Flare Gas Recovery Ejector and Flexible Storage System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flare gas recovery systems are limited in handling emergency flare gas flows exceeding normal operations, as they typically cannot manage the increased flowrate effectively, leading to inefficiencies in gas recovery and storage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising flare gas recovery and storage units with flexible outer shells supported by resilient members, allowing for compressive configuration and pressure control, along with a piping circuit and ejector system that can handle varying flowrates by combining flare gas with motive fluid, enabling efficient storage and redirection of flare gas back to processing facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flare gas recovery systems are used, then normal flare gas flow can be handled effectively, but emergency flare gas flow exceeding normal operations cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The flare gas recovery system is divided into multiple independent storage vessels (first vessel, second vessel, etc.) that can be selectively activated. Each vessel operates independently with its own compression system, allowing the total handling capacity to be segmented and scaled based on emergency flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its capacity by bringing additional storage vessels online during emergency conditions. The controller system activates compression systems and opens valves to additional vessels when flare gas flow exceeds normal capacity, transforming the system from a static to a dynamic configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage vessels are used to handle emergency flowrates, then flare gas storage capacity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each storage vessel is designed with identical or similar compression and control systems, making them universally interchangeable. This modular universality allows multiple vessels to be added to increase capacity without proportionally increasing operational complexity, as each unit follows the same control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple vessels by implementing self-regulating control logic that monitors flare gas flow and automatically activates appropriate vessels based on predetermined criteria, reducing the need for manual intervention despite increased system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compression systems are added to handle varying flowrates, then flare gas management flexibility improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression systems operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when flare gas flow exceeds normal thresholds or when vessels require compression for storage. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining the flexibility to handle varying flowrates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating or deactivating compression systems based on flowrate conditions. During normal operations, compression may be minimized or eliminated; during emergencies, compression capacity is increased by bringing additional vessels online, optimizing energy use according to actual needs.
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 system effectively manages and stores flare gas by compressing it within flexible vessels and using ejectors to handle fluctuating flowrates, ensuring efficient recovery and reuse of flare gas, even during emergency conditions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety in processing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
an outer shell made from a flexible material that is supported on a resilient member to define a vessel
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member can be a helical spring
Implementation Method 3
an ejector in each of the legs and where a one of the ejectors has a design flowrate that is approximately equal to an anticipated minimum flowrate of the flare gas
Implementation Method 4
a pressure system that is selectively changeable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and when in the extended configuration the vessel is in a compressed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Flare gas is recovered by varying a number of ejector legs that depends on a flare gas flowrate. The ejector legs include ejectors piped in parallel, each ejector has a flare gas inlet and a motive fluid inlet. Flare gas and motive fluid is provided to ejectors by selectively opening or closing valves. The number of ejector legs online is varied to accommodate the amount of flare gas. The controller is also programmed to direct signals to actuators attached to the valves to open or close the valves, or to change the capacity of the ejector legs so they can handle changing flowrates of the flare gas. Included is a flare gas storage system with vessels made with flexible material, when flare gas is evacuated from the vessels, pressure in the vessels is maintained by compressing the vessels with an external force.