the new back pressure resulting from the sonic tip is acceptable.
The review has shown that 10,000 lb/h of the material being flared
cannot be relieved safely at the new higher back pressure. As a result
we have decided to split our design so this 10,000 lb/h is relieved
through a low pressure flare system leading to a pipe tip with the
remaining material flowing through a high pressure flare system to
a sonic tip.

1.

the
2.

icon.
C:\Program Files\Flaresim) select the file Example 2 Final.fsw and click the Open button.
3-25
3-26
Two Tip Design
3.3.3 Update Tip Data

3.
In the Case Summary view double-click the Sonic Tip

branch to open the view for this Tip. On the Location &
Dimensions tab change the burner opening to 10%. On the
Fluids tab change the flow rate to 90,000 lb/h. Close the
view.
4.
Open the view for the Pipe Tip by double-clicking this in

the Case Summary view or by selecting it and then
clicking the View button. On the Fluids tab change the flow
rate to 10,000 lb/h. Then clear the tick from the Ignore
checkbox to activate this tip again. Close the view.

5.
We are now ready to run the calculations. Confirm that the

mode indicator in the Tool Bar is still set to Sizing and click
the
icon to run the model.
Check the Errors/Warnings/Info log panel to confirm that

the expected calculations for the two Receptor Points have
been completed.
6.
3-26
We are now ready to review the results. Open the Stack

view for the Main Stack. The new length calculated for the
stack is 85ft.
Getting Started
3-27
7.
Open the Receptor Summary view. This indicates that the

Main Stack receptor point is still the controlling limit since
the thermal radiation at this point is still calculated as 1499
btu/hr/ft2.
3.3.5 Update Pipe Tip

In reducing the flow through the Pipe tip we have changed its
performance.
8.
Open the Tip view for the Pipe tip. You will see that the
fraction of heat radiated from this tip has been calculated as
0.33 whereas before it was 0.21. The reason for this is the
greatly reduced velocity, 0.02 mach, through the tip which
reduces the tips efficiency. For efficient operation the
velocity should be 0.2 mach or higher.
9.
Reduce the tip diameter for this tip to 5 in and recalculate.

The new exit velocity is 0.26 mach and the fraction of heat
radiated is now 0.2. The improvement in efficiency of this
flare reduces the calculated size of the Main Stack to 72ft.
3-27
3-28
Two Tip Design
3.3.6 Optimise Burner Opening

In reducing the flow through the sonic tip we reset the burner
opening to 10% to ensure that the flow was choked. Since this was
an arbitrary value, we should now re-optimise this to minimise the
tip back pressure while ensuring that choked flow is maintained.
10.
Open the Tip view for the Sonic Tip and go to the Locations
& Dimensions tab. Increase the burner opening from the
indicated 10% to 17%.
11.
Re-run the case. Check the Results tab of the Sonic Tip
view to confirm that the exit velocity is still sonic. If you
wish you can re-run the case at a burner opening of 18% to
confirm that this leads to a sub-sonic exit velocity.
3.3.7 Generate Isopleths

To see details of the thermal radiation around the flare we will now
generate isopleth charts showing lines of constant thermal radiation.
12.
In the Case Summary view select the Receptor Grid branch

and click the Add button (alternatively select the Add Receptor Grid menu option) to create and open the view
for a new Receptor Grid object.
13.
Enter the following data to create a Receptor Grid that will

plot the thermal radiation across the surface of the helideck;
Name - Helideck Plan,
Orientation - Northing-Easting,
Elevation - 30ft,
Northing Min - -500ft,
Northing Max - 500ft,
Northing Points - 41,
Easting Min - -500ft,
Easting Max - 500ft,
Easting Points - 41.
3-28
Getting Started
3-29
Note that the number of points in the grid is not critical - a

higher number will generate smoother, more accurate isopleths at a cost of increased calculation time.
14.
Add a second receptor grid and enter the following data to

create a grid of the vertical cross-section through the axis of
the flare.
Name - Helideck Elevation,
Orientation - Elevation-Northing,
Easting - 0ft,
Elevation Min - -100ft,
Elevation Max - 300ft,
Elevation Points - 41,
Northing Min - -500ft,
Northing Max - 500ft,
Northing Points - 41.
15.
Re-run the case. When the run is complete you will be able
to inspect an isopleth plot by opening the grid view, clicking
on the Radiation Tab and then selecting Plot as the Display
option - see Figure 3-18.Note that noise plots and surface
temperature plots are also available.
3-29
3-30
Two Tip Design
Figure 3-18, Helideck Elevation Plot
3-30
16.
If you wish you can customise the isopleth lines displayed

on the plot by selecting the Isopleth Definition Tab and
entering new isopleth limit values. A line can be removed
from the plot by clearing an isopleth value.
17.
Once you are happy with a plot it can be exported as a

standalone graphics file using the Export button on the
graph display tab.
18.
Our two tip design is now complete. Save the case.
Getting Started
3-31
3.4 Welltest Burner Design

Offshore platforms often include a facility for burning off liquids
produced during well tests. Flaresim is capable of modelling this
type of burner in addition to the conventional safety release flares.

A welltest burner capable of burning 30,000 lb/hr of liquid is to be
added to our design. The properties of the liquid to be burned are as
follows:
Fluid
Material
Hydrocarbon Liquid
Flow
30,000 lb/hr
Mol Wt.
52.9
Vapour Temp.
100 F
Heat of combustion
19,550 btu/lb
Tip Diameter
12 in

1.

the
2.

icon.
C:\Program Files\Flaresim) select the file Example 3 Final.fsw and click the Open button.
3.4.3 Add New Fluid Data

3.
In the Case Summary view select the Fluids branch and

then click the Add button to create a new Fluid and open its
view.
3-31
3-32
Welltest Burner Design
4.
Complete the view with the following entries;

Name - Welltest Liquid,
Temperature - 100F,
Ref Pressure - 14.7psi
Mole Weight - 52.9,
LHV - 19,550 btu/lb,
Cp/Cv - 1.2,
LEL - 1.7%,
Saturation - 100%.
The Critical Temperature and Critical Pressure fields can
be left blank.
The completed view is shown below. Close the view when
the data has been entered.
Figure 3-19, Welltest Fluid View
3.4.4 Add New Stack

5.
3-32
In the Case Summary view select the Stacks branch and

then click the Add button to create a new Stack and open its
view.
Getting Started
6.
3-33
Enter data for the new stack as follows, leaving other entries
at their default values;
Name - Welltest Stack,
Northing - -200ft,
Easting - 0ft,
Elevation - 0ft,
Dimensions section
Length - 55ft,
Angle to Horizontal - 0 deg,
Angle to North - 180 deg.
These entries define our new stack as a horizontal boom on
the opposite side of the platform to our main flare stack.
The completed view is shown as Figure 3-20. Close the
view when complete.
Figure 3-20, Welltest Stack View
3.4.5 Add Welltest Burner Tip

7.
In the Case Summary, select the Tips branch and click the
Add button to create and view a new Tip object.
3-33
3-34
8.
On the Details tab of the Tip view enter the following data;
Name - Welltest Burner,
Tip Type - Welltest,
Number of Burners - 3,
Fraction Heat Radiated Method - User Specified
Specified Fraction Heat Radiated - 0.3
All other values should be left at their defaults.
9.
On the Location & Dimensions tab enter the following,

leaving other values at their defaults;
On Stack - Welltest Stack,
Length - 0ft,
Angle to Horizontal - 0 deg,
Angle from North - 180 deg.
Note the burner length and orientation fields serve to locate
the precise location of the flame and the initial flame direction. Even when the burner length is 0ft as here, the orientation fields must still be entered.
10.
On the Fluids tab select the Fluid as Welltest Liquid and

enter the flow rate as 30,000 lb/hr. Close the view.
3.4.6 Add New Receptor Point

11.
Add a new Receptor point in the usual way. Define the

following data to locate the receptor point at the base of the
welltest burner stack;
Name - Base Welltest Stack,
Northing - -200ft,
Easting - 0ft,
Elevation - 0ft.
All other fields may be left at their default values. Close the
view.
3-34
Getting Started
3-35

12.
In the Case Summary view, select the Main Stack object

and click the Ignore button. This will exclude the two tips
on the main flare stack from the calculations.
13.
Open the Calculation Options view. On the Sizing tab set

the stack to be sized to None. Close the view.
14.
Save the case.
15.
Run the calculations by clicking the

icon.Check in the
Errors/Warnings/Info log panel that the case has run and
calculated correctly.
16.
Open the Receptor Summary view. The results, see Figure

3-21, show that the radiation limits for our original two
critical locations that we have defined are met. The
radiation at the base of the well test burner stack is 1422
btu/hr/ft2.
Figure 3-21, Receptor Summary
3-35
3-36
3.4.8 Add Water Screen

The radiation calculated at the base of the welltest burner stack is
acceptable for brief exposure only. Since more extended exposure
might be required it is necessary to reduce the radiation. While this
could be achieved by extending the length of the stack this would be
an expensive option due to the added weight. It is normal to reduce
radiation from welltest burners using water screens.
The effect of these can be approximated in Flaresim through
adjustment of the transmissivity term in the environment object thus.
17.
Add a new Environment object using the Case Summary

view or the menu option according to your preference.
18.
Enter data in the new Environment view as follows;

Name - Water Screen,
Speed - 29.3 ft/s,
Direction 0 deg,
Temperature - 60 F,
Humidity 10%,
Pressure - 14.7 psi,
Radiation 0 btu/hr/ft2,
Noise 60 dB,
Transmissivity Method - User specified,
Transmissivity Value - 0.3.
Note the transmissivity value used to represent a water
screen should be confirmed with the supplier of the system.
The value of 0.3 used here is a typical value.
3-36
19.
Activate the new Environment object. Note that the original

Design Envirnoment object will be automatically ignored
since calculations can be done for only one environment.
20.
Run the new case and inspect the results. The radiation
value at the base of the welltest burner stack has been
reduced to an acceptable value of 427 btu/hr/ft2.
Getting Started
3-37
3.4.9 Evaluate Rate of Temperature Rise

Since we are relying on the water screen to reduce thermal radiation
in normal use, we should check the situation when the water screen
fails. Given data on the receiving surface, Flaresim is able to
calculate the rate of temperature rise.
21.
Open the view for the Base Welltest Stack receptor point.
Update the Properties data for the point as follows;
On Plane - None,
Emissivity - 0.7,
Absorbtivity - 0.7,
Area Ratio - 2.0,
Mass - 10.4 lb/ft2,
Mass Cp - 0.1075 btu/lb/ft.1002,
Initial Temperature - 60F.
This data represents a steel plate, 0.25in thick. The Area
Ratio of 2.0 indicates that one side of the plate is exposed to
the flare radiation. Selecting None as the On Plane value is a
conservative assumption that means that no credit will be
taken for radiation striking the plate at an angle.
22.
Select the Design Environment object and set it active then

run the case.
23.
In the Thermal Results tab of the Base Welltest Stack

receptor point you can inspect the rate of temperature rise
results in tabular or graphical form. The results show that
the temperature will rise to 84F after 2 mins on its way to a
final temperature of 123F.
3-37
3-38
3.4.10 Check Safety Case

The results with only the welltest burner in use show that the original
design radiation limit for the helideck is met. However we still have
to consider the situation when a safety release occurs while the
welltest burner is in use.
24.
Select the Main Stack in the Case Summary view and click
the Activate button to restore it to the calculations. Run the
model again.
25.
Open the Receptor Point summary. The results show that

the thermal radiation at the Helideck receptor is 1137 btu/hr/
ft2, significantly exceeding our limit of 600 btu/hr/ft2.
At this point we might consider increasing the length of either the

Main Stack or the Welltest Stack in order to ensure that the radiation
limits are met again. However it may also be appropriate to consider
the circumstances under which the welltest burners would be used at
the same time as the main flare. Perhaps procedures could be
established to prevent helicopter operations while the welltest
burner was in use meaning that this higher radiation value is
acceptable.
It is appropriate to emphasise at this point that Flaresim is a tool for
analysing the performance of flare systems. It cannot replace the
engineers judgement in selecting the appropriate conditions to
model or determining whether a particular set of results represent an
acceptable or a dangerous situation.
3-38
Interface
4-1
4 Interface
Page
4.1
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2
Menu Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.3
Tool Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.4
Log Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.5
File Dialogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
File Save Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

File Open Dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Recent Files Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Update Messages During File Open . . . . . 14
4.6
About View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.7
Chart Control Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4-1
4-2
4-2
Interface
4-3
The Flaresim interface has been designed to give you a great deal of
flexibility in the way in which you enter, modify and view the data
and results which comprise your flare model. This chapter describes
the various components of the Flaresim interface. If you need help
with any particular task, the on-line help can give you step-by-step
instructions.
4.1 Terminology
The following view of the Flaresim screen shows most of the
interface components that you will encounter. The terminology used
to describe these components is given here.
Figure 4-1, Flaresim Screen
Toolbar
Menu bar
Edit box
Tabs
Active button
Radio button
View
Greyed button
Status text
Value with
Units
Popup menu
Dropdown
List Box
Checkbox
File Management
Log
Scrollbars
Error/Warnings/
Info Log
Menu Bar
The menu bar provides access to the various program functions. The
options are described in more detail in section 4.2.
4-3
4-4
Terminology
Tool Bar
The tool bar is a row of icons that provide quick access to the more
commonly used program functions. The options are described in
more detail in section 4.3.
File Management Log
This area of the screen displays a record of file saving and retrieval
activity. See section 4.4 for more information.
Errors / Warnings / Info Log
This area of the screen displays a record of error messages, warning
messages and other information generated by Flaresim calculations.
See section 4.4 for more information.
Throughout the manual,
Clicking a button or other item
means using the Left mouse
button unless stated otherwise.
Active Button
Buttons appear on most forms and may be clicked with the left
mouse button to perform the action indicated. Active buttons are
those where the label type is black.
Greyed Button
Buttons which have an action that cannot be performed at a
particular time are displayed with the label type in grey.
PopUp Menu
PopUp menus are used to display additional choices in response to
clicking buttons or clicking the right mouse button.
View
This is the term used to describe a window containing a group of
data entry fields for a specific element of the program. Views in
Flaresim are generally non-modal which means that multiple views
can be open and used at the same time.
Views may be resized, minimised, maximised and moved around
within the Flaresim application workspace in the same way as
standard windows.
Status Text
Many views have a status field at the bottom to provide a quick
indication whether all the necessary entries have been made. The
4-4
Interface
4-5
background to this text indicates the status, green indicates ready to

calculate, red indicates missing data, yellow indicates that the object
is ignored.
Tabs
Some views have more data entry items than will fit on a typical size
window. Tabs are a way of subdividing the entries into groups
within the view. Clicking a tab heading displays the group.
Edit Box
This type of data entry field allows entry of alpha numeric values.
Generally the values entered will be checked for validity on leaving
the field.
Value With Units
Edit Boxes which expect numeric values to be entered display the
units that are expected in [] above the edit box. The units used for
data entry and display can be set through the Preferences View, see
section 5.3.
Drop Down List Box
This type of edit box provides a downward pointing arrow to the
right which may be clicked to allow a choice to be made from a set
of options.
CheckBox
A checkbox is used to select options that can be either on or off.
Clicking a checkbox once will display a tick in the box indicating
that the option is on, also known as setting the checkbox. Clicking
the box again will clear the tick indicating that the option is off.
Radio Buttons
Radio buttons are used to select one option from a group of mutually
exclusive options. Clicking one radio button in a group will select
that option and automatically deselect all the other options.
Scroll Bars
Where a list or a view is not large enough to display all the items
required scrollbars will appear. The up and down arrows may be
clicked to move through the view to display all the items.
4-5
4-6
Menu Bar
4.2 Menu Bar

Figure 4-2, Menu Bar
The Menu Bar provides access to the Flaresim program actions.

The row of main menu items at the top of the main Flaresim window
provides access to dropdown menus and sub menus as shown in
Figure 4-2.
Main menu items are selected by clicking on them or by holding
down the Alt key and first letter of the menu name. Once the submenu has opened the sub-menu items can be selected by clicking
them or by using the up and down arrow keys and then hitting enter.
Some sub-menu items may have a right pointing arrow next to them
indicating that a further sub-menu may be opened by moving the
mouse to the item and then moving the mouse to the right.
Alternatively sub-menu items can be opened the right arrow key.
Menu items may also have a shortcut key combination displayed
against them which can be used to select the action without using the
menu.
Flaresim provides the following menu items.
4-6
Interface
Main Menu
File
View
Sub Menu
4-7
Description
New
Creates a new Flaresim model
Open
Loads a Flaresim model from disk
Save
Saves the current model to disk
Save As
Saves the current model to disk using a

new name
Print
Opens the Print view
Print Graphic
Reports
Opens the Graphic Report Print view
Print Setup
Opens the Print Setup view
Preferences
Opens the Preferences view
Exit
Quits the Flaresim program
Recent files
List of recently opened files that can be

reopened directly by selecting the name.
Case
Summary
Opens the Case Summary view
Case Details
Opens the Case Details view
Fluid
Opens a Fluid view selected by sub-menu
Environment
Opens an Environment view selected by

sub-menu
Stack
Opens a Stack view selected by sub-menu
Tip
Opens a Tip view selected by sub-menu
Assist Fluid
Opens an Assist Fluid view selected by

sub-menu
Receptor Point
Opens a Point view selected by sub-menu
Receptor Grid
Opens a Grid view selected by sub-menu
Calculation
Option
Opens Calculation Option view
Component
Management
Opens Component Management view
4-7
4-8
Menu Bar
Main Menu
Add
Window
Help
4-8
Sub Menu
Description
Fluid
Creates a new Fluid and opens view
Environment
Creates a new Environment and opens

view
Stack
Creates a new Stack and opens view
Tip
Creates a new Tip and opens view
Assist Fluid
Creates a new Assist Fluid and opens

view
Receptor Point
Creates a new Receptor Point and opens

view
Receptor Grid
Creates a new Receptor Grid and opens

view
Cascade
Rearranges all open windows
Close All
Closes all open windows
Contents
Opens Help file at contents page
Index
Opens Help file at index page
About
Displays information on program version
Interface
4-9
4.3 Tool Bar

The Tool Bar provides a row of icons that may be clicked to provide
rapid access to some commonly used actions. Flaresim provides the
following options on the Tool Bar.
This icon creates a new Flaresim model.
This icon retrieves a Flaresim model from disk.
This icon saves a Flaresim model to the disk.
This icon opens the Case Summary view.
This icon adds a new object to the model.
A sub-menu allows selection of the type of object added.
This icon starts calculations.
The Tool Bar also provides a status indicator to show the calculation
mode, Rating or Sizing.
4-9
4-10
Log Panels
4.4 Log Panels

