Steel Stacks & Flares

Structural Analysis

STEEL STACKS & 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.

Structural Engineering Services Include

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

Types of Stack System 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

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

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

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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