Flare system exhaust gas analyzer

Abstract

The systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for monitoring emissions in real time. The flaring emissions of the flare stack are determined in real time based on 1) the flaring volume discharged to the flare system coupled with the system heat and mass balance, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emissions, a mole balance is performed in real time around the flare stack using the flaring emissions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application 17 / 452,332, filed on October 26, 2021, and incorporates the entire contents of that U.S. patent application by reference.

[0002] This disclosure applies to the monitoring and control of flare systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Flare systems include gas flares (or flare stacks) that provide gas combustion in industrial plants such as onshore and offshore oil and gas production sites. Flare systems can provide venting during start-up or shutdown and can accommodate emergency releases through safety valves, blowdown, and depressurization systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes techniques that can be used to analyze the emissions of a flare system. In some implementations, a computer-implemented method includes: The flaring emissions of the flare stack are determined in real time based on 1) the amount of flaring discharged to the flare system coupled with the heat and mass balance of the system, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emissions, a molar balance around the flare stack is performed in real time with the flaring emissions.

[0005] The implementations described above can be implemented using a computer-implemented method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon for performing the computer-implemented method, and a computer-implemented system including a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to execute the computer-implemented method and the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0006] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in certain implementations to achieve one or more of the following advantages: The technology of the present disclosure may eliminate read range limitations common to commercially available alternatives designed for specific operating ranges; The technology may aid in lifestream measurement and monitoring of each flare header; The loss of flammable fluids may be reduced (improving decarbonization by implementing technology that produces less carbon emissions into the environment); The accuracy of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions calculations may be improved; The monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions may be automated; The technology of the present disclosure may assist operators in performing thorough analysis of flaring events since real-time emissions calculations are available; The technology of the present disclosure may be non-intrusive and may provide cost-effective, real-time estimation of the composition of a flare system, including the GHG emissions of the flare system, with zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expense (OPEX) costs. This overcomes the limitations of conventional systems related to measurement range and the need for frequent calibration and maintenance. Conventional systems are also limited in that they are not an online solution and require readings to be taken at separate time periods. The disclosed technology has no limited reading range and requires no maintenance, ensuring accurate results at all times. Facilities can measure and monitor the emissions of each flare header without installing analytical equipment. The disclosed technology overcomes the limitations of conventional systems that do not disclose the heat / mass balance of the system venting to the flare system to determine the flare emissions. Using this technology, a system can be implemented that can determine the GHG and SO2 emissions of a flare system.

[0007] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a workflow for generating a real-time display, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Diagram 2] 1 is a screenshot illustrating an example of a user interface for reporting emissions information of a flare system, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Diagram 3] 1 is a screenshot illustrating an example of a user interface for reporting carbon dioxide emissions information, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 4] 11 is a screenshot illustrating an example of a user interface for reporting emissions information, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for calculating a flaring emission based on a flaring volume, a system heat / mass balance discharged to the flare system, and the composition of each relief source, according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system that may be used to provide the computational functionality associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures described in this disclosure, according to some implementations of the disclosure.

[0014] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the following detailed description, the analysis technique of exhaust gas in a flare system is described. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations are susceptible to various modifications, changes and permutations, and the general principles defined can be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some cases, details that are unnecessary for obtaining an understanding of the described subject matter may be omitted so as not to obscure one or more of the described implementations with unnecessary detail, and to the extent that such details are within the skill of those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations described or illustrated, but is intended to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to the calculation of flaring emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4), for example, of a flare stack, based on 1) the flaring volume discharged to the flare system coupled with the heat / mass balance of the system, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emissions, a mole balance is performed around the flare stack. Input data can be received and calculations can be performed in real time. The determined emissions are reported (e.g., in real time) to an operator, who can then adjust the operation of the system (discharged to the flare) accordingly to change the flaring emissions.

