Black Burn Mitigation Processes

Abstract

In some embodiments, a method for reducing emissions from a surface well test system may include controlling an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner configured to burn fluids, determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner, calculating estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources, determining a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and the calculated emission rates, and controlling the emission rates from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

Description

Title of the invention: Methods for attenuating black combustion technical field

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of surface well testing equipment and, more specifically, to automation techniques for reducing emissions from surface testing equipment.

[0002] CONTEXT

[0003] Black burn, a scenario in which an oil-air ratio creates conditions for incomplete hydrocarbon combustion, is a major contributor to the generation of unwanted gas emissions during surface well testing. Currently, black burn is mitigated manually using adjustments based on experiential knowledge and is inconsistently mitigated. Therefore, techniques for automating and optimizing black burn mitigation and reducing emissions at the site level could be advantageous from both an operational and financial perspective. Brief description of the figures

[0004] The embodiments of the invention can be better understood by consulting the diagrams attached in the appendix.

[0005] [Fig. 1] represents a first example of a process flowchart describing a surface well testing facility, according to certain embodiments.

[0006] [Fig.2] represents a second example of a process flowchart, according to certain embodiments.

[0007] [Fig.3] represents a burner position tracking scheme, according to certain embodiments.

[0008] [Fig.4] represents an example of an interface for burner position tracking, according to certain embodiments.

[0009] [Fig. 5] represents an example of a burner head, according to certain embodiments.

[0010] [Fig. 6] represents an example of a computer, according to certain embodiments.

[0011] [Fig.7] represents a first flowchart of examples of operations, according to certain embodiments.

[0012] [Fig.8] represents a second flowchart of examples of operations, according to certain embodiments. Description of the implementation methods

[0013] The following description includes examples of systems, methods, techniques, and program sequences that implement embodiments of the invention. However, it is understood that this invention can be carried out without these specific details.

[0014] Preview

[0015] The conditions that cause black combustion can change rapidly and therefore require equally dynamic intervention to mitigate it. In some embodiments, sensor data can be combined with chassis status data from at least one burner, separator, and / or nozzle to determine whether black combustion is occurring or is likely to occur. A new configuration for the burner and separator can be determined from the status data that can eliminate black combustion, and these parameters can be adjusted throughout the system. New mechanical components can be introduced to facilitate system-wide automation that allows for automated control to optimize and execute parameters leading to cleaner combustion.An automated control system can monitor various parameters to understand over time what affects black combustion and different system configurations that can be used to mitigate its future occurrence. A new method of introducing (such as blending) natural gas into the oil before combustion to facilitate burner cleanliness can also be included to mitigate occurrences of black combustion.

[0016] Examples of illustrations

[0017] Figure 1 represents a first example of a process flow diagram describing a surface well testing facility, according to certain embodiments. The surface well testing facility may include at least one nozzle near a producing wellhead, a separator, and a burner 159. A transfer pump and reservoir system 100 may be configured to receive well fluids from a producing well and / or the separator. The transfer pump and reservoir system 100 may include a transfer pump frame comprising, for example, motorized valves 121, 123, 127, 133, and 135, a pump assembly 125, flow control valves (FCVs) 137, 139, and a turbine flowmeter 141.The transfer pump chassis, when activated, can transport fluid through the surface well test rig from a reservoir 111 (such as a buffer tank or other suitable reservoir) to a bypass manifold leading to at least one of the burners 159, 189. In some embodiments, the reservoir 111 can be configured to receive well fluids from the separator (not shown) that is coupled to a producing wellhead. In some embodiments, the reservoir 111 can be replaced by a second separator or similar vessel. Fluid can be pumped to the reservoir 111 via an inlet 101 and through a motorized valve 102 when the motorized valve 102 is open and a motorized valve 103 is closed. In some embodiments... Alternatively, the fluid can bypass the transfer pump frame by opening the motorized valve 103 at the reservoir 111. By bypassing the transfer pump frame, the fluid flow from the separator can be sent directly to the bypass manifold and burners 159 and 189 via flow lines 131 and 143. In normal operation, the fluid can flow from the inlet 101 to the reservoir 111 via the open motorized valve 102 and along the flow line 109. In some embodiments, the fluid may comprise water and hydrocarbons in vaporized (gaseous) or liquid form, where the liquid form includes petroleum. The petroleum may further comprise dissolved gases. Water can be drained from the reservoir 111 via a motorized drain valve 105.In some embodiments, the motorized drain valve 105 can lead to a flow line coupled to the flow line 143.

[0018] The gases can exit the tank 111 via a low-pressure line 117 and pass through a motorized pressure regulating valve 115. From the low-pressure line 117, the gases can pass through a flame arrester 145 to a low-pressure line 149 forming part of the bypass manifold. The bypass manifold can include at least the low-pressure line 149, low-pressure flares 147, 179, high-pressure flares 175, 153, and burners 159, 189. The low-pressure line 149 can terminate in the low-pressure flare 147 where the gases are burned. In some embodiments, the flame arrester 145 can be configured to prevent an unwanted flame from traveling upstream of the low-pressure line 117 and potentially causing ignition of the tank 111.In a situation where the low-pressure flare 147 is not operating, or if a gas flow in the system exceeds a limit of the low-pressure flare 147, the gases can be routed to a low-pressure flare 179. In normal operation, either burner 159 or 189 can operate, and the flow to either burner 159 or 189 can be adjusted by opening or closing the motorized valves 146, 150. In some embodiments, valves such as valves 146, 150 may instead be manual valves operated by a user. In some embodiments, the flow to the low-pressure flare 147 can be adjusted via the motorized pressure regulating valve 115.

[0019] Due to natural differences in fluid densities, the gas, oil, and water may separate in the tank 111. An induction heater 112 may be positioned in the tank 111 near the bottom of a column of oil inside the tank 111. In some embodiments, if a medium or heavy oil is produced, the oil may be conditioned inside the tank 111 by controlling Induction heating 112 inside the tank allows for further fluid separation and a reduction in oil viscosity. Alternatively, or in addition, the oil can be conditioned by introducing additional chemicals (such as diesel) for recirculating treatment prior to combustion. For example, a motorized valve 133 can be actuated to a closed position so that when a motorized valve 113 is actuated to an open position, the fluid inside the tank 111 can be recirculated (not being pumped to the burner 159). The fluid can exit the tank 111, travel through the motorized valves 113 and 123, and through the pump assembly 125 when a motorized valve 127 is closed. The pump assembly 125 can consist of a motor-driven progressive cavity pump.In some embodiments, the pump may comprise a rotor and a stator, where the motor is coupled to the rotor so that the reciprocating motion allows positive fluid displacement between the rotor and the stator of the pump. In other embodiments, the pump assembly may comprise a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, etc.

