Flare Gas Analysis Using Acoustic Speed and Inert Gas Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the composition and net heating value of flare gases are time-consuming and inaccurate, leading to inefficiencies in industrial processes and non-compliance with environmental regulations due to ex situ analysis.
Innovation Solution
An in situ measurement system using an ultrasonic flow meter and inert gas analyzer to determine the speed of acoustic signals and concentrations of inert gases in flare gases, allowing for real-time calculation of net heating value and adjustment of gas mixture processing to meet regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ex situ analysis is used to measure composition and net heating value of flare gases, then measurement can be performed with standard equipment, but measurement time increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/ex situ analysis methods with acoustic wave-based measurement. Ultrasonic flow meters and acoustic sensors measure gas properties (composition, net heating value, flow rate) through acoustic signal transmission through the gas, enabling in situ real-time measurement without physical sampling or complex laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure gas properties. By transmitting acoustic signals through the flare gas and analyzing the transmitted signals, the system indirectly determines composition and net heating value without direct contact or sampling, achieving both accuracy and real-time measurement.
2Productivity
If in situ measurement is implemented using ultrasonic flow meters and acoustic sensors, then real-time measurement capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic measurement system multi-functional. The same ultrasonic flow meters and acoustic sensors that measure flow rate also provide composition analysis and net heating value determination. This universal approach enables real-time measurement of multiple parameters simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each measurement type.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are transmitted through flare gas for measurement, then net heating value can be determined, but signal attenuation may occur in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements signal cushioning by using multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different locations and employing redundant measurement paths. The system transmits acoustic signals through the flare gas and uses multiple receiving sensors to detect the transmitted signals, ensuring reliable measurement even if individual signals are attenuated by harsh environmental conditions.
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
Enables accurate and rapid determination of net heating value, facilitating efficient and compliant processing of flare gases, reducing downtime and improving combustion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving data characterizing a speed of an acoustic signal through a vent gas mixture in a pipe. The speed of the acoustic signal is detected by an ultrasonic flow meter coupled to the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the inert gas analyzer includes an optical source configured to generate a radiation configured to interact with the vent gas mixture; and a first detection system configured to detect a first scattered light including a first wavelength and generated by an interaction of the radiation with a first gas in the gas mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving data characterizing a speed of an acoustic signal through a gas mixture in a pipe. The speed of the acoustic signal can be detected by an ultrasonic flow meter coupled to the pipe. The method also includes receiving data characterizing a concentration of one or more inert gases in the gas mixture detected by an inert gas analyzer. The method further includes determining, based on the received data characterizing the speed of the acoustic signal and the received data characterizing the concentration of the one or more inert gases in the gas mixture, a net heating value of the gas mixture. The method also includes adjusting a processing of the gas mixture based on the determined net heating value.