[0017] The flare system emissions analyzer is a solution capable of calculating actual flaring emissions of SO2, NO2, CO2, and CH4 for each flare stack. The disclosed technology can include receiving real-time data of flaring volumes from each treatment facility. The data can be analyzed in conjunction with the heat and mass balance of the treatment facility and the composition of each relief source connected to the flare system. The analysis results can be used to perform a comprehensive molar balance around the flare stack to identify emissions with a high degree of accuracy. The analysis results can be provided to the operator in the form of a report showing daily average emissions and a real-time display can be provided for tracking purposes. The reports and displays can help the operator track and reduce gas emissions in the flare system.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a workflow 100 for generating a real-time display according to some implementations of the present disclosure. At 102, the flow performance equations of the flare sources are established from a flare network monitoring system (FMS) 104. This includes identifying the volumetric flow rate of each relief source from the FMS and identifying the exhaust composition of each relief source connected to the flare network. At 106, the molar ratios of each component are identified using the flow performance equations of the flare sources identified at 102 and using the composition of each relief source 108. Identifying the molar ratios includes, for example, calculating the corresponding molar and mass flow rates of each component at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Using standard pressures and temperatures ensures that the calculations are performed at standard conditions. At 110, the production rates of CO2, CH4, and SO2 are identified for each flare stack. The calculations can be based on the 2009 American Petroleum Institute (API) Compendium using the hydrogen sulfide (HS) and hydrocarbon (HC) combustion stoichiometry 112. At 114, a mass balance of each component is performed. At 116, performance equations are created for each component and stored in a Performance Index (PI) Server 118. At 120, real-time display and reporting dashboards are developed using the PI Server 118 to view daily values. Depending on the implementation, the PI Server can be part of a PI system that provides insight into operations and enables digital transformation through reliable, high-quality operational data.

[0019] Using the stoichiometric coefficients of combustion for the production of SO2 and CO2, the rates of production can be calculated.

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number

[0020] Using API summary emissions methodologies (e.g., API, Summary of Greenhouse Gas Methodologies for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry, 2009),

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[0021] The techniques disclosed herein can be used to provide a detailed breakdown of emissions at the device level. By identifying high emission sources, a facility can effectively perform root cause analysis and allocate financial resources for emission reduction at the source level. Emission reports can also be provided in real time, including identifying daily averages and automatically identifying reasons for high emission conditions or events. In some implementations, the emissions information can be presented in a user interface such as those described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a screenshot illustrating an example of a user interface 200 for reporting emissions information for a flare system, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The information can be displayed, for example, for a refinery. The user interface includes a refinery emissions score area 202 that displays an overall numerical score for the emissions, and a meter with pointers that indicate the score relative to low and high score ranges. An emissions breakdown area 204 can include a bar graph showing the magnitude of specific emissions, including NO2, CH4, CO2, and SO2, measured, for example, in tons. An overall emissions performance area 206 can present overall emissions of CO2 or CO2e in categories of current emissions, year-to-date (YTD) emissions, target emissions (e.g., in tons), and compliance percentage. An emissions breakdown table 208 shows a breakdown of sweet and sour emissions, measured, for example, in tons, for each of the specific emissions, including, for example, SO2, CO2, CH4, and NO2. An emissions breakdown table 208 represents each header of the flare system. For example, an operational facility can be equipped with three flare headers. Each flare header can accommodate sour (low pressure), sweet (high pressure), and sweet cold (high pressure). Thus, the emissions breakdown table 208 shows the emissions for each individual flare header.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a screenshot showing an example of a user interface 300 for reporting carbon dioxide emissions information, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. For example, information can be displayed against various headers selected by the user. The user interface includes a CO2 graph area 302 that plots CO2 and captured CO2 (e.g., measured in tons) over time. The plots are plotted against a weight axis and a time axis. A statistics area 304 lists cumulative values ​​for CO2, captured CO2, average SO2, and cumulative SO2. The data displayed corresponds to user selections made in the administration area field 306 and the facilities field 308. A header selection area 310 facilitates the selection of one or more headers. A time period selection area 312 includes a slider control to define the time period for which data in the user interface 300 is displayed. A daily emissions display area 314 provides a display of daily emissions of CO2, CH4, NO2, SO2, and captured CO2.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a screenshot illustrating an example of a user interface 400 for reporting emissions information, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. For example, information can be displayed for various headers selected by the user. The user interface includes a pie chart area 402 that plots the percentage of different contributions to the total emissions by individual plants (e.g., Q70, Q68, Q69, and Q77). The data displayed corresponds to user selections made in the management area field 404 and the facility field 406. A header selection area 408 facilitates the selection of one or more headers. A time period selection area 410 includes a slider control for defining the time period for which data in the user interface 400 is displayed. An emission percentage display area 412 displays the daily emissions for each plant.

[0025] 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 500 for calculating a flaring emission amount based on a flaring volume, a system heat / mass balance, and a composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity of presentation, the following description generally describes method 500 in conjunction with other figures in the description. However, it will be understood that method 500 may be performed, as appropriate, by any suitable system, environment, software, and hardware, or combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, for example. Depending on the implementation, various steps of method 500 may be performed in parallel, in combination, in a loop, or in any order.

[0026] At 502, a flaring emission of the flare stack is determined in real time based on 1) the flaring volume discharged to the flare system coupled with the system heat and mass balance, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. For example, the emission may be determined as described with reference to Equations (1) through (5). Method 500 proceeds from 502 to 504.

[0027] At 504, a molar balance around the flare stack is performed in real time using the flaring emissions to determine the emissions. Performing the molar balance may include determining a molar flow rate and a mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using standard pressure (e.g., 14.7 psia) and standard pressure (e.g., 60° F.). Determining the flaring emissions includes calculating the flaring emissions by time for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). Determining the SO2 and CO2 emissions may be based, for example, on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the production rates of SO2 and CO2. Determining the NO2 and CH4 emissions may be based, for example, on the American Petroleum Institute (API) Summary Emissions Methodology. Method 500 may stop after 504.

[0028] In some implementations, method 500 further includes a process for reporting the emissions to a user and adjusting the flaring system with input from the user. For example, the identified emissions are provided in real time as a report that is displayed to an operator. Input for adjusting the operation of the flaring system can be received from the operator. The operation of the flaring system can be adjusted using the input received from the operator. The process of reporting the emissions can include a display that the user / operator uses to monitor the process from the display without adjusting values ​​used in the operation. In some implementations, the adjustments can be made from the process facility system. Any changes can be monitored in real time using user interface 200.

[0029] In some implementations, in addition to (or in combination with) any of the features described above, the techniques of the present disclosure may include the following: A customized user interface may display intermediate or final results of the above process to the user. The displayed information may be displayed in one or more text, tabular, or graphical formats, such as through a dashboard. The information may be displayed at one or more sites (e.g., at an oil well or other facility), on the Internet (e.g., a web page), in a mobile application (or "app"), or at a central processing facility. The displayed information may include suggestions, such as proposed changes to parameters or processing inputs, that a user may select to implement improvements in a production environment, such as exploration, production, and / or testing of a petrochemical process or facility. For example, the suggestions may include drilling parameters (including speed and direction) or parameters that, if selected by the user, may result in changes or improvements to the overall production of a gas or oil well. The suggestions may be implemented by the user to improve the speed and accuracy of calculations, streamline processes, improve models, and resolve issues related to efficiency, performance, safety, reliability, cost, downtime, and the need for human interaction. In some implementations, the suggestions may be implemented in real time, such as providing immediate or near-immediate changes to operations or models. The term "real-time" corresponds to events occurring within a specified time period, e.g., within one minute or within one second. In some implementations, the values ​​of the identified parameters or other variables can be used automatically (e.g., using rules) to implement changes in the exploration, production / drilling, or testing of an oil or gas well. For example, results of the present disclosure can be used as inputs to other equipment and / or systems at the facility. This is particularly useful for systems and various equipment located meters or miles apart, or in different countries or other jurisdictions.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer system 600 used to provide computational capabilities associated with the algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures described in this disclosure, according to some implementations of the disclosure. The illustrated computer 602 is intended to include any computing device, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop / notebook computer, wireless data port, smartphone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, or one or more processors within these devices, including physical instances, virtual instances, or both. The computer 602 can include input devices, such as a keypad, keyboard, and touch screen, that can accept user information. The computer 602 can also include output devices that can convey information associated with the operation of the computer 602. The information can include digital data, visual data, audio information, or a combination of such information. The information can be displayed in a graphical user interface (UI) (or GUI).

