EP0069654B1 - Apparatus for lighting a flare stack - Google Patents

Apparatus for lighting a flare stack Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0069654B1
EP0069654B1 EP82401229A EP82401229A EP0069654B1 EP 0069654 B1 EP0069654 B1 EP 0069654B1 EP 82401229 A EP82401229 A EP 82401229A EP 82401229 A EP82401229 A EP 82401229A EP 0069654 B1 EP0069654 B1 EP 0069654B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
distance
cartridge
flare
casing
situated
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP82401229A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0069654A1 (en
Inventor
André Lerouge
Jean-Louis Résidence du Parc Esc.F André
Pierre Coutin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Elf Antar France
R Alkan et Cie
Original Assignee
R Alkan et Cie
Elf France SA
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Publication of EP0069654A1 publication Critical patent/EP0069654A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0069654B1 publication Critical patent/EP0069654B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
    • F23Q21/00—Devices for effecting ignition from a remote location
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
    • F23Q13/00—Igniters not otherwise provided for

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for igniting flares by means of pyrotechnic cartridges.
  • Such devices are used for lighting torchieres supplied very discontinuously or exceptionally, as during well tests, or as an ultimate safety measure when ordinary means, maintained in continuous standby, are rendered faulty by a fault in the gas supply to the pilot lights, by a power failure or by any other event.
  • the known devices for igniting flares by pyrotechnic cartridges are actuated manually from the ground, which implies the use of a propellant element capable of launching the fuel elements in such a way that they pass through the cone of gas leaving the the torch orifice at a height above the ground which often exceeds 50 m.
  • the present invention makes it possible to overcome these difficulties by placing the ignition device at a distance as small as possible from the orifice of the flare, which allows a taut shot much more precise than the curved shot of the known devices, and which allows the propellant elements of the cartridge to be given characteristics giving it a short combustion time, which results in the arrival on the immediate environment of the flare of cartridge residues having reached a temperature close to room temperature, thus avoiding any fire hazard.
  • a device for lighting a flare by pyrotechnic cartridge is characterized in that each cartridge 22 is arranged in a housing 4 placed at a distance a of 1 to 10 m from the axis of the flare, and at a distance b from 2 to 20 m below the orifice 3 thereof, this housing being provided with a cover 11 capable of being moved from a closed position, in which the cartridges, at the inside the housing 4, are located in a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18, in an open position, in which each cartridge is pointed at a point 7 located on the axis of the flare at a distance c from 1 to 10 m above the orifice 3 thereof, the distance b being greater than the distance c and the distances a, b and c being such that a / (b + c) is between the tangent values 45 ° and tangent 20 °.
  • each cartridge comprises a propulsion element and at least one propelled and combustible element, called a star, the combustion time of which is fixed so that this combustion takes place entirely over a path of between 1.2 and 3 times the distance from the housing 4 to point 7, on the axis of the flare.
  • the housing 18 in which the cartridges 22 are located is sealed and thermally insulated, this housing 18 is surrounded by a space 19 traversed by a stream of cooling air and then a continuous sheath 12 made of a heat-insulated material.
  • each cartridge 22 located in a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18 inside the housing 4 is placed in a cylindrical case 23 whose lower orifice is closed by a plug 25 having a passage 26 for a means of firing, and the upper orifice of which is closed by a seal 27 which can be fractured by the effect of the firing of the cartridge.
  • each box 4 is capable of being moved from a closed position A to an open position B, by means of an articulated jack 14 arranged inside the sealed and insulated housing 18 thermally.
  • the boxes 4 are located on a walkway 5 accessible from the ground.
  • the housings 4 can be moved from their position of use to a maintenance position and, optionally, to an intermediate standby position, thanks to a handling means.
  • a flare 1 comprising a vertical duct 2 of axis ZZ 'leading to an end orifice 3.
  • the vertical duct 2 can be self-supporting, as in FIG. 1, or supported by a metal construction (not shown), or held in place by guy lines.
  • the flare 1 is provided with an ignition device consisting of boxes 4 for launching pyrotechnic cartridges, disposed at a distance a of 1 to 10 m from the axis ZZ 'of the conduit 2, and at a distance b of 2 20 m below orifice 3 of the flare.
