Burn Pit Flare Tip Structure with Expansion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrocarbon burn pit flare tip structures are prone to degradation due to high temperatures and thermal gradients, leading to dislodging of bricks, cracking of refractory linings, and misalignment, necessitating frequent repairs and reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
The proposed burn pit flare tip structure incorporates a refractory concrete wall with a burner shaft, surrounded by refractory tile blocks and wing walls, featuring a contoured design without metal anchors, using refractory bricks separated by expansion joints to manage thermal expansion and improve structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional masonry wall structures with metal anchors are used to contain burn pit flares, then initial structural containment is achieved, but thermal degradation causes dislodging of bricks, cracking of refractory linings, and misalignment over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal anchors from the refractory masonry structure. The design explicitly states 'without metal anchors' and eliminates all metal fastening elements that were previously used to secure bricks and tiles, thereby eliminating the source of thermal degradation and structural failure caused by metal expansion and corrosion in high-temperature environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different refractory materials with specific thermal properties to different locations within the structure. Refractory bricks are used for the main wall, refractory tile blocks surround the flare tip, and refractory concrete forms the containment wall, each selected for its local thermal and structural requirements to withstand the 1800°C operating temperature.
2Strength
If refractory bricks are installed without expansion joints to maintain structural continuity, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion causes dislodging and misalignment of bricks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates expansion joints between refractory bricks to accommodate thermal expansion. The design explicitly includes 'refractory bricks separated by expansion joints' allowing the masonry structure to expand and contract with temperature changes without causing dislodging, cracking, or misalignment of the bricks.
3Reliability
If frequent maintenance and reconstruction are conducted to repair thermal degradation, then structural reliability is maintained, but operational continuity is disrupted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the structure with preventive features that eliminate the need for frequent maintenance. By eliminating metal anchors and incorporating expansion joints from the beginning, the structure is pre-configured to resist thermal degradation, preventing the need for subsequent repairs and reconstruction that would disrupt operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by designing a maintenance-free structure. The flame arrestor system with refractory materials and expansion joints ensures long-term structural integrity without requiring shutdowns for maintenance, thereby maintaining continuous operational capability of the burn pit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the structural and thermal robustness of the burn pit flare tip, allowing it to withstand high temperatures up to 1800°C with reduced risk of premature failure, extending maintenance intervals and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
refractory bricks separated by expansion joints to manage thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
a burner wall having an exposed surface of refractory bricks and refractory precast units... withstand high temperatures up to 1800°C
Data Source
AI summary
A robust, thermally and structurally sound burn pit flare tip structure is disclosed of refractory brick construction capable of resisting the high temperature of 1800° C. and associated fluctuations. The burn pit is capable of prolonged continuous operation and reduces the previously experienced downtime and frequent failures.