[0031] The computer 602 may act as a client, a network component, a server, a database, a persistency, or a component of a computer system for implementing the subject matter described in this disclosure. The illustrated computer 602 is communicatively coupled to a network 630. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer 602 may be configured to operate in different environments, including a cloud computing-based environment, a local environment, a global environment, and combinations of these environments.

[0032] In general terms, computer 602 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, and manage data and information related to the described subject matter. According to some implementations, computer 602 may also include or be communicatively coupled to an application server, an email server, a web server, a cache server, a streaming data server, or a combination of such servers.

[0033] Computer 602 can receive requests from client applications (e.g., running on another computer 602) over network 630. Computer 602 can respond to the received requests by processing the received requests with a software application. Requests can also be sent to computer 602 from internal users (e.g., from a command console), external parties (or third parties), automated applications, entities, individuals, systems, and computers.

[0034] Each component of the computer 602 can communicate using a system bus 603. Depending on the implementation, any or all of the components of the computer 602, including hardware or software components, can be interconnected with each other via the system bus 603 or with an interface 604 (or a combination of both). The interface can use an application programming interface (API) 612, a service layer 613, or a combination of the API 612 and the service layer 613. The API 612 can include specifications of routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 612 can be computer language independent or computer language dependent. The API 612 can refer to a complete interface, a single function, or a set of APIs.

[0035] The service layer 613 can provide software services to the computer 602 and other components communicatively coupled to the computer 602 (whether shown or not). The functionality of the computer 602 is accessible to all service consumers using this service layer. Software services such as those provided by the service layer 613 can provide reusable defined functionality through defined interfaces. For example, the interfaces can be software written in JAVA, C++, or a language that provides data in Extensible Markup Language (XML) format. Although illustrated as an integrated component of the computer 602, in alternative implementations, the API 612 or the service layer 613 can be standalone components relative to other components of the computer 602 and other components communicatively coupled to the computer 602. Additionally, any or all portions of the API 612 or the service layer 613 can be implemented as a child or sub-module of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The computer 602 includes an interface 604. Although illustrated in FIG. 6 as a single interface 604, two or more interfaces 604 may be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation of the computer 602 and the described functionality. The interface 604 may be used by the computer 602 to communicate with other systems connected to a network 630 (whether illustrated or not) in a distributed environment. In general, the interface 604 may include or be implemented using logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) operable to communicate with the network 630. More specifically, the interface 604 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with the communication. Thus, the network 630 or interface hardware may be operable to communicate with physical signals inside and outside the illustrated computer 602.

[0037] Computer 602 includes a processor 605. Although illustrated in Figure 6 as a single interface 604, more than one processor 605 may be used according to particular needs, desires, or specific implementations of the processor 605 and the described functionality. In general, processor 605 may execute instructions and manipulate data to perform the operations of computer 602, including operations using algorithms, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in this disclosure.

[0038] The computer 602 also includes a database 606 that can hold data for the computer 602 and other components connected to the network 630 (whether shown or not). For example, the database 606 can be an in-memory database, a traditional database, or a database that stores data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the database 606 can be a combination of two or more different database types (e.g., a hybrid in-memory and traditional database) according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation and described functionality of the computer 602. Although shown in FIG. 6 as a single processor 605, two or more processors 605 can be used according to the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation and described functionality of the computer 602. Although the database 606 is shown as an internal component of the computer 602, in alternative implementations, the database 606 can be external to the computer 602.