  • the distance a is usually a few meters and b about ten meters.
  • the boxes 4 are connected to an electrical control station 6 by an electrical pipe 8.
  • Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of four boxes 4 on a walkway 5: two of these boxes are aligned in the direction 9 of the prevailing wind, two others are aligned in the perpendicular direction.
  • Fig. 3 gives a longitudinal section of a launching unit 4 comprising a double-walled housing body 10, a volume 12 comprised between said double walls and filled with a thermal insulator, constituting a continuous protective sheath.
  • the cover 11 can be moved from a closed position A, shown in FIG. 3 in solid lines, in an open position B, shown in FIG. 3 in broken lines, by rotation about an axis 13 under the action of an electric actuator 14.
  • This actuator 14 is articulated at one end by an articulation 15 with the cover 11 and, on the other end, by an articulation 16 with a part secured to the body 10 of the housing 4.
  • a formwork 17 inside the body 10 of the housing constitutes the envelope of a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18; it delimits with the internal wall of this body 10 a space 19 in which a forced circulation of fresh air is established, the entry of which takes place by a nozzle such as 20 and the exit by a nozzle such as 21.
  • FIG. 22 shows one of the four pyrotechnic cartridges fitted to the launching unit 4; they are distributed on either side of the cylinder 14, as indicated in FIG. 4, and housed in a waterproof case 23, as indicated in FIG. 5.
  • Such a case 23 is constituted by a tubular casing 24 comprising a lower bottom constituted by a removable plug 25 which allows the introduction of the cartridge inside the case, this bottom being pierced by a hole 26 for the passage of 'an electrical conductor connecting the cartridge to the firing means, and by an upper bottom formed by a cover 27 of the type which can be fractured by firing the cartridge.
  • This cover is blocked on the upper contour of the tubular casing 24 by a ferrule 28, so as to ensure sealing.
  • the body 10 of the housing in addition to the openings 20 and 21 for the cooling air inlet and outlet ducts, has an opening 29 for the evacuation of any condensation water and an opening 30 for the arrival of the general power supply cable 31 surrounded by its flame-retardant sheath 32, this cable 31 being connected to this housing 33 for the distribution of the circuits relating to the jack 14 and to the cartridges such as 22.
  • a plate 34 which realizes the installation plane of the device, this plate is fixed on a support adjustable in elevation (not shown).
  • the four cartridges 22 are supported on this plate 34 by means of the plugs 25 which constitute the bottom bottom of the cases 23.
  • fig. 5 is shown schematically, in broken lines, the filling of the cartridge 22, where there is a propulsion element 35 and three propelled elements, called stars, such as 36.
  • the combustion time of these propelled elements 36 is fixed so that this combustion takes place entirely over a distance of between 1.2 and 3 times the distance from the housing 4 at point 7 on the axis of the flare.
  • Fig. 6 gives the diagram of an ignition device in which a housing 4 can be moved from a firing position 37 to a maintenance position 38, or the reverse depending on the use on a hot or cold torch, using a transfer means 39.
  • This transfer means 39 of usual technique, is shown diagrammatically as consisting of a chain 40 formed of links hinged together, this chain 40 bearing on two toothed wheels 41 and 42; the wheel 41 is located slightly above the firing position 37 and the wheel 42, which is located slightly below the maintenance position, is driven by a motor.
  • Other transfer means can be used, such as a rack (not shown) on which a toothed wheel is supported, this toothed wheel being driven by a motor.
  • a remote-controlled electric control of the jack 14 causes the opening of the housing 4 by rotation of the cover 11 around the hinge pin 13.
  • a cartridge 22 is then fired by remote control.
  • the choice of the pyrotechnic composition of the propulsion element 35 and of the propelled elements 36, as well as the precision of the assembly chosen, means that the passage of the propelled elements 36 through the cone of exhaust gas, around the defined average position by point 7, safely ignites the waste gas.
  • the cover 11 is then closed by action of the remote control.
  • composition of the cartridges being such that the combustion time is very short, the extinction of the residual elements of the cartridge is total and there is no pyrotechnic fallout likely to cause an accidental ignition in the environment of the flare.

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif d'allumage des torchères par le moyen de cartouches pyrotechniques.The invention relates to a device for igniting flares by means of pyrotechnic cartridges.

