Home > categories > Machinery & Equipment > Tower Cranes > On an offshore oil rig, is the crane the same as the flare boom?
Question:

On an offshore oil rig, is the crane the same as the flare boom?

I'm a little confused as to what the difference is between the crane and the flare boom-____- I'm thinking that the flare boom is what they use to burn off oil I there's a fire, but is that right? And what does the crane do?

Answer:

It's called a flare boom because the flare is out on the end of a boom like structure. To keep the flame as far as possible from the rig production operations.
Flares are used to burn off oil and gas that can not be transported to be processed without extensive costs. They can also be used at refineries as a safe way to release gas build ups in case of problems in the refining process occur. I imagine that a flare boom could be on the end of the crane but I know it's not always the case. The crane does what cranes do best... move things, usually from the ship to the platform or vise versa.
The flare boom is just that, a stationary boom that supports the flare line. It is not a crane, those are completely separate and usually on the side of the platform away from the flare boom. The flare has to be set out from the platform so the radiant heat from the flame doesn't harm the people on board or the equipment. Yes there is normally a standing pilot and there will be a flame if there is a need to burn off the natural gas during an upset or emergency.
The flare boom is used to burn off gas from the well. It is basically a pipe that directs the gas to a safe location.

Share to: