As temperatures begin to drop, flare systems across refineries, petrochemical plants, and midstream operations enter one of the most demanding periods of the year. Cold weather brings more than discomfort, it introduces a unique set of risks that can directly impact the reliability of your flare’s ignition system.
At Liberty Flare, we see a sharp increase in ignition issues during late fall and early winter, almost always tied to conditions that could have been prevented with the right maintenance and inspections. November is the ideal time to get ahead of seasonal challenges, protect your equipment, and ensure your flare system is prepared for safe, uninterrupted operation all winter long.
Here’s what operators need to know about ignition system reliability when temperatures drop.
Why Cold Weather Challenges Ignition Systems
Even the most well-maintained flare system can experience stress during colder months. Temperature shifts affect every component in the ignition train, from pilots to fuel lines to detection systems.
Some of the most common cold-weather impacts include:
1. Fuel Gas Pressure Drops
Lower ambient temperatures can reduce gas line pressure, making pilots harder to ignite and more difficult to keep stable.
2. Moisture Freezing in Pilot Lines
Condensation can freeze inside pilot tubing, obstructing fuel flow and causing intermittent or failed ignition.
3. Flame Detection Issues
Cold weather can slow sensor response or create false readings, compromising automated safety functions.
4. Increased Heat Loss
Pilots may struggle to maintain consistent flame due to wind chill, radiative heat loss, or cold gas entering the burners.
These issues aren’t always noticeable during mild weather—but once temperatures shift, even small inefficiencies can cascade into significant operational risks.
Critical Fall Inspections to Ensure Winter-Ready Ignition
Preventing ignition failures starts with a targeted inspection strategy focused on the components most affected by seasonal changes. Liberty Flare recommends a comprehensive fall checkup that includes:
Pilot Performance Testing
Evaluation of pilot flame strength, gas flow, ignition response, and overall stability under varying conditions.
Fuel Gas Line Integrity Checks
Identifying restrictions, leaks, moisture buildup, or pressure concerns before cold weather amplifies them.
Flame Detector Calibration & Testing
Ensuring UV/IR sensors function properly and respond accurately during winter’s challenging visibility and temperature conditions.
Purge & Seal System Verification
Cold air infiltration can reduce flare performance but proper purging helps maintain stable combustion.
Backup Ignition System Validation
Redundant ignition is only valuable if it works. Now is the time to confirm automatic and manual backups respond as intended.
Wind & Structural Assessment
Seasonal winds increase flame instability. A fall inspection helps verify bracket integrity, pilot positioning, and shielding effectiveness.
These proactive steps reduce the risk of downtime, emissions events, and safety hazards during the months when flare systems face the greatest environmental stress.
Why Fall Is the Most Strategic Time for Ignition Maintenance
Planning ignition maintenance in November provides several advantages:
- Prep ahead of the coldest months
- Avoid emergency maintenance when demand is highest
- Address wear that occurred during summer high-heat cycles
- Ensure compliance with end-of-year audits and reporting
- Minimize ignition-related flaring during seasonal production peaks
In short, fall maintenance is both preventive and cost-effective, protecting your operations from reactive, high-cost interventions later in the season.
Signs Your Ignition System May Struggle This Winter
If your flare system shows any of the following warning signs, schedule an inspection immediately:
- Irregular pilot flame or frequent flame-outs
- Slow or inconsistent ignition
- False flame detection alarms
- Visible smoke during pilot failure
- Lower-than-expected pilot gas pressure
- Evidence of line freezing or condensation
Early attention to these issues can prevent winter outages and ensure compliance with safety and emissions standards.
Partner with Liberty Flare for Reliable Year-Round Ignition
Ignition reliability is non-negotiable—especially during the most demanding season of the year. Liberty Flare supports operators with:
- Fall inspections & winterization services
- Pilot and ignition system upgrades
- Flame detection testing and calibration
- Emergency response and troubleshooting
- Engineering support for long-term reliability planning
Our team understands the performance challenges flare systems face in cold weather, and we’re committed to helping you maintain safe, dependable operations through every season.
Schedule Your Winter Readiness Inspection Today
Now is the time to confirm your flare system is ready for the months ahead. Contact us to schedule your fall ignition inspection, discuss seasonal risks, or request emergency support.