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VMSA Flares

Variable Mach Spring Assist (VMSA) flare systems are an excellent option for any application that requires smokeless flow and has medium to high pressure available (at least 5 psig or greater) to the flare inlet. The VMSA flare systems are well established flare technology that has been utilized in industry for over 20 years. The variable orifice design optimizes the performance as the flowrate varies to provide the most efficient, while also the highest DRE performance of any flare system in the industry.

Models

  • Standard VMSA Flares

    • We offer standard design packages in sizes up to 10” gas inlet diameter and standard height increments up to 60ft OAH to fit your specific needs

  • Modified Standard VMSA Flares

    • We offer modifications to our standard design packages that can be customized to fit your specific needs

  • Custom VMSA Flares

    • We offer fully customized design packages for any size gas inlet diameter and any height requirement, that can be customized to fit your specific needs

Markets & Applications

  • Petroleum refining
  • Petroleum production
  • Chemical processing
  • Pipeline transportation
  • Tank and barge loading facilities
  • Natural gas compression and production

  • Advantages

    • Cimarron has years of experience correctly designing spring settings per process specific requirements
    • Highest DREs achievable with tested results up to 99%+
    • Best smokeless technology available without need for steam source, rotating equipment, or assist gas
    • Optimized materials and design for cost efficiency
    • Near infinite turndown
    • Lowest purge rate requirements of any flare technology
    • Can handle any range of light to heavy compositions

  • Comprehensive Field Services

    We have a dedicated in-house service team with extensive dehydration commissioning, operating, and troubleshooting experience in most major basins. Rest assured that Cimarron will be available to support the product throughout its life.

  • Sytelink 360® Real-Time Monitoring

    Our real-time monitoring system, Sytelink 360®, helps optimize equipment performance and predict failures while providing data-logging capability on the cloud.

  • Pressure Assist without Blower: VMSA is the answer for operators who have a high-pressure waste gas stream. This flare type uses the pressure of the waste gas stream, without needing additional assist mediums such as steam, air, or assist gas. This significantly reduces utility consumption when compared to other flare systems. The elimination of additional rotating equipment also reduces maintenance requirements and saves on labor costs.
    Decrease the total amount of emissions by half: Because VMSA flares are proven to achieve at least 99% DRE, it decreases flare emissions by at least 50% compared to regular 98% DRE flares. As a result, a VMSA flare can enable doubling the throughput of oil production in the case of routine flaring (in field test cases we have achieved 99.9% DRE).
    Decrease the total amount of purge gas by more than 50%: The variable orifice design minimizes the open area of the flare tip compared to traditional air assist flares, which significantly reduces required purge gas to save on utility costs.

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Technical Information

Expand sections below to see more information. If you’d like even more details, be sure to check out full Technical Library below.

  • How It Works

    VMSA flare tips combine engineering and performance to deliver low radiation, smokeless combustion over a

    full range of flow conditions. A spring-actuated variable sonic nozzle allows the exit area to vary with pressure,

    ensuring constant sonic velocity of waste gas. The industry proven technology guarantees sufficient inspiration of air to ensure 100% smokeless combustion and infinite turndown. Radiation levels are also minimized throughout the entire range of flow due to high pressure flame profile, yielding shorter stack heights and reducing material costs. Additionally, the VMSA has the lowest purge rate of any flare technology on the market, minimizing utility costs.

    • High-velocity gas flow utilizes the Coanda effect of the VMSA bowl to create a thin film of waste gas to enhance combustion efficiency.
    • Additional air is induced into the waste gas providing the oxygen necessary for augmented smokeless capacity.
    • Variable orifice design of the VMSA flare system ensures smokeless performance at any flowrate, without the need for additional equipment such as a blower, or need for additional utilities such as assist gas.

  • Additional Technical Information

    Typical Utility Consumption:

    * Standard voltage rating, 120 VAC or Solar enclosure can be provided upon request

    * Standard voltage rating, 120 VAC or Solar enclosure can be provided upon request

  • Design Parameter Considerations

    • Inlet Gas Temperature: Standard packages utilize carbon steel gas risers that can handle temperatures ranging from -20°F up to 600°F+. Low-temperature carbon steel can be utilized as a cost-effective solution for temps down to -50°F. For gas that is colder than -50°F, stainless steel process pipe is used.
    • Inlet Pressure: VMSA flare systems require inlet pressures of at least 6 psig or higher. Special design considerations can be utilized at lower pressure to fit your specific needs. Flares can handle a range of inlet pressures up to 50 psig. The standard steel piping of the gas riser can structurally handle pressures higher than 50 psig, considering that flare systems are open to atmosphere and do not retain pressure. However, there is potential for the flare tip flame to break away or lift off form the flare tip at pressures higher than 50 psig. Special design considerations can be utilized at pressures higher than 50 psig to fit your specific needs.

  • Sizing Charts

    Calculated Flow Capacity Curve

    Standard VMSA flares – HP – 22mv

Want More Information?

For more documentation on all Cimarron’s products visit the Technical Library.

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