Figure 4-3, Log Panels
The log panels at the bottom of the Flaresim main window are used
to output messages from the program. There are two panels.
The left panel is known as the File Management Log and records
details of file creation, file retrieval and file saving actions.
The right panel is known as the Errors/Warnings/Info Log and
records messages generated by Flaresim as it calculates.
The size of the log panels can be set by moving the cursor to the top
boundary of the panels or the boundary between the panels. At the
point where the cursor changes to a pair of resizing arrows, the left
mouse button may be clicked and dragged to resize the panel.
Both panels provide a popup menu with local options that can be
opened by clicking the right mouse button.
In the File Management Log this popup menu provides a single
option:
Clear - clears all messages from the log.
In the Errors/Warnings/Info Log, the popup menu provides the
following options:
Clear - clears all messages from the log.
Verbose - sets verbose mode so that all messages will be output. A
tick will appear against the menu option to show that verbose mode
is selected.
Save Messages - displays a standard file dialog to allow the current
message list to be saved to an external log file.
4-10
Interface
4-11
4.5 File Dialogs

Flaresim uses standard Windows file dialogs to save and retrieve
files.
4.5.1 File Save Dialog

The File Save Dialog appears when you select the File - Save As
menu item or the File - Save menu item or Save tool bar icon for an
unnamed case. The dialog also appears when you click the Export
button to export results data from Receptor Grid or Tip views.
Figure 4-4, File Save Dialog
File List
The main elements on this Dialog are:

Filename
Combobox
Allows you to enter the name of the file to save the Flaresim model
to. As you type the name, the dropdown list element of the
combobox allows you to select an existing file that matches the
name to overwrite if you wish.
The file name entered will be given the extension type specified in
the Save As Type field unless you enter a different file extension.
4-11
4-12
File Dialogs
Save As Type
Dropdown List of allowed file types
Allows you to select the required file type.
File Description
Model Files
Allowed Types
Flaresim for Windows files .FSW
XML data files .XML
Table Export
Comma separated value files .CSV
Graphics Export
JPEG files .JPG

Portable network graphic files .PNG
Windows bitmap files .BMP
Windows meta files .WMF
Enhance windows meta files .EMF
Save In
Dropdown List of available storage locations
Allows you to select from the list of available storage locations
configured for your computer system.
File List
List Box
Shows the files and folders in the current folder. The list may be
used to navigate the folder tree or to select files.
Folders can be opened and made the new current folder by double
clicking on them. You can move up the folder tree by clicking the
Previous Folder icon. New folders can be created by clicking the
New Folder icon and entering the new folder name in the File List.
Files can be selected for overwriting by clicking on them.
Save
Button
Saves the file once you have entered the name or selected a file to
overwrite. If the file selected already exists you will be asked to
confirm that it should be overwritten.
4-12
Interface
4-13
Cancel
Button
Cancels the file save.
Previous Folder Icon
Moves up the folder tree. The File List will be updated to show the
contents of the folder one level up the tree.
New Folder Icon
Creates a new sub-folder in the current folder. The folder will be
created with the default name New Folder and you will then be
able to rename as required.
4.5.2 File Open Dialog

The File Open Dialog appears when you select the File - Open
menu item or click the Open icon on the tool bar.
Figure 4-5, File Open Dialog
The elements of this dialog are essentially the same as the File Save
Dialog with the exception that the Save button is replaced by an
Open button.
4-13
4-14
File Dialogs
If you wish to open a .FSM file from the previous DOS version of
Flaresim use the Files of Type drop down to select the .FSM file
type.
4.5.3 Recent Files Menu

The File Menu displays a list of recently used files which can be
used to re-open one of these files directly by selecting it from the
menu.
Figure 4-6, Recent Files Menu
4.5.4 Update Messages During File Open

When opening a file from earlier versions of Flaresim it is possible
that the program will detect parameters that have changed in the
current version or detect results that will be changed as a result of
changes in the program. When this happens a dialog will be
displayed and the user will be asked to acknowledge the information
or possibly make a descision between a number of choices.
Further information on these dialogs can usually be found in the help
system by pressing F1.
4-14
Interface
4-15
4.6 About View

The About View is opened using the Help - About menu option.
Figure 4-7, About View
The purpose of this view is to provide information on the version of

the program that may be required when seeking Technical support.
Ok
Button
Closes the About view.
System Info
Button
Opens the System Information program in the operating system.
This provides details of the computer hardware and software
environment that Flaresim is running under. This information may
be of use in resolving technical support issues.
4-15
4-16
Chart Control Dialog
4.7 Chart Control Dialog

The Chart Control Dialog provides access to options for
customising the appearance of the plots found on the Tip views. It
may be accessed by clicking the right mouse button on the chart.
Figure 4-8, Chart Control Dialog
A detailed explanation of the options available through this dialog

may be found in the help files 2D Chart Control and 3D Chart
Control installed with the Flaresim program. Links to these help files
are also available through the Flaresim Help file.
4-16
General Setup
5-1
5 General Setup
Page
5.1
Case Summary View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
5.2
Case Description View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.3
Preferences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.4
Units Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Files Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Component Management View . . . . . . . . . 13
5-1
5-2
5-2
General Setup
5-3
5.1 Case Summary View

The Case Summary view, shown in Figure 5-1, provides a
summary view of the Flaresim model, showing the objects that have
been added to the model and their status. It also provides quick
access to any of the object views and enables objects to be added to
and deleted from the model.
Figure 5-1, Case Summary View
The Case Summary view shows the Flaresim model as a tree with
the branches showing the different types of object that make up the
model.
The Case Summary is used by clicking a branch of the tree to select
it and then clicking one of the command buttons to perform that
action on the selected object. If a branch with sub-branches is
selected a popup menu will be displayed to ask which of the subbranches the command will apply to. For example in the case shown
as Figure 5-1 clicking on the Tip branch and selecting View will
display a popup menu asking which of the two existing tips is to be
viewed. A branch can also be double-clicked which will act the same
way as the View action.
5-3
5-4
Case Summary View
The command buttons have the following functions:View

Opens the view for the selected object to allow its data to be viewed
or updated.
Add
Creates a new object of the selected type and opens its view ready
for data input. If an existing object is selected in the tree rather than
the parent branch, a new object of the same type is created.
Delete
Deletes the selected object. No confirmation is required.
Activate
Clears the ignored status for the selected object which restores it to
the calculations. Not all objects can be ignored and restored and this
button will be greyed out if the action cannot be applied to the
selected object.
Ignore
Sets the ignored status for the selected object which means that it
will not be included in the calculations. Not all objects can be
ignored and restored and this button will be greyed out if the action
cannot be applied to the selected object.
The icons displayed against each branch and object in the Case
Summary view have the following meanings.
This icon identifies a branch of the model tree that contains
a single object that is a permanent part of the model and
cannot be added or deleted. Examples of this type of object
are the Case Description and Calculation Options object.
When a branch of this type is selected the Add, Delete,
Activate and Ignore buttons are greyed out since they are not
applicable.
This icon identifies branches of the model that contain
objects that are not essential to the running of the model.
Examples of this type of object are the Receptor Point and
Assist Fluid objects.
5-4
General Setup
5-5
This icon indicates a branch of the model that contains

objects that are essential to the calculation of the model
where the required objects are either missing or have
incomplete data. Examples of this type of object are the Tip
and Stack objects.
This icon indicates a branch of the model that contains
objects that are essential to the calculation of the model
where the required objects are complete and ready for
calculation. Examples of this type of object are the Tip and
Stack objects.
This icon indicates an object that has been set to an ignored
status. Ignored objects are not included in the calculations.
Normally where multiple objects may be defined e.g. Tips
and Stacks, multiple objects may be ignored as long as there
is at least one left active for calculations. The exception is the
Environment object where only one can be active; all the
others being set to ignored.
This icon indicates an object whose data is incomplete or in
error in some way.
This icon indicates an object whose data is complete and
ready to calculate.
This icon indicates a branch that has sub-branch objects
defined that are not currently displayed. Clicking this icon
will expand the tree to show the sub-branch objects.
This icon appears against a branch with displayed subbranch objects. Clicking it will collapse the branch and hide
the sub-branch objects.
5-5
5-6
Case Description View
5.2 Case Description View

The Case Description view (see Figure 5-2) allows the user to enter
information to describe the Flaresim model. The Case Description
view is opened either by using the View - Case Description menu
option or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the
View button.
Figure 5-2, Case Description View
Title
Text
Text entered in this field will be printed as the model title on reports.
Author
Text
Identifies the author of this Flaresim file.
Revision
Text
Identifies the revision of the Flaresim file.
Checked By
Text
Identifies the person responsible for checking the model.
5-6
General Setup
5-7
Case Description
Text
Descriptive information relevant to the model. For example it is
good practice to note sources of environmental data and the
contingencies represented by the fluid data.
Last Modified
Calculated Text
Tracks the date that the model was last updated. It is automatically
updated each time the model is saved and cannot be manually
updated.
5-7
5-8
Preferences
5.3 Preferences
The File - Preferences menu item provides access to the
Preferences View to allow setup of the preferred units and file
locations.
Figure 5-3, Units Tab
Save Preference File

Button
Saves the current preferences. The file will be automatically saved
to the Flaresim program directory.
5.3.1 Units Tab

The Units tab of the Preferences view (see Figure 5-3) is used to
define the units of measure used to display and interpret values on
the data entry views.
Flaresim uses the concept of a Unit Set which defines all of the units
to be used for a single case. Two Unit Sets, the Default SI and
Default Field sets are provided as basic sets that cannot be changed.
New Unit Sets can be created by copying an existing Unit Set and
then customising it.
5-8
General Setup
5-9
A default range of units is provided for each type of unit used by

Flaresim. The Units tab also allows new units to be defined by
defining their name and conversion to the internal unit used by
Flaresim.
Select Unit Set - List
Listbox
Shows the Unit Sets that have already been defined in the
Preferences file. A Unit Set may be activated by selecting it in this
list.
Select Unit Set - Unit Set Name
Text entry
Allows the name of a user defined Unit Set to be updated. The names
of the default Unit Sets cannot be changed.
Select Unit Set - Copy Unit Set
Button
Copies the selected Unit Set to create a new one. The new Unit set
will be given a default name that can then be updated to describe it.
Select Unit Set - Delete Unit Set
Button
Deletes the selected Unit Set. The default internal Unit Sets cannot
be deleted and this button will be inactive when these are selected.
Select Units - Table
Table
Shows a list of the unit types used in Flaresim with the current unit
defined for the selected Unit Set. To update the unit used for a
particular unit type e.g. Temperature, move to the appropriate row
and then select the required unit in the Unit Selector.
Select Units - Unit Selector
Dropdown List
Allows selection of the unit to be used for the currently selected unit
type. As the selection is changed the conversion factors for the unit
are displayed in the Unit Definition fields at the bottom of the view.
5-9
5-10
Preferences
Select Units - Add Unit

Button
Allows new units to be defined for a particular unit type. Clicking
the button activates the Unit Definition fields and the Accept button.
Select Units - Delete Unit
Button
Allows units to be deleted. Clicking the button will delete the
currently selected unit. A confirmation dialog will be displayed to
confirm the action.
Unit Definition - Name
Text entry
Allows the name of the new unit to be entered. Duplicate unit names
are not allowed.
Unit Definition - Multiplier
Numeric entry
Defines the multiplication constant required to convert the new unit
to the internal default unit which is displayed.
Unit Definition - Offset
Numeric entry
Defines the offset to be added to convert the new unit to the internal
default unit which is displayed. Note the offset is added after
multiplication.
Unit Definition - Accept
Button
Accepts the new unit definition and makes the new unit the selected
unit for the current unit type.
5-10
General Setup
5-11
5.3.2 Files Tab

The Files tab of the Preferences view allows the location of the
units and components files to be specified.
Figure 5-4, Files Tab
Support Files - Units

File name entry
Defines the location of the unit conversion factors file. Normally this
will be the Flaresim program directory. The Browse button allows
the file to be located using a standard File Dialog.
Support Files - Component Library
File name entry
Defines the location of the component library file. Normally this will
be the Flaresim program directory. The Browse button allows the
file to be located using a standard File Dialog.
This allows the user to create dedicated component files to be
created and used for specialised applications.
5-11
5-12
Preferences
Support Files - Report Layout File

File name entry
Defines the name of the stylesheet file (XSL file) that will be used
to layout printed reports. By default this will be Flaresim.xsl. Clients
are able to create customised report stylesheets using standard XSL
language to change the layout of Flaresim reports.
Support Files - Graphic Report Layout
File name entry
Defines the name of the graphic report layout file to be used by
default. Standard graphic report layout files are defined for different
paper sizes and for systems with one or more stacks and one or more
tips. These files have the extension .lay and are located in the
Flaresim program folder.
The default layout file selected here can be respecified for individual
receptor grids on the Graphic Report tab of the Receptor Grid view.
The contents of the .lay files describe the location and formatting of
isopleth charts and accompanying data items and descriptive text
using XML syntax. The XML elements recognised in these files is
described in Appendix A of this manual.
5-12
General Setup
5-13
5.4 Component Management View

The Component Management view (see Figure 5-5) is used to
maintain and update the library of component data that may be used
to allow fluid properties to be calculated from their component
composition. The Component Management view is opened by
selecting the View - Component Management menu option or by
selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the View
button.
Figure 5-5, Component Management View
New components can be added to the component library by clicking

the Add New Component button. This displays a pop-up window
(see Figure 5-6) to allow the entry of the new components name.
When this has been entered click the OK button and the component
will be added to the list in the Component Manager view and its
properties will be displayed ready for entry.
5-13
5-14
Component Management View
Figure 5-6, Component Name Popup
Mole Weight
Range: 2 to 1000
The molecular weight of the component.
LHV
Range: 0 to 200MJ/kg
The net, or lower heating value of the component. It is a common
error in the design of flare systems to use the gross heating value.
For most hydrocarbon components this value will be of the order of
46 MJ/kg
Cp / Cv
Range: 1.01 to 5.0
The ratio of the specific heat capacities of the component. If the
value is unknown we would recommend using a value of 1.2.
Saturation
Range: 0 to 100%
The percentage saturation of the component.
LEL
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
The lower flammability limit of the component as a volume
percentage.
Critical Temperature
Range: 10 to 10,000 K
The critical temperature of the component.
5-14
General Setup
5-15
Critical Pressure
Range: 0.01 to 1,000 bara
The critical pressure of the component.
Once the component property data has been defined click the
Accept Component Data button to complete definition of the new
component. If for any reason you wish to abandon creation of a new
component at the property data entry stage then click the Cancel
Component Entry button.
Components that have been added by the user may be updated by
selecting it in the list and clicking the Edit Component Data button.
This option is not available for components from the Flaresim
database.
To remove a component from the library, select it in the list and click
the Remove Selected Component button.
5-15
5-16
5-16
Component Management View
Fluids
6-1
6 Fluids
Page
6.1
Fluid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.2
Common Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Properties Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Composition Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Assist Fluid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6-1
6-2
6-2
Fluids
6-3
The Fluid object defines the properties of the fluids to be flared

through a flare tip. The fluid properties may either be entered
directly or calculated from a defined composition. A single set of
fluid properties can be assigned to one or more flare tips.
Fluid objects may be created using the Add-Fluid menu option or
by selecting the Fluid branch in the Case Summary view and
clicking the Add button.
An existing Fluid object may be viewed by selecting it from the
View - Fluid menu option, by double clicking it in the Case
Summary view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and
clicking the View button.
Fluid objects will be included in the calculations when they are
assigned to a flare tip through the Tip view. A Fluid may be
assigned to more than one flare tip. Unassigned fluids take no part in
the calculations.
A Fluid object can be deleted either by clicking the Delete button on
its view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking
the Delete button on this view.
The Assist Fluid object both identifies the additional fluids that may
be fed to a flare tip to improve combustion and also defines the
information needed to calculate the flow of the assist fluid required.
Like Fluid objects, Assist Fluids are included in the calculations
only when assigned to a flare tip.
Assist Fluid objects may be created using the Add-Assist Fluid
menu option or by selecting the Assist Fluid branch in the Case
Summary view and clicking the Add button.
An existing Assist Fluid object may be viewed by selecting it from
the View - Assist Fluid menu option, by double clicking it in the
Case Summary view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view
and clicking the View button. Assist Fluid objects may be deleted
either through the Case Summary view or by using the Delete
button on the Assist Fluid view.
6-3
6-4
Fluid View
6.1 Fluid View

The following figure shows the Fluid view for entering and
updating fluid data.
Figure 6-1, Fluid View
6.1.1 Common Fields

Name
Text
Enter text to identify this Fluid object.
Status Text
Status message
The message displayed in this field and its colour indicates whether
the data for this fluid object is complete and ready for calculation.
6.1.2 Properties Tab

The Properties tab of the Fluid view, see Figure 6-1, has the
following data entry fields. Note that all of these fields except the
temperature will be calculated from the fluid composition if this is
entered.
6-4
Fluids
6-5
Temperature
Range: 10 to 1000K
The temperature of the fluid at the tip exit. Note that this is the
temperature of the fluid at the defined reference pressure.
If either a Steam or Air assisted flare tip is being used this
temperature is the fluid temperature before mixing with the steam or
air flow.
Ref. Pressure
Range: 100 to 2000000 Pa
The reference pressure at which the fluid temperature is defined.
The fluid temperature will be corrected from this pressure to other
pressures assuming adiabatic compression/expansion if the
adiabatic temperature correction calculation option is set.
Mole Weight
Range: 2 to 1000
The molecular weight of the fluid being flared.
LHV
Range: 0 to 200MJ/kg
The net or lower heating value of the fluid. It is a common error in
the design of flare systems to use the gross heating value of the fluid.
We are interested in the net heat released by the flame.
For most hydrocarbon fluids without inerts this value will be of the
order of 46 MJ/kg.
Cp / Cv
Range: 1.0 to 5.0
This field defines the ratio of the specific heat capacities of the fluid.
It is only required and used when the fluid is a vapour.
If the value is unknown we would recommend using a value of 1.2.
Saturation
Range: 0 to 100%
The percentage of saturated hydrocarbon molecules in the fluid on a
mole basis. This is used by the Flaresim method for estimation of the
6-5
6-6
Fluid View
fraction of heat radiated by a flame (emissivity). It is not used by any

of the other methods in which case any value may be entered.
For inert or non-hydrocarbon fluids and components assume 100%
saturation since this leads to combustion with a flame of lower
luminosity.
LEL
Range: 0.0 to 100.0%
The lower flammability limit of the fluid as a volume percentage.
This property is used by the Brzustowski method for calculation of
flame shape. It is not used by any of the other methods, in which case
any value may be entered.
Critical Temperature
Range: 10 to 1000K
The critical temperature of the fluid. It is used in the calculation of
the compressibility factor which in turn is used in the calculation of
the fluid density. If a value is not supplied, the fluids critical
temperature will be estimated using an internal correlation based on
mole weight.
Critical Pressure
Range: 0.01 to 1000 bara
The critical pressure of the fluid. It is used in the calculation of the
compressibility factor which in turn is used in the calculation of the
fluid density. If a value is not supplied, the fluids critical pressure
will be estimated using an internal correlation based on mole weight.
6-6
Fluids
6-7
6.1.3 Composition Tab

Figure 6-2, Composition Tab
Table - Component Name

Selected components
Shows the list of components selected for use in the model.
Components are added to the list by clicking the Add Component
button to open the Component List view; see Figure 6-3. Highlight
one or more components in the list that you wish to add and click the
OK button. The required components will be added to the
component list and the Component List view will close.
Components are removed from the list by clicking the Remove
Component button to open the Component List view; see Figure
6-3. Then select one or more components that you wish to remove
and click the OK button. The selected components will be removed
from the current component list and the Component List view will
close.
6-7
6-8
Fluid View
Figure 6-3, Component List view
Table - Composition Values

