Laser Backscatter Sensing of Flare Plumes for Emissions Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The global oil and gas industry faces challenges in disposing of excess hydrocarbons during well testing due to lack of transport infrastructure, leading to environmental pollution from burning processes that emit harmful gases, necessitating accurate monitoring and reporting of pollutant gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A gas monitoring system using laser emission and detection systems to determine the properties of gas plumes produced by burning hydrocarbons, employing first and second laser beams to measure intensity data and calculate concentration path lengths of predetermined gases like CO2 and other pollutants, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of gas plume properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If hydrocarbons are burned to dispose of excess hydrocarbons, then the disposal problem is solved, but pollutant gases are released into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using laser-based detection systems to continuously monitor the composition and concentration of gases in the plume produced by burning hydrocarbons. This real-time feedback enables verification that the burning process achieves complete combustion, minimizing harmful emissions while maintaining effective hydrocarbon disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical detection methods with optical detection using laser beams. The laser emission and detection system uses light absorption spectroscopy to identify and quantify specific gases (CO, CO2, CH4, etc.) in the plume, providing a non-intrusive, highly sensitive method to monitor combustion effectiveness and emissions.
2Device complexity
If traditional gas detection methods are used, then the system is simple, but measurement precision of gas concentrations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple but imprecise detection methods with an optical detection system using laser beams. The laser emission system tunes to specific absorption wavelengths of target gases, and the detection system measures the attenuation of laser intensity to calculate precise gas concentrations using the Beer-Lambert law, achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general gas presence to specific wavelength-dependent light absorption. By tuning the laser wavelength to match the absorption lines of specific gases (CO at 1.57 μm, CO2 at 1.6 μm, etc.), the system achieves selective and precise measurement of individual gas concentrations in the complex plume mixture.
3Measurement precision
If laser wavelength is tuned around spectral absorption lines, then gas identification precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic wavelength tuning and identification algorithms. The system automatically scans through predetermined wavelength ranges, identifies absorption lines characteristic of specific gases, and adjusts the laser wavelength to match these lines. This self-tuning capability reduces manual intervention and simplifies operation despite the sophisticated underlying physics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the wavelength scanning ranges and absorption line characteristics for target gases (CO, CO2, CH4, etc.). Before actual measurement, the system loads spectral data and prepares the wavelength tuning parameters, enabling rapid and accurate gas identification when the plume is present without requiring real-time spectral analysis from scratch.
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 precise determination of gas plume properties, allowing for real-time monitoring of pollutant concentrations and combustion efficiency, facilitating compliance with environmental regulations and optimizing disposal processes.
Implementation Method 1
tuning wavelength of the first laser beam around a first wavelength corresponding to a spectral absorption line of a first predetermined gas
Implementation Method 2
intensity data indicative of intensities of the first and second laser beams that have been backscattered by a surface
Data Source
AI summary
Gas monitoring systems (500) and methods for determining a burning hydrocarbon effluent gas plume property. A laser emission system emits laser beams (564) along a path through the plume (532). A detection system facilitates determining intensity data indicative of intensities of the laser beams (564) backscattered by a surface (522) after passing through the plume (532). The laser emission system emits a first laser beam (564) along the path while tuning its wavelength around a wavelength corresponding to a CO2 spectral absorption line. The laser emission system emits a second laser beam (564) along the path while tuning its wavelength around a wavelength corresponding to a spectral absorption line of a second predetermined gas. The processing system determines a first concentration path length of the CO2 based on the first intensity data, a second concentration path length of the second predetermined gas based on the second intensity data, and the plume property based on the determined concentration path lengths. The plume property may be the rate of emission of the second predetermined gas or the combustion efficiency.