The gas plant recently completed the replacement of the flare tip, a critical component for the safe combustion of excess gas. This project required careful planning and close collaboration with experts. We sat down with the key players to learn more.

It was the beginning of a big day: replacing the flare tip, the flame responsible for burning off excess gas. This wasn’t just a technical challenge—it was a crucial task for the entire team at El Tordillo. "The flare stack is vital to our plant's operations. Ensuring it functions properly is key to maintaining our environmental compliance,” explained Bruno Di Tulio, Gas Plant Manager, who led the year-long planning project that covered each step of the process from start to finish together with Eduardo Romero, Facilities Operations Team Leader.

The process began with a detailed inspection of the existing facilities and a thorough risk assessment, carried out in conjunction with the contractor MERO S.A. They also completed the application process for permits and approvals, since the Argentine Energy Secretariat holds audits to monitor operations. On the day of the change, the plant was stopped for five hours to ensure that each movement was carried out according to plan down to the last detail.

The system was depressurized and isolated to make sure that no gas leaks could occur during the intervention. “The toughest part was rerouting all the production coming into the plant, which meant getting the entire site involved. Eduardo took the lead, making sure everything was done as swiftly as possible while keeping safety at the top of the agenda. It was the first time we’d ever replaced the flare tip, and we’re not expecting to have to do it again for another 20 years!” Bruno explained.

Removing the old flare and installing the new one posed both logistical and technical challenges. The team employed specialized equipment and a crane to execute the operation efficiently. Argentine energy equipment specialist Flargent provided remote technical support, introducing an innovative edge to the project. Finally, the functional tests and commissioning ensured that the new flare tip was successfully integrated into the plant's system, guaranteeing full operability under all expected conditions.

Once in place, the new system was connected to the remote control for the ignition rack, enabling the equipment to be operated and monitored remotely. The full range of technical and operational documentation was updated to reflect the upgrade, and staff received training on how to operate the new equipment. The replacement enhanced system reliability, boosting combustion efficiency while significantly cutting down on polluting emissions. “It was the first time I had to tackle something as challenging as this, and I was very lucky to be able to lean on experienced folks like Bruno. Projects this complex really put Tecpetrol’s DNA to the test!” said Eduardo.

With the new tip in place, the plant is prepared to meet future demands with greater efficiency. Bruno reflected on the success of the project: "When a job like this goes off without a hitch, it’s always a huge source of pride and satisfaction. It’s most definitely a challenge, but we know we can handle it with confidence thanks to solid teamwork."