Range: 0 to 1.0
Specifies the fraction of each component in fluid on either a mole or
a mass basis as determined by the radio button selection to the right
of the table.
Composition Basis
Radio Button: Mass/Mole
This radio button selects the basis for the composition data. Note
that changing it does not convert any existing component fraction
data to the new basis.
As component fractions are updated, the running total of the
fractions is updated. A composition can be completed by clicking
either the Normalise button to set remaining fractions to 0.0 and
normalise current totals to add to 1.0 or by clicking the Calculate
Last Fraction button to set a single unspecified component fraction
to the value required to make the overall fraction equal to 1.0.
6-8
Fluids
6-9
6.2 Assist Fluid View

The following figure shows the Assist Fluid view for entering and
updating assist fluid data.
Figure 6-4, Assist Fluid View
Name
Text
Enter a name to identify this assist fluid.
Status Text
Status message
the data for this Assist Fluid object is complete and ready for
calculation.
Type
Dropdown list: Air / Steam/Water
Selects the type of assist fluid to be used. Steam/Water indicates that
Steam will be used with vapour flares and Water with liquid flares.
Apply Correction To Fraction Heat Radiated
Checkbox
If selected, Flaresim will calculate a correction to the fraction of heat
radiated by the flame resulting from the assist fluid.
6-9
6-10
Assist Fluid View
Apply Flame Length Correction

Checkbox
If selected, Flaresim will calculate a correction to the flame length
resulting from the assist fluid.
Smokeless Operation
Checkbox
If selected Flaresim will calculate the flow of assist fluid required for
smokeless operation of the flare tip. When cleared, Flaresim will use
the defined flow or flow ratio defined on the Tip object to calculate
the flow rate of the assist fluid. Checking this option displays
additional fields as shown in Figure 6-5.
Figure 6-5, Assist Fluid View for Smokeless Operation
Smokeless Method
Dropdown list: Flaresim/API/UserRatio
Selects the method to be used by Flaresim to calculate the flow of
assist fluid required for smokeless operation. The Flaresim method
is a propriatory correlation supplied by National Air Oil. The API
method is the method described in API RP521. The UserRatio
allows the user to specify the flow ratio of assist fluid required for
smokeless operation.
The validity of these options varies with the type of assist fluid
selected.
Air
The allowed methods are Flaresim and UserRatio. If
the API method is selected an error message will
displayed when the model is calculated.
Steam/Water Any of the allowed methods may be used.
6-10
Fluids
6-11
Smokeless Flow Ratio

Range: 0.001 to 10.0 but see description
Specifies the ratio of the mass flow of the assist fluid to the mass
flow of the fluid being flared. This field is displayed when the
UserRatio smokeless method is selected.
When Air is the assist fluid, high ratios of 5.0 or more may be used.
When Steam/Water is the assist fluid the mass ratio should not
exceed 0.5 since this would lead to flame instability and a potential
flameout.
6-11
6-12
6-12
Assist Fluid View
Environment
7-1
7 Environment
Page
7.1
Environment View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
7-1
7-2
7-2
Environment
7-3
The Environment object allows the definition of the data needed to

model flares in different environmental conditions. The data allows
characterisation of different geographical locations ranging from
desert conditions to Arctic conditions or characterisation of different
weather conditions at a single location.
An individual Flaresim run is always carried out for a single set of
environmental data. A Flaresim model file can contain multiple
Environment objects to allow rapid recalculation of the model with
a different set of environmental data.
Environment objects may be created using the Add-Environment
menu option or by selecting the Environment branch in the Case
Summary view and clicking the Add button.
An existing Environment object may be viewed by selecting it from
the View - Environment menu option, by double clicking it in the
Case Summary view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view
and clicking the View button.
The Environment object to be used for calculations is set by
selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the Activate
button. Since only one set of environmental data can be active at a
time, all other Environment objects will be set to Ignored. An
Environment object can also be Ignored by selecting the check box
on its view.
An Environment object can be deleted either by clicking the Delete
button on its view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and
clicking the Delete button on this view.
7-3
7-4
Environment View
7.1 Environment View

The figure below shows the Environment view for defining and
updating environmental data.
Figure 7-1, Environment view
Name
Text
A descriptive name to identify this Environment object.
Ignored
Checkbox
Clear to select this Environment object for calculations or set it to
ignore this Environment object. Only one Environment can be active
for calculations so clearing the ignored check box on an
Environment object will automatically check it on all the other
Environments in the mode.
Wind - Speed
Range: 0 to 100 m/s
A constant wind speed is assumed. In theory the windspeed varies
with elevation. However in order to simplify the calculation of the
flame profile this variation is ignored. This is justifiable due to the
accuracy limitations inherent in the flame shape calculations.
7-4
Environment
7-5
The following table gives standard wind speed conversions.

knots
mph
ft/s
m/s
Beaufort
Scale
0.0
0.0
0.0
2.3
3.3
1.0
4.6
6.6
2.0
9.2
13.5
4.1
12
13.8
20.3
6.2
18
20.7
30.5
9.3
24
27.6
40.7
12.4
28
32.2
47.2
14.4
34
39.1
57.4
17.5
40
46.0
67.6
20.6
Wind - Direction
Range: 0 to 360 from North
The direction from which the wind blows. Generally the worst or
most prevalent wind direction can be determined by examination of
the wind rose for the site in question.
Atmosphere - Temperature
Range: 10 to 500K
The ambient temperature of the atmosphere is used in the calculation
of the equilibrium surface temperatures of metallic surfaces exposed
to the flares thermal radiation.
Atmosphere - Humidity
Range: 4 to 100%
The relative humidity defines the water content of the atmosphere in
terms of the partial pressure of water vapour in the air relative to the
vapour pressure of water at the same temperature. Standard charts
are available relating the wet and dry bulb temperature
7-5
7-6
Environment View
measurements to the relative humidity, an example of which can be

found in The Chemical Engineers Handbook.
Atmosphere - Pressure
Range: 0.01 to 10.0 bara
The atmospheric pressure is used to calculate the exit density of the
flared gas and hence its exit velocity.
Background - Radiation
Range: 0 to 100,000 W/m2
The incident solar radiation for the site. Typical values for different
geographical locations are given in the following table.
Location
North Sea
Middle East
UK Land
Solar Radiation
(W/m2)
475-630
945
630-790
Normal design practise uses a value of 0 W/m2 for the solar

radiation. This leads to a less conservative design, but is considered
by many to be a more realistic analysis.
Background - Noise
Range: 0 to 150 dB
The background noise is used as a reference noise level to which the
noise from the flare system is added.
The following table gives typical noise levels for everyday
situations.
7-6
Environment
Intensity (dB)
7-7
Situation
Threshold of hearing
10
Virtual silence
20
Quiet room
30
Watch ticking at 1m
40
Quiet street
50
Quiet conversation
60
Quiet motor at 1m
70
Loud conversation
80
Door slamming
90
Busy typing room
100
Near loud motor horn
110
Pneumatic drill
120
Near aeroplane engine
130
Threshold of pain
Transmissivity - Method
Options: User/Calculated
The value for the atmospheric transmissivity may be either specified
by the user or estimated as a function of the relative humidity at the
site and the distance of the receptor from the flame. The correlation
used is valid for distances between 30-60 m and for relative
humidities greater than 10%. Outside of these ranges the correlation
may still give acceptable results.
Calculated atmospheric transmissivities should not be selected if
you are modelling hydrogen or hydrogen sulphide flares which burn
with little or no luminous radiation.
If User is selected the value for the atmospheric transmissivity must
be entered.
7-7
7-8
Environment View
If Calculated is selected the value for the relative humidity at the site
must be entered.
Transmissivity - Value
Range: 0.1 to 1.0
Atmospheric transmissivity defines the degree of attenuation of the
thermal radiation due to atmospheric conditions. It is expressed as
the fraction of the radiation which is received at the receptor point.
A value of 1.0 should normally be taken unless exceptional
circumstances are deemed applicable. If the location is protected by
a water curtain or sprays we would recommend a value of 0.3 to
model the reduced transmissivity.
7-8
Stacks
8-1
8 Stacks
Page
8.1
Stack View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
8-1
8-2
8-2
Stacks
8-3
The Stack object allows definition of data to describe each flare

Stack. A flare Stack or boom acts as the support for one or more flare
tips and its length and orientation is a critical part of the design of a
safe flare system. Flaresim offers a sizing calculation option where
the length of a single flare stack can be calculated to meet a defined
thermal radiation limit at a point in the site.
A Flaresim model may contain multiple Stack objects allowing the
modelling of sites containing multiple flares.
Stack objects may be created using the Add-Stack menu option or
by selecting the Stack branch in the Case Summary view and
clicking the Add button.
An existing Stack object may be viewed by selecting it from the
View - Stack menu option; by double clicking it in the Case
Summary view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and
clicking the View button.
All defined Stack objects will be included in the calculations unless
they have been set to Ignored. A Stack may be set to ignored by
selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the Ignore
button. An Ignored Stack object can be restored to the calculations
by selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the Activate
button. Alternatively a Stack object can be ignored and restored by
setting or clearing the Ignored check box on its view.
An Stack object can be deleted either by clicking the Delete button
on its view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and
8-3
8-4
Stack View
8.1 Stack View

The following figure show the Stack view for entering and updating
stack data.
Name
Text
Enter text to identify this stack object.
Ignored
Checkbox
Clear to include this stack in the calculations or set to ignore this
stack when calculating. The effect of this will be to ignore all of the
tips that are located on this stack.
Status Text
Status message
the data for this stack object is complete and ready for calculation.
Location - Relative To
Drop down list of existing locations
Allows the location of the stack base to be defined relative to another
object in the model, for example another stack. If left blank the
location is relative to the base point of the model at 0,0,0.
8-4
Stacks
8-5
The following fields then define the location of the stack base
relative to this location in either cartesian or polar coordinates.
Location - Northing
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the base of the stack North of the selected reference
location. Updates made to this value will automatically update the
polar coordinate values.
Location - Easting
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the base of the stack East of the selected reference
Location - Elevation
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the base of the stack above or below the selected
reference location. Updates made to this value will automatically
update the polar coordinate values.
Location - Radius
Range: 0 to 100,000m
The distance to the base of the stack from the selected reference
cartesian coordinate values.
Location - Angle to Horizontal
Range: 0 to 90
The angle to the horizontal of a line from the base of the stack to the
selected reference location. Updates made to this value will
automatically update the polar coordinate values.
Location - Angle from North
Range: -180 to 180
The angle from North of a line from the base of the stack to the
8-5
8-6
Stack View
Dimensions - Length
Range: 0 to 500m
The centre line length of the stack from the base to the tip support
platform. If the stack is selected for sizing this value will be ignored.
Dimensions - Angle to Horizontal
Range: 0 to 90
The orientation of the stack relative to the horizontal.
Horizontal stacks (0 ) are usually used for liquid flares on offshore
platforms. Angled booms (30 , 45 , 60 ) stacks are commonly
used for gas flares on offshore platforms. Vertical stacks (90 ) will
be used for most onshore installations.
Dimensions - Angle from North
Range: 0 to 360
The orientation of the stack relative to North. Flaresim works on a
360 compass base thus 90 corresponds to a stack or boom
pointing due East, 180 to due South etc.
It is important to set the direction of the stack correctly relative to the
wind direction since this will have a significant impact on the
results. For most design purposes, specifying both the stack angle
from North as 0 and wind direction as 0 will give a flame blowing
back along the stack axis which will generally give the worst case
radiation values for design of the installation.
8-6
Tips
9-1
9 Tips
Page
9.1
Tip View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.1.3
9.1.4
9.1.5
9.1.6
9.1.7
Common Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Details Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Location & Dimensions Tab . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Fluids Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Results Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Noise Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Flame Shape Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9-1
9-2
9-2
Tips
9-3
The Tip object allows definition of data to describe each flare tip. A
flare tip acts as the disposal point for a single fluid. Multiple flare
tips on one or more stacks may be present in a flare system to dispose
separately of fluids due to incompatible properties e.g. warm and
cold fluids, high and low pressure fluids, dry and wet fluids.
Tip objects may be created using the Add-Tip menu option or by
selecting the Tip branch in the Case Summary view and clicking
the Add button.
An existing Tip object may be viewed by selecting it from the View
- Tip menu option, by double clicking it in the Case Summary view
or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the View
button.
All defined Tip objects will be included in the calculations unless
they have been set to Ignored. A Tip may be set to ignored by
selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the Ignore
button. An Ignored Tip object can be restored to the calculations by
selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking the Activate
button. Alternatively a Tip object can be ignored and restored by
setting or clearing the check box on its view.
A Tip object can be deleted either by clicking the Delete button on
its view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and clicking
the Delete button on this view.
9-3
9-4
Tip View
9.1 Tip View

The following figure shows the Tip view for entering and updating
tip data.
Figure 9-1, Tip Details View
9.1.1 Common Fields

Name
Text
Enter text to identify this Tip object.
Status Text
Status message
the data for this tip object is complete and ready for calculation.
9-4
Tips
9-5
Ignored
Checkbox
Clear to include this tip in the calculations or set to ignore this tip
when calculating.
9.1.2 Details Tab

The Details tab of the Tip view, Figure 9-1, has the following data
entry fields.
Details - Tip Type
Drop down list: Pipe / Sonic / Welltest / Combined HP/LP
Selects the type of flare tip required. The nature of the fluid being
flared through the tip will generally determine the type of tip
selected.
For gases, either the pipe or sonic tip types may be selected. Pipe
flares are the simplest type of tip and may be specified for both high
and low pressure gases. If the pressure available is greater than 2 bar
(30 psi) at the tip then a sonic tip can be utilised. Sonic flare tips have
the advantage of low flame emissivities due to more efficient
combustion of the flare gas. For lower pressures a pipe flare is
generally used possibly with steam or air assistance (see 6.2).
Where a combined HP/LP tips is selected the HP tip is assumed to
be a sonic tip and the LP a sub-sonic one. The flow ratio of HP to LP
fluids should be 3 or greater.
For liquids a Welltest tip type should be selected.
Details - Number of Burners
Range: 1 to 1000 for certain sonic flares otherwise 1
The number of individual burners which make up the tip assembly.
This should be set to 1 for all tips unless the tip being used produces
distinct, separate flames for each burner e.g. the Mardair sonic flare
tip.
9-5
9-6
Tip View
Details - Seal Type

Drop down list: None / Fluidic1 / Fluidic2 / Fluidic3 / Molec.1 /
Molec.2
Defines the type of seal. The riser diameter (see Location and
Dimensions tab) and seal type are used solely for calculation of the
pressure at the base of the stack. The values calculated are to be used
for preliminary review purposes only.
There are two basic types of seal, Fluidic or Molecular:Figure 9-2 shows the general design concept for the fluidic seal. The
type selection is a function of the opening as defined below
Fluidic1:
50% of total area
Fluidic2:
40% of total area
Fluidic3:
35% of total area.
Figure 9-2, Fluidic Seal
Opening
Diameter
9-6
Tips
9-7
Figure 9-3 shows the general design concept for the molecular seal.
The type selection is a function of the diameter as defined below:Molec.1:
Traditional design. Maximum diameter is 1.7 times
the tip diameter. The pressure drop correlation is
based on a design which gives a body length of 5.5m
(18ft) regardless of the tip diameter.
Molec.2:
Low pressure drop design. Maximum diameter is 2
times the tip diameter. The pressure drop correlation
is based on a design which gives a body length which
is a function of the tip diameter.
Figure 9-3, Molecular Seal
Diameter
The fluidic seal has a number of advantages over the traditional

molecular seal: Lower purge gas requirements and consequent operating costs.
The seal still operates with a high efficiency even if rain water or
chunks of refractory material drop into the baffles. In fact the
water is quickly dissipated because the fluidic seal is located at a
high temperature section of the flare stack.
Lower cost due to the simple construction and light weight. A
48" fluidic seal will typically weigh less than half the weight of a
6" molecular seal.
9-7
9-8
Tip View
Fraction Heat Radiated - Method

Dropdown list: User specified / Natural Gas / Kent / Tan / High
Efficiency / Cook / Generic Pipe
Defines the method used to calculate the fraction of the total net heat
release from the flame which is radiated. This was labeled emissivity
in Flaresim prior to version 1.1. It is also known as the F Factor.
The User specified option allows specification of the value by the
user. Otherwise it is calculated by the selected correlation as
follows:Natural gas: Correlation based on tip exit velocity assuming a
natural gas fluid of molecular weight 19.
Tan:
Correlation based on mole weight
E = 0.048 MW
Kent:
Correlation based on mole weight
50 MW + 100E = 0.2 ----------------------------------900

High Efficiency:Proprietary correlation between tip type, exit
velocity, fluid molecular weight and degree of
hydrocarbon saturation. Formally known as the
Flaresim method in versions prior to 1.2.
Cook:
Correlation based on exit velocity.
Generic Pipe: Correlation based on refitting Kent, Tan, Natural gas
and Cook methods across a range of exit velocities
and molecular weights.
Where flare vendor data is available it should be used in
preference to a correlation. In the absence of vendor data, the
Generic Pipe method is recommended for a conservative design. For
clean burning, smokeless flares from well designed flare tips in good
condition the High Efficiency method can be used. In practice this
means flares burning paraffinic hydrocarbons of low molecular
weight fluid (<60) at reasonable exit velocities (> 0.2 mach). For
fluids other than paraffinic hydrocarbons vendor advice should be
sought. In the absence of advice, user specified F Factors of 0.3 to
0.4 are generally reasonable.
9-8
Tips
9-9
Fraction Heat Radiated - Value

Range 0.01 to 1.0
If the User specified Method is selected then the value for the
fraction of heat radiated must be entered here.
Typical values for different types of flare tip are given in the
following table.
Tip Type
Pipeflare
Single Burner Sonic
Multiple Burner Sonic
Fraction Heat Radiated

0.25 to 0.4
0.10
0.05 to 0.1
Unsaturated hydrocarbons burn with higher quantities of

luminescent carbon particles leading to values typically 10-20%
greater than for saturated hydrocarbons.
Fraction Heat Radiated - Max Value
Range 0.01 to 1.0
Defines the maximum value of the heat radiation fraction to be used
for a combined flame and overrides any higher value calculated by
a correlation. This field is only visible when the flare tip is a
Combined HP/LP type.
Fraction Heat Radiated - Calculated Value
Calculated
The value for the fraction of heat radiated calculated by the selected
method.
Combustion Noise - Method
Dropdown list: Accoustic Efficiency / Low Noise Reference /
Standard Reference / User Reference
Selects the noise calculation method to be used. The Accoustic
efficiency method is described in section 11.3. The other methods
are based on a reference spectrum of noise at a known heat release.
When the Accoustic Efficiency method is selected the following
additional fields are displayed.
9-9
9-10
Tip View
Figure 9-4, Accoustic Efficiency Data
Peak Frequency
Dropdown list: 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 Hz
This defines the sound frequency band at which the peak noise is
generated. The total sound power calculated at this frequency will be
distributed across the other sound frequency bands.
Efficiency
Range 1.0e-6 to 1.0e-2 %
The efficiency at which combustion energy is converted to sound
power.
The Low Noise Reference and Standard Reference methods use
proprietary data supplied by a flare system vendor. Selecting a User
Reference method displays the Reference Duty and Sound Power
Table fields described below.
Figure 9-5, User Reference Spectrum
9-10
Tips
9-11
Combustion Noise - Ref. Duty

