Utility Flares for Emergency Applications
Utility flares are the most economical flare solutions for those applications that do not require smokeless capacity or for those applications where the waste gas will burn smokeless without the need for smokeless flare technology. Utility flare technology is commonly used for emergency release cases as a back up in the event an upset condition occurs and the gas is directed to the flare.
What Is a Utility Flare and How Does It Work?
A utility flare is an unassisted, open-tip flare that burns waste gas using flame stabilization at the tip and a constantly burning pilot, with no steam, air, or assist gas. It is the economical choice when the gas does not need smokeless treatment, either because smokeless capacity is not required or because the gas burns clean on its own.
A stable flame across the full flow range, from a large emergency release down to purge flow, is what keeps a utility flare safe and compliant. Because there is no blower or steam system, the utility flare has the lowest capital cost and simplest operation of any flare type. Tell us your gas composition and we will confirm whether a utility flare is enough.
When to Choose a Utility Flare vs a Smokeless Flare
If the stream is light and burns clean on its own, or your permit does not require smokeless capacity, a utility flare is the most economical option. If the gas is heavy and would smoke, you need a smokeless design such as an air-assist, sonic, or gas-assist flare.
Many sites use a utility flare as the emergency backup alongside a smokeless flare for routine duty. Send us your routine and emergency cases and we will tell you which combination fits.
Design and Construction
Hero utility flares are built for long life and easy service in the field, so your emergency flare is ready when an upset hits.
Stocked to 20 MMSCFD
Standard utility flares in stock for fast deployment when you need an emergency flare quickly.
Stainless Steel Pilots
Maximum life in high-heat service with stainless steel construction on pilots and tip.
Retractable Pilot System
Service the pilot from grade level — no elevated work required for maintenance.
Guy-Wire or Self-Supported
Flexible stack options to match your site footprint and structural requirements.
Single-Point Lift
Eliminates field welds at height for safer, faster installation.
EPA 40 CFR 60.18
Meets the federal flare performance standard most permits reference.
Pilots and Ignition Reliability
Hero uses stainless steel pilots for long life and a retractable pilot system that lets your crew service the pilot from grade instead of working at height. That means faster maintenance, safer service, and high ignition reliability when it matters most.
Applications and Industries Served
Common uses include emergency shutdowns, compressor blowdowns, pigging operations, well-head testing, and pipeline maintenance. Operators in the Permian Basin, Oklahoma, Marcellus, and Haynesville plays rely on utility flares as a dependable backup. For liquid streams, pair with a knockout system. View all markets.
Compliance and Safe Disposal
Hero utility flares meet 40 CFR 60.18 EPA requirements. We can reflect this in your permitting documentation. See our OOOOb/c overview. Need a unit fast? Check flare rentals.
Need an Emergency Flare You Can Deploy Fast?
Hero stocks utility flares up to 20 MMSCFD. Send your emergency flow rate and gas data and we will confirm the right unit.
Why Choose Hero Utility Flares
EPA 40 CFR 60.18
Meets federal standards so emergency flaring stays compliant.
Stocked to 20 MMSCFD
In stock for fast deployment on emergency applications.
Stainless Steel Pilots
Long-life pilots with retractable system serviceable from grade.
Flexible Stacks
Guy-wire or self-supported to match your site.
Single-Point Lift
No field welds at height — safer, faster installation.
Lowest Cost Solution
No blower or steam — lowest capital cost of any flare.
Built for the Field
Frequently Asked Questions
A utility flare is an economical flare solution for applications that do not require smokeless capacity or where the waste gas will burn smokeless without special smokeless technology. This technology is commonly used for emergency release cases as a backup when an upset condition occurs and gas is directed to the flare. Share your emergency scenarios so we can confirm if a utility flare is sufficient.
Yes, Hero Process Solutions utility flares are specifically described as an economical solution for applications where they are used as a backup during emergency release cases and upset conditions. They provide safe gas disposal when the process directs gas to the flare in these events. Contact us with your relief conditions so we can validate sizing for emergency use.
Hero Process Solutions notes that utility flares are the most economical option when the application does not require smokeless capacity or when the waste gas will burn smokeless on its own. In such cases, more complex smokeless flare technology is not needed, reducing cost. If you know your gas burns smokeless, we can help confirm whether a utility flare is the right choice.
Hero Process Solutions stocks utility flares for flow rates up to 20 MMSCFD. This makes them suitable for a wide range of emergency and upset‑flow applications. Share your maximum emergency flow rate so we can check it against this capacity.
Hero Process Solutions utility flares include stainless steel pilot(s) and flare tip for maximum life, along with the latest generation retractable pilot system that allows access to the pilot from grade level. They can be supplied as guy‑wire supported or self‑supported stacks. If reliability and access are critical at your site, we can walk through which configuration best fits your layout.
Hero Process Solutions clearly states that its utility flares meet 40 CFR 60.18 EPA requirements. This gives operators confidence that the flare design aligns with federal flare performance criteria. Contact us if you need this compliance reflected in project or permitting documentation.
Hero Process Solutions utility flares feature stainless steel pilot(s) for maximum life and use the latest generation retractable pilot system so the pilot can be accessed from grade level. This improves maintainability and reduces the need for elevated work during pilot service. Tell us about your maintenance practices so we can confirm how the retractable pilot will fit your procedures.
Hero Process Solutions can provide utility flare stacks as either guy‑wire supported or self‑supported structures. This flexibility helps match the flare design to site conditions, available footprint, and structural preferences. Share your site layout and constraints so we can recommend the best stack configuration.
Hero Process Solutions utility flares are designed with a single point lift to eliminate field welds at height. This feature simplifies erection and enhances safety during installation. If installation logistics are a concern, we can review how the single‑point lift approach would work on your project.
Hero Process Solutions provides a request‑a‑quote and contact form directly on the emergency utility flares page, along with phone and email contact details. You can submit your flow rate, application details, and contact information to start the sizing and quotation process. Send over your basic process data and we can help you assemble what’s needed for a formal quote.