Flare Boom Catcher Diverts Uncombusted Liquids

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Inefficient combustion at flare booms results in unflared hydrocarbon liquids falling to the ground or ocean, particularly during flame-outs, due to poor maintenance or non-optimum conditions, leading to environmental concerns and inefficiencies in hydrocarbon management.

Innovation Solution

A hydrocarbon management system comprising a flare boom with a catcher device that includes a diverter and container to capture uncombusted liquids, and a flow optimization method using sensors and computer systems to adjust parameters like diesel fuel and compressed air flow rates for improved combustion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flare boom is used to combust hydrocarbon fluids, then gas disposal and pressure relief are achieved, but uncombusted hydrocarbon liquids may fall to the ground or ocean during flame-outs or inefficient combustion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental impact from unflared liquids

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful unflared liquids that would otherwise pollute the environment into a manageable substance by diverting them into a container. The diverter redirects the liquid flow, and the container captures it, transforming an environmental hazard into a contained material that can be properly disposed of or reused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The catcher device acts as an intermediary between the flare boom and the environment. It includes a diverter that redirects uncombusted liquids and a container that receives and holds these liquids, preventing them from reaching the ground or ocean while maintaining the flare operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the flare boom operates without a catcher device, then the system is simpler, but uncombusted liquids are released causing environmental concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflare system structureVSAvoidhydrocarbon liquid discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flare system is segmented into distinct functional components: the flare boom for combustion, the diverter for liquid redirection, and the container for liquid storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the catcher device handling liquid management separately from the combustion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catcher device serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the flare boom and the environment. It intercepts uncombusted liquids before they can cause environmental harm, providing a simple yet effective solution that adds minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If combustion is extinguished and then re-ignited, then flare operation is restored, but a significant volume of uncombusted liquids flows during the interruption period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflare operation continuityVSAvoidhydrocarbon liquid loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container is pre-positioned and ready to receive uncombusted liquids before a flame-out occurs. During the interruption period when combustion is extinguished, the diverter continues to redirect liquids into the container, capturing them before they can be lost. This preliminary preparation of the containment system prevents substance loss during unavoidable operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts what would be a harmful loss of hydrocarbon liquids during flame-outs into a manageable situation by capturing the liquids in the container. The liquid loss is transformed into a contained volume that can be measured, monitored, and properly disposed of or reused, turning an environmental hazard into a controlled material flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 captures unflared liquids and optimizes flare efficiency by diverting and containing uncombusted hydrocarbons, reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational reliability through sensor-driven adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The flare boom is configured to combust at least a portion of hydrocarbon fluids flowed from the rig to the flare boom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

The diverter includes a back portion that is arcuate in shape... An arcuate surface of a back portion of the diverter directs flow of diverted uncombusted fluids to the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11867394B2Flare spill control system

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A hydrocarbon management system comprises a flare boom configured to connect to a drilling or production rig. The flare boom is configured to combust at least a portion of hydrocarbon fluids flowed from the rig to the flare boom. A catcher is configured to be spatially positioned relative to the end of the flare boom. The catcher comprises a diverter positioned to divert a flow of uncombusted hydrocarbon liquids from the flare boom, and a container configured to receive the uncombusted hydrocarbon liquids diverted by the diverter.