Range: 1 to 1,000 MW
Defines the reference heat release corresponding to the sound power
data defined in the Sound Power Table.
Combustion Noise - Sound Power Table
Range: 1 to 200 dB
Alows the user to define the sound power level at each frequency
corresponding to the heat release specified in the Reference Duty
field.
9.1.3 Location & Dimensions Tab

Figure 9-6, Location & Dimensions Tab
Tip is located on stack

Dropdown list: Defined stack names
Defines which stack the tip is located on. The dropdown list shows
the currently defined stacks.
9-11
9-12
Tip View
Dimensions - Length
Range: 0 to 200m
The physical length of the burner tip. The value is used in calculating
the true gas exit point for the case of a vertical flare tip on an inclined
boom.
Dimensions - Angle to Horizontal
Range: 0 to 90
The orientation of the tip relative to the horizontal.
Vertical installation of flare tips prevents burnback on the tip and
consequent reduction in tip life. The use of inclined tips on inclined
booms does have the advantage of directing both the flame and any
liquid carryover away from the main platform structure.
Dimensions - Angle from North
Range: 0 to 360
The orientation of the tip relative to the North.
It is not unusual in offshore flares for the tip to be oriented along a
different axis to the boom.
Dimensions - Diameter
Range: 0.001 to 10m
The internal diameter of the burner assembly.
For sonic flares the equivalent diameter is calculated for resolution
of the fluid jet vectors when calculating the flame shape.
Dimensions - Effective Area
Range: 0.0001 to 100%
The actual percentage of the area calculated from the tip diameter
which is available for flow of the gas or liquid.
A value of 100% is generally used for pipe flares. For sonic flares
the value should be adjusted to ensure that the exit velocity is just
sonic at the design flare rate. For liquid burners the value should be
adjusted to calculate the correct exit velocity.
9-12
Tips
9-13
Dimensions - Riser Diameter

Range: 0.001 to 10m
The internal diameter of the pipe from the base of the stack to the tip.
Dimensions - Contraction Coefficient
Range: 0.01 to 1.0
The ratio of the diameter of the vena contractor to the diameter of the
discharge orifice (tip). If not specified this will be calculated and the
result displayed on the Results tab.
Dimensions - Exit Loss Coefficient
Range: 1 to 1000
The number of velocity heads which defines the exit loss for the tip.
For a sonic tip the value should always be 1.0. Note that if the exit
loss coefficient is specified the outlet pressure field cannot also be
specified.
Dimensions - Roughness
Range: 0 to 0.001m
The roughness of the riser to this tip to be used in calculating the
riser pressure drop.
Dimensions - Outlet Pressure
Range: 10 to 10,000kPa
The static pressure at the outlet of the tip, i.e at the point where the
fluid emerges from the tip. Normally this will be calculated and
displayed on the results tab. If specified the exit loss coefficient must
be left unspecified and will be calculated.
The tip exit pressure is used to calculate the properties of the gas at
the exit and hence the velocity of the fluid.
9-13
9-14
Tip View
9.1.4 Fluids Tab

Figure 9-7, Fluids Tab
Fluid - Name
Drop Down List: Defined Fluids
Allows one of the defined fluids in your model to be assigned to the
flare tip
Fluid - Mass Flow
Range: 0 to 10,000 kg/s
The flowrate of the fluid fed to this tip.
Secondary Fluid - Name
Drop Down List: Defined Fluids
Allows one of the defined fluids in your model to be assigned to LP
flare tip of a Combined HP/LP tip.
Secondary Fluid - Mass Flow
Range: 0 to 10,000 kg/s
The flowrate of the fluid fed to the LP tip of a Combined HP/LP tip.
9-14
Tips
9-15
Assist Fluid - Name

Drop Down List: Defined Assist Fluids
Allows one of the defined assist fluids in your model to be assigned
to this flare tip.
Assist Fluid - Mass Flow
Range: 0 to 10,000 kg/s or Calculated
Defines the flow of assist fluid to the tip. When the assist fluid has
been set to Smokeless Operation then this value will be calculated.
Otherwise either this value must be specified.
Assist Fluid - Flow Ratio
Calculated Value
The calculated ratio of assist fluid to fluid being flared.
9.1.5 Results Tab

Figure 9-8, Results Tab
9-15
9-16
Tip View
End Coordinates - Northing

Calculated Value
The distance north of the end of this tip from the origin.
End Coordinates - Easting
Calculated Value
The distance east of the end of this tip from the origin.
End Coordinates - Elevation
Calculated Value
The height of the end of this tip relative to the origin.
Exit Properties - Velocity
Calculated Value
The calculated exit velocity from this flare tip.
Exit Properties - Mach Number
Calculated Value
The calculated exit velocity from this flare tip expressed as a Mach
number.
Exit Properties - Volume Flow
Calculated Value
The volume flow rate of the fluid leaving the tip at the tip conditions.
Heat Release - Heat Release
Calculated Value
The total heat released by the flame from this flare tip.
Heat Release - Flame Length
Calculated Value
The flame length calculated for the tip and used to determine the
flames position for the radiation calculations. For a Pipe flare this
will be the same as the API Flame Length. For Sonic flares the flame
length will normally be significantly less than the API value.
Heat Release - API Flame Length
Calculated Value
The length of the flame calculated using the method outlined in API
RP521. The method assumes a pipe flare.
9-16
Tips
9-17
Pressure Profile - Static Tip Exit

Calculated Value
The static pressure calculated at the exit of the flare tip.
Pressure Profile - Static Tip Inlet
Calculated Value
The static pressure calculated at the inlet to the flare tip.
Pressure Profile - Static Seal Inlet
Calculated Value
The static pressure calculated at the inlet to the seal.
Pressure Profile - Static Riser Inlet
Calculated Value
The static pressure calculated at the inlet to the riser.
Pressure Profile - Total Tip Exit
Calculated Value
The total pressure including momentum contribution calculated at
the exit of the flare tip.
Pressure Profile - Total Tip Inlet
Calculated Value
the inlet to the flare tip.
Pressure Profile - Total Seal Inlet
Calculated Value
the inlet to the seal.
Pressure Profile - Total Riser Inlet
Calculated Value
the inlet to the riser.
Pressure Profile - Tip Flow Type
Calculated Value
Indicates whether the velocity calculated at the flare tip is critical (or
sonic) or sub-critical (sub-sonic). Since the calculation performed in
the pressure drop algorithm is marginally different to the exit
9-17
9-18
Tip View
properties calculation this may indicate critical velocity when the

Mach Number is slightly less than 1.0.
Pressure Profile - Contraction Coefficient
Calculated Value
The calculated contraction coefficient.
9.1.6 Noise Tab

Figure 9-9, Noise Tab
Reference Data - SPL

Calculated Value
The sound power level calculated summing the individual
contributions at the different frequencies.
Reference Data - Ref Distance
Calculated Value
Displays the reference distance at which the sound power level is
calculated. It is a fixed value and cannot be changed.
9-18
Tips
9-19
Display
Dropdown list: Table / Plot
Selects whether the noise spectrum results are displayed as a table or
as a graph.
Noise Spectrum
Calculated Values
This table or graph shows the noise generated as a function of the
sound frequency. The results show the contribution from
combustion noise and jet noise as well as the total noise at each
defined frequency.
The graph option can be customised using the pop-up menu
displayed by clicking the Right mouse button. The plot option
customisation options are described in a dedicated help file.
Export
Button
Allows the noise spectrum data to be saved. If the noise spectrum is
currently displayed as a table, a standard file dialog box will be
displayed to allow the data to be saved as a CSV file. If the data is
displayed as a plot it may be saved as a graphics file. A standard file
dialog box will appear to allow the name and file type to be entered.
The allowed file types are JPG, PNG, BMP, WMF or EMF.
9-19
9-20
Tip View
9.1.7 Flame Shape Tab

Figure 9-10, Flame Shape Tab
Display
Dropdown list: Table / 3D Plot / 2D Plot - North vs. East / 2D Plot
- North vs. Elevation / 2D Plot - East vs. Elevation
Allows selection of the display method for the flame shape results.
The flame shape is calculated using the calculation method and
number of elements specified by the user in the Calculation
Options view.
The various plot options can be customised using the pop-up menu
displayed by clicking the Right mouse button. The plot option
customisation options are described in a dedicated help file.
Export
Button
Allows the flame shape data to be saved to an external file. If the
data is displayed as a table it may be saved to a CSV file. If it is
9-20
Tips
9-21
displayed as a plot, the data may be saved to a JPG, PNG, BMP,

WMF or EMF graphics file. In either case a standard file dialog box
will appear to allow the name and file type to be entered.
9-21
9-22
9-22
Tip View
Receptors
10-1
10 Receptors
Page
10.1 Receptor Point View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
10.1.1
10.1.2
10.1.3
10.1.4
Common Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Point Definition Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Thermal Results Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Noise Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10.2 Receptor Point Summary View . . . . . . . . . 12

10.3 Receptor Grid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
10.3.1
10.3.2
10.3.3
10.3.4
10.3.5
10.3.6
10.3.7
10.3.8
Common Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grid Details Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiation Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noise Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Isopleth Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plot Overlay Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Graphic Report Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
21
10.4 Overlay Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

10.4.1
10.4.2
10.4.3
10.4.4
10.4.5
Overlay Editor Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overlay Editor Toolbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overlay Editor - Object Styles. . . . . . . . . .
Overlay Editor - Draw Mode . . . . . . . . . . .
Overlay Editor - Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
27
30
32
34
10-1
10-2
10.5 Using Overlays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

10.5.1
10.5.2
10.5.3
10.5.4
10-2
Simple Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Import Scaled Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Import Unscaled Bitmap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
DXF Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Receptors
10-3
Receptors are the points at which Flaresim will calculate the thermal
radiation, noise and surface temperatures resulting from the
operation of one or more flare tips. Flaresim provides the ability to
define Receptor Point objects which define a single point for the
calculations and Receptor Grid objects which define a plane of
points.
Receptor Point objects may be created using the Add-Receptor
Point menu option or by selecting the Receptor Points branch in the
Case Summary view and clicking the Add button.
An existing Receptor Point object may be viewed by selecting it
from the View - Receptor Point menu option, by double clicking it
in the Case Summary view or by selecting it in the Case Summary
view and clicking the View button.
Receptor Point objects will be calculated unless they have been set
to Ignored. A Receptor Point may be set to ignored by selecting it
in the Case Summary view and clicking the Ignore button.or
restored to the calculations clicking the Activate button.
Alternatively a Receptor Point object can be ignored and restored
by setting or clearing the check box on its view.
A Receptor Point object can be deleted either by clicking the Delete
button on its view or by selecting it in the Case Summary view and
Receptor Grid objects may be created using the Add-Receptor
Grid menu option and viewed the through the View-Receptor Grid
menu option. A Receptor Grid can be deleted using the Delete
button on its view. Alternatively a Receptor Grid can be created,
viewed or deleted using the Case Summary view in the usual way.
Like receptor points, Receptor Grid objects will be calculated
unless they have been set to Ignored. Receptor Grid objects can be
ignored and restored though the check box on the Receptor Grid
view or through the Case Summary view.
10-3
10-4
Receptor Point View
10.1 Receptor Point View

The following figure show the Receptor Point view for entering
and updating stack data.
Figure 10-1, Receptor Point View
10.1.1 Common Fields

Name
Text
Enter text to identify this Receptor Point object.
Status Text
Status message
the data for this Receptor Point object is complete and ready for
calculation.
10-4
Receptors
10-5
Ignored
Checkbox
Clear to calculate the results for this Receptor Point or set to ignore
this point when calculating.
10.1.2 Point Definition Tab

The Point Definition tab of the Receptor Point view (see Figure 101) has the following data entry fields.
Location - Relative To
Drop down list of existing locations
Allows the location of the receptor point to be defined relative to
another object in the model, for example the base of a stack. If left
blank the location is relative to the base point of the model at 0,0,0.
The following fields then define the location of the stack base
relative to this location in either cartesian or polar coordinates.
Location - Northing
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the receptor point North of the selected reference
Location - Easting
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the receptor point East of the selected reference
Location - Elevation
Range: -100,000 to 100,000m
The distance of the receptor point above or below the selected
10-5
10-6
Receptor Point View
Location - Radius
Range: 0 to 100,000m
The distance to the receptor point from the selected reference
cartesian coordinate values.
Location - Angle to Horizontal
Range: 0 to 90
The angle to the horizontal of a line from the receptor point to the
Location - Angle from North
Range: 0 to 360
The angle from North of a line from the receptor point to the selected
Properties - On Plane
Dropdown list: None / Northing-Easting / Northing-Elevation /
Easting-Elevation
Selects the orientation of the receptor point and is used to calculate
the angle of incidence of the thermal radiation on the receptor.
Setting the On Plane entry to None means that no correction for
angle of incidence will be applied.
Properties - Emissivity
Range: 0.0001 to 1.0
The emissivity of the point which will be used in the heat balance
calculations to determine surface temperature. The emissivity is
used to calculate the radiative heat loss from the receptor point.
A typical value for steel is 0.7.
Properties - Absorbtivity
Range: 0.0001 to 1.0
The absorbtivity of the point which will be used in the heat balance
calculations to determine surface temperature. It is the fraction of the
radiation incident on the point that will be absorbed. A typical value
for steel is 0.7.
10-6
Receptors
Incident radiation
10-7
Properties - Area Ratio

Range: 0.0001 to 10,000
The ratio of the area available to allow the receptor to lose heat to
the area of the receptor exposed to the thermal radiation.
A plate with one face exposed to a flare would have an Area Ratio
of 2.0.
Heat Loss
E.g. A plate would have an
arearatio of 2.0.
Properties - Mass
Range: 0 to 1,000,000 kg
The mass at the point to be used in the calculation of the rate of
surface temperature rise.
Properties - Mass Cp
Range: 0.1 to 10,000 J/kg/K
The mass specific heat capacity of the material at the point to be used
in the calculation of the rate of surface temperature rise.
Properties - Initial Temperature
Range: 10 to 1000 K
The initial temperature of the receptor point.
Sizing Constraints - Radiation
Range: 0 to 100,000 W/m2
The maximum thermal radiation to be allowed at this point when
performing sizing calculations.
The following table provides typical values for design levels of
radiation at different locations.
10-7
10-8
Receptor Point View
Design
Radiation
W/m2
Conditions
15,780
On structures and in areas where operators are not likely to

be performing duties and where shelter from radiant heat is
available e.g. behind equipment.
9,470
At design flare release at any location to which personnel

have access e.g. at grade below the flare or on a service platform of a nearby tower. Exposure must be limited to a few
seconds, sufficient for escape only.
6,310
In areas where emergency actions lasting up to 1 minute

may be required by personnel without shielding but with
appropriate clothing.
4,730
In areas where emergency actions lasting several minutes

may be require by personnel without shielding but with
appropriate clothing.
1,890
At design flare release on the helideck of an offshore platform. This value is suggested by the Civil Aviation Authority. Above this value the possibility of distortion of the
aluminium helicoptor airframe and rotors exists.
1,390
At design flare release at any location where personnel are

continuously exposed.
Sizing Constraints - SPL

Range: 60 to 200 dB
The maximum sound power level to be allowed at this point when
performing sizing calculations.
Sizing Constraints - SPLA
Range: 60 to 200 dBA
The maximum A-weighted sound power level to be allowed at this
point when performing sizing calculations.
Sizing Constraints - Average SPL
Range: 60 to 200 dB
The maximum average sound power level to be allowed at this point
when performing sizing calculations.
10-8
Receptors
10-9
10.1.3 Thermal Results Tab.

Figure 10-2, Thermal Results Tab
Thermal Results - Radiation

Calculated Value
The calculated thermal radiation received at the point from all of the
flares in operation.
Thermal Results - Final Temperature
Calculated Value
The equilibrium surface temperature reached during prolonged
flaring.
Display
Dropdown: Table / Plot
Selects whether the calculated change in temperature of the receptor
point with time is displayed as a table or as a graph.
10-9
10-10
Receptor Point View
When displayed as a graph, the appearance of the graph may be

customised using the options from a pop-up menu that is accessed
by clicking the Right Mouse button on the plot.
Export
Button
Allows the calculated curve of time vs. point temperature to be
exported to a file. If the data is displayed as a table it may be
exported to a CSV file. If displayed as a graph it may be exported to
a JPG, PNG, BMP, WMF or EMF graphics file. In either case a
standard file dialog box will appear to allow the name and file type
to be entered.
10.1.4 Noise Results

Figure 10-3, Noise Results
10-10
Receptors
10-11
SPL
Calculated Value
The total sound power level at the receptor point. It is calculated by
summing the sound power contributions at each frequency.
SPLA
Calculated Value
The A-weighted sound power level calculated at the receptor point.
It is calculated by summing the A-weighted sound power levels at
each frequency.
Average SPL
Calculated Value
The sound power level averaged across all the frequencies.
Display
Selects whether the sound power levels vs. frequency results are
displayed as a table or as a graph.
When displayed as a graph, the appearance of the graph may be
customised using the options from a pop-up menu that is accessed
by clicking the Right Mouse button on the plot.
Export
Button
Allows the calculated sound power vs. frequency results to be
exported to a file. If the data is displayed as a table it may be
exported to a CSV file. If displayed as a graph it may be exported to
a JPG, PNG, BMP, WMF or EMF graphics file. In either case a
standard file dialog box will appear to allow the name and file type
to be entered.
10-11
10-12
Receptor Point Summary View
10.2 Receptor Point Summary View

The Receptor Point Summary view is shown below. It may be
opened by clicking the Receptor Point branch of the Case
Summary view and then clicking the View button.
Figure 10-4, Receptor Point Summary View
This view is provided as a summary view for the defined Receptor

Points and to allow easy review of the results across all the points.
The view is for display only and cannot be used to update values.
10-12
Receptors
10-13
10.3 Receptor Grid View

The Receptor Grid view is shown below.
Figure 10-5, Receptor Grid View
10.3.1 Common Fields

Name
Text
Enter text to identify this Receptor Grid object.
Status Text
Status message
the data for this Receptor Grid object is complete and ready for
calculation.
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Receptor Grid View
Ignored
Checkbox
Clear to calculate the results for this Receptor Grid or set to ignore
this grid when calculating.
10.3.2 Grid Details Tab

