5.1 Close Visual Inspection (CVI)

No Substitute for a Flare Tip CVI

Undertaking a Flare Tip CVI (Health Check)

“there is no substitute for a CVI”

This is the best way to inspect a flare tip.

When undertaking a CVI of a flare tip, the following should generally be checked:

  • Upper regions for flare distortion and loss of flow area
  • Flame retention devices to ensure they are well attached and remain functional
  • That no excessive cracking exists within the flare body; cracks usually emanates from the upper edge of the flare, or within the longitudinal and circumferential welds

Any cracks should be recorded future reference

  • Pilots are true and square and well attached to the flare body.  Check the pilot nozzles are secure. Check Inspirators for blockage
  • The Wind-Slats/Windfence is in good condition and well attached.  Wind slats and Windfence members are often found badly damaged and could be a cause of concern for potential dropped objects

Typical tools required

  • Camera “you can’t take too many photographs”
  • Tape measure
  • Chalk
  • 6″ Rule (150mm)
  • Thin wire, (to check inspirator jets for blockage)
  • Air Ingress seal – if positioned low-down within the flare body, it is likely be in good condition and generally will not need inspection.  However; flares that have air ingress elements located towards the top of the flare, these should be inspected to ensure they remain well attached to the flare body
  • Inlet flanges for bolt security and evidence of flange leakage. If the flanges are enclosed within a flange shield that is seen to be in good condition with no signs of excess heat, Flange bolt security can generally be assumed to be adequate
  • Ignition and thermocouple cables, to ensure they are well supported and shielded from the heat
  • Utility lines, check for low points on flame front lines, these can collect water, and snuff the flame front

” an informal discussion with one of our engineers is a free service, a professionaly written report can be produced for a small charge “

When inspecting a flare, it is an ideal time to also inspect the flare deck. For further information on this and advice on flare tip NDT, please go to our FAQ section

If you have undertaken your own CVI, and are having trouble interpreting the results, give us a call.