Major Turnaround Works – Flare Stack Maintenance

Case Study

Flare Stack Maintenance – Refinery Turnaround

Balanced Engineering & Construction (BEC) delivered flare stack maintenance works as part of a major refinery turnaround for the Singapore Refining Company. The project involved flare tip replacement, steam line upgrade, and multi-discipline shutdown activities on a 125-metre flare system, executed within a 19-day shutdown window. Supported by six months of detailed planning, the works were completed ahead of schedule, with zero incidents and full compliance with refinery safety and quality requirements.

Project Challenges

Delivering the scope on a 125-metre flare stack during a major refinery turnaround presented several significant challenges:

  • Compressed Shutdown Window: A 19-day turnaround required a large volume of complex, multi-discipline works to be executed with no allowance for delay or rework.
  • Complex Access and Coordination: Critical activities at the upper sections of the flare demanded carefully engineered access systems and precise sequencing.
  • Integration of Emergent Works: Additional scope identified during execution had to be safely assessed, approved, and incorporated without impacting the shutdown schedule or safety performance.

BEC's approach

BEC adopted a planning-led approach, commencing detailed preparation six months prior to the turnaround to fully understand the scope, interfaces, and execution constraints. This early engagement enabled thorough sequencing of multi-discipline activities, development of access and lifting strategies, and alignment with refinery shutdown and safety requirements. By resolving key risks in advance and maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders, BEC was able to execute a high volume of work within a compressed shutdown window, integrate emergent scope without disruption, and deliver the project safely and ahead of schedule.

The full scope of work included:

  • Flare Tip Replacement
  • Steam Line Upgrade
  • High-Level Platform and Access Works
  • Electrical & Instrumentation Cabling
  • Guy Wire Tensioning
  • Integrity Inspections
  • Reinstatement Works

This multi-discipline execution ensured the flare system met operational and safety requirements ahead of restart.

The BEC Advantage

BEC delivered the project ahead of schedule, completing all scope items within the 19-day turnaround window, despite emergent works introduced during execution. Supported by six months of detailed pre-shutdown planning, our teams maintained rigorous safety and quality controls throughout.

The works were executed with an excellent safety performance, achieving zero incidents and full compliance with refinery shutdown protocols and quality standards. This outcome reinforced BEC’s capability to deliver complex flare system maintenance works under intense time constraints while supporting overall turnaround success.

 

With deep expertise in vertical structures and industrial shutdowns, BEC delivers engineered solutions that combine planning excellence, multi-discipline coordination, and proven safety leadership. Our flare maintenance and turnaround capabilities help asset owners reduce downtime, manage risk, and enhance reliability. Contact BEC for expert inspection, maintenance, repair and height-access solutions.


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Projects Details:
Owner

Singapore Refining Company

Client

Singapore Refining Company

Location

Singapore

Completed

October, 2025