De tels dispositifs sont utilisés pour l'allumage de torchères alimentées de façon très discontinue ou à titre exceptionnel, comme lors des essais de puits, ou bien à titre d'ultime sécurité lorsque les moyens ordinaires, maintenus en veille continue, sont rendus défaillants par un défaut d'alimentation en gaz des veilleuses, par une panne d'électricité ou par tout autre événement.Such devices are used for lighting torchieres supplied very discontinuously or exceptionally, as during well tests, or as an ultimate safety measure when ordinary means, maintained in continuous standby, are rendered faulty by a fault in the gas supply to the pilot lights, by a power failure or by any other event.

Les dispositifs connus d'allumage de torchères par cartouches pyrotechniques sont actionnés manuellement à partir du sol, ce qui implique la mise en oeuvre d'un élément propulseur susceptible de lancer les éléments combustibles de telle façon qu'ils traversent le cône de gaz sortant de l'orifice de la torche à une cote au-dessus du sol qui excède souvent 50 m.The known devices for igniting flares by pyrotechnic cartridges are actuated manually from the ground, which implies the use of a propellant element capable of launching the fuel elements in such a way that they pass through the cone of gas leaving the the torch orifice at a height above the ground which often exceeds 50 m.

Les deux inconvénients majeurs présentés par ces dispositifs sont, d'une part, l'imprécision du tir balistique avec une trajectoire présentant une courbure importante, notamment dans la partie utile de la traversée du cône de gaz, trajectoire qui est très sensible aux conditions atmosphériques, notamment aux variations d'orientation du vent et, d'autre part, la nécessité de maintenir les éléments propulsés en état de combustion sur une grande partie de la trajectoire, ce qui rend inévitable l'arrivée sur l'environnement de débris encore en ignition.The two major drawbacks presented by these devices are, on the one hand, the inaccuracy of ballistic fire with a trajectory having a significant curvature, in particular in the useful part of the crossing of the gas cone, trajectory which is very sensitive to atmospheric conditions , in particular to variations in wind orientation and, on the other hand, the need to keep the propelled elements in combustion state over a large part of the trajectory, which makes the arrival on the environment of debris still in ignition.

La présente invention permet de pallier ces difficultés en plaçant le dispositif d'allumage à une distance aussi réduite que possible de l'orifice de la torchère, ce qui autorise un tir tendu beaucoup plus précis que le tir courbe des dispositifs connus, et ce qui permet de donner aux éléments propulsés de la cartouche des caractéristiques lui procurant un temps de combustion bref, ce qui entraîne l'arrivée sur l'environnement immédiat de la torchère de résidus de cartouches ayant atteint une température proche de la température ambiante, évitant ainsi tout risque d'incendie.The present invention makes it possible to overcome these difficulties by placing the ignition device at a distance as small as possible from the orifice of the flare, which allows a taut shot much more precise than the curved shot of the known devices, and which allows the propellant elements of the cartridge to be given characteristics giving it a short combustion time, which results in the arrival on the immediate environment of the flare of cartridge residues having reached a temperature close to room temperature, thus avoiding any fire hazard.

Un dispositif selon l'invention pour l'allumage d'une torchère par cartouche pyrotechnique est caractérisé en ce que chaque cartouche 22 est disposée dans un boîtier 4 placé à une distance a de 1 à 10 m de l'axe de la torchère, et à une distance b de 2 à 20 m au-dessous de l'orifice 3 de celle-ci, ce boîtier étant muni d'un couvercle 11 apte à être déplacé d'une position de fermeture, dans laquelle les cartouches, à l'intérieur du boîtier 4, sont situées dans un logement 18 étanche et isolé thermiquement, à une position d'ouverture, dans laquelle chaque cartouche est pointée sur un point 7 situé sur l'axe de la torchère à une distance c de 1 à 10 m au-dessus de l'orifice 3 de celle-ci, la distance b étant supérieure à la distance c et les distances a, b et c étant telles que a/(b+c) est compris entre les valeurs de tangente 45° et de tangente 20°.A device according to the invention for lighting a flare by pyrotechnic cartridge is characterized in that each cartridge 22 is arranged in a housing 4 placed at a distance a of 1 to 10 m from the axis of the flare, and at a distance b from 2 to 20 m below the orifice 3 thereof, this housing being provided with a cover 11 capable of being moved from a closed position, in which the cartridges, at the inside the housing 4, are located in a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18, in an open position, in which each cartridge is pointed at a point 7 located on the axis of the flare at a distance c from 1 to 10 m above the orifice 3 thereof, the distance b being greater than the distance c and the distances a, b and c being such that a / (b + c) is between the tangent values 45 ° and tangent 20 °.

