Self-Powered Flare Tip Ignition for High-Acid Flaring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas flare ignition systems rely on external utilities or power sources, which can fail during high-acid flaring events, leading to flame-outs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
Mechanical devices installed in or retrofitted to flare tips that harness the energy of flowing gas to generate sparks for ignition, providing a primary or redundant ignition source without the need for additional utilities or power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external utilities or power sources are used for flare ignition, then ignition can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates during high-acid flaring events leading to flame-outs
Solution Approach 1:
The flare tip system harvests energy from the flared gas flow itself to generate ignition sparks through a turbine-actuator mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and independent of external power sources during high-acid flaring events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical or external ignition systems with a mechanical spark generation system where gas flow drives a turbine that actuates a spark generator, eliminating dependency on external utilities
2Reliability
If mechanical energy harvesting devices are added to flare tips, then ignition reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition mechanism is merged directly into the flare tip structure, with the turbine and spark generator integrated within the flare tip body, creating a compact unified device rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The flare tip serves multiple functions: it directs the flared gas flow and simultaneously harnesses that flow to generate ignition sparks, making the same structure perform both flow management and ignition functions
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
Ensures reliable ignition and reduces flame-out scenarios by utilizing mechanical energy, enhancing safety and redundancy in gas flare operations.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a turbine
Implementation Method 2
an igniter operable to generate a spark at the outlet of the body
Implementation Method 3
the actuator includes a first member and a second member positioned in contact with the first member such that relative motion between the first member and the second member generates sparks
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices for igniting a gas to be flared include: a body having an inlet and an outlet, the body defining a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet; an igniter operable to generate a spark at the outlet of the body; an actuator disposed in the channel, the actuator configured to harvest energy when the gas to be flared flows from the inlet to the outlet through the channel and transfer the energy to the igniter.