[0020] When the motorized valve 133 is closed, the flow can be routed through an open motorized valve 135 and continue to the flow control valves (FCVs) 137 and 139. While the motorized valves can provide some flow regulation, the FCVs 137 and 139 can offer more precise regulation of the fluid flow. The fluid then moves from the FCVs along the flow line 119, through a motorized valve 121, and returns to the tank 111. During the recirculation process, fluid samples can be taken from the tank 111 to monitor oil properties such as, for example, API gravity and oil viscosity.Additional chemicals or recirculation time may be added to ensure that appropriate fluid (oil) properties are met before pumping the contents of tank 111 to burner 159 (this process is often called batch flaring). The recirculation process may be repeated until the conditions for a combustion state that eliminates black burning are met. The modulation of motorized valves, such as motorized valves 103 and 133, for example, may be controlled by techniques including, but not limited to, automatic control via an on-site computer, remote control, or automatic control via cloud computing.The transfer pump and tank system 100 may include a black combustion optimizer (discussed later) or similar algorithm to control motorized valves, pumps and equipment in the transfer pump and tank system 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, fluids can be conveyed directly from the tank 111 to the burner 159. For example, in a scenario where recirculation to the tank 111 is not the most viable option, fluids can be conveyed through motorized valves 113 and 123 actuated in the open position, through the pump assembly 125, and through the motorized valve 133 actuated in the open position. From the motorized valve 133, the flow can continue through a check valve 129 configured to prevent reverse flow. In some embodiments, the turbine flow meter 141 can be configured to measure the flow rate of fluid sent from the transfer pump frame to the burners 159, 189. Other safety-related features surrounding the flow stoppage along the flow line 143 may include,but not limited to: remote / automatic operation of valve 127 (valve to bypass pump assembly 125), automatic shutdown of the high differential pressure pump of pump assembly 125, fluid temperature monitoring (All) to trigger pump shutdown, liquid level monitoring in tank 111 triggering automatic pump shutdown, fluid detection via a sensor at an inlet of pump assembly 125 detecting a dry running condition and triggering automatic pump shutdown, thermal detection via a thermal sensor coupled to the motor of pump assembly 125 to trigger pump shutdown, leak detection via a sensor at pump assembly 125 with shutdown capability, etc.

[0022] From the turbine flow meter 141, the oil flow can continue to the flow line 143 and to an oil outlet 156 comprising a check valve (for preventing reverse flow) via a motorized valve 155 in the open position. In other embodiments, the tank 111 can be completely bypassed and the motorized valve 103 can be actuated in the open position to allow flow along the flow lines 131 and 143 directly to the oil outlet 156 of the burner 159. In some embodiments, the oil can be sent to the burner 189 via a check valve 173 and a motorized valve 171 depending on factors such as the operational viability of each of the burners 159, 189, wind conditions favorable to combustion (discussed later), etc.In some embodiments, the motorized valve 171 may instead include a manual valve configured to be operated by a user.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the transfer pump and reservoir system 100 can be configured to send fluids to the burner 159 and recirculate the fluids back to the reservoir 111 at the same time. Figure 1 details two paths for the Oil flows from tank 111. A recirculation flow path encompasses the transfer pump frame, where fluid can exit tank 111, moving through motorized valves 113, 123, 121, and 135, as well as FCVs 137 and 139, and flow through the flow line 119 back to tank 111. A combustion flow path to burners 159 and 189 may include fluid flow exiting tank 111 through motorized valves 133, a flow line 143, a motorized valve 155, and exiting the oil outlet 156 to burner 159. In some embodiments, a flow may also be routed to burner 189. This second combustion flow path may completely bypass FCVs 137 and 139 and send fluid to the bypass manifold including at least burners 159, 189. As shown in the [Fig.[l], motorized valves such as motorized valve 133 are shown as open, while valves such as motorized drain valve 105 are shown as closed. Thus, the system configuration shown in [Fig. l] describes a transfer pump and reservoir 100 system configured to both recirculate fluid to reservoir 111 and send a portion of the fluid to burner 159 simultaneously. The amount of fluid sent to burner 159 and recirculated to reservoir 111 can be determined by a user or by an on-site or off-site computer.

[0024] Other components or fluids can be introduced into the transfer pump and reservoir system 100. For example, nitrogen (N2) can be introduced through an N2 inlet 162 if a motorized valve 161 is actuated to the open position. Similarly, high-pressure gas from a separator can enter the system through a separator gas inlet 180. This gas may have a higher pressure than the low-pressure gas flared at the low-pressure flare 147 because the high-pressure gas from the separator is driven by pressure from the well connected to the separator. In normal operation, a motorized valve 169 can be actuated to the closed position, and the high-pressure gas from the separator can be flared at a high-pressure flare 153. The flow rate to the high-pressure flare 153 can be adjusted by actuating the nozzle and / or the separator.In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas can instead be routed to the high-pressure flare 175 by closing a motorized valve 151 and opening a motorized valve 177. The burners 159, 189, the low-pressure flares 147, 179, and the high-pressure flares 153, 175 can each or together be called emission sources. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rates exiting the emission sources can each or together be called emission flow rates (for example, a gas flow rate through the motorized valve 146, an oil flow rate to burner 159 or burner 189, etc.). combined flow rate of fluid burned at burners 159, 189, etc.)

[0025] In some embodiments, air can be added to the system via an air inlet 163 at a given pressure. If black combustion is detected at either of the burners 159 or 189, additional air can be introduced into the burner via an air outlet 158, and air can be supplied to the burner via a motorized valve 157. In some embodiments, a motorized valve 181 can be opened or closed similarly to allow airflow to the burner 189, depending on which burner is used. The oil / air ratio obtained at the burner can affect the combustion condition of either the burner 159 or the burner 189. An optimized oil / air ratio can eliminate or mitigate an immediate occurrence of black combustion at the burner.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the high-pressure natural gas from the separator can be routed from the separator gas inlet 180 to the bypass manifold comprising the burners 159, 189 to facilitate oil combustion in order to minimize black smoke at the burner. For example, [Fig. 2] shows a second example of a process flow diagram of the surface well test facility, according to certain embodiments.In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas can be readily available from an on-site separator and can be connected to the oil-containing flow line 143 leading to the bypass manifold (or anywhere downstream of the flow lines leading to the burners 159, 189 but located upstream of the burners), so that the high-pressure gas can be mixed with oil flowing in the flow line 143 before reaching a burner head and ignition source of either of the burners. A motorized valve 210 can be opened automatically if black smoke is detected at either of the burners 159, 189. In some embodiments, a water line can also be coupled to the flow line 143. Water can be introduced into the oil inside the flow line 143 to facilitate combustion at the burner in use.