Selon un mode préférentiel de réalisation, chaque cartouche comporte un élément de propulsion et au moins un élément propulsé et combustible, dénommé étoile, dont la durée de combustion est fixée pour que cette combustion s'effectue entièrement sur un parcours compris entre 1,2 et 3 fois la distance du boîtier 4 au point 7, sur l'axe de la torchère.According to a preferred embodiment, each cartridge comprises a propulsion element and at least one propelled and combustible element, called a star, the combustion time of which is fixed so that this combustion takes place entirely over a path of between 1.2 and 3 times the distance from the housing 4 to point 7, on the axis of the flare.

Dans diverses réalisations, afin que, dans la position de fermeture du boîtier, le logement 18 dans lequel sont situées les cartouches 22 soit étanche et isolé thermiquement, ce logement 18 est entouré d'un espace 19 parcouru par un courant d'air de refroidissement et, ensuite, d'une gaine 12 continue faite d'un matériau calorifugé.In various embodiments, so that, in the closed position of the housing, the housing 18 in which the cartridges 22 are located is sealed and thermally insulated, this housing 18 is surrounded by a space 19 traversed by a stream of cooling air and then a continuous sheath 12 made of a heat-insulated material.

Dans les mêmes réalisations, chaque cartouche 22 située dans un logement 18 étanche et isolé thermiquement à l'intérieur du boîtier 4 est placée dans un étui cylindrique 23 dont l'orifice inférieur est obturé par un bouchon 25 comportant un passage 26 pour un moyen de mise à feu, et dont l'orifice supérieur est obturé par un opercule 27 fracturable par l'effet de la mise à feu de la cartouche.In the same embodiments, each cartridge 22 located in a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18 inside the housing 4 is placed in a cylindrical case 23 whose lower orifice is closed by a plug 25 having a passage 26 for a means of firing, and the upper orifice of which is closed by a seal 27 which can be fractured by the effect of the firing of the cartridge.

Bien que le logement 18 dans lequel sont situées les cartouches 22 soit étanche, le caractère d'étanchéité des étuis 23, dans lesquels chaque cartouche est placée, donne une assurance supplémentaire de longévité pour les éléments de produits pyrotechniques contenus par la cartouche.Although the housing 18 in which the cartridges 22 are located is sealed, the sealing character of the cases 23, in which each cartridge is placed, gives an additional assurance of longevity for the elements of pyrotechnic products contained by the cartridge.

De façon préférentielle, le couvercle 11 de chaque boîtier 4 est apte à être déplacé d'une position de fermeture A à une position d'ouverture B, au moyen d'un vérin 14 articulé disposé à l'intérieur du logement 18 étanche et isolé thermiquement.Preferably, the cover 11 of each box 4 is capable of being moved from a closed position A to an open position B, by means of an articulated jack 14 arranged inside the sealed and insulated housing 18 thermally.

Pour les torchères installées, afin d'évacuer des débits peu importants de gaz de rejet, les boîtiers 4 sont situés sur une passerelle 5 accessible à partir du sol.For the flares installed, in order to evacuate small flows of waste gas, the boxes 4 are located on a walkway 5 accessible from the ground.

Pour les torches prévues pour des débits importants, les boîtiers 4 sont déplaçables de leur position d'utilisation à une position d'entretien et, éventuellement, à une position intermédiaire de veille, grâce à un moyen de manutention.For torches designed for large flows, the housings 4 can be moved from their position of use to a maintenance position and, optionally, to an intermediate standby position, thanks to a handling means.

L'invention sera mieux comprise dans la description suivante, donnée à titre non limitatif, d'une forme de réalisation illustrée par les figures suivantes:

  • Fig. 1 : schéma d'une installation d'allumage de torchère.
  • Fig. 2: orientation d'un boîtier par rapport au vent dominant.
  • Fig. 3: section longitudinale d'un boîtier de lancement.
  • Fig. 4: disposition des cartouches dans un boîtier.
  • Fig. 5: section longitudinale d'un étui pour cartouche.
  • Fig. 6: dispositif d'allumage transférable entre les positions de tir et d'entretien.
The invention will be better understood in the following description, given without limitation, of an embodiment illustrated by the following figures:
  • Fig. 1: diagram of a flare lighting installation.
  • Fig. 2: orientation of a box relative to the prevailing wind.
  • Fig. 3: longitudinal section of a launching unit.
  • Fig. 4: arrangement of cartridges in a box.
  • Fig. 5: longitudinal section of a cartridge case.
  • Fig. 6: ignition device transferable between firing and maintenance positions.

