Variable-Slot Flare Tip Sealing to Reduce Gas Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flaring systems experience gas leakage due to the constant flame impingement on the flare bowl and tip housing, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-assisted variable-slot flare design incorporating a diaphragm spring system and a seal system with a gasket to prevent gas leakage, where the diaphragm spring regulates the opening dimension of the gas-exit slot based on gas pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flare bowl is movably coupled with the tip housing to allow movement along the longitudinal axis, then the gas pressure can be regulated and gas flow controlled, but gas leakage occurs at the contact point between the flare bowl and tip housing
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the flare bowl and tip housing. The gasket contacts both surfaces to create a reliable seal that prevents gas leakage while allowing the flare bowl to move vertically in response to gas pressure changes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flare bowl contacts the tip housing to resist lifting, then mechanical stability is maintained, but gas leaks through the contact point causing flame impingement
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket serves as a mediator that provides both sealing and mechanical support functions. It prevents direct contact between the flare bowl and tip housing, eliminating the gas leakage path while maintaining the necessary mechanical stability through the gasket's contact with both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed as a replaceable sealing element that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This approach is more economical than replacing the entire flare assembly and allows for maintenance of the sealing function without significant downtime or cost.
3Reliability
If a seal system with gasket is added to prevent gas leakage, then gas leakage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing solution is applied locally at the critical interface between the flare bowl and tip housing, rather than requiring a complete redesign of the entire flare system. The gasket is positioned only where sealing is needed, maintaining simplicity in other areas of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent gas leakage, maintains mechanical stability by contacting both the flare bowl and tip housing, and allows for vertical movement of the flare bowl. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 solution effectively reduces gas leakage, minimizes constant flame impingement, thereby extending the lifespan of flare components and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a diaphragm spring operatively coupled with the flare bowl to regulate movement of the flare bowl with respect to the tip housing
Implementation Method 2
a gasket located at an interface between the tip housing and the flare bowl
Data Source
AI summary
At least some embodiments a flare includes a gasket sized and shaped to prevent gas-leakage at the gas slot when pressure of gas entering the flare is below a designed minimum opening pressure that causes the flare bowl to move away from the tip housing. At least some embodiments of a flare includes a diaphragm spring coupled with the flare bowl to assist in movement of the flare bowl with respect to the tip housing to vary an opening dimension of a gas-exit slot defined by the flare bowl and the tip housing.