[0027] In certain embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be arranged throughout the system to collect information and relay the information to an on-site or off-site computer. The sensors may collect information including, but not limited to, high-pressure (HP) gas pressure (separator pressure), oil line pressure (Po), air line pressure (Pa), oil pressure at the burner (Pob), air pressure at the burner (Pab), etc. For example, pressure transmitters may be arranged along the flow line 143 to measure oil pressure, a A pressure transmitter can be arranged along a flow line 232 or 271 to measure the high-pressure separator gas, and pressure transmitters can be arranged beyond a check valve 256 and a check valve 258 to measure oil pressure at burner 159 and air pressure at burner 159. Pressure transmitters can also be arranged similarly near the check valves 173, 167 of burner 189. In some embodiments, the check valves can prevent backflow from the burners.The sensors may also include temperature sensors on flow lines for oil (143), gas (232, 271), and at burners 159 and 189 to ensure proper mixing and prevent backflow of oil or gas (by activating or deactivating the opening of the motorized valve 210 to ensure process operation and safety). The above sensors may also be arranged at similar locations, as with reference to burner 189. Furthermore, mechanical design elements such as check valves, automated nozzle / flow control valves, restrictor plates, and mixing elements may be used to ensure proper mixing of the oil and gas before reaching a burner head of burner 159 or burner 189 and to prevent backflow of fluids in the flow lines.For example, an automated pressure or flow control valve 240 can be incorporated upstream of the air outlet 158 ​​to provide additional control of the air supplied to the burner. A pressure or flow regulating valve 220 (or limiter) can be disposed near the motorized valve 210 (as shown) or along the flow line 271 carrying high-pressure gas upstream of a mixing point 234 to adjust the flow rate of the high-pressure separator gas. In some embodiments, the flow lines 143, 271 may include internal elements designed to induce fluid turbulence before reaching the mixing point 234. The fluid turbulence can create a mixing effect and better combine the oil and natural gas before reaching the burner.Using an accelerator such as the high-pressure gas produced by the separator (which may have been flared anyway) rather than air to atomize the oil at the burner can reduce reliance on compressors, thereby reducing emissions on the worksite. Compressors can be used to compress the air delivered through air inlet 163. Since compressors can likely run on diesel or natural gas as fuel, they can become sources of emissions at the surface well test facility. Using the gas produced by the separator can offer an overall reduction in emissions compared to a burner system running solely on oil and air.

[0028] The above example of sensor and mechanical elements are examples; however, other configurations of sensors or mechanical elements may be possible to fulfill the same objective (ensuring mixing without reverse flow). For example, a vibrating piezoelectric tuning fork switch may be placed along the flow line 143 containing oil and along the flow line 271 containing high-pressure separator gas upstream of the mixing point 234. The vibrating piezoelectric tuning fork switch may be configured to send a switching signal in the presence or absence of liquid (triggering a reverse flow event, which would in turn automatically trigger the closure of the motorized valve 210). In some embodiments, flow elements 230 may include the vibrating piezoelectric tuning fork switch to detect the presence or absence of liquid.Additional sensors may include, for example, a dynamic light diffuser, an optical integrating sphere, a methane / ethane / hydrocarbon MEMS sensor, gravimetric balances, acoustic sensors, temperature sensors, thermal imagers, spectrometers, mass spectrometers, electrochemical sensors, electric and magnetic field sensors, etc. The sensors may transmit data to an on-site computer including a black burn optimizer (described later) or may transmit data to an off-site computer for processing. The sensor data can be used by the computer to make automatic adjustments to various on-site components, motorized valves, or FCVs to eliminate the presence of black burn or mitigate a predicted occurrence of black burn.

[0029] Although natural gas can be introduced to intensify combustion at the burner, the air supply from the air inlet 163 can also greatly affect a combustion condition at the burner. In some embodiments, the air supply may require automatic adjustments to mitigate black burning at the burners 159 or 189. For example, if there is a lack of air supplied at the air outlet 158 ​​at the burner 159, a calibrated nozzle position of the nozzle near the producing well can be adjusted to modify the fluid flow rate, and thus the oil / air ratio, in the presence of black burning. In this scenario, black burning may indicate an insufficient air supply to satisfy an oil combustion flow rate. A computer including a black burning optimizer (discussed in [Fig.6]) may recommend reducing the flow rate produced (from the well) to meet clean combustion requirements (often described as combustion with a Ringelmann smoke scale < 1).

[0030] Conversely, combustion at burners 159, 189 can be negatively affected This can be caused by an excessive air supply (e.g., a fixed compressor output) given a fixed (lower) oil flow rate. In such a scenario, known as a lean combustion condition, burner heads and nearby equipment can be negatively affected by excessive heat. For example, seals or elastomers at or near burner heads can be prone to premature failure in the presence of excessive heat. This can lead to burner head failure and even other releases into the environment / other emissions.In the event of lean combustion from burner 159 or 189, automatic regulation of the air supply via air inlet 163 can be controlled by the automated FCV 240 so that excess air is smothered, thereby reducing electricity consumption and minimizing emissions. The automated FCV 240 (duse valve or variable orifice control valve) can automatically regulate the air supply to burners 159 and 189 to achieve an optimal (prescribed) air supply based on the system's combustion conditions.

[0031] Under lean combustion or other suboptimal combustion conditions, the constituents of air, oil, and gas may not burn completely. Ideal combustion produces only carbon dioxide and water. Largely incomplete combustion may fail to burn some of these constituents, some of which pose environmental and safety problems. For example, the high-pressure gas from the separator may contain hydrogen sulfide, which presents known environmental and workplace hazards. Proper or optimized combustion conditions can largely reduce or eliminate the presence of hydrogen sulfide emissions from burner 159, 189.However, poor combustion conditions can leave a large portion of the hydrogen sulfide emissions untouched, which can lead to fines or increase an operator's risk of exposure to the gas.

[0032] In some embodiments, combustion conditions at the burner can be affected by external factors such as wind direction and speed. A wind direction transmitter (WDT) instrument 107 can be included in the transfer pump and tank system 100. The WDT instrument 107 can be used to monitor wind speed and direction relative to the orientation of the burner 159, 189. In some embodiments, the burner 159, 189 can be configured to automatically adjust its orientation according to wind properties.