En se référant à la fig. 1, on trouve une torchère 1 comportant un conduit vertical 2 d'axe ZZ' aboutissant à un orifice d'extrémité 3. Le conduit vertical 2 peut être autosustentateur, comme sur la fig. 1, ou soutenu par une construction métallique (non représentée), ou encore maintenu en place par des haubans.Referring to fig. 1, there is a flare 1 comprising a vertical duct 2 of axis ZZ 'leading to an end orifice 3. The vertical duct 2 can be self-supporting, as in FIG. 1, or supported by a metal construction (not shown), or held in place by guy lines.

La torchère 1 est munie d'un dispositif d'allumage constitué par des boîtiers 4 de lancement de cartouches pyrotechniques, disposés à une distance a de 1 à 10 m de l'axe ZZ' du conduit 2, et à une distance b de 2 à 20 m au-dessous de l'orifice 3 de la torchère. La distance a est usuellement de quelques mètres et b d'une dizaine de mètres.The flare 1 is provided with an ignition device consisting of boxes 4 for launching pyrotechnic cartridges, disposed at a distance a of 1 to 10 m from the axis ZZ 'of the conduit 2, and at a distance b of 2 20 m below orifice 3 of the flare. The distance a is usually a few meters and b about ten meters.

Ces boîtiers sont inclinés de façon que l'axe du boîtier, ou axe de lancement, rencontre l'axe ZZ' en un point7, à une distance c de 1 à 10 m au-dessous de l'orifice 3, et de préférence à quelques mètres de cet orifice.These boxes are inclined so that the axis of the box, or launch axis, meets the axis ZZ 'at a point 7, at a distance c from 1 to 10 m below the orifice 3, and preferably at a few meters from this orifice.

Pour obtenir les meilleures conditions de marche, on choisit les distances a, b, c de façon que b soit inférieur à a et que a/(b+c) soit compris entre tangente 45° et tangente 20°.To obtain the best walking conditions, we choose the distances a, b, c so that b is less than a and that a / (b + c) is between tangent 45 ° and tangent 20 °.

Les boîtiers 4 sont reliés à un poste de commande électrique 6 par une canalisation électrique 8.The boxes 4 are connected to an electrical control station 6 by an electrical pipe 8.

La fig. 2 montre la disposition de quatre boîtiers 4 sur une passerelle 5: deux de ces boîtiers sont alignés dans la direction 9 du vent dominant, deux autres sont alignés dans la direction perpendiculaire.Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of four boxes 4 on a walkway 5: two of these boxes are aligned in the direction 9 of the prevailing wind, two others are aligned in the perpendicular direction.

La fig. 3 donne une section longitudinale d'un boîtier de lancement 4 comprenant un corps 10 de boîtier à double paroi, un volume 12 compris entre lesdites doubles parois et rempli d'un isolant thermique, constituant une gaine de protection continue.Fig. 3 gives a longitudinal section of a launching unit 4 comprising a double-walled housing body 10, a volume 12 comprised between said double walls and filled with a thermal insulator, constituting a continuous protective sheath.

Le couvercle 11 peut être déplacé d'une position de fermeture A, représentée sur la fig. 3 en traits pleins, à une position d'ouverture B, représentée sur la fig. 3 en traits interrompus, par rotation autour d'un axe 13 sous l'action d'un vérin électrique 14. Ce vérin 14 est articulé d'une extrémité par une articulation 15 avec le couvercle 11 et, de l'autre extrémité, par une articulation 16 avec une pièce solidaire du corps 10 du boîtier 4.The cover 11 can be moved from a closed position A, shown in FIG. 3 in solid lines, in an open position B, shown in FIG. 3 in broken lines, by rotation about an axis 13 under the action of an electric actuator 14. This actuator 14 is articulated at one end by an articulation 15 with the cover 11 and, on the other end, by an articulation 16 with a part secured to the body 10 of the housing 4.

