Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Systematic hazard analysis of flare system nodes in Chemical process safety

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hayder A Alhameedi 1, 2
Athmar A. Alzubaidi 3
Joseph D. Smith 2
Doug Allen 4
Saud Aldawood 5
Paul Ani 2

1 Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of AL-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah 58001, Iraq.

2 Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409-1230. USA.

3 Accounting and Banking Sciences Department, University of AL-Farabi, Baghdad 10022, Iraq.

4 Chief Engineer at Zeeco, Inc., Broken Arrow, OK 74014, USA.

5 Nuclear Technologies Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

10.30772/qjes.2025.158282.1517
Abstract
Multidimensional consequences may arise from an accident in the flare system of any chemical or petrochemical plant due to the improperly managed flare system, which can lead to the presence of the toxic and flammable gases. The Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) is a systematic method used to assess and identify risks that can occur during operation, ensuring risk reduction and the safety of using equipment or units. This study aims to apply the HAZOP technique to identify the hazards associated with the gas flaring process in an air-assisted flare. The air-assisted flare system was subdivided into four sections (nodes), which were analyzed separately. These nodes included the gas supply line, air supply line, pilot flame line, and flare unit. A total of 11 potential high-risk factors related to gas flaring were identified and measured to eliminate or mitigate these risks, which were recommended to reduce the negative effects on human health, the environment, and the economy. 

Keywords

Air-assisted flare
HAZOP analysis
Risk assessment
Flare system
Process safety
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Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 257-264

  • Receive Date 10 August 2024
  • Revise Date 15 March 2025
  • Accept Date 02 July 2025

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