Flare Stack Transporter for Stable Deployment and Ground-Level Servicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flare stack deployment, handling, inspection, and repair techniques are cumbersome, time-consuming, and require numerous personnel and heavy equipment, with the stack often swaying during transport and necessitating multiple personnel to stabilize and connect it to drilling rig components, and servicing the igniter requires personnel at the top of the vertical stack.

Innovation Solution

A flare stack transporter system that allows secure anchoring and transport of the stack in a lowered position, enabling easy coupling to drilling rig pipes, automated or remote control, and allows servicing at ground level, with a separate igniter boom for remote operation and lowering without heavy equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the flare stack is hoisted vertically and transported using heavy equipment, then the stack can be positioned at height, but it becomes unstable and sways during transport requiring multiple personnel to stabilize it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of flare stack during transportVSAvoidnumber of personnel and equipment required

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flare stack is designed to be transportable in a horizontal or angled position rather than vertical, allowing it to be moved dynamically between storage/transport state and operational state. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the stability issues during transport while reducing the need for multiple stabilization personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes pre-positioned support structures and anchoring mechanisms that are prepared in advance at the destination site. The flare stack can be quickly erected and secured using these pre-prepared supports, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to manually stabilize it during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the flare stack is transported vertically hooked to heavy equipment, then it can be moved to the site, but it is subject to swaying and dislodging due to wind and terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioning of flare stackVSAvoiddifficulty of transport and positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces intermediary support structures and stabilization mechanisms that act as mediators between the flare stack and the transport equipment. These intermediaries provide additional contact points and support surfaces that prevent swaying and dislodging during transport, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If personnel are positioned at the top of the vertical flare stack for servicing, then the igniter can be accessed, but it requires heavy equipment and multiple personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of igniterVSAvoidequipment and personnel requirements for servicing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning personnel at the top of the vertical stack for servicing, the system allows the flare stack to be lowered to a horizontal or accessible position. This inversion of the operational approach enables ground-level access to the igniter and other components, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment and reducing personnel requirements while maintaining ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If the flare stack is connected to drilling rig flare pipe while vertical, then it can be secured, but the process is difficult and cumbersome requiring multiple personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection security to drilling rigVSAvoiddifficulty of connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the flare stack to be positioned dynamically during the connection process. The stack can be held in an intermediate angled position that provides both stability and accessibility for connection operations, then fully secured to the drilling rig flare pipe. This dynamic positioning approach improves connection security while significantly reducing the difficulty of the operation and personnel requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12578089B1Systems for carrying, transporting, deploying and servicing a flare stack

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 FERGUSON JASON

AI summary

In some embodiments, systems, apparatus and methods for erecting a flare stack into at least one upright operating position includes a flare stack transporter configured to carry the flare stack in one or more lowered positions. At least a first retractor can be selectively actuated to help draw at least part of the flare stack in a first direction and at least a first guide can be used to help move at least part of the flare stack in a second direction until the flare stack is in at least one upright operating position.