[0039] The computer 602 also includes a memory 607 that can hold data for the computer 602 or a combination of components connected to the network 630 (whether shown or not). The memory 607 can store any data consistent with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the memory 607 can be a combination of two or more different types of memory (e.g., a combination of solid-state and magnetic storage devices) depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation and described functionality of the computer 602. Although shown in FIG. 6 as a single memory 607, two or more memories 607 (of the same type, different types, or a combination thereof) can be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation and described functionality of the computer 602. Although the memory 607 is shown as an internal component of the computer 602, in alternative implementations, the memory 607 can be external to the computer 602.

[0040] The application 608 may be an algorithmic software engine that provides functionality according to particular needs, desires, or the particular implementation and described functionality of the computer 602. For example, the application 608 may function as one or more components, modules, or applications. Further, while shown as a single application 608, the application 608 may be implemented as multiple applications 608 on the computer 602. Further, while shown as internal to the computer 602, in alternative implementations the application 608 may be external to the computer 602.

[0041] The computer 602 can also include a power supply 614. The power supply 614 can include a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that can be configured to be user replaceable or non-user replaceable. In some implementations, the power supply 614 can include power conversion and management circuitry, including recharge, standby, and power management functions. In some implementations, the power supply 614 can include a power plug that allows the computer 602 to be plugged into a wall outlet or power source to, for example, power the computer 602 or charge a rechargeable battery.

[0042] There can be any number of computers 602 associated with or external to the computer system that includes computer 602, with each computer 602 communicating via network 630. Additionally, the terms "client," "user," and other appropriate terms can be used interchangeably as appropriate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, this disclosure contemplates that many users can use one computer 602, and that one user can use multiple computers 602.

[0043] The described implementations of the present subject matter may include one or more of the features alone or in combination.

[0044] For example, in a first implementation, a computer-implemented method includes: A flaring emission rate for the flare stack is determined in real time based on 1) the flaring volume discharged to the flare system coupled with the system heat and mass balance, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emission rate, a molar balance around the flare stack is performed in real time with the flaring emission rate.

[0045] Each of these and other described implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0046] A first feature that can be combined with any of the following features, wherein the step of calculating the flaring emissions includes calculating an hourly flaring emissions for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

[0047] A second feature that may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein performing a molar balance includes determining a molar flow rate and a mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using the standard pressure and the standard pressure.

[0048] A third feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

[0049] A fourth feature which may be combined with any of the above or below features, wherein the determining the amount of SO2 and CO2 emissions is based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the production rates of SO2 and CO2.

[0050] A fifth feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the determining the NO2 and CH4 emissions is based on an American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology.

[0051] A sixth feature that can be combined with any of the above or below features, the method further includes providing the determined emissions in real time in a report displayed to an operator; receiving input from the operator regarding adjustments to be made to operation of the flaring system; and adjusting the operation of the flaring system using the input received from the operator.

[0052] In a second implementation, a non-transitory computer readable medium stores one or more instructions executable by a computer system to perform operations including: A flaring emission of the flare stack is determined in real time based on 1) the amount of flaring discharged to the flare system coupled with the heat and mass balance of the system, and 2) the composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emission, a molar balance is performed in real time around the flare stack using the flaring emission.

[0053] Each of these and other described implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0054] A first feature that can be combined with any of the following features, wherein the step of calculating the flaring emissions includes calculating an hourly flaring emissions for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

[0055] A second feature that may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein performing a molar balance includes determining a molar flow rate and a mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using the standard pressure and the standard pressure.

[0056] A third feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

[0057] A fourth feature which may be combined with any of the above or below features, wherein the determining the amount of SO2 and CO2 emissions is based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the production rates of SO2 and CO2.

[0058] A fifth feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the determining the NO2 and CH4 emissions is based on an American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology.

[0059] A sixth feature that can be combined with any of the above or below features, the operations further including providing the determined emissions in real time in a report displayed to an operator; receiving input from the operator regarding adjustments to be made to operation of the flaring system; and adjusting operation of the flaring system using the input received from the operator.

[0060] In a third implementation, a computer-implemented system includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors. The programming instructions direct the one or more processors to perform operations including: A flaring emission of the flare stack is determined in real time based on 1) a flaring volume discharged to the flare system coupled with a heat and mass balance of the system, and 2) a composition of each relief source discharged to the flare system. To determine the emission, a molar balance is performed in real time around the flare stack using the flaring emission.