The Grid Details tab of the Receptor Grid view (see Figure 10-5)
has the following data entry fields.
Orientation
Radio buttons: Northing-Easting / Northing - Elevation /
Easting - Elevation
This set of radio buttons selects the orientation plane of the receptor
grid. Receptor grids are set up for one of the three orthogonal planes.
In Flaresim terminology, the X-Y plane is Northing-Easting, the XZ plane is Northing-Elevation and the Y-Z plane is EastingElevation.
Once selected the other fields are used to define the receptor grids
location and extent and the fineness or coarseness of the grid. The
names of these fields will be updated appropriately. For example
when the orientation is set to Northing-Elevation, the offset field
will be titled Easting Offset, the next group of fields will be titled
Northing and the next block Elevation.
Offset
Range: -100,000 to 100,000 m
The offset of the receptor grid plane from the model origin.
Title
Text
The name to be used for this axis of the grid.
Min
Range: -100,000 to 100,000 m
The minimum extent of the grid in the labeled direction.
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10-15
Max
Range: -100,000 to 100,000 m
The maximum extent of the grid in the labeled direction.
Number of Points
Range: 1 to 501
The number of increments that the distance between the minimum
and maximum extents will be divided into.
Receptor Properties - On Plane
Dropdown list: None / Northing-Easting / Northing-Elevation /
Easting-Elevation
The orientation of the receptor and is used to determine the
correction to be applied due to the angle of incidence of the receptor
to the flare. If it is set to None, no correction for angle of incidence
will be applied.
Receptor Properties - Emissivity
Range: 0.0001 to 1
The emissivity of each point in the grid which will be used in the
heat balance calculations to determine surface temperature.
Typical value for steel is 0.7
Receptor Properties - Absorbtivity
Range: 0.0001 to 1.0
The absorbtivity of each point in the grid which will be used in the
heat balance calculations to determine surface temperature. This is
defined as the fraction of thermal radiation striking a surface that
will be absorbed.
Typical value for steel is 0.7.
Receptor Properties - Area Ratio
Range: 0.0001 to 10,000
The ratio of the area of the receptor available for losing heat to the
area of the receptor exposed to the flare. For a flat plate with one face
exposed to the flare the Area Ratio would be 2.0.
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Receptor Grid View
10.3.3 Radiation Tab

The Radiation tab of the Receptor Grid view displays a table or a
plot of the calculated thermal radiation at each point in the grid.
Figure 10-6, Radiation Tab
Display
Selects whether the thermal radiation results are displayed as a table
or as a graph.
When displayed as a graph, the appearance of the graph is controlled
by settings in the file Preferences.XML.
Export
Button
Allows the calculated thermal radiation results to be exported to a
file. If the data is displayed as a table it may be exported to a CSV
file. If displayed as a graph it may be exported to a JPG, PNG, BMP,
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10-17
WMF or EMF graphics file. In either case a standard file dialog box
will appear to allow the name and file type to be entered.
10.3.4 Noise Tab

The Noise tab of the Receptor Grid view displays a table or a graph
of the calculated total sound power at each point in the grid.
Figure 10-7, Noise Tab
Display
Selects whether the sound power results are displayed as a table or
as a graph.
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Receptor Grid View
Export
Button
Allows the calculated sound power results to be exported to a file. If
the data is displayed as a table it may be exported to a CSV file. If
displayed as a graph it may be exported to a JPG, PNG, BMP, WMF
or EMF graphics file. In either case a standard file dialog box will
appear to allow the name and file type to be entered.
10.3.5 Temperature Tab

The Temperature tab of the Receptor Grid view displays a table
or a graph of the calculated final surface temperatures at each point
in the grid.
Figure 10-8, Temperature Tab
Display
Selects whether the temperature results are displayed as a table or as
a graph.
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Receptors
10-19

Export
Button
Allows the calculated temperature results to be exported to a file. If
the data is displayed as a table it may be exported to a CSV file. If
displayed as a graph it may be exported to a JPG, PNG, BMP, WMF
or EMF graphics file. In either case a standard file dialog box will
appear to allow the name and file type to be entered.
10.3.6 Isopleth Tab

The Isopleth tab of the Receptor Grid view allows the user to
define the values and colours of the isopleths of thermal radiation,
noise and surface temperature plots on the receptor grid results..
Figure 10-9, Isopleth Tab
Isopleth - Radiation
Range: 1 to 10000 W/m2
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Receptor Grid View
Allows the thermal radiation limits for isopleths on the Radiation

plot to be defined. Clear the radiation value to remove an isopleth
from the list.
Isopleth - Noise
Range: 1 to 200 dB
Allows the noise limits for isopleths on the Noise plot to be defined.
Clear the noise value to remove an isopleth from the list.
Isopleth - Temperature
Range: 10 to 10,000 K
Allows the temperature limits for isopleths on the Temperature plot
to be defined. Clear the temperature value to remove an isopleth
from the list.
Isopleth - Line Type
Popup selection
Selects the line style to be used for the selected isopleth from the
popup window shown below. This column appears for each isopleth
type: Radiation, Noise and Temperature.
Figure 10-10, Line Type Picker
Isopleth - Line Width

Range: 1 to 5
Allows the line width in pixels to be specified for the selected
isopleth. This column appears for each isopleth type: Radiation,
Noise and Temperature.
Reset Defaults
Button
This resets all of the current isopleth definitions to the current
defaults.
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10-21
Save As Defaults
Button
This saves the current set of isopleth definitions to be the defaults
that will be used whenever a new Receptor Grid is created or when
the Reset Defaults button is clicked.
After the defaults have been changed the following dialog box will
appear to ask if the current set of isopleth definitions should be saved
to the preferences file. Clicking Yes in this dialog will save the
current isopleth definitions to be used as the defaults in future
Flaresim models. Clicking No will change the defaults for this
session only. Note that any other changes made to the preferences
file will also be saved.
Figure 10-11, Save Isopleth Definitions
10.3.7 Plot Overlay Tab

The Plot Overlay tab of the Receptor Grid view allows the user to
define a background graphic such as a plot plan to be displayed with
the radiation, noise or temperature isopleth plots. The background
graphic can be created by importing and updating an existing
graphics file. Alternatively a set of drawing tools is provided to
allow creation of simple plot overlays within Flaresim.
The use of the Plot Overlay Editor is described in section 10.4.
10.3.8 Graphic Report Tab

The Graphic Report tab of the Receptor Grid view allows the user
to display a graphical report of isopleth results or export the data
points for an isopleth curve. Printing of the graphic reports is
handled by the File - Print Graphic Reports menu option.
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Receptor Grid View
Figure 10-12, Graphic Report Tab
Variable
Dropdown List
Selects the variable to be plotted on the graphic report - Radiation,
Noise or Temperature.
Contour Method
Dropdown List: Linear / Cubic / BSpline
Selects the method used to generate the isopleth curves from the
receptor grid data points.
The Linear option uses the least interpolation and as a result the
points generated will be in closest agreement to the data values in the
grid. However this may result in more jagged looking isopleth
curves if a coarse receptor grid is used i.e. fewer points are
calculated. The BSpline method offers the smoothest curves if a
coarse grid is used but individual points on the curves may not show
such good agreement with the original grid results. The Cubic
method offers an alternative smoothing method.
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10-23
Label Isopleth Curves

Checkbox
Set this to generate single letter labels for each of the isopleth curves.
This allows individual curves to be more easily distinguished on
black and white printed output. It is not normally required for colour
output.
Layout File
Filename
This defines the name of the graphic report layout file that will be
used to generate the graphic report for this receptor grid.
Layout files describe the background text, data items and graphics
formatting instructions required to define a graphics report in an
XML formatted file with the extension .LAY. A number of standard
layout files are shipped with Flaresim to provide graphic report
definitions for 1 and 2 stack systems with 1 or 2 tips on A4 and
Letter paper sizes. Appendix A describes the structure and the
elements that make up a layout file.
The default layout file used for new receptor grid objects is defined
in the Preferences view.
Browse
Button
Clicking this button opens a standard windows file browser to allow
a layout file to be selected.
Generate Graphic Report
Button
Clicking this button generates and displays on the screen a graphic
report from the selected layout file for the selected variable. The
graphic report is displayed in its own window and by default is
displayed as a maximised view. The graphic report window can be
minimised, resized and closed using standard windows methods.
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Receptor Grid View
Figure 10-13, Sample Graphic Report
Export Isopleth Points

Button
This button generates a text data file in comma separated value
(CSV) format containing a list of the isopleth data points for the
selected variable. A standard windows file dialog is displayed to ask
for the name of the file to which the data will be saved.
This option allows isopleth data to be exported for plotting or other
uses in third party programs such as Excel. The File - Print Graphic
Reports menu options provides the option to do a batch export of
isopleth data.
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Receptors
10-25
10.4 Overlay Editor

The Overlay Editor is contained in the Plot Overlay tab of the
Receptor Grid view.
The Overlay Editor allows an external graphic to be imported and
associated with the receptor grid. The graphic may be imported
assuming it matches the underlying receptor grid dimensions or its
dimensions may be defined to allow the section covered by the
receptor grid to be clipped from it. The editor allows additional
elements and comments to be added to the background graphic. The
plot overlay editor may also be used to create background graphics
from scratch though it should be noted that it is not intended to
provide the functionality of a full graphics package.
The Overlay Editor view is shown below.
Figure 10-14, Plot Ovelay Editor
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10-26
Overlay Editor
10.4.1 Overlay Editor Data Fields

File
File Name for Background File
This is the name of the background plot file that has been associated
with this receptor grid. The file name field cannot be updated
directly, instead it is updated automatically by the program in
response to use of the Open File and Save File buttons in the
Toolbar.
Units
Drop Down List of Length Units
This selects the dimension units used and displayed by the plot
editor. Normally this will be selected to be compatible with the units
used to define the receptor grid.
X Axis Min
Length -10000 to 10000 m
This is the minimum X coordinate of the overlay graphic.
X Axis Max
Length -10000 to 10000 m
This is the maximum X coordinate of the overlay graphic.
X
Length - Display only
This is the current X coordinate of the cursor in the editor.
Y Axis Min
Length -10000 to 10000 m
This is the minimum Y coordinate of the overlay graphic.
Y Axis Max
Length -10000 to 10000 m
This is the maximum Y coordinate of the overlay graphic.
Y
Length - Display only
This is the current Y coordinate of the cursor in the editor
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10-27
Lock To Grid
Check Box
If this check box is set the dimensions of the plot overlay are
automatically set to be the same as those of the receptor grid. The X
Axis Min and Max fields and the YAxis Min and Max fields will be
automatically set to the correct values and will become read only
values. If there is an existing drawing that exceeds the dimensions of
the receptor grid it will be effectively clipped to the receptor grid
dimensions even though some objects may appear outside the
boundaries of the grid.
Show Overlay
Check Box
If this check box is set the overlay graphic currently in the overlay
editor will be displayed as the background for the isopleth plots on
the Radiation, Noise and Temperature tabs and on any graphic
reports displayed or printed.
Show Stacks
Check Box
If this check box is set the overlay graphic will draw the stacks and
tips in the overlay graphic to act as guides for other drawing actions.
Clearing the check box clears the stack and tip elements. This setting
is not saved.
10.4.2 Overlay Editor Toolbar

Figure 10-15, Overlay Editor Toolbar
The icons on this toolbar may be clicked to perform the following

functions.
Creates a new background file. The current contents of the
editor will be cleared along with the overlay file name. If the
current contents of the editor have been changed the user will
be asked if these should be saved first.
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10-28
Overlay Editor
Opens and loads a new background file. A standard windows

File Open Dialog will be displayed to allow the file to be
selected. The types of file that may be selected are FSG Flaresim graphics files, WMF - windows metafiles, EMF enhanced windows metafiles or DXF - Autocad drawing
exchange files.
Saves current background file. A standard windows File
Save Dialog will be displayed to allow the file to be selected.
The file may be saved as a FSG - Flaresim graphics file,
WMF - windows metafile, EMF - enhanced windows
metafile or DXF - Autocad drawing exchange file.
Selects Draw mode for the editor. This acts as a toggle with
the Edit mode icon. When this icon is displayed the editor is
in Edit mode and the cursor will be shown as a simple
pointer.
Selects the Edit mode for the editor. This acts as a toggle
with the Draw mode icon. When this icon is displayed the
editor is in Draw mode and the cursor will show the draw
object type currently selected as well as the pointer.
Displays a drop down list to allow selection of the object
type to add in draw mode as shown below.
Figure 10-16, Object Type Drop Down
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Receptors
10-29
On selecting the object type the cursor will change to show

the object type if you are in Draw Mode. Adding different
object types is covered below.
Displays a drop down list to allow selection of the style for
new objects or to change the style of an existing object. The
options in the list are shown below and their usage is covered
below.
Figure 10-17, Object Style Drop Down
Displays a drop down list to allow the rearrangement of the

relative positioning, orientation or grouping of the selected
object in Edit Mode. The options in the list are shown below
and their usage is covered below.
Figure 10-18, Object Arrange Drop Down
Zooms in on the overlay drawing i.e. displays the drawing at

a larger scale. Scroll bars will appear if required and can be
used to scroll around the drawing.
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10-30
Overlay Editor
Zooms out on the overlay drawing i.e. displays the drawing

at a smaller scale.
Displays the currently selected zoom size of the
drawing as a percentage of the full size. Drop down button
can be used to select pre-defined zoom percentages.
10.4.3 Overlay Editor - Object Styles

The Overlay Editor is object based and the colour and drawing style
of each object are set using the
drop down list. This drop down
sets the object properties for new objects added in Draw Mode or
changes the properties of objects selected in Edit Mode.
The properties in the drop down list that can be set are.
Line Colour
This displays a standard windows Colour Selection Dialog as shown
below. Click the colour required and then the Ok button. The
selected colour applies to individual line objects, polyline objects
and the outside lines for rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse and
polygon objects.
Figure 10-19, Colour Selection Dialog
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Receptors
10-31
Line Style
This displays the following dialog to allow the line width and line
style to be selected. Enter the line width required and select the line
style from the dropdown list then click Ok. The selected style
applies to individual line objects, polyline objects and the outside
lines for rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse and polygon objects.
Figure 10-20, Line Style Selection
Fill Colour
This displays the standard windows Colour Selection Dialog as
shown above. The selected colour applies to the interior of rectangle,
rounded rectangle, ellipse and polygon objects.
Fill Style
This displays the following dialog. Select the Fill style from the drop
down list and click Ok. The selected fill style applies to the interior
of rectangle, rounded rectangle, ellipse and polygon objects.
Figure 10-21, Fill Style Selection
Background Colour
shown above. The selected colour applies background colour of the
plot.
Text Colour
shown above. The selected colour applies to the text objects.
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Overlay Editor
Text Font
This displays a standard windows Font Properties Dialog as shown
below. Select the font name, size and style and click Ok. Note that
the font size selected has to be scaled for use on the overlay and so
a given point size may not display with the exact height requested.
Figure 10-22, Font Properties Dialog
10.4.4 Overlay Editor - Draw Mode

The Overlay Editor has two modes of use. Draw mode is used to add
new objects to the plot overlay. Draw mode is selected by clicking
the
button in the toolbar. Note if the
icon is displayed the
editor is already in Draw Mode. Once the editor is in draw mode the
cursor will change to show an arrow with a representation of the
current selected object type.
The selected object type can be changed by clicking the
icon
in the toolbar and then clicking the required object type in the drop
down list. Once selected a new object of the selected type can be
added to the drawing as follows. The properties of the new objects
added with use the current object style.
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Receptors
10-33
Add Line
Click and hold the left mouse button at the starting point of the line
then drag to the end point of the line and release the mouse button.
Add Rectangle
Click and hold the left mouse button at the first corner of the
rectangle then drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle and
release the mouse button.
Add Rounded Rectangle
rectangle then drag to the opposite corner of the rectangle and
release the mouse button.
Add Ellipse
bounding rectangle for the ellipse then drag to the opposite corner of
the bounding rectangle and release the mouse button.
Add Polyline
Click the left mouse button to define the first point. Create additional
points by clicking the left mouse button again. Create the end point
by double clicking the left mouse button.
Add Polygon
Click the left mouse button to define the first corner. Create
additional corners by clicking the left mouse button again. Close the
polygon by double clicking the left mouse button at the final corner.
Add Text
Click the left mouse button at the point where the text is to start - a
vertical blinking line will be displayed. Type the text and finish by
hitting the enter key. The currently selected text size can be
overriden by holding the left mouse button down after the initial
click and dragging downwards.
Add Image
When Image is selected as the object type from the drop down, a
File Open dialog will be displayed to allow selection of the image to
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Overlay Editor
be added. Allowed image types are FSG (Flaresim graphics), BMP,

PNG, JPG, WMF, EMF, DXF.
Once selected the image is added by clicking and holding the left
mouse button to define the first corner then dragging to the opposite
corner and releasing the mouse button. A new copy of the image file
will be inserted into the plot each time this action is repeated.
Adding an image in this way is the only mechanism for using a
bitmap file (BMP, PNG or JPG) as the background overlay.
10.4.5 Overlay Editor - Edit Mode

The Overlay Editor has two modes of use. Edit mode is used to
modify existing objects in the plot overlay. Edit mode is selected by
clicking the
button in the toolbar. Note if the
icon is
displayed the editor is already in Edit Mode. Once the editor is in
edit mode the cursor will change to show a simple arrow.
Edit mode can be used to move, resize, change the properties or
change the arrangement of the objects that make up a plot overlay.
Selecting Objects
A single object can be selected by clicking on it with the left mouse
button. Once selected the object will display white boxes at the
corners and sides of its bounding rectangle as shown below.
Figure 10-23, Selected Object
Multiple objects can be selecting by clicking and holding the left

mouse button to draw a rectangle around multiple objects. In this
case grey boxes are displayed at the corners and sides of the
rectangles bounding each selected object.
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10-35
Resizing Objects
A selected object can be resized by moving the cursor over one of
the white boxes in the bounding rectangle. When the cursor changes
to a two headed arrow, click and hold the left mouse button then drag
to resize the object.
Moving Objects
An object can be moved by clicking and holding the left mouse
button on the object and dragging the object to the new position. The
cursor will show a four arrowed icon. To move multiple objects first
select them then click and drag one of the them.
Changing Object Properties
The properties of an object can be changed by selecting it then using
the
drop down to select the property to be changed.
Rotating and Flipping Objects
Objects can be rotated or flipped by selecting it then using the
drop down to select the angle of rotation or horizontal or vertical
flip.
Changing Object Stacking Order
The stacking order of objects, i.e. whether one object is displayed in
front or behind another object, is set by selecting it then using the
drop down to bring the object forward or in front of other
objects or send it backwards or behind other objects.
Grouping or Ungrouping Objects
Multiple objects may be grouped together by selecting them and
then using the group option from the
drop down. The group of
objects can then be treated as a single object for other
transformations. A grouped object can be broken into individual
objects again by selecting it and using the ungroup from the same
drop down menu.
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Using Overlays
10.5 Using Overlays

There are a number of ways of using the overlay editor depending
on the type of drawing file that you wish to use. The following
sections provide simple worked examples of the main ways of using
the overlay facility.
10.5.1 Simple Drawing