[0033] Figure 3 represents a burner position tracking diagram, according to certain modes In embodiments, a wind speed 310 and a wind direction 301 can be determined by the WDT 107 instrument as shown in [Fig. 1]. A burner 305 and a burner 303 can be affected differently by the wind speed 310 and wind direction 301 shown in [Fig. 3]. In some embodiments, the burners 303 and 305 can be similar to burners 159 and 189, respectively. If the wind speed 310 or wind direction 301 is not optimal for clean combustion, a burner can be controlled to rotate in a direction (angle) that satisfies constraints defining a safe / clean combustion condition. In other embodiments, the burner and the WDT 107 instrument can be coupled to the aforementioned computer used to actuate various pieces of equipment.The computer can alert a user, either on-site or remotely, to use an alternative burner if the current burner is not optimally configured. For example, burner 305 can be oriented to face an acceptable combustion zone 307. Burner 303 can be oriented to face an acceptable combustion zone 308. Given the wind direction shown in diagram 301, the user can be prompted via a user interface to use burner 303 and deactivate burner 305. For example, a burner experiencing crosswinds or winds that would redirect unburned fluid / gas toward equipment or the well site can be avoided.If no safe wind speed or direction is available, the computer mentioned above may warn the user not to initiate combustion to avoid incomplete combustion, black smoke, oil spills, or other emissions (considered a loss of containment and subject to significant environmental / governmental repercussions). In this scenario, the computer may recirculate fluids to tank 111. The user alerts described above may be sent to a user interface 400, as shown in [Fig. 4].

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of a burner position monitoring interface according to certain embodiments. A user interface 400 can display several properties of the burners 303, 305 according to Figure 3. For example, the user interface 400 can display an acceptable crosswind 402, a burner rotation 404, a burner position 406, and wind conditions 408 for both burners 303 and 305. A user, either on-site or remotely, can manually adjust parameters in the user interface 400, or the computer can automatically make adjustments and output modifications and / or recommendations to the user interface 400.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of a burner head according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, natural gas can be introduced into the The burner head 500 is supplied via a natural gas line 506. The natural gas may mix with oil from an oil line 504 within or before reaching an atomization chamber 510 of the burner head 500. In other embodiments, the burner head 500 includes an air-flow line 502 such that air mixes with oil from the oil line 504 and natural gas from the natural gas line 506 directly in the atomization chamber 510 before exiting the burner head 500. Several burner heads may be included in the burner, similar to burner 159 in [Fig. 1]. In some embodiments, the natural gas is supplied from a high-pressure (HP) gas line and is independently supplied to individual burner heads or to a manifold distribution chamber.The manifold distribution chamber can then supply natural gas to individual burner heads. Adding gas produced from the on-site separator to burner head 500 can atomize the oil and result in cleaner, higher-temperature combustion, which can help mitigate or eliminate a black burn scenario. In some embodiments, the oil line 504 can be coupled to a water line, similar to the water line discussed earlier. Water from the water line, in addition to the gas produced from the separator, can improve oil atomization in the atomization chamber 510 and enhance combustion conditions at burner head 500. In some embodiments, a hydrogen line can also carry pressurized hydrogen to burner head 500 to improve combustion at the burner and reduce overall emissions.

[0036] Figure 6 represents an example of a computer system according to certain embodiments. The computer system may include a processor 601 (optionally comprising several processors, several cores, several nodes, and / or implementing multithreading, etc.). The computer system may include a memory 607. The memory 607 may be system memory or one or more of the machine-readable media already described above. The computer system may also include a bus 603 and a network interface 605. The system may communicate via transmissions to and / or from remote devices through the network interface 605 in accordance with a network protocol corresponding to the type of network interface, whether wired or wireless, and according to the transport medium.Furthermore, a communication or transmission may involve other layers of a communication protocol and / or suites of communication protocols (e.g., transmission command protocol, Internet protocol, user datagram protocol, virtual private network protocols, etc.). The system also includes a transmission optimizer. such as a 611 Black Burn Optimizer. The 611 Black Burn Optimizer can create new system commands by selecting new setpoints, choosing new operating states, or adjusting other parameters or settings of various vessels and equipment to mitigate black burning based on a confirmed or predicted presence of black burning at the burner. The 611 Black Burn Optimizer can also be configured to receive data from various sensors, receive external confirmation of black burning from a user or operator, propose new system commands to a user / operator for approval, and adjust various motorized valves or flow control valves (as described here) to achieve emission reductions through the new system commands.In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can be configured to actuate or adjust the equipment shown in Figures 1 to 5. The black combustion optimizer 611 can actuate motorized valves coupled to the burner, separator, tank, transfer pump chassis pump, well nozzle, various flow lines, bypass manifold, or any combination thereof. Any of the functionality described above can be partially (or fully) implemented in the hardware and / or on the processor 601. For example, the functionality can be implemented with an application-specific integrated circuit, in logic implemented in the processor 601, in a coprocessor on a peripheral device or card, etc. In addition, embodiments may include fewer components or additional components not shown in [Fig.6] (for example, video cards, audio cards, additional network interfaces, peripheral devices, etc.). The 601 processor and the 605 network interface are coupled to the 603 bus. Although illustrated as being coupled to the 603 bus, the 607 memory can be coupled to the 601 processor.

[0037] Figure 7 represents a first flowchart of example operations, according to certain embodiments. The operations in Figure 7 are described with reference to a plurality of sensors, a computer, and a surface well testing facility similar to the transfer pump and reservoir system 100 in Figure 1. These names are for ease of reading, and the operations in Figure 7 can be performed by any component with the functionality described below. The operations in a flowchart 700 begin at block 701.

[0038] At block 701, an emission optimizer (such as a black burn optimizer) can determine chassis states and associated parameters. Chassis states can include the number of nozzles in use, the status of valves on a separator (whether the flow bypasses the separator), and can provide a status on a nozzle (whether the nozzle is adjustable or positive). functions correctly, etc.). The nozzle can be coupled to or near a producing wellhead, and the separator can be coupled downstream of the nozzle manifold. In some embodiments, the tank 111 according to [Fig. 1] can be replaced by a separator, and the inlet 101 can carry fluids directly from the nozzle manifold rather than from a test separator. The chassis states of block 701 can also provide information regarding the status of other equipment. In some embodiments, the chassis states can provide information such as whether the well is closed or whether a SSV is active. A burner state can also be included in the chassis states and provide information such as the number of nozzles open, the number of nozzles that are functional, etc.

[0039] At block 703, the sensors provide sensor data. The sensor data may include, but is not limited to, fluid pressures / flow rates in the system (which may include flow rates / pressures of oil, air, natural gas, and water or mixtures thereof), air temperature at the burner, API gravity of the oil, and various fluid viscosities in the system. In some embodiments, the sensors may also be configured to determine differential pressures within the system or to determine various other fluid properties. The sensors providing the sensor data may further provide information concerning oil samples in the separator and a calibrated nozzle position and / or nozzle hardware configuration.In some embodiments, sensor data can be input into one or more models / algorithms to simulate fluid parameters in the burner, separator, nozzle, or a larger system. In some embodiments, the chassis states mentioned above, sensor data, and mechanical design components of the tank, bypass manifold, and transfer pump chassis can be used to further optimize combustion at the emission sources.

[0040] At junction 705, the black combustion optimizer can fuse the chassis states of block 701 and the sensor data from block 703. The black combustion optimizer can be identical to the black combustion optimizer 611 described in [Fig. 6]. The process then proceeds to block 707.