Un coffrage 17 intérieur au corps 10 du boîtier constitue l'enveloppe d'un logement 18 étanche et isolé thermiquement; il délimite avec la paroi interne de ce corps 10 un espace 19 dans lequel est établie une circulation forcée d'air frais dont l'entrée s'effectue par un ajutage tel que 20 et la sortie par un ajutage tel que 21.A formwork 17 inside the body 10 of the housing constitutes the envelope of a sealed and thermally insulated housing 18; it delimits with the internal wall of this body 10 a space 19 in which a forced circulation of fresh air is established, the entry of which takes place by a nozzle such as 20 and the exit by a nozzle such as 21.

On a représenté en 22 une des quatre cartouches pyrotechniques équipant le boîtier de lancement 4; elles sont réparties de part et d'autre du vérin 14, comme il est indiqué sur la fig. 4, et logées dans un étui étanche 23, comme il est indiqué sur la fig. 5.22 shows one of the four pyrotechnic cartridges fitted to the launching unit 4; they are distributed on either side of the cylinder 14, as indicated in FIG. 4, and housed in a waterproof case 23, as indicated in FIG. 5.

Un tel étui 23 est constitué par une enveloppe tubulaire 24 comportant un fond inférieur constitué par un bouchon 25 amovible qui permet l'introduction de la cartouche à l'intérieur de l'étui, ce fond étant percé par un percement 26 pour le passage d'un conducteur électrique reliant la cartouche aux moyens de mise à feu, et par un fond supérieur constitué par un opercule 27 du type fracturable par la mise à feu de la cartouche. Cet opercule est bloqué sur le contour supérieur de l'enveloppe tubulaire 24 par une virole 28, de façon à assurer l'étanchéité.Such a case 23 is constituted by a tubular casing 24 comprising a lower bottom constituted by a removable plug 25 which allows the introduction of the cartridge inside the case, this bottom being pierced by a hole 26 for the passage of 'an electrical conductor connecting the cartridge to the firing means, and by an upper bottom formed by a cover 27 of the type which can be fractured by firing the cartridge. This cover is blocked on the upper contour of the tubular casing 24 by a ferrule 28, so as to ensure sealing.

Le corps 10 du boîtier 4, outre les ouvertures 20 et 21 pour les conduits d'arrivée et de départ de l'air de refroidissement, comporte une ouverture 29 pour l'évacuation de l'eau de condensation éventuelle et une ouverture 30 pour l'arrivée du câble électrique d'alimentation générale 31 entouré de sa gaine ignifugée 32, ce câble 31 étant connecté sur ce boîtier 33 pour la répartition des circuits relatifs au vérin 14 et aux cartouches telles que 22.The body 10 of the housing 4, in addition to the openings 20 and 21 for the cooling air inlet and outlet ducts, has an opening 29 for the evacuation of any condensation water and an opening 30 for the arrival of the general power supply cable 31 surrounded by its flame-retardant sheath 32, this cable 31 being connected to this housing 33 for the distribution of the circuits relating to the jack 14 and to the cartridges such as 22.

Dans la partie médiane du corps 10 du boîtier 4 est inséré un plateau 34 qui réalise le plan de pose du dispositif, ce plateau est fixé sur un support réglable en site (non figuré).In the middle part of the body 10 of the housing 4 is inserted a plate 34 which realizes the installation plane of the device, this plate is fixed on a support adjustable in elevation (not shown).

Les quatre cartouches 22 prennent appui sur ce plateau 34 par l'intermédiaire des bouchons 25 qui constituent le fond inférieur des étuis 23.The four cartridges 22 are supported on this plate 34 by means of the plugs 25 which constitute the bottom bottom of the cases 23.

On n'a pas représenté les joints d'étanchéité, d'une technique commune, utilisés dans l'assemblage des différents éléments.The seals, of a common technique, used in the assembly of the various elements have not been shown.

Sur la fig. 5 est montré de façon schématique, en traits discontinus, le remplissage de la cartouche 22, où l'on remarque un élément de propulsion 35 et trois éléments propulsés, dénommés étoiles, tels que 36. Le temps de combustion de ces éléments propulsés 36 est fixé pour que cette combustion s'effectue entièrement sur un parcours compris entre 1,2 et 3 fois la distance du boîtier 4 au point 7 sur l'axe de la torchère.In fig. 5 is shown schematically, in broken lines, the filling of the cartridge 22, where there is a propulsion element 35 and three propelled elements, called stars, such as 36. The combustion time of these propelled elements 36 is fixed so that this combustion takes place entirely over a distance of between 1.2 and 3 times the distance from the housing 4 at point 7 on the axis of the flare.

