Husa correlation should be used to calculate minimum purge gas flow rates for gases lighter than air.

If purge gas is heavier than ai purge rate based on nitrogen should be used. Husa correlation is expressed as below: US Customary Units:

Q 0.07068 D (1/y) ln(20.9/O2) [Ci 0.65 Ki]

3.46 i

where: Q = pure gas rate, SCFH D = flare stack diameter, inch y = stack column depth at which the oxygen concentration (O2) is to be predicted, ft O2 = oxygen concentration, volume percent Ci = Volume fraction of ithcomponent Ki = Constant for component i. Typical values for Ki are: Hydrogen: K = +5.783 Helium: K = +5.078 Methane: K = +2.328 Nitrogen: K = +1.067 (No wind) Nitrogen: K = +1.707 (Wind 15 to 20 MPH or 6.7 to 8.9 m/s) Ethane: K = -1.067 Propane: K = -2.651 CO2: K = -2.651 C4+: K = -6.856 Note that steam or other condensable is not a suitable purge gas SI units:

Q 190.8 D3.46 (1/y) ln(20.9/ O2) [Ci

i

0.65

Ki]

where: Q = pure gas rate, m3/h D = flare stack diameter, m y = stack column depth at which the oxygen concentration (O2) is to be predicted, m O2 = oxygen concentration, volume percent Ci = Volume fraction of i component Ki = Constant for component i (see above) These equations can be simplified using the standard criteria of limiting the O2 concentration to 6% by volume, 25 ft (7.62 m) down flare stack. Note: Lower oxygen concentrations should be used for certain flared gases such as hydrogen Simplified equation considering O 2 volume percent as 6% and at a depth of 25 ft (7.62 m) of the flare stack US Customary Units:
th

Q = 0.0035283*D3.46*K
where: Q = purge gas rate, SCFH

D = flare stack diameter, inch K = constant (see above) SI units:

Q = 31.25*D3.46*K
where: 3 Q = purge gas rate, Nm /h D = flare stack diameter, m K = constant (see above) Values of Ki for gases lighter than air are determined from Ki = exp(0.065*(29 - MW i))

Values of Ki for gases heavier than air are determined from an amended Husa correlation where (MW i - 29) is substituted for MW i a follows: Ki = exp(0.065*(MW i - 29)) where: th MW i = molecular weight of the i component of n components

Note: Husa correlation is generally applicable for no wind to wind speeds up to 30 MPH (13 m/s). Where prevailing wind sp are higher, higher purge rates may be required.

ases lighter than air. If purge gas is heavier than air, elow:

ncentration to 6% by volume, 25 ft (7.62 m) down the

25 ft (7.62 m) of the flare stack

rrelation where (MW i - 29) is substituted for MW i as

p to 30 MPH (13 m/s). Where prevailing wind speeds