In the absence of any existing background graphic file, the overlay
editor can be used to create one. In this example we will create a
simple plan view.
1.
Open the file example 4 - welltest safety case.fsw from

the samples directory. Open the view for the Receptor Grid
Helideck Plan and select the Plot Overlay tab.
2.
Click the check box Show Stacks to draw the stacks on

the overlay to act as guides for us as we do the drawing.
3.
Click the
button to put the editor in draw mode. Note
the button will then change to the

the
draw.
4.
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symbol. Then click
drop down and select Rectangle as the object to
Finally check the units drop down at the top right of the
view and ensure that this is set to ft. The dimensions of the
overlay which should still be locked to that of the
underlying grid should be shown as X min -500, max 500
and Y min -500, max 500 as shown in the following figure.
Receptors
10-37
Figure 10-24, Overlay Editor Prior To Drawing
5.
Now draw a rectangle to represent the platform outline from

the point -200,0 to 50,-200. This is done by moving to the
first point using the displayed X,Y coordinates at the bottom
right of the view as a guide, clicking and holding the left
mouse button then dragging to the second point.
6.
Add a second rectangle to represent the helideck from the

points -50,-100 to 30, -180.
7.
Click the
drop down and select the ellipse object.
Now draw a circle within the helideck rectangle by moving
to the point -50, -100, clicking and holding the left mouse
button and dragging to the point 30, -180.
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Using Overlays
8.
Add a letter H to the middle of the helideck circle as

follows. Click the
drop down and select the text
object. Click the drawing in the middle of the helideck
circle and a vertical flashing bar will appear to indicate the
text insertion point. Type the letter H and then hit the enter
key to complete the text entry.
9.
If the text entered in step 8 is not quite central, click the

button to go to Edit Mode. Then click on the text - four
white squares will appear round the text to indicate it has
been selected. It can now be moved by clicking on the text
inside the squares and dragging it to the required position.
Figure 10-25, Completed Drawing
10-38
Receptors
10.
Finally click the button to save the drawing. A standard file

save dialog will appear to ask you to name the file to be
saved. By default the file will be saved as a Flaresim
Graphics file with a .FSG but you may also save it as a
Windows Metafile (.WMF), Enhanced Metafile (.EMF) or
Autocad DXF file (.DXF). It is suggested that you save
background graphics files in the report subfolder for the
case i.e. in this case the subfolder example 4 - welltest
safety.
11.
To see the overlay drawing on the Radiation, Noise and

Temperature isopleth plots, ensure that the Show Overlay
checkbox is set.
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10.5.2 Import Scaled Drawing

The best type of background drawing to import is a scaled vector
drawing i.e. a Windows metafile (.wmf) or enhanced metafile
(.emf). Given that the locations of the stacks etc. in your Flaresim
model are matched to the drawing on import the isopleths will be
correctly positioned in relation to the drawing. The following
example shows how this is done.
1.
Helideck Elevation and select the Plot Overlay tab.
2.
Ensure that the dimensions of the overlay are set to ft

using the dropdown at the top right of the view.
3.
We know that the drawing we are going to import has

dimensions of 1050 ft wide by 750 ft high. The point
corresponding to the base of the main stack (0,0) in the
model is located at the point 500, 350 in the drawing.
4.
Clear the checkbox labeled Lock To Grid. Enter the

dimensions of our drawing as follows:X Axis Min -500ft, X Axis Max 550ft
Y Axis Min -350ft, Y Axis Max 400ft.
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Using Overlays
Note the blue box shows the dimensions of our receptor

grid.
5.
Click the open background file

button to import the
background graphics file. The file to import is called
elevation.wmf and is located in the Samples\example 4 welltest safety case folder. You will need to select
Windows Metafiles (.wmf) in the Files of Type drop
down in the File Open view to select this. Click Ok.
6.
You should now see the imported graphic as shown below.

Check the Show Overlay checkbox to enable display of the
background graphic on the isopleth plots.
Figure 10-26, Background Graphic Imported
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10-41
10.5.3 Import Unscaled Bitmap

If the the background graphic you have to import is a bitmap then the
procedure is different. Bitmap graphic files such as Windows bitmap
(.bmp) or JPEG files (.jpg) are not as useful as vector format files
since they do not necessarily scale well. However they can still be
used as follows:1.
Helideck Elevation and select the Plot Overlay tab.
2.
Click the
button to put the Overlay Editor into draw
mode. Set the checkbox Show Stacks to draw the position
of the stacks onto the drawing as a guide. Set the drawing
dimensions to ft using the units dropdown.
3.
Clear the checkbox Lock to Grid and extend the bottom

of the drawing area by entering a Y Axis Min value of
-250ft.
4.
Click the object type dropdown

button and select
Image from the bottom of the list. A File Open dialog will
appear to allow you to load the file that you wish to import.
Select the file elevation.jpg from the folder
Samples\example 4 - welltest safety case. Note you will
need to select JPEG Files (.jpg) in the Files of Type
dropdown in order to browse for this file. Click Ok.
5.
You are now ready to draw the box onto the drawing in
which the file will appear. Draw a box encompassing the
two stacks by clicking and holding the left mouse button at
the top left corner and dragging to the bottom right corner.
The platform elevation image will be drawn into this box.
6.
It is likely the the size of the image will need adjusting. Set
the Overlay Editor to edit mode by clicking the button.
Now click the image and it will be surrounded by eight
white rectangles or handles. Resize the image as required by
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Using Overlays
clicking and dragging the handles. The image can also be

repositioned by clicking and dragging inside the handles.
Figure 10-27, JPEG Image Imported and Positioned
7.
Finally set the Show Overlay checkbox. The background

graphic will now be displayed on the isopleth plots. Note
that having checked the isopleth plots you may need to go
back to the Overlay Editor to adjust the size or position of
the background image.
10.5.4 DXF Files

Autocad drawing exchange files or DXF files can also be imported.
This is a precise vector format that allows automatic positioning of
the drawing within the isopleth plot as long as the dimensions used
in the drawing and the receptor grid definition are consistent. Unlike
the other vector formats (.wmf and .emf) used above the dimensions
of the drawing can be read from the DXF file automatically.
10-42
Receptors
10-43
The following provides an example as to how DXF files can be

imported.
1.
Helideck Plan and select the Plot Overlay tab.
2.
Set the drawing dimensions to ft using the units

dropdown.
3.
Clear the checkbox Lock to Grid.
4.
Click the
button to load the background DXF file. In the
File Open dialog that appears, browse for the file plan.dxf
from the folder Samples\example 4 - welltest safety case
and click Open.
5.
The minimum and maximum X and Y dimensions will be

set to -750 and 750 feet automatically and the drawing will
be imported as shown below. Note the blue rectangle shows
the extent of the receptor grid isopleth plot.
6.
Set the Show Overlay check box to display the background

graphic on the isopleth plots.
10-43
10-44
Using Overlays
Figure 10-28, Imported DXF File
Since the extent of a background graphic file must include the full
extent of the receptor grid, the dimensions of the DXF file must
exceed those of the grid. This will be checked during the import
process and if the drawing is not large enough, the import process
will fail.
There are also practical limits on the size of DXF file that can be
imported or the memory usage of the overlay editor will be
excessive and performance will become very sluggish. If it is desired
to view isopleth plots on a full detailed plan or elevation drawing it
is better to generate an isopleth graphic and export it as a DXF file
for overlay onto the drawing in a third party package.
10-44
Calculations
11-1
11 Calculations
Page
11.1 Calculation Options View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
11.1.1
11.1.2
11.1.3
General Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Sizing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Heat Transfer Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
11-1
11-2
11-2
Calculations
Calculate Button
11-3
Flaresim calculations are started by clicking the Calculate button on

the tool bar. Once started Flaresim will calculate the active objects
using the settings defined in the Calculation Options view.
The Calculation Options view is accessed using the View Calculation Options menu option or by selecting the Calculation
Options branch in the Case Summary view and clicking the View
button.
11.1 Calculation Options View

The Calculation Options view is shown below.
Figure 11-1, Calculation Options View
Status Text
Status message
the calculation options are complete and the model is ready for
calculation.
11-3
11-4
Calculation Options View
11.1.1 General Tab

The following data entry fields are found on the General tab of the
Calculation Options view (see Figure 11-1).
Method
Dropdown list: API / Point / Diffuse / Mixed / Brzustowski /
M.Point Brz
Selects the method to be used to model the thermal radiation from
the flame.
The API method models the single point source method of Hajek and
Ludwig given in API RP-521. This may be generally applied to most
flare systems.
The Point source method is a multiple point extension of the API
method in which the flame is assumed to be completely transparent
such that radiation from one point does not either interfere with or
occlude another. The flame is divided into a series of smaller point
source elements whose contributions are summed to derive the total
radiation from the flame. In practice this method generally gives
more realistic and less conservative values than the API method. It
does however tend to overpredict thermal radiation in the near field.
The Diffuse source method assumes that the flame is completely
opaque such that radiation is emitted entirely from the surface of the
flame envelope. This method tends to underpredict the thermal
radiation in the near field.
The Mixed source method is an empirical combination of both the
Point and Diffuse source methods. This has been found to give more
realistic results in both the near and far fields.
The Brzustowski method is a single point method in which the flame
centre is determined from jet dispersion theory. The method as
described in API RP-521 is subject to a number of limitations in its
implementation in Flaresim: Only vertical tips may be modeled.
Air assisted flares may not be modeled.
Liquid burners may not be modeled.
11-4
Calculations
11-5
The M.Point Brz method is a Flaresim extension to the standard

Brzustowski method to allow the number of flame elements and the
element position to be specified by the user. In versions of Flaresim
prior to 1.2 these options could be set for the Brzustowski method. In
Flaresim 1.2 the Brzustowski method is forced to be a single flame
element with fixed element position. Old cases that specify the
Brzustowski method will be updated automatically to M.Point Brz if
they have more than one flame element or the element position is not
50%.
Element Position
Range: 0 to 100 %
The element position indicates the source point within a flame
element that is used for calculations. Typically this is 50% i.e. the
middle of the flame element is taken to be the point source. 0%
indicates the source is the start of the element, 100% is the end. For
compatibility with Flaresim for DOS, 50% should be used.
No of Elements
Range: 1 to 50
The number of elements that the flame is divided into for the Point,
Diffuse and Mixed methods. Larger values will generally give more
realistic values for the thermal radiation at the expense of calculation
time.
Unless you are modelling a system with a highly distorted flame
shap, 25 elements should be more than adequate. The combination
of a high flaring rate and an inclined tip flaring into a high wind may
require 50 elements to adequately model the flame shape.
Include Options - Solar Radiation
Checkbox
When set the solar radiation defined for the active Environment will
be included in the radiation calculations.
Include Options - Windchill
Checkbox
When set an empirical correlation is used to correct the incident
thermal radiation at any receptor point by taking into account the
heat losses due to passage of wind over the point. Use of this option
11-5
11-6
will generally be a matter of individual judgement or your company

standards.
It is recommended that you do not use this option if you are
interested in the surface temperature calculations. Note that
effective of wind on convective heat transfer in the surface
temperature calculations is independent of the setting of this option.
Include Options - Background Noise
Checkbox
When set the background noise defined for the active Environment
will be included in the noise calculations.
Include Options - Atm. Noise Attenuation
Checkbox
When set a correction will be applied to the noise calculations to
allow for the attenuation in noise due to atmospheric absorbtion.
This option should normally be set. In Flaresim for DOS this
correction was always included.
Include Options - Adiabatic Temp. Corr.
Checkbox
When set the temperature of the fluid in the tip or stack riser will be
corrected for the calculated pressure at each point. The correction
will assume adiabatic compression or expansion from the defined
fluid reference pressure to the calculation pressure.
This correction allows more accurate calculation of fluid properties
such as density and sonic velocity at different points. The DOS
version of Flaresim did not apply this correction so it is
automatically disabled when importing DOS cases for closer
comparison with results from the DOS version.
This option was automatically set for versions of Flaresim earlier
than Version1.1 even when importing cases from the DOS version.
11-6
Calculations
11-7
Include Options - R-K Z Factor

Checkbox
When set the fluid compressibility factor or Z factor is calculated
using the Redlich Kwong method. If cleared the method used is the
Berthelot equation.
The results of the two methods will be similar at low pressures (< 5
bar). At higher pressures the Redlich-Kwong method is more
accurate so it is set to be the default method for all new cases from
Version 1.1 onwards.
Buoyancy
For all methods except the Brzustowski method, the flame shape is
calculated by resolving the velocity vectors in three dimensions. The
main components are the tip exit velocity and the wind velocity.
There is however an additional velocity component which is due to
the density differences between the hot combustion gases and the
surrounding air. This is referred to as the flame buoyancy term.
Buoyancy - Pipe
Range: 0 to 100 m/s
The flame buoyancy which should be used for Pipe flares. A value
of 3.0 m/s is recommended unless specific vendor information
suggests otherwise.
Buoyancy - Sonic
Range: 0 to 100 m/s
The flame buoyancy to be used for Sonic flare tips. A value of 4.6
m/s is suggested unless specific vendor information suggests
otherwise.
Buoyancy - Welltest
Range: 0 to 100 m/s
The flame buoyancy to be used for Liquid flare tips. A value of 0.03
m/s is suggested unless specific vendor information suggests
otherwise.
11-7
11-8
Environment - Active Environment

Dropdown list: All defined environments
Allows selection of the set of environmental data to be used for the
calculations. This can also be set through activating a specific
Environment object.
Noise Calculations - Method
Dropdown list: API/Spectrum
Selects the method to be used for the noise calculations. The API
method taken from RP521 is a simple single value method and
considers jet noise only. The Spectrum method uses multiple
frequency values and includes combustion noise.
11.1.2 Sizing Tab

The following figure shows the Sizing tab of the Calculation
Options view.
Figure 11-2, Sizing Tab
11-8
Calculations
11-9
Sizing Information - Select Stack

Dropdown list of defined stacks
Allows one of the existing stacks to selected for sizing calculations
i.e. calculation of the stack length to meet the sizing constraints
defined on the active receptor points.
Sizing Information - Minimum Length
Range: 0 to 500 m
The minimum length allowed for the stack being sized.
Sizing Information - Maximum Length
Range: 0 to 500 m
The maximum length allowed for the stack being sized.
11.1.3 Heat Transfer Tab

The following figure shows the Heat Transfer tab of the Calculation
Options view.
Figure 11-3, Heat Transfer Tab
This view allows definition of coefficients for calculating the heat

transfer coefficient as a function of windspeed. Two sets of
11-9
11-10
parameters may be defined to apply above and below a limiting

windspeed. The equation is:B
HTC = A Windspeed + C
(1)
HTC Calculation - Windspeed Constant A

Range: 0.01 to 100
The constant factor to be multiplied by the windspeed.
HTC Calculation - Windspeed Power B
Range: 0 to 10
The power to which the windspeed is raised.
HTC Calculation - HTC Constant C
Range: 0.01 to 100
The constant factor to be added to the heat transfer coefficient.
Windspeed Up To
Range: 0.01 to 100 m/s
The transition windspeed at which the heat transfer coefficient
calculation switches from the first set of defined constants to the
second.
Windspeed Units
Dropdown List: Speed Units
This dropdown selects the windspeed units that are appropriate for
the A and C constants entered.
Temperature Rise Calculation - Exposure Time
Range: 1 to 1,000,000 s
The time over which the rise in surface temperatures is to be
calculated.
Time Steps
Range: 1 to 1,000
The number of calculations to be made between the starting point
and the final exposure time. A higher number will track the rise in
surface temperature more accurately but it will not normally be
necessary to use more than 10 points.
11-10
Printing
12-1
12 Printing
Page
12.1 Print Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
12.1.1
Report File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
12.2 Graphic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

12.2.1
Graphic Report Page Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
12.3 Print Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
12-1
12-2
12-2
Printing
12-3
Output of Flaresim results is through the File - Print and File - Print
Graphic Reports menu options. The File - Print option first opens
the Print Preview view where the report can be customised and then
printed. The File - Print Graphic Reports menu option opens the
Graphic Report view which allows selection of the reports to be
output and the output method. These views are described below.
The File - Print Setup menu item provides access to the standard
Printer Setup Dialog to allow the printer type and paper size and
orientation to be selected.
Flaresim produces its standard reports through an HTML file which
is created by using a stylesheet file, by default Flaresim.xsl, to
format the contents of the Flaresim model file. The Preferences
view allows the user to specify the name of the stylesheet file to be
used.
Both the Flaresim XML data files and the XSL stylesheet file
comply with the appropriate W3C.org standards. This provides the
capability to reformat the output of Flaresim through definition of an
alternate stylesheet file. Third party documentation on the use of
XSL files should be consulted since this is beyond the scope of this
documentation.
Flaresims graphic reports are produced through a layout file which
is an XML formatted file that describes the text, data and graphical
elements to be included in the report and their layout. The default
layout file to be used may be selected in the Preferences view or for
each receptor grid individually.
12-3
12-4
Print Preview
12.1 Print Preview

When the File - Print menu option is selected the Print Preview
view shown below is opened. This is a modal view which closes all
open views and does not allow any other part of the Flaresim
program to be used until the Print Preview is closed.
Figure 12-1, Print Preview View
Report Topic
Structure
Include topic
checkbox
Report Preview
Report Topic
Tree View
This section of the view lists the topics that can be included in a
report as a tree structure in a similar way to the Case Summary view.
As in the case summary, the and icons can be used to expand and
collapse branches of the tree as required.
Include Topic
Checkbox
Each topic available for the report has a checkbox against it. The
checkbox should be set to include the topic or cleared to exclude it.
12-4
Printing
12-5
Refresh
Button
Updates the report preview to reflect any changes that have been
made to the included or excluded topics.
Print
Button
Prints the report using the current selection of included and excluded
topics. Clicking this button starts the printing process by displaying
the view below to allow the user to select the printer to be used and
to control the setup of the print options.
Figure 12-2, Print Control View
Once the printer options have been set the Print button on this view
should be clicked to send the output to the printer.
Reset Print Options
Button
Resets the print topics selection to the set defined in the startup file
Default.fsw.
12-5
12-6
Print Preview
Report Preview
Display region
Displays the current view of the report. If the report does not fit
within the available areas the scroll bars may be used to move
around the report.
Note that the view being displayed is of the HTML report file
generated by Flaresim. Some elements of this report file will float
and be reformatted to try and fit into the area availble for display. It
may be necessary to expand the view to see the report as it will be
printed.
12.1.1 Report File

When a case is saved, the HTML report file and the associated
graphic files will be automatically saved at the same time. These
files will be saved to a sub-folder in the folder to which the case is
being saved. The sub-folder name will be the same as the saved file
name.
This HTML file can be viewed at any time using an internet browser,
independently of Flaresim.
12-6
Printing
12-7
12.2 Graphic Report

The File - Print Graphic Reports menu option displays the
Graphic Report view to allow selection of the graphic reports to be
output and whether these are to be output to printer or graphics file.
The Graphic Report view is shown below. This is a modal view
that does not allow use of other parts of the Flaresim program until
it is closed.
Figure 12-3, Graphic Report
Select Grids
List Box
This list box allows selection of the Receptor Grids for which the
graphic report is to be output. The list allows selection of individual
grids by clicking on the name in the list. Multiple items may be
selected using Shift-Click and Ctrl-Click in the usual way.
For convenience an All option is provided at the top of the list which
can be selected to output graphic reports for all the receptor grids in
the model.
12-7
12-8
Graphic Report
Select Plots
Checkboxes
Each receptor grid can generate three separate graphic reports, one
for each of the radiation, noise and temperature isopleths. These
checkboxes allow selection of which reports will be output. Set a
checkbox to output the associated report and clear a checkbox to
suppress the report.
Save File Type
Dropdown List
This allows selection of the graphic file type that will be generated
if the reports are output to file using the Save Graphic Reports
button. The options are JPG or BMP bitmap files, WMF or EMF
metafiles and PNG or DXF files.
Save Graphic Reports
Button
This creates the selected graphic reports and saves them as files of
the type selected by the Save File Type item. Each file will be
automatically named with the type of the isopleth and the name of
the receptor grid e.g. Radiation-Helideck. The files will be stored in
a sub-folder of the folder in which the Flaresim data file is located,
with other report files. Confirmation of each file saved is output to
the information log.
Save Isopleth Points
Button
This saves a list of the isopleth data points for each selected report
to a text file in Comma Separated Value or CSV format. This allows
the isopleths to be plotted using third party applications such as
Excel. The files will be stored in a sub-folder of the folder in which
the Flaresim data file is located, with other report files. Confirmation
of each file saved is output to the information log.
Print Graphic Reports
Button
This button prints the selected graphic reports to the currently
selected printer.
12-8
Printing
12-9
Page Setup
Button
This button displays the Graphic Report Page Setup view
described in the next section to allow setting of the paper size, page
orientation, margins and printer to be used for the graphic reports.
Close
Button
This button closes the Print Graphic Report view and returns to the
main Flaresim views.
12.2.1 Graphic Report Page Setup