[0041] At block 707, the black burn optimizer 611 can determine whether sensor data indicates black burn or a probable occurrence of black burn. The black burn optimizer 611 can compare sensor data to known thresholds indicating black burn, and the black burn optimizer 611 can compare current chassis states with historical data including chassis states indicating a black burn scenario or poor combustion conditions. The black combustion optimizer 611 can also perform calculations with sensor and chassis status input data to determine if black combustion is occurring. In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can receive data from a black combustion sensor located near the burner 159, which can analyze characteristics of a flame emitted by the burner 159. In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can determine that black combustion is occurring and can, via a (or deliver this determination directly to a) programmable logic controller (PLC) at the surface well test facility.In other embodiments, the black burn optimizer 611 can determine black burn in a separate edge box, or the black burn optimizer 611 can use a remote cloud platform (such as AWS) to perform calculations and deliver the results to any suitable user interface. In other embodiments, the calculations can be performed via a remote supercomputer. The process progresses to block 709.

[0042] At block 709, a user or operator can indicate the presence of black combustion. In some embodiments, a user or operator can visually identify black combustion at burner 159. The user can confirm a black combustion indication via a user interface (such as the black combustion optimizer 611) either on-site or remotely. In some embodiments, the user can indicate the presence of black combustion based on sensor data indicating conditions such as heat, recirculation, gas mixing with oil after measurement, wind speed, independent burner head / nozzle control, or any other relevant condition that can be used to facilitate clean combustion.In some embodiments, the user may be at a location other than the surface well test facility and may identify the presence of black combustion via a video feed from a camera oriented to face burner 159. The sequence progresses to block 711.

[0043] At block 711, the black burn optimizer 611 can make a decision based on a black burn sensor or user indication. If black burn is detected by a user or by sensor data, the process proceeds to block 713. If black burn is not detected by either a user or sensor data, then the process proceeds to block 719 where a well test can continue without modification. Assuming black burn detection, the process proceeds to block 713.

[0044] At block 713, the black combustion optimizer 611 can determine an optimal configuration for the burner and separator. The black combustion optimizer 611 can take into account a combination of chassis state data and sensor data when determining an optimal configuration to reduce black combustion. In some embodiments, the optimal configuration can be determined using workflows developed by subject matter experts, an operational parameter space calculated by CFD or other physical models, estimations based on machine learning algorithms, curve fitting algorithms, Bayesian statistics, Monte Carlo simulations (or any suitable algorithm), reliability equations, other statistical techniques, or a feedback control mechanism.

[0045] The optimal configuration may include one or more optimal flow rates, with a portion of the fluid directed to either burner 159 or 189 and a portion recirculated to the tank 111 (or the separator, in certain embodiments). When the oil is ready to be sent to the burners, the transfer pump and tank system 100 according to [Fig. 1], under the supervision of the black combustion optimizer 611, can allow precise control of the flow rate (volumetric flow control) of oil pumped to burner 159 via the FCVs 137, 139 (assuming that both motorized valves 133, 135 are open).The black combustion optimizer 611 can use one or more optimal flow rates, sensor data measuring API density or oil viscosity (measurements that indicate an extent of oil conditioning) and wind data collected by the WDT 107 instrument to determine a desired oil flow rate to flow to the burner with excess fluid to be recirculated to tank 111.

[0046] In some embodiments, an optimal configuration may not depend entirely on the presence of black combustion. Instead, the black combustion optimizer 611 may decide that an optimal configuration is one that reduces overall emissions from the surface well test facility.For example, the 611 black burn optimizer can be configured to reduce an orifice size at the duse manifold to reduce overall oil flow from the well, route the flow from the well to a reservoir such as a buffer tank (or a series of tanks for large-volume storage) until the collected fluids can be disposed of with minimal emissions (combustion process or transport from tank to pipeline), or the black burn optimizer can shut down the well at the duse manifold (cease / stop the flow from the well) until conditions of Safe combustion methods exist.

[0047] In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can be configured to increase the oil flow rate to the burner while mitigating black combustion (Ringelmann scale < 1) by using an accelerator mixed with oil before combustion. The accelerated mixture, comprising natural gas, water, hydrogen, or a combination of the three, can be added via the flow lines leading to a mixing point, similar to the mixing point 234 where the oil and separator gas mix before entering the burner 159 or 189. In other embodiments, an accelerator can be added directly at the burner head 500, as illustrated by the natural gas line 506.A combination of recirculation, oil conditioning and modification of various flow rates through the system can be used to achieve reductions in extraneous emissions (outside the burner / flares) and attenuation of black combustion at burner 159, 189 at the same time.

[0048] In other embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can issue commands to system components or provide recommendations to a user interface on processes to reduce total site emissions. For example, the black combustion optimizer 611 can calculate estimated emission rates from various sources based on flow rates detected by flow sensors. For example, the black combustion optimizer 611 can determine that the best option for reducing total site emissions is to decrease the amount of time spent on a work-in-progress. Compressors, generators, trucks, and similar equipment can generate emissions in addition to those generated by the surface well test facility or the transfer pump and tank system 100, which includes the burner 159.If total emissions can be reduced by accelerating work in progress, the black combustion optimizer 611 can increase an oil flow along a flow line 143 to the burner 159. This can be accomplished by opening the motorized valves 113, 123 and 133, reducing a recirculation flow through the FCVs 137, 139 and opening the motorized valve 155 to allow an increased flow from the oil outlet 156 to the burner 159, for example. This process, also known as discontinuous flaring, can allow the tank 111 to fill and then activate the transfer pump frame including the pump assembly 125 to send fluids to the burners 159, 189. The flow to the burners can be increased by reducing the recirculation to the tank 111 or by closing the motorized valve 135 and sending all the flow from the transfer pump to the burner in operation (without recirculation).In other embodiments, the oil flow rate can be increased by bypassing the tank 111 and the transfer pump frame in . by closing motorized valve 102 and opening motorized valve 103. In this scenario, the black combustion optimizer 611 can route a flow directly from the separator to one of the burners 159, 189. This flow rate can be further increased by increasing the flow to the separator through increases in nozzle orifice size at the nozzle manifold. In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can increase a separator pressure and reduce a separator level setpoint to achieve an increased oil flow rate. Various measures can be taken by the black combustion optimizer 611 to reduce emissions, either at the burners 159, 189 or by considering external sources entered via a user / operator. The process continues to block 715.