La fig. 6 donne le schéma d'un dispositif d'allumage dans lequel un boîtier 4 est déplaçable d'une position de tir 37 à une position d'entretien 38, ou l'inverse selon l'utilisation sur torche chaude ou froide, à l'aide d'un moyen de transfert 39. Ce moyen de transfert 39, de technique usuelle, est représenté schématiquement comme constitué d'une chaîne 40 formée de maillons articulés entre eux, cette chaîne 40 prenant appui sur deux roues dentées 41 et 42; la roue 41 est située peu au-dessus de la position de tir 37 et la roue 42, qui est située peu au-dessous de la position d'entretien, est entraînée par un moteur. D'autres moyens de transfert peuvent être employés, tels qu'une crémaillère (non figurée) sur laquelle une roue dentée prend appui, cette roue dentée étant mue par un moteur.Fig. 6 gives the diagram of an ignition device in which a housing 4 can be moved from a firing position 37 to a maintenance position 38, or the reverse depending on the use on a hot or cold torch, using a transfer means 39. This transfer means 39, of usual technique, is shown diagrammatically as consisting of a chain 40 formed of links hinged together, this chain 40 bearing on two toothed wheels 41 and 42; the wheel 41 is located slightly above the firing position 37 and the wheel 42, which is located slightly below the maintenance position, is driven by a motor. Other transfer means can be used, such as a rack (not shown) on which a toothed wheel is supported, this toothed wheel being driven by a motor.

Mise en oeuvre du dispositif d'allumageImplementation of the ignition device

Le dispositif étant installé sur une torchère, comme il a été indiqué, lorsque l'allumage est rendu nécessaire par l'émission par la torchère de gaz de rejet combustibles, une commande électrique télécommandée du vérin 14 provoque l'ouverture du boîtier 4 par rotation du couvercle 11 autour de l'axe d'articulation 13.The device being installed on a flare, as indicated, when ignition is made necessary by the emission by the flare of combustible reject gases, a remote-controlled electric control of the jack 14 causes the opening of the housing 4 by rotation of the cover 11 around the hinge pin 13.

Sur la fig. 3, la position de fermeture est indiquée par un trait continu et la position d'ouverture par un trait mixte.In fig. 3, the closed position is indicated by a solid line and the open position by a dashed line.

Une cartouche 22 est alors mise à feu par télécommande. Le choix de la composition pyrotechnique de l'élément de propulsion 35 et des éléments propulsés 36, ainsi que la précision du montage choisi, font que le passage des éléments propulsés 36 au travers du cône de gaz de rejet, autour de la position moyenne définie par le point 7, provoque avec sûreté la mise à feu du gaz de rejet.A cartridge 22 is then fired by remote control. The choice of the pyrotechnic composition of the propulsion element 35 and of the propelled elements 36, as well as the precision of the assembly chosen, means that the passage of the propelled elements 36 through the cone of exhaust gas, around the defined average position by point 7, safely ignites the waste gas.

Le couvercle 11 est alors refermé par action de la télécommande.The cover 11 is then closed by action of the remote control.

La composition des cartouches étant telle que la durée de combustion est très brève, l'extinction des éléments résiduels de la cartouche est totale et il n'y a pas de retombées pyrotechniques susceptibles de provoquer une mise à feu accidentelle dans l'environnement de la torchère.The composition of the cartridges being such that the combustion time is very short, the extinction of the residual elements of the cartridge is total and there is no pyrotechnic fallout likely to cause an accidental ignition in the environment of the flare.

Les précautions prises pour assurer l'isolement thermique et l'étanchéité du logement 18 et des étuis 23 où sont placées les cartouches 22 garantissent la bonne conservation de ces cartouches sur une très longue période et procurent une totale sécurité pour leur emploi quel que soit le moment où la mise à feu immédiate de la torchère devient nécessaire.The precautions taken to ensure thermal insulation and sealing of the housing 18 and of the cases 23 where the cartridges 22 are placed guarantee the good conservation of these cartridges over a very long period and provide total safety for their use whatever the time when immediate flaring of the flare becomes necessary.