The Graphic Report Page Setup view is shown below.
Figure 12-4, Graphic Report Page Setup
Paper - Size
Dropdown list
This selects the paper size to be used for the graphic reports. The list
will show the pre-defined paper sizes available for the currently
selected printer.
12-9
12-10
Graphic Report
Paper - Source
Dropdown List
This selects the source of the paper to be used for the graphic reports.
The choices available will depend on the currently selected printer.
Orientation
Portrait / Landscape
These radio buttons allow the paper orientation to be selected. The
selected orientation should correspond to the expected orientation in
the graphic report layout file. Note all the standard Flaresim
graphical layouts assume a Landscape orientation.
Margins - Left
Spacing in mm
This defines the left margin of each graphic report page.
Margins - Right
Spacing in mm
This defines the right margin of each graphic report page.
Margins - Top
Spacing in mm
This defines the top margin of each graphic report page.
Margins - Bottom
Spacing in mm
This defines the bottom margin of each graphic report page.
Ok
Button
This closes the view, accepting any changes made.
Cancel
Button
This closes the view, losing any changes made.
Printer
Button
This displays a standard windows printer selection dialog to allow
the graphic report printer to be selected.
12-10
Printing
12-11
12.3 Print Setup

The File - Print Setup menu option allows the selection of the printer
type and paper size and orientation to be used for printing the
Flaresim report. Selecting this option opens the view shown below.
Figure 12-5, Print Setup View
Printer - Name
Dropdown list of configured printers
Allows selection of the printer to be used to output the Flaresim
report. The list shows the printers that have been configured for the
computer that is running Flaresim.
Printer - Properties
Button
Opens the Properties view for the current selected printer to allow
selection of printer specific options. The options available through
this view will vary will the type of printer installed and are beyond
the scope of this documentation.
Paper - Size
Dropdown list of available paper sizes
Allows selection of the paper size. The list of paper sizes available
for selection will depend on the type of printer selected.
12-11
12-12
Print Setup
Paper - Source
Dropdown list of available paper sources
Allows selection of the paper source on the printer to be used. The
choices available will depend on the printer selected.
Orientation
Radio button: Portrait / Landscape
This pair of radio buttons selects the paper orientation to be used.
The standard Flaresim reports are formatted for portrait orientation.
Network
Button
Opens a window that allows browsing of the network to search for
additional printers.
Ok
Button
Confirms the current selections and closes the Print Setup view.
Cancel
Button
Closes the Print Setup view without saving changes.
12-12
Calculation Methods
13-1
13 Calculation Methods
Page
13.1 Thermal Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
13.1.1
13.1.2
13.1.3
13.1.4
13.1.5
13.1.6
13.1.7
13.1.8
API Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integrated Point Source Method. . . . . . . . .
Integrated Diffuse Source Method . . . . . . .
Integrated Mixed Source Method . . . . . . . .
Brzustowski and Sommer Method . . . . . . .
Atmospheric Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windchill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flame Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
5
6
6
7
7
8
9
13.2 Surface Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

13.3 Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
13.3.1
13.3.2
13.3.3
Combustion Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Jet Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Atmospheric Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
13.4 Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
13.4.1
13.4.2
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Subscripts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
13.5 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
13-1
Calculation Methods
13-2
13-2
Calculation Methods
13-3
This chapter contains a summary of the mathematical models used

for the calculation of incident thermal radiation, noise and surface
temperatures. It is not intended to be a detailed treatise on
combustion theory, but rather a summary of the models available in
the program to assist the engineer in making his own judgement as
to the applicability of the models to his particular system.
13-3
13-4
Thermal Radiation
13.1 Thermal Radiation

5 options are available for calculating the incident thermal radiation
at a point receptor. These are: API Method
Integrated Point Source
Integrated Diffuse Source
Integrated Mixed Source
Brzustowski and Sommer
These methods primarily differ in the approach to the calculation of
the contributions of individual elements within the flame to the total
incident heat flux and the method for calculation of the flame shape.
Each of these methods can be used for most applications either as
preferred by the program user or as required by client preference and
specifications. The predicted thermal radiation values may be
corrected for a range of environmental conditions. These corrections
are available for:
Windchill
Atmospheric attenuation
The inclusion of the attenuation effects due to windchill or
atmospheric attenuation must be either a matter of sound
engineering judgement or as required by client specifications.
All thermal radiation values calculated by any of these methods are
to point receptors and do not take account the relative orientation of
the receptor to the flame.
13.1.1 API Method

This is based upon the simple heat release method outlined in API
RP-521, "Guide For Pressure Relieving and Depressuring Systems",
13-4
Calculation Methods
13-5
1997 [1]. This method uses Equation 1 proposed by Hajek and

Ludwig [2] to evaluate the flux at a given distance from the flame.
FQ
K = -------------2
4D
(1)
It is assumed that the flame can be treated as a single point source

located at the centre of the flame which radiates in all directions
from this centre.
The distance between the point source and the receptor is calculated
from a flame shape calculated from the resolution of the velocity
vectors for the flared fluid, wind and flame buoyancy.
13.1.2 Integrated Point Source Method

The integrated point source method is an extension to the API
method in which the flame is divided into a series of smaller point
source elements whose contributions are summed to derive the total
thermal radiation from the flame. The centre of each of the elements
is used for the calculation of the distance between the flame element
and the target receptor.
Two major assumptions are made:
The flame radiates uniformly along its entire length.
The flame is long in comparison to its width. As such it may be
considered to be a line source.
In making these assumptions, it is accepted that the flame itself is
completely transparent to thermal radiation and that one point
source does not either interfere with or occlude another. This
occlusion effect would generally be negligible to the side of the
flame but could be significant at locations directly below the flame
where there is a shallower angle of view.
13-5
13-6
Thermal Radiation
These assumptions lead to Equation 2 as proposed by McMurray[4].
FQ L 1
K ips = ---------- ------- dl
4L 0 D 2
(2)
from a flame shape derived from the resolution of the velocity
13.1.3 Integrated Diffuse Source Method

The diffuse source model assumes that the flame itself is completely
opaque such that the thermal radiation is emitted entirely from the
surface of the flame.
This model is represented by Equation 3.
FQ L sin
K ids = --------- ----------- dl
2
2
L 0 D
(3)
from a flame shape derived from the resolution of the velocity
13.1.4 Integrated Mixed Source Method

The mixed source model is basically a combination of the point and
diffuse source models. This was developed as a result of
observations during field tests [4] that showed:
The Integrated Point Source (IPS) model tends to over predict
the thermal radiation close to the flare.
The Integrated Diffuse Source (IDS) model tends to under predict the thermal radiation close to the flare.
13-6
Calculation Methods
13-7
Both models predict similar values for thermal radiation in the

far field.
The thermal radiation for the mixed source model is calculated by
Equation 4 which is a linear combination of the IPS and IDS models.
K ims = aK ips + ( 1 a )K ids
(4)
13.1.5 Brzustowski and Sommer Method

The equation for the calculation of the heat flux at a given distance
is identical to that given for the API method as Equation 1. Both this
method and the API method are based upon the flame being
considered as a single point heat source.
The distance between the point source and the receptor is calculation
from a flame shape which is based upon the diffusion of a turbulent
jet to the to the lean flammability concentration limit [3].
Flaresim allows an extension to the standard Brzustowski method by
allowing the user to specify multiple flame elements or an element
position that is not 50%. In versions of Flaresim prior to 1.2 these
options could be set for the Brzustowski method. In Flaresim 1.2 and
following these options can only be set if the extended M.Point
Brzustowski method is selected.
13.1.6 Atmospheric Attenuation

Brzustowski and Sommer[3] recommend the use of the atmospheric
transmissivity, as the fraction of the heat intensity which is
transmitted to a point, in order to correct the calculated values for
thermal radiation.
This correction is given by Equation 5.
K = K
(5)
13-7
13-8
Thermal Radiation
In all cases, atmospheric absorption attenuates the incipient

radiation at a point. This will typically be 10 to 20 % over distances
of up to 500 ft. The empirical Equation 6 given below was obtained
by cross plotting absorptivities calculated from Hottel charts. It is
strictly applicable only under the following conditions of:
A luminous hydrocarbon flame radiating at 2240 F

Dry bulb temperature of 80 F
Relative humidity greater than 10%
Distances from flame between 100 and 500 ft
It is generally used to estimate the order of magnitude of the

atmospheric transmissivity under a wider range of conditions.
100 0.0625 100 0.0625

= 0.79 -------- --------D
H
(6)
Equation 6 should prove adequate for most situations. However, for

cases in which the design conditions are significantly different from
those under which the equation was derived, the designer should
revert to the Hottel charts.
13.1.7 Windchill
The design of offshore flare systems often takes into account the
effect of heat loss from the target surface due to windchill. Equation
7 gives the simple correction to the calculated value for thermal
radiation.
K w = K Kf
(7)
The correction K f is taken from Figure 13-1 below. For conditions

beyond the range of this figure, the following constraints are
applied: If the windspeed is greater than 35 knots, the 35 knot value is
used.
13-8
Calculation Methods
13-9
If the ambient temperature is less that 30 F, the 30 F value is

used.
If the ambient temperature is greater than 80 F, the correction is
taken to be zero regardless of the windspeed.
Figure 13-1, Windchill Correction
13.1.8 Flame Shape

The calculation of the distance between any point on the flame and
the target receptor requires a knowledge of the flame length and
shape. This is a function of:
Flare exit velocity
Wind speed and direction
Orientation of the tip
13-9
13-10
Thermal Radiation
The flare exit velocity is calculated by simply dividing the

volumetric flare rate by the cross sectional area of the flare tip
according to Equation 8.
4WZRT
u j = ------------------2
PMd
(8)
The gas mach number is calculated from the sonic velocity which is
calculated from Equation 9.
us =
gkRT
------------M
(9)
The method for calculation of the flame length and deflection is

dependent upon the method selected for calculation of the thermal
radiation. If the API, IPS, IDS or IMS method is selected then the
flame length is calculated from the heat released by the flame, then
the deflection is calculated by resolving the vectors for the jet, flame
buoyancy and wind.
The flame length is calculated from an empirical equation relating
the flame length to the heat release. The heat release is the total heat
produced by the combustion of the fluid. This is given by Equation
10.
Q = W LHV
(10)
The flame length is calculated from Equation 11. The constants l1

and l2 are a function of the type of tip
Q I2
L = I 1 ---N
13-10
(11)
Calculation Methods
Tip Type
13-11
l1
l2
Pipeflare
0.00604
0.4776
Single Burner Sonic
0.00442
0.4600
Multiple Burner Sonic
0.00231
0.5000
Steam and air assisted flares will generally have shorter flames than
those calculated by these equations. The program contains
proprietary algorithms for prediction of the shortening of the flame
as a function of the rate of injection of the assist fluid. Due to the
proprietary nature of these algorithms, they are not presented here.
In windy conditions the flame will be distorted from the straight
vertical. This distortion may be calculated by the resolution of the
velocity vectors for the exit jet, wind and flame buoyancy.
The jet velocity as a function of the curvelinear distance along the
flame is modelled according to the formula proposed by
McMurray[4].
1 1
u l = 5.0u j d --- --l A
(12)
Equations 13, 14 and 15 are resolved according to the Cartesian

coordinate system shown by Figure 13-2.
dx
------ = u l sin cos + u cos
dt
(13)
dy
------ = u l sin cos + u sin
dt
(14)
dz
----- = u l cos + u b
dt
(15)
13-11
13-12
Thermal Radiation
Figure 13-2, Coordinate System
If the Brzustowski method is selected then the flame length and

deflection are calculated from a method based upon the distance
required for the dilution of the flared gas to the lean flammability
limit concentration.
Dimensionless parameters are defined which relate the lean
flammability limit concentration and the following parameters to the
deflection of the end point of the flame:
Tip exit velocity
Wind velocity
Gas molecular weight
Air molecular weight
Tip diameter
The following dimensionless parameters are defined:
uj
Mj
c l = c l ------ -------u
M
13-12
(16)
Calculation Methods
13-13
xl
x l = -------------------------dj uj
--------- ------ju
(17)
zl
z l = -------------------------djuj
--------- ------ju
(18)
Figure 13-3 gives the values for the horizontal and vertical distance
factors for a range of values for the dimensionless concentration
parameter..
Figure 13-3, Dimensionless Distance Parameters
13-13
13-14
Thermal Radiation
This procedure cannot strictly be used for calculation of the flame

deflection in cases where there is no wind. The limiting case is a
ratio of gas exit velocity to wind velocity of 110. This value
corresponds to a sonic discharge of methane at 400 F into a 10 mph
wind. When analysing any calculation results this ratio should be
checked if you are evaluating the effect of low wind speeds.
13-14
Calculation Methods
13-15
13.2 Surface Temperature

The equilibrium surface temperature of metal surfaces exposed to
the thermal radiation is calculated from a heat balance between the
thermal radiation from the flame incident at the specified point and
the heat losses from the same point.
K = ( h c + h r ) ( T m T )
(19)
This heat balance equation assumes that heat losses by convection

and radiation occur only from the surface exposed to the radiation.
The overall heat loss from the point is the sum of the radiation from
the point and the forced/free convection from the point. The
radiative heat transfer coefficient is given by:
4
( Tm T )
h r = E -----------------------------( Tm T )
(20)
Convective heat transfer coefficients are calculated from a series of

empirical correlations that are a function of air velocity.
0 u 15
h c = 0.80 + 0.22u
(21)
u > 15
h c = 0.56u
0.75
(22)
A value of 0.70 is used for both the absorbtivity and emissivity of

the surface. This is a typical value for steels.
13-15
13-16
Noise
13.3 Noise
The noise generated by a flare may be broken down into 3 basic
components:
Combustion noise
Jet noise
Although the noise may be expressed in terms of an average value,
it is frequency dependant. The shape of this noise spectrum is
dependant upon whether the major contribution is due to
combustion noise as in the case of pipeflares, or jet noise as in the
case of sonic flares. The noise spectrum is generally given in 7
octave bands from 63 Hz to 8000 Hz.
Attenuation of the noise occurs due to atmospheric absorption. This
absorption is a function of the frequency of the noise with higher
frequencies being more readily absorbed.
Noise is expressed either in terms of the Sound Power Level (PWL)
or the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) where these terms are defined by
Equations 23 and 24.
W
PWL = 10 log -------
W
0
(23)
P2
SPL = 10 log ---------
P 2
(24)
The international standard reference conditions are 10-12 Watts

(W0) and 2 x 10-6 N/m2 (P0).
In the case of a flare stack where the acoustic source may be
considered to be in a free field with directivity factor of unity then
13-16
Calculation Methods
13-17
the Sound Pressure Level is related to the Sound Power Level by

Equation 25.
SPL = PWL 20 log D 0.49 SPL A
(25)
Noise data predicted by the program refer to the Sound Power Level
in all cases.
13.3.1 Combustion Noise

Combustion noise is a function of the heat release from the flame
and the design of the flare tip. The calculation of the noise spectrum
due to combustion is based upon a typical characteristic curve for the
type of tip under consideration (pipe, sonic etc). An example of the
shape is given by Figure 13-4 which gives the noise levels at a
distance of 20 ft from a combustion source of power 81 MM btu/hr.
The noise level at each frequency is then corrected for the actual
combustion duty and distance from Equation 26.
Q
SPL = SPL 20 + 10 log --------------------- +
6
81 10
20
20log ------ SPL A
D
(26)
13-17
13-18
Noise
Figure 13-4, Typical Noise Combustion Spectrum
13.3.2 Jet Noise

The expansion of an unchoked gas stream will produce noise whose
sound power at the peak frequency is determined from the kinetic
energy and acoustic efficiency of the expanded jet according to
Equation 27 [6].
2
juj
----------PWL = V
2
(27)
The acoustic efficiency of the expanded jet is related to the jet

velocity and whether or not the flow is choked.
13-18
Calculation Methods
13-19
If the flow is not choked, then the acoustic efficiency may be

obtained from Figure 13-5. In this figure the dimensionless factor B
is given by the equation:
j Tj 2
B = ------- -------
T
(28)
Figure 13-5, Acoustic Efficiency For Normal Flow
If the flow is choked, then the acoustic efficiency may be obtained

from Figure 13-6.
13-19
13-20
Noise
Figure 13-6, Acoustic Efficiency For Choked Flow
The expansion of a gas stream will produce noise which has a

spectrum which peaks with a frequency calculated by a method due
to MacKinnon [6].
0.2mu s
f max = ----------------dj
(29)
At frequencies other than the peak frequency the noise is calculated

using Equation 30.
13-20
Calculation Methods
13-21
SPL i = SPL tot 10

f i 2
f max 4
log 1 + -------------- 1 + ----------- 5.3

2f max
2f i
(30)
13.3.3 Atmospheric Attenuation

At distances greater than approximately 100 ft, the noise becomes
attenuated due to absorption by the atmosphere. The attenuation is a
function of the frequency of the noise, with higher frequencies being
more readily attenuated than lower ones.
Figure 13-7 gives the attenuation of noise for a range of frequencies.
This figure is strictly applicable only to still air at a temperature of
70 F and a relative humidity greater than 60%. Extension to
temperatures in the range 40 F to 100 F may be made by
increasing the attenuation by 10% for each 10 F below 70 F.
13-21
13-22
Noise
Figure 13-7, Atmospheric Attenuation Of Noise
13-22
Calculation Methods
13-23
13.4 Nomenclature
13.4.1 Symbols
A
a
B
c
D
d
E
F
f
H
h
L
LHV
l
l1
l2
M
m
N
K
k
P
API flame length (ft)

Empirical constant used in IMS method
Dimensionless scaling parameter
Flammability lean limit concentration
Distance from flame midpoint to receptor (ft)
Tip diameter (ft)
Metal surface emissivity
Fraction of heat radiated
Frequency (Hz)
Relative humidity (%)
Heat transfer coefficient (btu/hr/ft2/(R)
Flame length (ft)
Lower heating value (btu/lb)
Curvelinear flame length (ft)
Constant in flame length equation
Constant in flame length equation
Molecular weight
Mach number
Number of burners in tip assembly
Thermal radiation at receptor (btu/hr/ft2)
Heat capacity ratio
Pressure (psia)
PWL Sound Power Level (W)
Heat release based upon LHV (btu/hr)
Q
Universal gas constant
R
SPL Sound Pressure Level (dB)
Temperature ((R)
T
Velocity (ft/s)
u
Volumetric flow (ft3/s)
V
W
Flowrate (lb/hr)
x
Distance north of tip (ft)
x'
Horizontal plume distance factor
y
Distance east of tip (ft)
13-23
13-24
Nomenclature
Z
z'
z
Compressibility factor (-)

