Flaring
Information on flare operation at the Burghausen site
It can happen that a flame can be seen above the production facilities at the Burghausen site (Borealis/OMV). This may seem threatening at first glance, but it is nothing to worry about. The flares are part of the system that guarantees the safe operation of our facilities.
Why is flare operation necessary from time to time at the Burghausen plant?
The torches are rarely used, but then they have an important job to do.
In the course of the production process, gas and vapor can form depending on the situation, for example during maintenance work or unplanned system failures. These hydrocarbon mixtures are optimally decomposed via flare systems without any emissions being produced. As with private heating systems, water vapor and carbon dioxide ultimately get into the air. Our flare system is an integral part of overall security measures and is overseen and maintained by our experts 24/7.
Flare operation is therefore the best way to neutralize gas as quickly, environmentally friendly and safely as possible - but it should still be as small as possible in order to conserve resources and keep CO2 emissions low. Borealis is constantly working on the development of new production systems that will further reduce potential flare gas flows and further reduce flare operations.
Are there any dangers from torch operation?
No, the hydrocarbon mixture is almost completely burned by an optimized oxygen supply, there is only a very limited amount of soot. As with private heating systems, only water vapor and carbon dioxide are released into the air. Torches create some noise and are a source of light at night. With ground flares, however, we can minimize these effects or keep them local on our factory premises.