[0061] Each of these and other described implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features.

[0062] A first feature that can be combined with any of the following features, wherein the step of calculating the flaring emissions includes calculating an hourly flaring emissions for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).

[0063] A second feature that may be combined with any of the previous or following features, wherein performing a molar balance includes determining a molar flow rate and a mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using the standard pressure and the standard pressure.

[0064] A third feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

[0065] A fourth feature which may be combined with any of the above or below features, wherein the determining the amount of SO2 and CO2 emissions is based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the production rates of SO2 and CO2.

[0066] A fifth feature which may be combined with any of the preceding or following features, wherein the determining the NO2 and CH4 emissions is based on an American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology.

[0067] Implementations of the subject matter and functional operations described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, intangibly embodied computer software or firmware, computer hardware including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or one or more combinations thereof. Software implementations of the described subject matter can be implemented as one or more computer programs. Each computer program can include one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable computer storage medium for execution by or to control the operation of a data processing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded in or on an artificially generated propagated signal. For example, the signal can be a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated to encode information for transmission to an appropriate receiving device for execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random access or serial access memory device, or a combination of computer storage media.

[0068] The terms "data processing device", "computer", and "electronic computing device" (or equivalents understood by those skilled in the art) refer to data processing hardware. For example, a data processing device can encompass any type of device, device, or machine for processing data, including, by way of example, a programmable processor, computer, or multiple processors or computers. The device can also include special purpose logic circuitry, including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Depending on the implementation, the data processing device or special purpose logic circuitry (or a combination of data processing devices or special purpose logic circuitry) can be hardware-based or software-based (or a combination of both hardware-based and software-based). The device can optionally include code that establishes an execution environment for computer programs, such as code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of the execution environment. The present disclosure contemplates the use of data processing devices with or without a traditional operating system, such as LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, MAC OS, ANDROID, or IOS.

[0069] A computer program may also be referred to or written as a program, software, software application, module, software module, script, or code, and may be written in any form of programming language. Programming languages ​​include, for example, compiled, interpreted, declarative, or procedural languages. A program may be implemented in any form, such as a stand-alone program, a module, a component, a subroutine, or a unit for use in a computing environment. A computer program may correspond to a file in a file system, but need not correspond to a file. A program may be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data, for example one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, a single file dedicated to the program in question, or multiple coordinated files that store one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code. A computer program may be deployed to run on one computer, or on multiple computers, for example located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites interconnected by a communications network. While some of the programs depicted in the various figures may be depicted as individual modules that implement various features or functions through various objects, methods, or processes, a program may instead include numerous sub-modules, third party services, components, and libraries. Conversely, features or functions of various components may be combined into a single component as desired. The thresholds used in the computational determination may be specified statically, dynamically, or both statically and dynamically.

[0070] The methods, processes, or logic flows described herein may be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs that perform functions by manipulating input data to generate output. The methods, processes, or logic flows may also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, such as, for example, a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC, or may be apparatus implemented.

[0071] A computer suitable for executing a computer program can be based on one or more general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as other types of CPUs. The elements of a computer are a CPU, which executes or executes instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a CPU can receive instructions and data from (and write data to) memory.

[0072] A graphics processing unit (GPU) may also be used in combination with a CPU. GPUs can provide specialized processing that occurs in parallel with the processing performed by the CPU. Specialized processing includes, for example, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and processing. GPUs can be used in GPU clusters or multi-GPU computing.

[0073] A computer can include or be operatively connected to one or more mass storage devices for storing data. In some implementations, a computer can receive data from or transfer data to a mass storage device, such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk. Additionally, a computer can be incorporated into other devices, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a portable storage device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, etc.

