Netherlands-based Escher Process Modules has secured a contract to supply a total of five flare systems for the multibillion dollar Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) currently under construction at Sohar, Oman, said a report.

Escher Process Modules will fabricate and deliver the five flare systems in the third quarter of this year, added the Oman Daily Observer report.

Orpic, the sultanate’s refining and petrochemicals flagship, is investing $6.4 billion in the development of the giant petrochemicals scheme within the industrial port at Sohar, with a smaller upstream component at Fahud as well.

An integral part of any refinery, petrochemicals or oilfield processing plant, flare systems help in the safe burning of excess hydrocarbon and purge gases in an environmentally sound manner, as an alternative to releasing these vapours directly into the atmosphere.

Three of the flares will be supported on one common derrick structure towering above the site at a height of about 170 m.  

The other two flare systems will be fitted atop a second common derrick structure at a height of around 100 m.

Either derrick is equipped with one or more retractable gas riser systems which allows for one flare tip to be removed for maintenance or inspection while the other flares remain in operation, added the report.