Introduction to Drillship Flare System using

Computational Analysis
Joo-Hyoung Choi1, Shin-Hyeong Choi2,
1
Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute,
1125-22 Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, Rep. of Korea
2

Dept. of Control & Instrumentation Engineering, Kangwon National University,

Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, Rep. of Korea
jhchoi@komeri.re.kr, cshinh@kangwon.ac.kr

Abstract. The flare system is used for the purpose of extending and supporting
the burner/flare at a safe distance away from the drilling unit. The flare system
is essential Class (DNV, ABS etc) design certification. Therefore, this paper is
introduced to flare system design certification procedure. It utilizes
computational analysis to certificate offshore plant structure design.
Keywords: Drillship, Flare System, Flame

Introduction

The flare system is the equipment that incinerates spent oil and gas safely on
drillship. When it is installed, many conditions which are environmental effect and
ship motion must be considered. Representatively, wind can be blown in any direction
also the ship has 6 degrees of freedom motion as shown in figure 1 and 2.
Therefore, it is not installed either close to accommodation or helicopter deck.
Although the location is not that site, should be evaluated not only the structural
safety but also consider heat radiation to protect crew and equipment from flare.
Moreover, for a reliable evaluation must be approved by class.
This paper deals with the procedure of computational analysis to seek the
classification approval of flare system generally and to verify the flare system, refer to
the DNV classification.

Analysis of flare system

In this chapter, we deal with the analysis procedure and how to approach to proper
evaluation of flare system.
ICCA 2013, ASTL Vol. 24, pp. 117 - 120, 2013
SERSC 2013

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Proceedings, The 1st International Conference on Convergence and it's Application

Fig. 1. The Flare system operating on the drillship

Fig. 2. The Flare system operating on the jack-up rig

First of all, to analysis the global structure of flare system, we should check first
how to operate the flare system. The flare system structure can rotate from inside to
outside of drillship using hydraulic power. Therefore, the analysis should proceed
according to the position of angle and environment condition.
Secondly, when flare boom is moved to designating location, it is controlled by pin
combinations. The pin combinations are consisted by upper and lower foundations
and pedestal. These parts should be partially analyzed.
Last of all, during this operation, swivel mechanism with no reduced inner
diameter or pressure rating should be used for the flow lines for cooling system. So,
the swivel joint strength during operation should be checked, structurally. Also for
evaluation of cooling system performance, heat radiation should be computational
analyzed.
To sum up, we should be performed four kind of analysis as shown in figure 3.

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Introduction to Drillship Flare System using Computational Analysis

Fig. 2. Analysis procedures

2.1

Analysis of global structure

As stated above, the analysis is performed by the position of flare system. The
loads are combined by self weight, secondary structure weight, environment condition
(wind, temperature) and acceleration (ship motion), based on DNV LRFD code.
2.2

Analysis of local structure

The local structure is including upper & lower support and pedestal. For analysis
local structure, the loads are used reactions. To analysis the upper & lower foundation,
the global structure results (reactions) are used. In sequence, the loads for pedestal
come from upper & lower support analysis results.
The reason of the procedure could find on the connection point of each part of flare
global structure and local structure.
2.3

Analysis of swivel joint

The swivel joints are operated on high pressure condition also it rotate 360 degree
flexible movement. However, in the parking position, it means not rotating position
the maximum pressure is occurred only. Therefore, the analysis are performed, only
in parking position based on DNV rule because, it is the most severe condition.
Also, the corrosion thickness must be considered to evaluation of swivel joint
based on ASME rule.
As a result, the structural strength and corrosion thickness are evaluated by the
DNV and ASME rule.

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2.4

Analysis of heat radiation

The heat radiation analysis is generated by the flare system of each burner boom in
Transocean Deep Water Drillship during well-testing. Determination of the levels of
thermal radiation emitted from flares is important in the design of other facilities and
structures. In this analysis condition, the direction of wind and water cooling system
are considered by boundary condition and the evaluation compare between allowable
radiations comes from API and maximum radiation comes from analysis result. The
analysis follows the recommendations stated in API rule.

Conclusion

In this paper, the analysis of flare structure was performed. It progress

classification design certification of flare system. Generally, before the manufacture
of the offshore equipment, the design classification approval must be preceded by the
structural assessment. Therefore, to design offshore plant equipment, it is important to
study offshore rule, analysis capability and classification communication.

References
1. DNV-OS-C101 "Design of Offshore Steel Structures, General (LRFD method)", October,
(2008)
2. DNV-OS-C201 "Structural Design of Offshore Units (WSD Method)", April, (2012)
3. DNV-OS-E101, "Drilling Plant", October, (2009)
4. "Drillship Motion and Acceleration data", provided from SEBO Tech. co. Ltd, (2013)

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