Sonic Flares
Sonic flares are a unique type of high pressure flare tip. A sonic flare uses the flare gas pressure to eliminate smoke, lower flame radiation and shorten the flame length. Sonic flares can reduce capital costs with lower stack heights and a smaller flare header size.
Sonic flares are a generic term for all high pressure flares. Typical sonic flare waste gas pressures will range from 15-100 psig pressure depending on the flare gas composition. Whereas, all sonic flares operate in the sub-sonic region at turndown conditions.
Sonic & High Pressure Flares
Fixed Orifice Sonic Tips
Sized for the maximum available pressure at the maximum flow rate, Fixed Orifice Sonic tips are an ideal method for smoke prevention of heavy natural gas and LPG flare gas. Vents from high pressure separators are good candidates for fixed orifice flares. These flares are 100% smoke free at maximum rates, but have a wisp of smoke formation at turndown conditions.
Low Profile Sonic Flares
Also known as multipoint flares, low profile flares use multiple fixed orifice tips located near grade. The short, low radiation flame is hidden from view by surrounding trees, concrete berms or metal fences. Well testing in sensitive urban areas is one application of low profile sonic flares.
High Pressure Flares
High Pressure Flares use a similar tip design to sonic flare tips, but operate at lower pressure, typically 3-15 psig. HP Flares are an ideal method of smoke prevention for 1200 – 3000 BTU flare gases.
EPA Regulations and Sonic Tips
By design, all sonic flare tips operate at tip velocities that exceed 40CFR60.18 regulations. Hundreds, if not thousands, of sonic and high pressure flare tips have been permitted. But it may take additional effort and documentation by your environmental department. Hero Flare can assist in your permitting efforts for sonic flare tips.