[0074] Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data (either temporary or non-transient as appropriate) may include any type of permanent / non-permanent, volatile / non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices. Computer readable media may include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, etc. Computer readable media may also include magnetic devices such as tapes, cartridges, cassettes, internal / removable disks, etc. Computer readable media may also include magneto-optical disks, optical memory devices and technologies such as digital video disks (DVD), CD-ROM, DVD+ / -R, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray. The memory may store a variety of objects or data, such as caches, classes, frameworks, applications, modules, backup data, jobs, web pages, web page templates, data structures, database tables, repositories, dynamic information, etc. The types of objects and data stored in the memory may include parameters, variables, algorithms, instructions, rules, constraints, references, etc. Additionally, the memory may include logs, policies, security or access data, and report files. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in dedicated logic circuitry.

[0075] Implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for providing interaction with a user, including displaying information to (and receiving input from) a user. Types of display devices can include, for example, cathode ray tubes (CRT), liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED), and plasma monitors. Display devices can include keyboards and pointing devices, such as mice, trackballs, and trackpads. User input can also be provided to the computer using touch screens, such as tablet computer surfaces with pressure-sensing capabilities, and multi-touch screens using capacitive or electrical sensors. Other types of devices can be used to provide interaction with a user, including receiving user feedback, including, for example, sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, and tactile feedback. Input from a user can be received in the form of acoustic, voice, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user. For example, a computer can send a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0076] The terms "graphical user interface" or "GUI" may be used in the singular or plural to refer to one or more graphical user interfaces and each display of a particular graphical user interface. Thus, a GUI may refer to any graphical user interface, including, but not limited to, a web browser, a touch screen, or a command line interface (CLI) that processes information and efficiently presents information results to a user. Generally, a GUI may include a number of user interface (UI) elements associated with a web browser, such as interactive fields, pull-down lists, buttons, etc. These and other UI elements may relate to or represent the functionality of a web browser.

[0077] Implementations of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or a computing system that includes a middleware component, such as an application server. Additionally, the computing system may include a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser, or both, through which a user may interact with the computer. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of wired or wireless digital data communication (or combination of data communication) in a communications network. Examples of communications networks include a local area network (LAN), a radio access network (RAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a worldwide interoperable microwave access (WIMAX), a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., using 802.11a / b / g / n or 802.20 or a combination of protocols thereof), all or part of the Internet, or other communications system or systems (or combinations of communications networks thereof) in one or more locations. A network may communicate, for example, Internet Protocol (IP) packets, Frame Relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, voice, video, data, or any combination of communication types between network addresses.

[0078] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers may typically be located remotely from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server may arise by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers having a client-server relationship.

[0079] A cluster file system may be any file system type that can be accessed by multiple servers for reading and updating. Locking and consistency tracking in a file exchange system may not be necessary because locking can be performed at the application layer. Additionally, Unicode data files may differ from non-Unicode data files.

[0080] Although many specific implementation details are described herein, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular implementations. Certain features described herein in the context of separate implementations may be implemented in combination or alone. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may be implemented in multiples, or in any suitable subcombination, or individually. Furthermore, although features described above may be described as acting in a particular combination, and may even be initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or subcombination variation.

[0081] Particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations, modifications, and permutations of the described implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the claims. Although the figures or claims depict operations in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or sequentially, or to perform all of the operations depicted (some operations being considered optional) to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking or parallel processing (or a combination of multitasking and parallel processing) may be advantageous and performed where deemed appropriate.

[0082] Furthermore, the separation or integration of various system modules and components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation or integration in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the program components and systems described may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0083] Accordingly, the foregoing examples do not define or limit the disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0084] Furthermore, any of the claimed implementations are believed to be applicable to at least a computer-implemented method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon for performing the computer-implemented method, and a computer system including a computer memory interoperably coupled with a hardware processor configured to execute the computer-implemented method or the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium.

Claims

1. In a flare system having multiple flare headers, multiple relief sources, a flare network monitoring system, and multiple flare stacks, the method comprises: determining a flaring volume linked to the heat and mass balance of each flare header; identifying a composition of a flaring volume within each relief source discharged to each of the plurality of flare stacks; determining in real time a volumetric flow rate of each relief source from the flare network monitoring system; determining a molar balance for each flare stack in real time using the molar flow rate and mass flow rate of each component of the flaring emissions; and controlling the flaring rate of each corresponding flare header of the flare system to reduce the flaring emissions of the flare stack. Computer-implemented methods.

