Flare Efficiency Monitoring via Radiant Heat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the efficiency of flares in oil and gas worksites lack accuracy, as they rely on theoretical simulations that do not account for variations in manufacturer designs and real-world conditions, leading to uncertainties in greenhouse gas emissions tracking.
Innovation Solution
A flare monitoring system that includes flare monitors to detect radiant or thermal heat generated by the combustion of flare gas, and a control system to determine flaring efficiency based on these measurements, allowing for real-time monitoring and optimization of combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If theoretical simulations are used to determine flare efficiency, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to uncertainties in manufacturer designs and real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with optical sensing technology. Instead of using complex mechanical or physical contact-based measurement systems that would be too invasive and complex for flare monitoring, the invention uses optical sensors (radiometers, thermal cameras) to non-contactly measure radiant heat and flame characteristics, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiant heat as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure flare efficiency. Rather than directly measuring combustion efficiency through complex mechanical systems, the invention uses radiant heat detection as a mediator that correlates with combustion quality, providing a simpler and more accurate indirect measurement approach.
2Ease of operation
If theoretical simulations are used to predict flare efficiency, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to non-idealities in real-world conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where optical sensors continuously measure radiant heat and flame characteristics during flare operation. This real-time feedback allows the system to adapt to changing conditions (wind, gas composition, burner design) and provide reliable efficiency determinations that reflect actual operating conditions rather than theoretical predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multi-functional optical sensing technology that can measure multiple parameters (radiant heat flux, flame temperature, gas flow rate) simultaneously with a single system setup. This universal approach maintains ease of operation while improving reliability by providing comprehensive data that accounts for real-world variations in burner design and operating 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
The system provides accurate and real-time measurements of flaring efficiency, enabling better tracking of greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing combustion processes, thereby reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more flare monitors configured to detect radiant or thermal heat generated by the combustion of the flare gas at the tip of the flare
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein generally relate to determining flaring efficiency of a flare based at least in part on radiant or thermal heat generated by the flare that is detected by one or more flare monitors. In particular, in certain embodiments, a control system may be used to determine a flaring efficiency of the combustion of the flare gas at the tip of the flare based at least in part on the radiant or thermal heat detected by the one or more flare monitors.