Gas Flare Updraft Shield Combustion Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas flares at construction and demolition landfills experience frequent extinguishment due to low combustible gas flow rates and adverse weather conditions, leading to inconsistent combustion and odor issues, as they are not designed to handle low gas flow rates effectively and are susceptible to wind and precipitation.

Innovation Solution

A gas flare apparatus featuring a burner tube with an updraft shield and windshield tube configuration, along with a cover plate, designed to maintain combustion in low gas flow conditions and protect the flame from wind and precipitation, including a solar-powered ignitor for reliable ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional open air/perforated flares are used, then the structure is simple and cost effective, but the flame is extinguished by wind and precipitation and combustion is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflare structure simplicityVSAvoidcombustion consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hollow conical shield and windshield tube that form a protected combustion chamber, shielding the flame from wind and precipitation while maintaining structural simplicity. These shell-like structures protect the combustion process without requiring complex internal mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The updraft shield is positioned to counteract adverse weather conditions (wind and precipitation) before they can extinguish the flame. The shield creates a protected zone that prevents harmful environmental factors from directly impacting the combustion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Length of moving object

If conventional flares are positioned proximate to landfill vents, then gas pipe run length is minimized, but the flame cannot be monitored and manual re-ignition is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas pipe run lengthVSAvoidflame monitoring convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a solar-powered ignition system with a solar panel and ignition wire that acts as an intermediary between the flame and the operator. The solar panel monitors flame presence and automatically re-ignites the flame when extinguished, eliminating the need for manual intervention while keeping the flare positioned near the vent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional flares are used at C&D landfills with low gas flow rates, then the flare design is standardized, but the flame extinguishes due to insufficient combustible gas flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflare design standardizationVSAvoidcontinuous combustion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies key parameters of the conventional flare design by introducing a hollow conical shield with specific dimensions (e.g., 6-inch diameter, 12-inch length) and positioning the windshield tube at a specific height (e.g., 6 inches above the burner). These parameter changes create a protected combustion environment that enables continuous operation at low gas flow rates typical of C&D landfills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow conical shield and windshield tube form a protective shell structure that traps and concentrates the combustible gas flow, creating a stable combustion zone even when the overall gas flow rate is low. This shell structure prevents gas dilution and maintains sufficient combustion conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 gas flare apparatus ensures continuous combustion of landfill gas even at low flow rates and in windy conditions, reducing odor emissions and eliminating the need for frequent manual re-ignition, by creating a protected combustion chamber that withstands wind and precipitation.

Implementation Method 1

The gas emerging from the vent may be burned to eliminate the unpleasant smell. A flare is typically provided to burn the gas as it emerges from the vent.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

An example of a method of combusting landfill gas using the gas flare apparatus includes operating the gas flare apparatus when it is positioned over a gas flow conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10527281B1Gas flare useful for combusting landfill gas emissions

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 BRANNON LINWOOD THAD

AI summary

A gas flare apparatus includes a burner tube that receives combustible gas and includes (a) a burner tube outer perimeter defined by a burner tube outer diameter and (b) a burner tube inner perimeter defined by a burner tube inner diameter. An updraft shield is concentric with the burner tube and extends outwardly relative to the burner tube outer perimeter to an updraft shield outer perimeter. A windshield tube is concentric with the burner tube and has a windshield tube inner diameter that is larger than the burner tube outer diameter. The windshield tube is positioned above the updraft shield. A cover plate spaced apart from and covering an upper opening of the windshield tube.