2. The step of determining the molar balance of the flaring emissions comprises determining a molar balance of sulfur dioxide (SO ２ ), nitrogen dioxide (NO ２ ), carbon dioxide (CO ２ ), and methane (CH ４ calculating an hourly flare emission amount for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of The computer-implemented method of claim 1 .

3. determining the molar balance comprises determining the molar flow rate and mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using standard pressure and standard temperature; The computer-implemented method of claim 2 .

4. the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F); The computer-implemented method of claim 3 .

5. SO ２ and CO ２ The step of determining the amount of SO ２ and CO ２ Based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the rate of formation of The computer-implemented method of claim 2 .

6. NO ２ and CH ４ determining the emissions based on the American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology; The computer-implemented method of claim 2 .

7. Providing a report of the flaring emissions in real time; and receiving input from an operator to adjust operation of the flaring system. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 .

8. In a flare system having multiple flare headers, multiple relief sources, a flare network monitoring system, and multiple flare stacks, a step of determining a flaring volume linked to the heat and mass balance of each flare header; identifying a composition of a flaring volume within each relief source discharged to each of the plurality of flare stacks; determining in real time a volumetric flow rate of each relief source from the flare network monitoring system; determining a molar balance for each flare stack in real time using the molar flow rate and mass flow rate of each component of the flaring emissions; and controlling the flaring rate of each corresponding flare header of the flare system to reduce the flaring emissions of the flare stack. Non-transitory computer-readable medium.

9. The step of determining the molar balance of the flaring emissions comprises determining a molar balance of sulfur dioxide (SO ２ ), nitrogen dioxide (NO ２ ), carbon dioxide (CO ２ ), and methane (CH ４ calculating an hourly flare emission for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8.

10. determining the molar balance comprises determining the molar flow rate and mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using standard pressure and standard temperature; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9.

11. the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F); The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10.

12. SO ２ and CO ２ The step of determining the amount of SO ２ and CO ２ Based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the rate of formation of The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9.

13. NO ２ and CH ４ determining the emissions based on the American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology; The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9.

14. The operation is providing a report of the flaring emissions in real time; and receiving input from an operator to adjust operation of the flaring system. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8.

15. one or more processors; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the one or more processors and storing programming instructions for execution by the one or more processors, the programming instructions causing the one or more processors to: In a flare system comprising a plurality of flare headers, a plurality of relief sources, a flare network monitoring system, and a plurality of flare stacks, determining a flaring volume in conjunction with heat and mass balances of each flare header; identifying a composition of a flaring volume within each relief source discharged to each of the plurality of flare stacks; determining in real time a volumetric flow rate of each relief source from the flare network monitoring system; determining a molar balance for each flare stack in real time using the molar flow rate and mass flow rate of each component of the flaring emissions; and controlling the flaring rate of each corresponding flare header of the flare system to reduce flaring emissions from the flare stack. Computer implemented systems.

16. The step of determining the molar balance of the flaring emissions comprises determining a molar balance of sulfur dioxide (SO ２ ), nitrogen dioxide (NO ２ ), carbon dioxide (CO ２ ), and methane (CH ４ calculating an hourly flare emission amount for each exhaust gas in a set of exhaust gases consisting of 16. The computer implemented system of claim 15.

17. determining the molar balance comprises determining the molar flow rate and mass flow rate for each exhaust gas in the set of exhaust gases using standard pressure and standard temperature; 17. The computer implemented system of claim 16.

18. the standard pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) and the standard temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (°F); 20. The computer-implemented system of claim 17.

19. SO ２ and CO ２ The step of determining the amount of SO ２ and CO ２ Based on combustion stoichiometric coefficients for calculating the rate of formation of 17. The computer implemented system of claim 16.

20. NO ２ and CH ４ determining the emissions based on the American Petroleum Institute (API) outlined emissions methodology; 17. The computer implemented system of claim 16.

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