Work out flare gas volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Flaring converts methane to carbon dioxide, but incomplete combustion lets a small fraction slip unburned. Because methane has a global warming potential around 28 times carbon dioxide over a century, even 2% methane slip contributes materially to the carbon dioxide equivalent total.
Flare emissions
CO2 (t) = volume (scf) x 0.0545 kg/scf x combustion efficiency / 1000
Methane slip
CH4 (t) = volume x methane fraction x (1 - efficiency) x 0.0192 kg/scf / 1000; CO2e adds CH4 x 28
Flaring is subject to permits, volume limits and emissions reporting obligations in most jurisdictions. Emissions factors must follow the applicable reporting protocol.
At 98% combustion efficiency the 2% slip can contribute a third or more of the total carbon dioxide equivalent, because of methane's high warming potential. Flare efficiency measurement is therefore a regulatory focus.
Gas gathering and sales, reinjection, on-site power generation, and vapour recovery units on tanks. Routine flaring is increasingly prohibited or heavily penalised.