[0049] At block 715, a user interface receives user data indicating a decision on whether the new configuration in block 713 is approved for implementation or rejected. The black combustion optimizer 611 can deliver the optimal configuration for the burner and separator to a user interface. The user interface can be accessed via a secure connection to a cloud computing service, delivered to an on-premises computer, or delivered to a remote device. If the user data indicates approval of the optimized configuration, the process proceeds to block 717. If the user data indicates rejection, the process returns to block 713 where the black combustion optimizer 611 can determine an alternative configuration for the burner and separator.User feedback and data from sensors on the burner can provide information indicating whether a burner combustion condition has been optimized; if not, the system can loop between blocks 713 and 715 until a suitable configuration has been approved for implementation. Assuming the new configuration has been approved by the user, the process progresses to block 717.

[0050] At block 717, the black combustion optimizer 611 can adjust system controls by selecting new setpoints, choosing new operating states, or adjusting other parameters or settings for various vessels and equipment to mitigate black combustion based on a confirmed or predicted presence of black combustion at the burner. The system controls can set new setpoints for the tank, separator, burner, nozzle, transfer pump frame, bypass manifold, and associated motorized valves. For example, with reference to [Fig. 1], the black combustion optimizer 611 can open or close various motorized valves to achieve an improved combustion condition. Valve adjustments can be automated to modify oil recirculation to tank 111, change the burner in operation based on wind direction / speed, adjust the flow rate of oil, water, natural gas, or hydrogen at each individual burner head after measurements are taken, etc. In some embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can deliver a single setpoint via a command to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis can be fully automated, and the separator, nozzle, tank, transfer pump, bypass manifold, and burner(s) can communicate within a cloud server or other suitable communication medium.The black combustion optimizer 611 can deliver the single setpoint command to the separator, nozzle, and burner (if applicable) to maintain a flow rate of 1,000 barrels per day (bpd) at a 50% oil fill level inside the separator. One or more control programs in each chassis can open, close, or adjust various motorized valves, FCVs, or nozzle opening via electrical controls to achieve the desired single setpoint. A vessel pressure inside the separator can be another single setpoint delivered by the black combustion optimizer 611. In other embodiments, multiple setpoints can be delivered by the black combustion optimizer to adjust individual components / equipment. For example, the black combustion optimizer 611 can modulate FCVs 137, 139 according to [Fig.[l] to adjust the oil flow rate to the burner 159. In addition, the black combustion optimizer 611 can also boost the pump discharge pressure (from the pump assembly 125) and consequently the pressure at the burner head by controlling the pressure inside the tank 111 using the pressure regulating valve (PCV) 115; in this way, atomization efficiency can be improved at the burner, allowing more efficient combustion based on an optimal atomization pressure given the flow rate and fluid properties. The black combustion optimizer 611 can also open or close nozzles at the burners depending on the extent of black combustion identified at the block 711. In other embodiments, the black combustion optimizer 611 can deliver all setpoints to a user interface rather than applying automatic changes.Some surface well test installations may not yet include a burner, nozzle, separator, other frames, or valves capable of automatic actuation, and the 611 Black Combustion Optimizer can instead deliver all or part of the setpoints as recommendations to the user interface so that an on-site user can apply the changes instead. For example, in a surface well test setup with an automated separator and burner but a manual nozzle, the 611 Black Combustion Optimizer can provide recommendations to the user interface regarding the extent to which the nozzle can be opened or closed. The 611 Black Combustion Optimizer can confirm user actions through changes in sensor data (such as a flow sensor or the calibrated nozzle position), and when the user has completed the recommendation, the 611 Black Combustion Optimizer can provide the remaining system commands or setpoints to trigger an automated response at the other chassis level. In other embodiments, the 611 Black Combustion Optimizer can provide valve actuation recommendations to an operator if valves such as valves 113, 123, 133, etc., are present.are not motorized or configured for remote operation.

[0051] In some embodiments, the new system controls may include flow control between the separator (or tank 111 according to [Fig. 1]) and the burner, and various motorized valves and / or FCVs may be actuated to maintain the flow setpoints. Examples of flow setpoints may include air flow to the burner, oil flow to the burner, high-pressure gas flow to the burner, etc. In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas flow may be controlled via FCV 220 according to [Fig. 2], and a gas flow sensor may be located near or inside FCV 220. The flow setpoints may control the flow rates from various emission sources, including, but not limited to, the burners 159, 189 mentioned above.An emission rate from a plurality of emission sources can be controlled according to the new setpoints defined by the black combustion optimizer 611.

[0052] In some embodiments, the new system controls may further include a desired injection flow rate or volume of chemicals to condition the oil sent to burner 159. Conditioning can reduce the oil's viscosity and allow for better control of the flow to burner 159. The chemical injection can be performed via an automated on-site chemical injection pump or manually by a user. The process progresses to block 719.

[0053] At block 719, the surface well testing facility can perform a well test. The well test can introduce fluids into the separator, tank 111, nozzle, transfer pump frame, and bypass manifold including burners 159, 189 during normal operation. The well test can be carried out to completion or until combustion is detected. black combustion is detected again. If black combustion occurs after setting new setpoints at block 717, the process proceeds to block 707 where a black combustion mitigation procedure from blocks 707 to 717 can be repeated. If black combustion is not detected again, the well test can proceed to completion, and flowchart 700 ceases.

[0054] Figure 8 shows a second flowchart of example operations, according to certain embodiments. The operations in Figure 8 are described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The operations in Figure 8 can be performed by any component with the functionality described below. The operations in a flowchart 800 begin at block 801.

[0055] At block 801, a process may include controlling an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner configured to burn fluids. The burner may be similar or identical to burners 159, 189, and the plurality of emission sources may include burners 159, 189, low-pressure flares 147, 179, high-pressure flares 153, 175, and all compressors, trucks, generators, other supplementary fuel-burning equipment, etc., used in the surface well test facility. The process proceeds to block 803.

[0056] At block 803, the process may further include determining whether the fluids will not burn completely in the burner. The black combustion optimizer 611 can perform this determination through a combination of sensor data and chassis status data, or an improper combustion condition (black combustion) can be determined by an operator. The process then proceeds to block 805.

[0057] In block 805, the method includes calculating estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources. The black combustion optimizer 611 can use a plurality of sensors as well as user data input to determine approximate emission rates for various emission sources based on their correlated flow rates (e.g., gas flow rate in a compressor, gas flow rate sent to flares, fluid flow rate sent to burners 159, 189, etc.). The black combustion optimizer 611 can use the calculated emission rates to prioritize emission sources and / or emission rates that require immediate attention. The process then proceeds to block 807.

[0058] In block 807, the process includes determining a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and on calculated emission rates. The first combustion configuration may include determining the optimal configuration for the burner as discussed in block 713 according to [Fig.7]. The sequence progresses towards block 809.

