Wellhead Burner Ignition via High-Voltage Spark
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for lighting gas vents in oil and gas wells are risky for personnel due to the use of lit fuels or burning materials, posing a hazard during maintenance and drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A burner system that uses a nozzle with perforations, air inlet tubes, and support spoilers, along with a high-frequency or high-voltage spark to ignite the gas, eliminating the need for direct human intervention near the flame, and can be controlled from a distance using a control panel and electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods using lit fuels or burning materials are used to light gas vents, then the gas can be ignited, but the risk of accidents and harm to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the burner assembly with electrode) that mediates between the gas vent and the ignition source. The electrode positioned within the burner assembly creates a spark at a controlled location, eliminating the need for personnel to be near open flames while still achieving reliable gas ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual lighting system (throwing burning cloth or using lit fuel containers) with an electrical ignition system. The electrode generates a spark through electrical discharge, substituting the mechanical approach of physically introducing burning materials into the gas vent with an automated electrical mechanism that can be controlled from a safe distance.
2Ease of operation
If personnel manually light the gas vent using lit fuels or burning materials, then the gas can be ignited, but the ease of operation decreases due to direct human intervention near the flame
Solution Approach 1:
The burner assembly is designed to be self-sufficient with an integrated electrode and gas flow system. Once positioned, the system automatically ignites the gas when the venting valve is opened, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. The electrode can be activated remotely, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring personnel to be in close proximity to the ignition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the control system and the gas vent. It receives electrical signals from a remote control panel and translates them into ignition sparks, allowing operators to control the lighting process from a safe distance without direct exposure to the hazardous environment.
3Productivity
If a nozzle with perforations and air inlet tubes is used, then the gas combustion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burner assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the nozzle body with perforations for gas distribution, separate air inlet tubes for oxygen supply, support spoilers for structural stability, and an integrated electrode for ignition. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to improve overall combustion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes the venting gas through its perforations, provides air inlet tubes for combustion support, offers support spoilers for structural integrity, and accommodates the electrode for ignition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved combustion performance.
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 safe and reliable means to light gas vents at a distance, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring secure operation for personnel, with the ability to operate using either pilot gas or venting gas, and adaptable to various gas volumes and well types.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting of the burner is carried out by means of high frequency spark or high voltage spark
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of perforations that go through the wall of said tube; a plurality of air inlet tubes affixed to the wall of said tube
Implementation Method 3
the burning of gas from oil or gas wells
Data Source
AI summary
A burner for venting gas of a gas or oil well, the same comprises a venting gas tubing laid from the well up to a burning pit; a tubing for the supply of pilot gas laid parallel to the tubing of venting gas; a tubing of power lines from a control panel up to at least one electrode; a nozzle constituted by a tube that comprises a plurality of perforations that go through the wall of said tube, a plurality of air inlet tubes affixed to the wall of said tube; and a plurality of support spoilers affixed to the wall of said tube; where, the distal ends of the venting gas tubing, the tubing of supply of pilot gas and at the least one electrode, are located inside the nozzle; and where, the nozzle is installed inside the burning pit.