Claims (7)

1. Lighting and re-lighting apparatus for a flare by means of a pyrotechnic cartridge, characterised in that each cartridge (22) is arranged within a casing (4) located in a firing position (37) situated at a distance (a) from the axis of the flare, and at a distance (b) beneath the orifice (3) thereof, this casing being provided with a cover (11) capable of being displaced from a closed position (A) in which the flares, within the casing (4), are situated in a sealed and thermally insulated recess (18), to an open position (B) in which each cartridge is directed towards a point (7) situated on the axis of the flare at a distance (c) of 1 to 10 m above the orifice (3) thereof, the distance (b) being greater than the distance (c) and the distances (a), (b) and (c) being such that (a)/[(b)+(c)] is between the values of the 45° tangent and the 20° tangent.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which each cartridge comprises a propulsion element and at least one propelled and combustible element known as the star, the combustion time of which is fixed so that this combustion takes place completely over a distance between 1.2 and 3 times the distance from the casing (4) to the point (7), on the axis of the flare.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which, in the closing position of the casing, the sealed and thermally insulated recess (18) in which are situated the cartridges is surrounded by a space (19) traversed by a cooling air current and, subsequently, by a continuous sheath (12) made of an insulating material.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which each cartridge (22) situated within a sealed and thermally insulated recess (18) within the casing (4) is located within a cylindrical case (23), the lower opening of which is closed bya stopper (25) which includes a passage (26) for a lighting means, and the upper opening of which is closed by a cap (27) which can be fractured by the effect of igniting the cartridge.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which the cover (11) of each casing (4) is capable of being displaced from a closed position to an open position by means of an articulated jack (14) located within the sealed and thermally insulated recess (18).
6. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which the casings (4) are situated on a platform (5) accessible from the ground.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 1, for which the casings (4) are capable of being displaced between their firing positions (37) and a maintenance position (38) sufficiently removed from the flare orifice to be easily accessible with the aid of transfer means (39).
EP82401229A 1981-07-03 1982-06-30 Apparatus for lighting a flare stack Expired EP0069654B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8113170 1981-07-03
FR8113170A FR2509020A1 (en) 1981-07-03 1981-07-03 DEVICE FOR IGNITING A TORCHERE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0069654A1 EP0069654A1 (en) 1983-01-12
EP0069654B1 true EP0069654B1 (en) 1984-11-14

Family

ID=9260199

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82401229A Expired EP0069654B1 (en) 1981-07-03 1982-06-30 Apparatus for lighting a flare stack

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4449920A (en)
EP (1) EP0069654B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5845412A (en)
DE (1) DE3261238D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2509020A1 (en)
NO (1) NO151843C (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO177162C (en) * 1993-06-03 1995-07-26 Statoil As Method and apparatus for igniting gases in a flame tower
NO179762C (en) * 1994-10-12 1996-12-11 Techno Consult As Method, apparatus and ignition means for igniting flammable gases, for example from a torch on a flame tower
NO312565B1 (en) * 2000-10-02 2002-05-27 Aibel Gas Technology As Method and system for igniting flammable fluids
WO2004085923A1 (en) * 2003-03-24 2004-10-07 Sn Technologies S.A. Facility for igniting a combustible fluid
CN100545516C (en) * 2008-03-19 2009-09-30 中国科学院力学研究所 Remote explosion ignition device
CN102003920B (en) * 2010-09-18 2013-02-13 山西北方晋东化工有限公司 Gas well blowout prevention ignition ball

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2436305A (en) * 1944-02-03 1948-02-17 Remington Arms Co Inc Ammunition
US2830658A (en) * 1954-02-12 1958-04-15 Exxon Research Engineering Co Flare stack ignition
US2952309A (en) * 1958-01-16 1960-09-13 Bernard F Fay Flamethrower
US3635649A (en) * 1969-10-27 1972-01-18 Tweed Paul B Dependable performance igniter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2509020A1 (en) 1983-01-07
JPS5845412A (en) 1983-03-16
DE3261238D1 (en) 1984-12-20
NO151843B (en) 1985-03-04
EP0069654A1 (en) 1983-01-12
US4449920A (en) 1984-05-22
FR2509020B1 (en) 1983-11-18
NO822331L (en) 1983-01-04
NO151843C (en) 1985-06-12

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