[0059] In block 809, the method includes controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration. For example, the black combustion optimizer 611 can deliver one or more commands comprising new system commands that can be applied to the burners 159, 189, the nozzle, the separator, the transfer pump frame, other bypass manifold components, various FCDs or motorized valves, or other hardware components. The new system commands can mitigate the presence of black combustion at the burner 159 and / or can be designed to reduce emissions from a different emission source. The black combustion optimizer 611 can also control the emission rate and optimize combustion at the burner(s) through a series of system parameters (enabled by hardware design and sensor data).Such optimization measures by the Black Combustion Optimizer 611 may include measures such as pre-combustion oil fluid conditioning, burner fluid pressure control, selection of active burner nozzles based on fluid flow rates, burner rotation and selection based on wind speed monitoring, introduction of accelerators into the oil flow to improve combustion / reduce smoke, etc. In some embodiments, the Black Combustion Optimizer 611 may provide user recommendations for the initial combustion setup to a user interface. Flowchart 800 ceases.

[0060] While aspects of the invention are described with reference to various implementations and applications, it will be understood that these aspects are illustrative and that the scope of the claims is not limited thereto. In general, black burn mitigation techniques using automated systems such as those described herein can be implemented with installations compatible with any hardware system or hardware systems. Numerous variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible.

[0061] Multiple instances can be provided for the components, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Furthermore, the boundaries between the various components, operations, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other functional assignments are envisaged and may fall within the scope of the invention. In general, the structures and functionalities presented as separate components in the example configurations can be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, the Structures and functionalities presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These variations, modifications, additions, and improvements, as well as others, may fall within the scope of the invention.

[0062] The use of the expression "at least one of" preceding a list with the conjunction "and" shall not be treated as an exclusive list and shall not be interpreted as a list of categories with one element from each category, unless otherwise specified. A clause that mentions "at least one of A, B, and C" may be infringed with only one of the listed elements, several of the listed elements, and one or more of the listed elements and another unlisted element.

[0063] Examples of embodiments

[0064] Embodiment 1: A method for reducing emissions from a surface well test system, comprising: controlling an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner configured to burn fluids; determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculating estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources; determining a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and the calculated emission rates; and controlling the emission rates from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

[0065] Embodiment 2: The method according to embodiment 1 in which determining that the fluids will not burn completely is based on sensor data and chassis states.

[0066] Embodiment 3: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2 in which determining that the fluids will not burn completely is based on user input.

[0067] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of embodiments 2 and 3, wherein the determination of the first combustion configuration includes: the adjustment of system controls on the basis of the first combustion configuration; and the configuration of chassis states on the basis of the system controls, wherein the system controls include setpoints, parameters, and settings for at least one of the burner, a separator, a tank, a pump, a bypass manifold, a nozzle, and a plurality of motorized valves.

[0068] Embodiment 5: The process according to embodiment 4, further comprising: the addition, via a first flow line from the separator to the burner, of natural gas to improve a combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; and the addition, via a second flow line, of water to improve the combustion condition of the fluids in the burner.

[0069] Embodiment 6: The process according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 further comprising: recirculating, while controlling the emission rate, a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir at the level of the surface well test system, in which the fluids include petroleum, and in which the process further comprises conditioning the petroleum by means of chemical additives added during recirculation; and sending, while recirculating the first portion of the fluids to and from the reservoir, a second portion of the fluids to the burner.

[0070] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the control of the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration includes: modifying an oil flow to the burner, wherein the modification of the oil flow includes reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or closing a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions; activating one or more burner nozzles based on sensor data and fluid flow rates to improve a combustion condition at the burner; controlling a fluid pressure at the burner; and rotating the burner based, at least in part, on a wind direction and speed.

[0071] Embodiment 8: a system configured to reduce emissions from a surface well test system, the system comprising: a burner including one or more nozzles; a plurality of motorized valves; a processor; a machine-readable medium having instructions executable by the processor, the instructions including instructions to: control, through the plurality of motorized valves, an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, in which the plurality of emission sources includes the burner configured to burn fluids; determine that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculate estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources;determine a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and on calculated emission rates; and control the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

[0072] Embodiment 9: The system according to embodiment 8, wherein the instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely are based on both sensor data and chassis states or on the basis of an input user.

[0073] Embodiment 10: the system according to embodiment 9, further comprising at least one of a separator, a nozzle, a tank, a pump and a bypass manifold, wherein the instructions for determining the first combustion configuration include instructions for: adjusting the system controls in the surface well test system on the basis of the first combustion configuration; configuring the chassis states on the basis of the system controls, wherein the system controls include setpoints, parameters and settings for the burner, separator, nozzle, tank, pump, bypass manifold and the plurality of motorized valves;and modify, while controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration, an oil flow to the burner, wherein the instructions for modifying the oil flow include instructions for reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or shutting down a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions.

[0074] Embodiment 11: The system according to any one of embodiments 8 to 10 further comprising sensors for producing sensor data concerning the surface well test system, wherein instructions further include: on the basis of the sensor data, commanding a fluid pressure at the burner; and activating one or more burner nozzles to improve a combustion condition at the burner on the basis, at least in part, of the sensor data and the fluid flow rates.

[0075] Embodiment 12: The system according to any one of embodiments 10 and 11, wherein the instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner include instructions for: adding, via a flow line from the separator to the burner, natural gas to improve a combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; and adding, via a second flow line, water to improve the combustion condition of the fluids in the burner.

[0076] Embodiment 13: The system according to any one of embodiments 8 to 12, further comprising instructions for: recirculating a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir in the surface well test system, in which the fluids include petroleum; conditioning the petroleum by means of chemical additives added during recirculation; and sending, while recirculating the first portion of the fluids to and from the reservoir, a second portion of the fluids to the burner.

[0077] Embodiment 14: the system according to any one of embodiments 8 to 13, further comprising: a Wind Direction Transmitter (WDT) instrument, the WDT instrument being configured to determine a wind direction and speed, wherein the instructions for determining the first combustion configuration for the burner include instructions for rotating the burner on the basis of the wind direction and wind speed.

[0078] Embodiment 15: one or more machine-readable non-transient media comprising program code configured to reduce emissions from a surface well test system, the program code being executable by a processor, the program code comprising instructions to: control, via a plurality of motorized valves, an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner configured to burn fluids; determine that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculate estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources; determine a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and the calculated emission rates;and control the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

[0079] Embodiment 16: the machine-readable support according to embodiment 15, wherein the instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely are based on both sensor data and chassis states or on the basis of user input.

[0080] Embodiment 17: the machine-readable support according to embodiment 16, wherein the instructions for determining the first combustion configuration include instructions for: adjusting the system controls in the surface well test system based on the first combustion configuration; configuring the chassis states based on the system controls, wherein the system controls include setpoints, parameters and settings for at least the burner, separator, nozzle, tank, pump, bypass manifold and plurality of motorized valves;and modify, while controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration, an oil flow to the burner, wherein the instructions for modifying the oil flow include instructions for reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or shutting down a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions.

