Laser Ignition Assembly With Coolant Inlet for Safer Gas Flaring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ignition methods for gas flaring in the oil and gas industry pose safety risks and environmental hazards, utilizing air, propane, and diesel, which are inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A laser ignition system comprising a support structure, laser assemblies, inlets, and a control system to deliver a laser beam and coolant for precise ignition of gases, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pilot flames, spark igniters, and multiple refills are used for igniting gas during flaring, then ignition capability is achieved, but safety risks increase and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical and chemical ignition systems (pilot flames, spark igniters) with a laser-based ignition system. The laser assembly delivers high-energy laser beams to ignite the gas directly, eliminating the need for pilot flames and spark igniters that pose safety risks and environmental concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful components from the ignition system by using a laser-based approach that does not require air, propane, or diesel supplies. This removes the sources of safety risks and environmental impact associated with conventional ignition methods.
2Measurement precision
If laser assembly is used to deliver high-energy laser beam for ignition, then ignition precision and reliability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the laser assembly, acts as a coolant delivery system with integrated inlets, and positions the laser beam delivery path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the laser assembly, support structure, and coolant delivery system into an integrated unit. The inlets are mounted to the support structure and work together with the laser assembly, merging multiple functions into a cohesive system that manages complexity through integration.
3Temperature
If coolant delivery system is integrated into support structure, then thermal management efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with distinct segments: the main support structure, separately mounted laser assembly, and integrated inlets for coolant delivery. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining thermal management efficiency.
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 laser ignition system provides improved safety, increased efficiency, and reduced environmental impact by precisely igniting gases, minimizing hazards and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a laser assembly mounted to the support structure and configured to deliver a laser beam to the ignition target
Implementation Method 2
an inlet mounted to the support structure and configured to deliver a coolant to the laser ignition system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ignition system for igniting an ignition target includes a support structure, a laser assembly mounted to the support structure and configured to deliver a laser beam to the ignition target, and an inlet mounted to the support structure and configured to deliver a coolant to the laser ignition system.