Parametric Study on Wind Fatigue Life of Long Span Flare-Boom Based on Directional Input Parameters to Harris Wind Spectra and Selection of Wind Blocks

摘要

Long span Flare Booms are fatigue sensitive. Most of these Flares are also protected by the passive fire insulation and hence inspection of Flare structural joints for signs of fatigue cracking/damage during it’s service life can result in high maintenance cost. Fatigue design is governed by selected wind speeds also called as wind blocks. It is also governed by the shape of the wind load spectrum. These two parameters viz wind speeds and wind load spectrum play a vital role influencing fatigue life. Present paper contains methodology for selection of the wind blocks. Selection of the directional dependent input parameters to a wind load spectrum is also discussed. Both these cases are studied independently to get the insight on the fatigue life impact. Ultimate aim is to ensure adequate/sufficient fatigue design life of the Flare with minimum maintenance cost.