Spark Plume Igniter Using Abrasive Grinding for H2S Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for safely igniting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas released during drilling operations are limited by the use of flammable chemicals and have short activation periods, posing safety hazards and operational constraints.

Innovation Solution

A spark plume generator system using a grinder with an abrasive surface and igniter creates sparks to ignite H2S safely, powered by compressed air or batteries, with a backup grinding wheel mechanism to maintain consistent spark production and extend operation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flammable chemicals are used for ignition, then ignition capability is achieved, but safety hazards increase and operational duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition reliabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards from flammable chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes flammable chemicals from the ignition system entirely, extracting the harmful substance while preserving the ignition function. The system uses a mechanical spark generation mechanism (grinder with abrasive wheel contacting a steel surface) instead of chemical ignition sources, eliminating safety hazards associated with storing and handling flammable materials while maintaining reliable ignition capability for H2S gas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical-based ignition system with a mechanical spark generation system. A motor-driven grinder rotates an abrasive wheel that contacts a steel surface to generate sparks continuously. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for flammable chemicals while providing sustained ignition capability through continuous spark production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If flammable chemicals are used for ignition, then ignition function is provided, but operational duration is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition functionVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous spark generation through a motor-driven grinder that rotates an abrasive wheel against a steel surface. This continuous mechanical action produces a sustained plume of sparks that can ignite H2S gas over extended periods. The system includes a motor, power source, and mechanical components designed for continuous operation, eliminating the short duration limitation of chemical-based ignition systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If a simple ignition system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spark production consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidspark production consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a motor-driven rotating abrasive wheel that dynamically contacts a steel surface to generate sparks. The rotational motion ensures consistent spark production by continuously bringing fresh abrasive surfaces into contact with the steel target. This dynamic mechanical system provides reliable, consistent spark plume generation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture compared to complex electronic or chemical ignition systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a reliable, long-lasting ignition source for H2S without flammable chemicals, ensuring safe containment and extended operational readiness for emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

Upon rotation of the grinder axle, the grinder surface abrades the igniter surface to create sparks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

sparks exiting the opening will ignite any flammable gases at the drilling rig

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP4444984B1On demand spark plume generator to ignite flammable gasses

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

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Figure 3~4A

AI summary

A system for a spark plume generator (200) system for igniting flammable gases at a drilling rig (101) includes a support (404) disposed within a fireproof housing (203) proximate to the drilling rig (101). A grinder is mounted on the support (404). The grinder (401) includes a rotatable grinder axle (424) with an abrasive grinder surface (425) and an igniter (406) mounted on the support (404) so as to cooperatively contact the grinder (401). The igniter (406) includes an igniter surface (426) that creates sparks when abraded. The fireproof housing (203) includes an opening (220). Upon rotation of the grinder axle (424), the grinder surface (425) abrades the igniter surface (426) to create sparks. The support (404) is positioned within the fireproof housing (203) so that sparks created by the igniter surface (426) exit the fireproof housing (203) through the opening (220). The fireproof housing (203) is positioned such that the opening (220) is facing the drilling rig (101) and sparks exiting the opening (220) will ignite any flammable gases at the drilling rig (101).