HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

SAFETY MANUAL

Rev.1
26-Aug-2012

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

Page 1 of 8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 2

2.

SCOPE ................................................................................................................ 2

3.

DEFINITIONS...................................................................................................... 2

4.

STANDARD ........................................................................................................ 2

5.

RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 6

6.

REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 7

7.

REVISION HISTORY .......................................................................................... 7

ATTACHMENT........................................................................................................... 7
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................ 7

Rev.

Issue Date

26-Aug-12

14-Jul-11

Amendment Description
Added monitoring of thermal
radiation of temporary flare
whenever this is taken in service.

Initial Release

Prepared
By
Amit Parikh

Lloyd Askham
Shaikh Ashad

Next Scheduled Periodic Review: August/2015

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

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Reviewed
By

Approved
by

Shaikh Ashad/
Lloyd G Askham

Carl Poldrack

Carl Poldrack

Carl Poldrack

SAFETY MANUAL

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

Rev.1
26-Aug-2012
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1. INTRODUCTION
Determination of the levels of thermal radiation emitted from flares is important in facility
design. The design intent is to limit heat intensity at grade to levels which are low enough
for both humans to safely withstand and to protect surrounding equipment from heat-related
damage.

2. SCOPE
This standard describes the methods used at Q-Chem to measure and quantify thermal
radiation (heat flux) levels around flares including monitoring of temporary flare whenever
this is taking in service and along the plant perimeter fence. Q-Chem in this document
refers to Q-Chem, Q-Chem II and Ras Laffan Olefins Complex (RLOC).
This standard covers the following:

Thermal radiation (heat flux) measurement equipment & accessories;

Measurement locations;
Methodology for conducting measurements;
Responsibilities for testing.

3. DEFINITIONS
GPS means Global Positioning System.
Heat Flux (kW/m2) is the rate of heat energy transfer through a given surface.
Isoflux lines are a plot of constant thermal radiation / heat flux levels around a point source.

4. STANDARD
Monitoring of thermal radiation around flare systems and the plant perimeter fence will be
conducted on a quarterly basis to fulfill the requirements issued by Mesaieed Industrial City
(MIC) / Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) industrial cities, the State Environmental Protection
Standard and Land Lease Agreements Environmental Guidelines.
4.1. Thermal Radiation Standards / Limits
4.1.1. The MIC Environmental Guidelines & RLIC Environmental Regulations (Rev.1,
2005) recommend the following thermal radiation (heat flux) limits (including solar
radiation):

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SAFETY MANUAL

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038
Rev.1
26-Aug-2012

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

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Table 1: Regulated Parameters Required By Local Authorities

Location

Sampling Poi Maximum Allowable Limit

[kW/m2]

Monitoring Frequenc

[Btu/h-ft2]

MESAIEED INDUSTRIAL CITY (MIC)

Edge of Flare Ground
Lev 4.73
(1.2-1.5m)

1500

Property Line Ground

Lev 3
(1.2-1.5m)

950

Quarterly

RAS LAFFAN INDUSTRIAL CITY (RLIC)

Edge of Flare Ground
Lev 6.3
(1.2-1.5m)

2000

Property Line Ground

Lev 3
(1.2-1.5m)

950

Quarterly

4.2. Equipment / Instrumentation Required

4.2.1. The following instruments / equipment are required for conducting thermal
radiation (heat flux) measurements.

HF03 portable heat flux sensor

LI-19 hand-held sensor readout unit

Measuring tape (50m)

Compass / GPS (if available)

Tripod Stands

Duct tape / masking tape / cable ties

Two (2) AA-type batteries (per instrument)

Spray paint can (marking)

Writing paper / notebook / pen or pencil.

4.3. Instrument Calibration

4.3.1. Connect the HF03 sensor to the LI-19 unit.

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

Connect the white wire of HF03 to the positive (+) adaptor (red).
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SAFETY MANUAL

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

Rev.1
26-Aug-2012
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Connect the green wire of HF03 to the negative (-) adaptor (black).

4.3.2. Switch on LI-19. Ensure the batteries are in good condition.

4.3.3. Connect LI-19 to a PC using the USB connection box and LI-19 software.

Switch the LI-19 on with the push-button switch on the top of the instrument.

The program does not connect to the LI-19 if the LI-19 is switched off.

4.3.4. Check the sensor settings in the LI-19 software against the HF03 calibration
value (see HF03 certificate and sticker on the sensor).
4.3.5. Disconnect the USB connection box from the PC.

LI-19 is now ready for use.

4.4. Measurement Locations

4.4.1. Heat flux measurements will be taken at 1.2-1.5 meters (4 - 5ft.) above ground
level.
4.4.2. Single, point source measurements will be collected along the outer limits of the
facility fence line in compliance with the relevant industrial citys regulations.
4.4.3. Isoflux radiation profiles will be collected from each flare being monitored where
practicable.
4.4.4. The heat flux sensor will be positioned / angled in such a manner that its
directed towards the flare centre as much as reasonably practicable.
4.5. Thermal Radiation (Heat Flux) Measurements
4.5.1. Instrument Preparation

Prepare instrument as indicated in 4.3 above.

Take along extra sets of good quality AA batteries.

