Burner Flame Control via Fluid Nozzle Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Burners in the oil and gas industry face safety concerns due to intense flames being redirected by wind and air flows, posing risks to equipment and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A burner flame control system using a fluid nozzle to generate a buffer air flow that counteracts cross winds, reducing the impact of air flows on the flame, with adjustable nozzles and sensors for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If burners combust gases to atmosphere for safety and operational purposes, then the burner can effectively combust flammable gases and process byproducts, but the flame is exposed to wind and air flows that redirect heat towards equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
A water spray system acts as an intermediary between the burner flame and the crosswind. The water spray creates a buffer zone that absorbs and redirects wind forces, preventing direct impingement on the flame while allowing the burner to maintain reliable combustion operation
2Power
If the burner flame is allowed to burn intensely for effective combustion, then energy release is maximized, but the heat exposure to nearby equipment and personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crosswind, which initially causes harmful flame redirection, is converted into a beneficial force by the water spray system. The water spray utilizes the wind's kinetic energy to generate a counter-flow that protects the flame, transforming the harmful environmental condition into a protective mechanism that maintains safe heat direction
3Ease of operation
If no wind protection is provided, then the burner system remains simple and easy to operate, but the flame is vulnerable to wind and air flow interference
Solution Approach 1:
The water spray system uses hydraulic principles to generate a protective air-water mixture flow that stabilizes the burner flame against wind interference. The system maintains operational simplicity while providing effective flame protection through fluid dynamic mechanisms
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
Effectively redirects wind-induced flame movement, enhancing safety by stabilizing the flame and reducing heat exposure to sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
A burner flame control system is provided that utilizes a fluid nozzle to generate a buffer air flow
Implementation Method 2
burners are used across a wide range of industries to combust flammable gases
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling the direction of a burner flame exposed to potentially impinging wind or other air flows. At least one fluid nozzle is mounted in proximity to a burner nozzle. The fluid nozzle is configured to produce a spray of fluid provided by a fluid supply system. As the spray is produced, an area of low pressure is created near the fluid nozzle, creating a buffer air flow around the spray. The buffer air flow is directed towards the potentially impinging air flow such that at least a portion of the potentially impinging air flow is counteracted and no longer impinges upon the burner flame. One or more fluid nozzles may be used in the burner flame control system to counteract one or more air flows. The burner flame control system may also include one or more sensors for providing feedback to an operator or control system capable of adjusting the burner control system by, for example, changing the spray pattern, position, or orientation of the nozzle or by changing the volume and pressure of fluid supplied to the fluid nozzle.