KBC acquires Flaretot Limited to strengthen flare system modelling capabilities

Abstract

KBC, a Yokogawa company, has announced the acquisition of Flaretot Limited, a leading provider of simulation software specializing in the design and evaluation of combustion systems for hydrocarbon processing plants. Flaretot’s combustion system modeling solution, aimed at engineers, safety professionals and environmental compliance professionals, will help track and reduce fugitive emissions. When integrated with KBC’s software portfolio and supported by KBC’s consulting services, it will provide greater value. This integration will help companies accelerate their decarbonization strategies and support the oil and gas industry as it grapples with stringent environmental regulations and the need to achieve net zero emissions targets.

Engineers in the oil and gas industry face challenges when accurately simulating and sizing safety valves, flare networks, and pressure vessels during blowdown events. Traditional tools are often inadequate, leading to inaccurate calculations, non-compliance with regulations, and increased safety risks. Integrating Flaretot technology with KBC solutions streamlines these processes throughout the plant lifecycle, from design to operation, to ensure safety while reducing environmental impact.

Thanks to the technology acquired from Flaretot, KBC will provide the following benefits:

• Multiscale process model: A more complete representation of production and processing facilities in steady-state, field and dynamic modes.
• Advanced thermodynamics: With Multiflash software, advanced thermodynamic and hydraulic modeling capabilities enable accurate modeling of hydrocarbon fluids, natural gas, chemicals, biofuels, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, water vapor and more.
• Relief load: Accurate simulation and dimensioning of pressure relief devices protects tanks, heat exchangers and other equipment.
• Calculating the flare’s radiation and plume: Calculates the evolution of flare radiation and debris plume from multiple flare points, taking into account local environmental conditions to predict and mitigate environmental impacts.

In the hydrocarbon industry, KBC’s combustion simulation offering aims to guide companies through the complexities of digital transformation. Integration of Flaretot technology introduces advanced blowdown capabilities that accurately predict pressure vessel depressurization, estimate liquid drop and evaluate fluid and object cooling to avoid thermal shocks, and provide noise calculation capabilities to ensure regulatory compliance.

KBC has been a distributor of Flaretot technology since 2014. The addition of their offering will expand KBC’s portfolio to include pressure system regulation work, process safety consulting and enhanced strategic energy reviews, and will strengthen the company’s upstream and downstream digital twin capabilities. Since Flaretot’s founding in 2012, their software has been used by hydrocarbon operators and suppliers to size pressure relief systems and comply with safety regulations. “This acquisition gives Flaretot the ability to reach the global market, and we selected KBC because of their strong track record and market presence,” said Dhiren Madlani, Founder of Flaretot.

Regarding the acquisition, Takayuki Matsubara, CEO of KBC, emphasized: “As we continue to expand and scale our offerings, we are helping hydrocarbon processing plants keep pace. This integration opens up new opportunities for software innovation, propelling the industry toward a future focused on Bringing Decarbonization to LifeTM.”

About KBC

KBC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, is a global technology-based consulting firm for the energy and petrochemical industries. Our goal is to drive decarbonization through our experience and leading cloud software solutions to optimize process operations. We have avoided 400 million tons of CO2 emissions since 1979, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Our commitment to innovation enables our upstream/midstream and downstream customers to achieve operational performance that exceeds the norm.

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