4.5.2. Instrument Mounting & Positioning in the Field

Mount the HF03 portable sensor onto the tripod stand. The sensor should be
at least 1.2-1.5 meters above the ground.
Use masking tape / duct tape or cable ties to secure the sensor to the
tripod.

Orient the HF03 sensor angle (normally perpendicular to the flame) towards
the flare such that the highest heat flux reading is obtained.

4.5.3. Taking the Measurement

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SAFETY MANUAL

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THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

Rev.1
26-Aug-2012
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Ensure good weather conditions are present when taking measurements, i.e.
avoid measurements during strong winds (greater than 20km/h or 12.4mph)
or rainy conditions.

Establish measurement direction / position using a compass / equivalent to

ensure reproducibility of measurement.

After sensor / tripod assembly has been setup at measurement position,

remove the white cap on the HF03 so that the black surface is revealed.

Switch the LI-19 on with the push-button switch on the top.

The switch has to be pressed quite deep to turn the unit on or off.

FOR FLARE MEASUREMENTS

Using an appropriate measuring tape, measure the distance from the center
of flare area to the appropriate measurement point.
A measurement radius of between 10-50m may be used depending on
circumstances at measurement location.
Use spray paint (or equivalent) or pole to mark the measurement points
along the ground.

Measurements should be taken on at least the four coordinates of the flare

wherever possible, i.e. North, South, East & West.

Start measurements from the outermost position, proceeding towards the

flare centre.

Take measurements at each position for at least 2min or as required for

obtaining representative data.

FOR PERIMETER FENCE MEASUREMENTS

Position the measurement assembly at each of the fence line coordinates as

indicated in the Environmental Monitoring Plans for each facility.

Position the HF03 sensor angle (normally perpendicular to the flame) towards
the flare such that the highest heat flux reading is obtained.

Take measurements at each position for at least 2min or as required for

obtaining representative data.

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SAFETY MANUAL
THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT
STANDARD

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038
Rev.1
26-Aug-2012
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CAUTION
HF03 / LI-19 combination is not rated for EEx environments. Instrume
operates on 3VDC only!

4.6. Training
4.6.1. Only persons who have been trained by the Industrial Hygienist will be allowed to
utilize the Thermal Radiation / Heat Flux measurement instruments and perform
measurements.

4.7. Record Keeping

4.7.1. Heat flux measurement records will be forwarded to the Environmental
Engineering Section.
4.7.2. A copy of the results will be retained by the Industrial Hygiene Section for
documentation purposes only.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. Industrial Hygienist / Technician
5.1.1. Will administrator all items related to this standard.
5.1.2. Provide training on the use of measurement instruments / equipment &
techniques.
5.1.3. Prepare this standard and any reviews.
5.1.4. Conduct heat flux / thermal radiation measurements for the Mesaieed Facility.

5.2. Environmental Department

5.2.1. Provide and maintain all Regulated Parameters Required by Local Authorities
with regards to Thermal Radiation Limits applicable to Q-Chem.
5.2.2. Conduct heat flux / thermal radiation measurements for the Ras Laffan Facility.
5.2.3. Maintain all heat flux / thermal radiation measurement data and reporting to Local
Authorities.

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SAFETY MANUAL

HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD

Rev.1
26-Aug-2012
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6. REFERENCES

Hukseflux Thermal Sensors Equipment Instruction Manual, Leiderdorp Instruments,

Netherlands.

MIC Environmental Guidelines.

RLIC Environmental Regulations (Rev.1, 2005).

7. REVISION HISTORY
Rev. Issue Date

Amendment Description

Section 2
Added in scope
Thermal radiation (heat flux) levels around flares include
monitoring of temporary flare whenever this is take in service.
Modified RLOC Thermal radiation Record form.

17-Aug-12

Reference

ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1: Fenceline Monitoring Coordinates (Mesaieed & Ras Laffan).

APPENDIX
Appendix 1:

Thermal Radiation / Heat Flux Record Form (Mesaieed)

Appendix 2:

Thermal Radiation / Heat Flux Record Form (Ras Laffan)

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HSE-SAF-STD-00-0038

SAFETY MANUAL

Rev.1

THERMAL RADIATION MEASUREMENT

STANDARD
ATTACHMENT 1:

FENCELINE MONITORING COORDINATES

MESSAIEED

Fenceline Positions

Geographical Coordinates
N

2453'39.8''

05133'08.8''

2453'55.8''

05132'44.6''

2453'12.1''

05132'40.2''

2453' 27.6''

05132'26.4''

2454'03.9"

05132'40.2"

2454'18.1"

05133'00.1"

2454'06.1"

05133'09.0"

2453'58.9"

05133'14.1"

RAS LAFFAN (LOW PROFILE FLARE)

Fenceline Positions

Geographical Coordinates

N
2453'27.6''

E
05132'26.4''

2453'39.8''

05133'08.8''

2453'12.1''

05132'40.2''

2453'55.8''

05132'44.6''

RAS LAFFAN (TEMPORARY FLARES)

Fenceline Positions

Geographical Coordinates

N
25 53' 48.2''

E
51 31' 25.3''

25 53' 58.2'

51 31' 16.8''

25 53' 50.4''

51 31' 36.4''

25 54' 16.8''

51 31' 42.6''

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26-Aug-2012
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