1. Accidentology

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The flare phenomenon is caused by the release of combustible fluids, which may be in gaseous or liquefied form, due to an accidental or intentional leak that catches fire:

• spontaneously, if its temperature is sufficiently high;

• due to the presence of an ignition source near the point of discharge.

The products ignited are diverse: the non-exhaustive list ranges from gases such as hydrogen, methane, propane and acetylene, to pressurized liquids such as gasoline and heavy hydrocarbons.

Torch fires usually occur in pipelines, but a crack or perforation in a storage tank, or a drain valve left open, can also be the cause.