Gas Assist Flare Tip Eductor for Smokeless Combustion

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a venturi-based eductor assembly that uses the venturi effect to convert pressurized motive gas into a high-velocity jet. This jet creates a vacuum that draws in and mixes with large volumes of ambient air, generating a powerful assist gas stream without requiring proportional amounts of additional assist gas. The venturi geometry (narrowing then expanding section) converts pressure energy to kinetic energy and back, efficiently multiplying the motive force from a small amount of pressurized gas.

The patent introduces ambient air as an intermediary substance that mediates between the pressurized motive gas and the flare stream. The eductor assembly uses the high-velocity motive gas jet to entrain and mix with ambient air, creating a combined assist gas stream. This intermediary air provides the bulk of the volumetric flow and mixing capability, while the motive gas provides the driving force, thereby reducing the total amount of assist gas needed while maintaining effective smokeless operation.

The patent employs pneumatic principles through the venturi eductor design, where pressurized motive gas flows through a constriction (throat) that converts pressure to velocity, creating a high-speed jet. This jet enters a diffuser section where it expands and creates a vacuum that draws in ambient air. The resulting mixed stream provides intense turbulence and mixing capability similar to direct nozzle injection, but uses ambient air as the primary volume provider, significantly reducing assist gas consumption.

The eductor assembly utilizes self-service principles by automatically drawing in and mixing ambient air without requiring additional energy input or control mechanisms. The high-velocity motive gas jet self-generates the vacuum necessary to entrain ambient air through the venturi geometry, and the mixing process occurs passively through turbulent diffusion in the diffuser section. This eliminates the need for separate air injection systems or additional assist gas streams.

The patent uses pneumatic principles to convert the energy from a small amount of pressurized motive gas into a large-volume assist gas stream through the venturi eductor. The pressurized gas passes through the venturi throat where its pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy, creating a high-velocity jet that drives the entire assist gas flow through the diffuser section. This energy multiplication effect achieves complete oxidation and prevents backflow using minimal pressurized assist gas, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

The patent introduces ambient air as an intermediary that carries the oxidizing function without requiring pressurization. The ambient air is drawn into the eductor by the motive gas jet and mixed with the flare stream, providing the oxygen needed for complete oxidation. Since ambient air is already present at atmospheric pressure, it serves as a free intermediary that enables complete combustion without the energy penalty of compressing or pressurizing large volumes of assist gas.