Structural Engineering for Steel Stacks and Flares
Meca Enterprises provides structural engineering services for steel stacks and flares used in energy, chemical, industrial, and process facilities. Whether you’re designing a self-supported, guyed, or derrick-supported stack, our engineers deliver steel stack structural design analysis that is code-compliant and tailored to your project requirements.
We support both new stack designs and the evaluation of existing systems, accounting for wind, seismic, thermal, vortex shedding, and retirement thickness. Calculation packages can be provided with or without a stamp by a Professional Engineer (PE) upon request.
Types of Stack Systems We Support
- Self-Supported Stacks
Freestanding stacks cantilevered from the base, typically used for shorter or medium-height installations - Guyed Stacks
Stacks stabilized by guy wires, evaluated for wire tension, anchorage, and stability under wind and seismic loads
- Derrick-Supported Stacks
Stacks framed within or supported by structural steel derricks, often used for taller or more complex installations - Flare Stacks
Elevated flaring systems used for safe combustion and dispersion of process gases, analyzed for thermal, wind, and dynamic stability
Structural Engineering Services Included
- Structural design and analysis of new or existing stack systems
- Design and analysis of guy wires, lugs, and hardware for guyed stack systems
- Stack lifting stress verification and lifting lug design during erection
- Structural flange design and analysis
- Breach and nozzle opening analysis including reinforcement design
- Calculation of foundation and deadman reactions for integration into concrete base design
- Design and analysis of steel support structure for stack systems
- Finite element analysis (FEA) for localized stress zones or attachments
Design Considerations We Address
- Wind and Seismic Load Analysis
Designs follow ASCE 7, IBC, NBCC, Eurocode, and other applicable codes - Thermal Growth Evaluation
Assessment of thermal effects on stack shell and structural stresses - Vortex Shedding and Natural Frequency
Dynamic checks to avoid resonance caused by wind-induced vortex shedding; mitigation strategies provided if needed - Foundation and Deadman Stiffness
Inclusion of stiffness factors for base supports that are not considered rigid and its impact on the design
- Lateral Guides
Addition of lateral supports along stack to simulate attachments to other structures and provide reactions at these supports - Retirement Thickness
Minimum wall thickness calculations based on structural demand, corrosion allowance, and service temperature - Lifting Impact Factor
Increase loads during lifting to ensure a safe and compliant design - Attachment Loads
Structural impact of platforms, ladders, access systems, and other stack-mounted components
What you receive
- Structural calculation packages (PDF)
- Optional PE stamp available upon request (additional fee may apply)
- Wind, seismic, thermal, lifting, and vibration analysis
- Foundation load reactions for integration into base design
- Optimization support for non-compliant or existing systems
- Responsive engineering coordination throughout the project
Related Services
Many of our stack/flare clients also engage us for:
Need Structural Support for a Stack or Flare System?
Let’s talk about your project. Whether you’re designing a new stack or validating an existing one, we’ll help you meet code and ensure long-term structural performance.
Discover Innovative Engineering Solutions for Your Projects!
Explore how Meca Enterprises can elevate your engineering endeavors with cutting-edge software, expert consulting, and reliable solutions. From wind load calculations to stack design and more, our comprehensive services and products are tailored to meet your unique needs. Contact us to take the next step towards engineering excellence with Meca Enterprises!
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Call Meca Enterprises at 918-258-2913
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Visit Meca Enterprises in Broken Arrow
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Email Meca Enterprises Support