Vertical plume distance factor
Distance above tip (ft)
Metal surface absorbtivity
Angle between flame tangent and line of sight to receptor
(degrees)
Efficiency
Rotation of flare from x axis (degrees)
Angle of tip from vertical (degrees)
Rotation of wind from x axis (degrees)
Fluid density (lb/ft3)
Stephan Boltzman constant (0.171 x 10-8 btu/hr/ft2/(R4)
Transmissivity
13.4.2 Subscripts
A
b
c
f
i
ids
ims
ips
j
l
m
r
s
w
0
20
13-24
Atmospheric attenuation
Buoyancy
Convective
Correction
Frequency band
Integrated diffuse source
Integrated mixed source
Intergrated point source
Jet exit
Curvelinear length
Metal
Radiative
Sonic
Corrected for windchill
Wind/atmospheric
Corrected for transmissivity
Reference condition
At 20 ft from source
Calculation Methods
13-25
13.5 References
1.
API RP521, Guide For Pressure-Relieving and

Depressuring Systems, 4th ed, American Petroleum
Institute, Washington DC, 1997.
2.
Hajek, J.D. and Ludwig, E.E., How To Design Safe Flare

Stacks, Part 1, Petro/Chem Engineer, 1960, Vol 32, No. 6,
pp.C31-C38; Part2, Petro/Chem Engineer, 1960, Vol 32,
No. 7, pp.C44-C51.
3.
Bruztowski, T.A. and Sommer, E.C. Jr., Predicting Radiant

Heating From Flares, Proceedings - Division of Refining,
Vol. 53, pp. 865-893, American Petroleum Institute,
Washington DC, 1973.
4.
McMurray, R., Flare Radiation Estimated, Hydrocarbon

Processing, Nov. 1982, pp. 175-181.
5.
Narasimhan, N.D., Predict Flare Noise, Hydrocarbon

Processing, April 1986, pp. 133-136.
6.
MacKinnon, J.G., Recent Advances in Standardizing Valve

Noise Prediction, Society of Instrument & Control
Engineers, Tokyo, Sept. 1984.
13-25
13-26
13-26
References
Graphic Report Layout
A-1
A Graphic Report Layout

Page
A.1
Introduction to XML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A.1.1
A.1.2
A.1.3
A.2
Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Layout File Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A.2.1
A.2.2
A.2.3
A.2.4
A.2.5
A.2.6
A.2.7
A.2.8
A.2.9
A.2.10
A.2.11
Allowed Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PageSize Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Text Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unit Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Logo Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
CaseData Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Line Element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PlotArea Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
LegendArea Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ContourSet Element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
A-1
A-2
A-2
A-3
The appearance of graphic reports produced by Flaresim is

controlled by layout files. These files contain a list of instructions in
a XML format that describe how data items, graphic items,
background text, background lines and background graphics will
appear on the report. This appendix describes the format of the
layout files.
A-3
A-4
Introduction to XML
A.1 Introduction to XML

XML is a standardised markup language for describing structured
data. The following description of the language is intended to
introduce the terms used in this appendix. For a full description of
the XML standard see http://www.w3.org/xml.
The figure below shows a fragment of the XML language taken from
one of the Flaresim layout files.
Figure A-1, XML File Fragment
The basic building block of a XML file is the element. An element

is a data fragment that has a tag, attributes and data.
A.1.1 Tags
An elements tag can be thought of as its name. A tag enclosed in a
pair of < > brackets starts the description of an element and the
same tag preceded by a / character and enclosed in a pair of < >
brackets ends the description of the element. For example, an
element containing text data might be given the tag Description and
would appear as follows
<Description>The descriptive text</Description>.
A XML file can contain more than one element with the same tag
describing repeating data items. Tags are case sensitive, i.e.
<description> is different to <Description>.
Taking the XML fragment shown in Figure A-1 as an example, there
are six elements in total with four unique tags namely <Text>,
<Logo>, <CaseData> and <Var>. There are three <Text> elements.
A-4
A-5
A.1.2 Attributes
The attributes of an element can be thought of as data parameters
or additional descriptions of the element. Attributes are defined
within the < > brackets of the elements opening tag. A single
attribute is introduced by a name followed by an = sign followed
by the value of the attribute enclosed in quotes. For example our
Description tag might be extended to have an attribute called Font to
define the typeface to be used to print it thus.
<Description Font=Arial>The descriptive text</Description>
An element may have no attributes or multiple attributes. Attribute
names are case sensitive i.e. Font is different to font.
Taking the XML fragment shown in Figure A-1 as a further
example, the <Text> elements there each have four attributes name
X, Y, Font and Size.
A.1.3 Data
The data part of an element is contained between the opening tag
and the closing tag. The data can be either text or another element.
In our <Description> element example the data is the text The
descriptive text.
The data part of an element does not have to contain data, it can be
empty if for example all of the data contained in an element is
described through attributes. When the data part of an element is
empty the closing / character can be included in the opening tag
and the closing tag omitted thus.
<Description Font=Arial/>
Looking at our example XML fragment shown in Figure A-1 again,
we can see that the data sections of the <Text> elements contain
descriptive text, the data section of the <Logo> element contains a
file name and the data section of the <CaseData> element contains
another element introduced by the <Var> tag.
A-5
A-6
Layout File Structure
A.2 Layout File Structure

A Flaresim graphic report layout file must contain the following top
level data elements in order to be recognised as a valid graphic
report layout file
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1" ?>
This defines the version of the XML standard used to encode the file
and the unicode character set used. This is a standard element that
must appear as the first element in the file.
<FlaresimLayout>
This element is the top level data element that contains all other
elements that define the layout of the graphic report.
A.2.1 Allowed Elements

The following element tags are recognised within the main
<FlaresimLayout> element within the layout file. Each of these
elements is described in more detail below.
Element Tag
A-6
Description
Number
PageSize
Defines the overall dimensions
Single
Text
Defines background text
Multiple
Unit
Defines units of measurement
Multiple
Data
Defines data items
Multiple
Logo
Defines background graphics items
Multiple
CaseData
Defines case description items
Multiple
Line
Defines background lines
Multiple
PlotArea
Defines plot area and style
Single
LegendArea
Defines plot legend area and style
Single
ContourSet
Defines contour list and styles
Single
A-7
A.2.2 PageSize Element

Description
Defines the overall size of the plot to be produced.
Attributes
X
Y
Size of plot in X dimension in mm.

Size of plot in Y dimension in mm.
Data Value
None.
A.2.3 Text Element

Description
Defines individual items of background text to appear on the plot
such as titles and headings.
Attributes
X
Y
Font
Size
Style
Required - X position in mm of the left edge of the

text
Required - Y position in mm of the centre line of the
text
Required - Integer denoting font to be used 0 = Arial
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining text height as % of plot
page height
Optional - Text describing style of text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
Data Value
The background text to be added to the plot.
A-7
A-8
A.2.4 Unit Element

Description
Defines individual items of unit of measurement text to appear on
the plot.
Attributes
X
Y
Font
Size
Style

unit text
unit text
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining unit text height as % of
plot page height
Optional - Text describing style of unit text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
Data Value
The name of the unit of measurement type to be output e.g. length,
temperature. The full list of recognised type names is the same as the
list of quantity names defined in the units.xml file as followstime, length, mass, temperature, sound, frequency,
surface_area, volume, force, small_length, energy, pressure,
velocity, plane_angle, fraction, percentage, power,
mass_flow, mass_heat_capacity, mass_energy,
heat_flux_density, heat_transfer_coefficient,
mass_per_area, mass_density, volume_flow.
A.2.5 Data
Description
Defines individual data items that will appear on the plot.
A-8
Attributes
X
Y
Font
Size
Style
A-9

data value
value
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining data value height as % of
plot page height
Optional - Text describing style of data value Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
Data Value
A <Var> data element defining the data item to be output as follows.
A.2.5.1 Var Element

Description
Identifies individual data item.
Attributes
Stack
Tip
Optional - index of stack which variable is associated

with.
Optional - index of tip which variable is associated
with. Note this is the index of the tip on the specified
stack i.e. a Tip index value of 1 denotes the first tip
on the specified stack regardless of whether the tip is
the first listed in the model.
A-9
A-10
Data Value
A text string identifying the data item to be output. The list of data
identifiers recognised is as follows.
Identifier
A-10
Stack Id
Tip Id
WindSpeed
Not specified
Not specified
WindDirection
Not specified
Not specified
SolarRadiation
Not specified
Not specified
Transmissivity
Not specified
Not specified
Name
Required
Not specified
Length
Required
Not specified
AngleToHorizontal
Required
Not specified
AngleToNorth
Required
Not specified
Name
Required
Required
Type
Required
Required
NbrOfBurners
Required
Required
Length
Required
Required
Diameter
Required
Required
AngleToHorizontal
Required
Required
AngleToNorth
Required
Required
MassFlow
Required
Required
LHV
Required
Required
MW
Required
Required
CpCv
Required
Required
Emissivity
Required
Required
Temperature
Required
Required
A-11
A.2.6 Logo Element

Description
Defines individual graphic files to be output on the plot. This is
usually used to include company logos etc in the plot.
Attributes
X1
Y1
X2
Y2
Required - X position in mm of the top left corner of

the graphic item.
Required - Y position in mm of the top left corner of
the graphic item.
Required - X position in mm of the bottom right
corner of the graphic item.
Required - Y position in mm of the bottom right
corner of the graphic item.
Data Value
A text string naming the graphic file to be included.
A.2.7 CaseData Element

Description
Defines items of case description data that will appear on the plot.
Attributes
X1
Y1
X2
Y2
Font
Size

the area for output of the data item.
the area for output of the data item.
corner of the area for output of the data item.
corner of the area for output of the data item.
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining data item text height as %
of plot height
A-11
A-12
Style
Optional - Text describing style of data value Bold

Italic
BoldItalic
Data Value
A text string defining the data item to be output. Recognised values
are.
Title
DataFile
Description
LastModified
Author
Revision
CheckedBy
FSWVersion
A.2.8 Line Element

Description
Defines background lines to be drawn on the plot. Typically these
are used to frame areas of the report.
Attributes
X1
Y1
X2
Y2
LineWidth
Data Value
None
A-12
Required - X position in mm of the first end of the

line.
Required - Y position in mm of the first end of the
line.
Required - X position in mm of the second end of the
line.
Required - Y position in mm of the second end of the
line.
Required - Line width in pixels.
A-13
A.2.9 PlotArea Element

Description
Defines the area used to output the isopleth graph on the plot and sets
the options used when drawing it.
Attributes
X1
Y1
X2
Y2

the graph area.
the graph area.
corner of the graph area.
corner of the graph area.
Data Value
Elements defining the options used to draw the isopleth graph as
follows. Note one instance of each of these elements is required in
the <PlotArea> data. None of these elements has any data value, all
the required information is contained as attributes.
A.2.9.2 Grid Element

Description
Describes how the background grid for the isopleth graph is to be
drawn.
Attributes
Display
Lines
BackColour
Required - defines whether grid is drawn. Allowed

values are Yes or No.
Required - defines number of grid lines within graph
on each axid. Integer
Required - defines colour of graph background.
Value can be Transparent or one of the colours from
Table A.1 below.
A-13
A-14
Table A.1, Allowed Colours

Yellow
Red
Green
Cyan
Orange
Lemon
PaleGreen
BlueGreen
PaleBlue
LightGrey
MidGrey
DarkGrey
White
Black
Other colours may be defined
using a hex code to define the
RGB contributions as follows
0xRRGGBB where RR is red
value, GG is green value and BB
blue value in hex.
For example 0xFF0000 is pure
red.
A.2.9.3 Title Element

Description
Defines how the isopleth graph title will be output. The title is the
name of the receptor grid that the isopleth applies to.
Attributes
Display
Space
Font
A-14
Required - defines whether title is included. Allowed

values are Yes or No.
Required - Vertical spacing allowed for title as a
percentage of the Y range of the graph.
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Size
Style
A-15
Required - Value defining title text height as % of

graph height.
Optional - Text describing style of title text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
A.2.9.4 Desc Element

Description
Defines how the graph description will be output. The description
identifies whether the graph is a radiation, noise or temperature
isopleth and the current units of measurement.
Attributes
Display
Space
Font
Size
Style
Required - defines whether description is included.

Allowed values are Yes or No.
Required - Vertical spacing allowed for description
as a percentage of the Y range of the graph.
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining description text height as
% of graph height.
Optional - Text describing style of description text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
A.2.9.5 XAxis Element

Description
Defines how the isopleth X axis label will be output.
Attributes
Display
Required - defines whether X axis label is included.

A-15
A-16
Space
Font
Size
Style
Required - Vertical spacing allowed for X axis label

as a percentage of the Y range of the graph.
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining title X axis label height as
% of graph height.
Optional - Text describing style of X axis label text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
A.2.9.6 YAxis Element

Description
Defines how the isopleth Y axis label will be output.
Attributes
Display
Space
Font
Size
Style
Required - defines whether Y axis label is included.

Required - Horizontal spacing allowed for Y axis
label as a percentage of the X range of the graph.
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining Y axis label height as % of
graph height.
Optional - Text describing style of Y axis label text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
A.2.9.7 Scale Element

Description
Defines how the scale labels will be output.
A-16
Attributes
Font
Size
A-17

1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining scale label height as % of
graph height.
A.2.9.8 Flare Element

Description
Defines how the stack, tip and flare will be drawn on the isopleth
graph.
Attributes
Display
Required - defines whether the flare will be drawn.

FlameThick Required - defines thickness of line used to draw
flame in pixels.
FlameColour Required - defines colour of line used to draw flame.
Allowed values are given in Table A.1.
StackThick Required - defines thickness of line used to draw
stack in pixels.
StackColour Required - defines colour of line used to draw stack.
TipThick
Required - defines thickness of line used to draw tip
in pixels.
TipColour
Required - defines colour of line used to draw tip.
A.2.10 LegendArea Element

Description
Defines the area used to output the legend for the isopleth graph on
the plot and sets the options used when drawing it.
A-17
A-18
Attributes
X1
Y1
X2
Y2

the legend data area.
the legend data area.
corner of the legend data area.
corner of the legend data area.
Data Value
Elements defining the options used to draw the legend data on the
isopleth graph as follows. Note one instance of each of these
elements is required in the <LegendArea> data. None of these
elements has any data value, all the required information is
contained as attributes.
A.2.10.9 Layout Element

Description
This defines the number of columns used to output the legend and
the characteristics of the text part of the legend.
Attributes
NumCols
Font
Size
A-18
Required - Integer defining number of colums to be

used for drawing the legend.
Required - Integer denoting font to be used for
legend label 0 = Arial
1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining legend label height as %
of legend data area height.
A-19
A.2.10.10 Desc Element

Description
Defines how the legend description will be output. The description
identifies whether the graph is a radiation, noise or temperature
isopleth as well as the units used.
Attributes
Display
Font
Size
Style
Required - defines whether description is included.

1 = Courier
2 = Times Roman
Required - Value defining description text height as
% of legend data area height.
Optional - Text describing style of description text Bold
Italic
BoldItalic
A.2.11 ContourSet Element

Description
Defines the details of the contours to be output on the isopleth graph.
Attributes
UseLayout
Required - Specifies whether the contour data from

the layout file is to be used. Allowed values Yes or
No. If set to Yes the contour data will be taken from
the layout file. If not, the contour data will be taken
from the current isopleth definition for the receptor
grid.
Data Value
Multiple elements defining the individual contour lines to be output.
Up to 10 instances of <RadiationContour>, <NoiseContour> and
<TemperatureContour> can be specified.
A-19
A-20
A.2.11.11 RadiationContour Element

Description
Defines the details of a single radiation contour to be output on the
isopleth graph.
Attributes
IsoValue
Colour
LineWidth
Style
Required - Specifies the radiation value of the

isopleth contour in internal program units of W/m2.
Required - Specifies the colour used to draw the
contour. Allowed values are given in Table A.1.
Required - Integer specifying the width of the line
used to draw the contour in pixels.
Required - Specifies the style of the line used to draw
the contour. Allow values are.
Solid
Dashed
Dotted
DashDot
DashDotDot
A.2.11.12 NoiseContour Element

Description
Defines the details of a single noise contour to be output on the
isopleth graph.
Attributes
IsoValue
Colour
LineWidth
Style
A-20
Required - Specifies the noise value of the isopleth

contour in internal program units of dB.
Solid
Dashed
Dotted
A-21
DashDot
DashDotDot
A.2.11.13 TemperatureContour Element

Description
Defines the details of a single temperature contour to be output on
the isopleth graph.
Attributes
IsoValue
Colour
LineWidth
Style
Required - Specifies the temperature value of the

isopleth contour in internal program units of K.
Solid
Dashed
Dotted
DashDot
DashDotDot
A-21
A-22
A-22

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Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

3 Getting Started............................................. 3-1

Simple Flare Stack Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

5 General Setup .............................................. 5-1

Case Summary View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

6 Fluids ............................................................ 6-1

Fluid View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Environment View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

8 Stacks ........................................................... 8-1

Stack View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

9 Tips ............................................................... 9-1

Tip View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

10 Receptors ................................................... 10-1

Receptor Point View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

11 Calculations ............................................... 11-1

Calculation Options View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

12 Printing ....................................................... 12-1

Print Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4

13 Calculation Methods ................................. 13-1

Thermal Radiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4

A Graphic Report Layout............................... A-1

Introduction to XML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Flaresim is a computer program designed to assist professional

1.2 Program Overview

Figure 1-1, Case Summary view

1.2.1 Flaresim Objects

1.2.2 Object Definition

Figure 1-2, Tip View

Existing objects can be updated by double clicking them in the Case

1.2.3 Running a Model

Calculations are started by clicking the

1.3 Documentation Overview

Installing License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Obtaining A License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.1 Installation Requirements

2.1.2 System Requirements

Disk space - program directory

Disk space - system directory

Security device port

25 pin Parallel port

Flaresim install files

Usually supplied on CD Rom

2.2 Installing Flaresim

Shut down other windows programs. The Windows

If you are installing a full licensed copy of Flaresim locate

Insert the Flaresim CD Rom into your CD or DVD drive.

Start the setup program Setup.exe on the CD Rom.

The Setup program will display the following screen.

Check that you have closed any other Windows programs

Figure 2-2, License Agreement

At this point you should read the License Agreement and

Figure 2-3, Destination Folder

If you are happy with the proposed installation folder in

Figure 2-4, Installation Options

On this screen select the Typical option and click Next.

Figure 2-5, Ready to Install Screen

At this point Flaresim is ready to install. Click the Next

Figure 2-6, Conflicting Programs

The setup program will show the progress of the installation

Figure 2-7, Installation Progress

Should you need to halt the installation, the Cancel button

During the installation the following screen may be

Figure 2-8, Existing Driver Warning