[0081] Embodiment 18: the machine-readable medium according to any one of embodiments 16 and 17, further comprising instructions for: on the basis from sensor data, control a fluid pressure at the burner; and activate one or more burner nozzles to improve a combustion condition at the burner based, at least in part, on sensor data and fluid flow rates.

[0082] Embodiment 19: The machine-readable support according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, further comprising instructions for: adding, via a flow line from a separator to the burner, natural gas to improve a combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; adding, via a second flow line, water to improve the combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; recirculating a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir in the surface well test system, in which the fluids include petroleum; conditioning the petroleum by means of chemical additives added during recirculation; and sending, while recirculating the first portion of the fluids to and from the reservoir, a second portion of the fluids to the burner.

[0083] Embodiment 20: the machine-readable medium according to any one of embodiments 15 to 19, wherein the instructions for controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration include instructions for: determining, by means of a wind direction transmitter (WDT), a wind direction and wind speed; and rotating the burner according to the wind direction and speed.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for reducing emissions from a surface well test system, comprising: controlling (801) an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner (159, 189) configured to burn fluids; determining (803) that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculating (805) estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources; determining (807) a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and the calculated emission rates; and controlling (809) the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining that the fluids will not burn completely is based on user input.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining that fluids will not burn completely is based on sensor data and chassis states.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the determination of the first combustion configuration comprises: the adjustment of system controls based on the first combustion configuration; and the configuration of chassis states based on the system controls, wherein the system controls comprise setpoints, parameters, and settings for at least one of the burner, a separator, a tank, a pump, a bypass manifold, a nozzle, and a plurality of motorized valves; and optionally, the addition, via a first flow line from the separator to the burner, of natural gas to improve a combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; and the addition, via a second flow line, of water to improve the combustion condition of the fluids in the burner.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the control of the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration comprises: modifying an oil flow to the burner, wherein the modification of the oil flow includes reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or closing a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions; activating one or more burner nozzles based on sensor data and fluid flow rates to improve a combustion condition at the burner; controlling a fluid pressure at the burner; and rotating the burner based, at least in part, on a wind direction and speed.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: recirculating, while controlling the emission rate, a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir at the surface well test system, wherein the fluids include petroleum, and wherein the method further comprises conditioning the petroleum by means of chemical additives added during recirculation; and sending, while recirculating the first portion of the fluids to and from the reservoir, a second portion of the fluids to the burner.

7. A system configured to reduce emissions from a surface well test system, the system comprising: a burner (159, 189) comprising one or more nozzles; a plurality of motorized valves; a processor (601); a machine-readable medium having instructions executable by the processor, the instructions comprising instructions to: control (801), through the plurality of motorized valves, an emission rate from a plurality of emission sources, in which the plurality of emission sources includes the burner configured to burn fluids; determine (803) that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculate (805) estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources; determine (807) a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and calculated emission rates; and control (809) the emission rates from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

8. System according to claim 7, further comprising sensors for producing sensor data concerning the surface well test system, the instructions further serving to: on the basis of the sensor data, control a fluid pressure at the burner; and activate one or more burner nozzles to improve a combustion condition at the burner on the basis, at least in part, of the sensor data and the fluid flow rates.

9. System according to claim 7, wherein the instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely are based both on sensor data and chassis states or on the basis of user input.

10. System according to claim 9, further comprising at least one of a separator, nozzle, tank, pump and bypass manifold, wherein the instructions for determining the first combustion configuration include instructions for: adjusting the system controls in the surface well test system based on the first combustion configuration; configuring the chassis states based on the system controls, wherein the system controls include setpoints, parameters and settings for the burner, separator, nozzle, tank, pump, bypass manifold and plurality of motorized valves;and modify, while controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration, an oil flow to the burner, wherein the instructions for modifying the oil flow include instructions for reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or shutting down a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner including instructions for: to add, via a first flow line from the separator to the burner, natural gas to improve the combustion conditions of the fluids in the burner; and add water via a second flow line to improve the combustion conditions of the fluids in the burner.

12. A system according to claim 7, further comprising instructions for: recirculate a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir in the surface well test system, in which the fluids contain oil; conditioning the oil through chemical additives added during recirculation; and to send, while recirculating the first part of the fluids to and from the reservoir, a second part of the fluids to the burner, and possibly also including: a wind direction transmitter (WDT) instrument, the WDT instrument being configured to determine a wind direction and speed, wherein the instructions for determining the first combustion configuration for the burner include instructions for rotating the burner based on the wind direction and wind speed.

13. Machine-readable medium comprising program code configured to reduce emissions from a surface well test system, program code executable by a processor, program code comprising instructions to: control (801), through a plurality of motorized valves, a rate of emissions from a plurality of emission sources, wherein the plurality of emission sources includes a burner configured to burn fluids; determine (803) that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner; calculate (805) estimated emission rates from the plurality of emission sources; determine (807) a first combustion configuration for the emission sources based, at least in part, on determining that the fluids will not burn completely in the burner and calculated emission rates; and order (809) the emission rates from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration.

14. A machine-readable medium according to claim 13, wherein the instructions for determining that the fluids will not burn completely are based on both sensor data and chassis states or on user input; and optionally, wherein the instructions for determining the initial combustion configuration include instructions for: adjust the system controls in the surface well test system based on the first combustion configuration; configure chassis states based on system commands, wherein the system commands include setpoints, parameters, and settings for at least the burner, separator, nozzle, tank, pump, bypass manifold, and plurality of motorized valves; and modify, while controlling the emission rate from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration, an oil flow to the burner, wherein the instructions for modifying the oil flow include instructions for reducing a nozzle orifice size, recirculating oil to the tank, or shutting down a well of the surface well test system during hazardous combustion conditions, and possibly Based on sensor data, control the fluid pressure at the burner; and activate one or more burner nozzles to improve a combustion condition at the burner based, at least in part, on sensor data and fluid flow rates.

15. Machine-readable media according to claim 13, further comprising instructions for: add, via a first flow line going from a separator to the burner, natural gas to improve a combustion condition of the fluids in the burner; add, via a second flow line, water to improve the combustion conditions of the fluids in the burner; recirculate a first portion of the fluids to and from a reservoir in the surface well test system, in which the fluids include petroleum; conditioning the oil through chemical additives added during recirculation; and send, while recirculating the first portion of the fluids to and from the tank, a second portion of the fluids to the burner, and possibly in which the instructions for controlling the emission rates from the plurality of emission sources according to the first combustion configuration include instructions for: to determine, using a wind direction transmitter (WDT) instrument, a wind direction and wind speed; and rotate the burner according to the direction and speed of the wind.

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