US3829275A - Smokeless gas flare - Google Patents

Smokeless gas flare Download PDF

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Publication number
US3829275A
US3829275A US00192453A US19245371A US3829275A US 3829275 A US3829275 A US 3829275A US 00192453 A US00192453 A US 00192453A US 19245371 A US19245371 A US 19245371A US 3829275 A US3829275 A US 3829275A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
flow
gas
range
steam
flare
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 - Lifetime
Application number
US00192453A
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English (en)
Inventor
J Stranahan
J Hollier
H Deloney
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.)
Texaco Inc
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Texaco Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to BE790605D priority Critical patent/BE790605A/xx
Application filed by Texaco Inc filed Critical Texaco Inc
Priority to US00192453A priority patent/US3829275A/en
Priority to CA152,114A priority patent/CA974872A/en
Priority to GB4813072A priority patent/GB1405147A/en
Priority to JP47105381A priority patent/JPS5127496B2/ja
Priority to DE2252166A priority patent/DE2252166A1/de
Priority to CA204,475A priority patent/CA971474A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3829275A publication Critical patent/US3829275A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G7/00—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals
    • F23G7/06—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases
    • F23G7/08—Incinerators or other apparatus for consuming industrial waste, e.g. chemicals of waste gases or noxious gases, e.g. exhaust gases using flares, e.g. in stacks

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A method and at least one steam aspirating gas flare for carrying out the method are disclosed for smokeless buming of undesired gas.
  • the flare includes a steam control valve responsive to a new very low gas flow detector utilizing a knockout drum water seal, a by-pass line with an orifice run, and a water level switch for supplying an empirically set fixed flow of steam to the flare for ensuring a smokeless flame prior to the gas flow rate reaching a measurable rate.
  • a full range flare. including all other gas flows includes also several steam flow valves, each valve being empirically set to provide the proper steam-to-gas ratios throughout its respective range responsive to several corresponding gas flow detectors for ensuring a smokeless flare as the flare gas flow varies from the immeasurable ranges through the measurable ranges of the detectors.
  • a primary object of this invention is to provide a method for burning unwanted gas at all operating ranges without polluting the air with smoke.
  • Another primary object of this invention is to provide at least one mechanism for carrying out the disclosed method for smokeless burning of gas.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a smokeless flare that operates with gases having a flow rate well below that rate that can be measured by the conventional gas flow rate pitot venturi detector.
  • a still further object of this invention is to provide a smokeless flare that operates over all design ranges of gas flow.
  • Still another object of this invention is to maintain a flare smokeless with a minimum amount of steam usage. 7
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a smokeless flare that is easy to operate, is of simple configuration, and is economical to form and assemble.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a smokeless flare with parts in section; and FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of a modified very low gas flow rate detection system.
  • the invention comprises a method for maintaining a gas flare smokeless when the gas flow is less than that which the conventional flow meter can measure.
  • the method comprises (1) to detect gas that is flowing at the very low rate, and (2) admitting a constant empirically determined amount of steam to the flare for ensuring a smokeless flame at all very low rates below a predetermined measurable rate prior to the gas rate reaching a rate greater than the predetermined measurable rate.
  • the second method added to the above method for maintaining an all range flare smokeless including when the gas flow is sufficient enough to be easily measured incorporates the added steps (3) to detect one of three gas flow rate ranges, low, intermediate, and high which the gas is in, (4) empirically setting each of three steam flow controllers, one for each flow rate range to provide a smokeless flame over its gas flow rate range, and (5 admitting steam to the flare responsive to the corresponding steam flow controllers for providing a smokeless flare additionally over the DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT
  • the invention disclosed herein, the scope of which being defined in the appended claims is not limited in its application to details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various other ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology em ployed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
  • FIG. 1 discloses a steam aspirating gas flare 10 designed for maintaining a smokeless flame.
  • the flare control system comprises two portions, one portion for very low gas flow rates in which the rate is too low for accurate measuring and a second portion for all other varying flow rates.
  • the very low gas flow rate portion of the flare 10, FIG. 1, comprises a very low flow rate detection system 13 and a steam control system 14 for providing an empirically set amount of steam to the flare for all gas flows that are so low as to be detectable but immeasurable.
  • the very low flow rate detection system 13 comprises a water seal or knockout drum 15, a main gas line 16, to the drum, a bypass line 17 including a flow element 19 therein to the drum, and a gas flow transmitter 20.
  • Flow element 19 may be an orifice plate, flow nozzle, etc.
  • Knockout drum l5 prevents flame back-travel in main gas line 16.
  • the flow element 19 detects the very low flow through the bypass line 17, and gas flow transmitter 20 emits a signal which actuates a pressure switch 26 for energizing timer 27.
  • the flow transmitter 20 preferably of the differential type flow rate meter has an output air pressure proportional to the gas flow in the bypass lineThis air pressure range, for example, may be 3 psi to 15 psi which represents to 100 percent flow of gas.
  • Solenoid valve 28 is openedby timer 27 for supplying a fixed air pressure to a high pressure selector relay 29.
  • the timer maintains the steam flow rate up for a set period of time, such as 1.5 minutes after the gas flow stops.
  • This flow control system comprises a cascade type steam flow controller 31, flow transmitter 32, very low steam flow control valve 34, and a flow element 33, such as but not limited to a flow meter with an orifice type flow element.
  • the empirically determined steam rate for this very low gas flow rate detected by flow element 19 is that which is found to keep the flare smokeless at the upper limit of gas flow in this very low flow range.
  • This steamto-gas ratio may be set between 1 to 0.1 and 1 to 10, depending on the particular gas, I to 1 being the most common approximate ratio utilized.
  • the very low gas flow rate detection system 13 provides a predetermined, measured, and fixed flow rate of steam to the flare for maintaining a smokeless flame.
  • the preferred very low flow rate detection system 13a comprises a knockout drum 15a at the end of a main gas line 16a and a by-pass line 17a, the latter having an orifice run 18a, and the knockout drum having a liquid level switch 11 for activating the timer 27, FIG. 1, for opening the steam very low flow control valve 34.
  • switch 11, FIG. 2 is a conventional liquid level switch having liquid inlets 12a and 12b at depths of 8 inches and [8 inches, respectively, for example, in the main line 16a.
  • any depth of water level between 8 inches and 18 inches in pipe 160 caused by the main line pressure is at least detected, and, if possible measured and at the preferred predetermined depth as a depth of 8 inches for example, the liquid level switch 11 is activated for transmitting an electric signal over a suitable electrical connection 11a to the timer 27,.FIG. l, for actuation of the very low flow control valve. Accordingly, a very low gas flow is detected and a predetermined, measured, and fixed flow rate of steam is supplied to the flare 10 for maintaining a smokeless flame.
  • liquid switch upper inlet 12a is positioned in the main supply line 16a
  • lower inlet 12b may be positioned in any suitable under water location in the knockout drum 15a below the level of inlet 12a. While the details are not illustrated in FIG. 2, the knockout drum 15a, like knockout drum 15, FIG. 1, is connected to the conventional pitot venturi detector 25 (not shown) similar to how knockout drum 15, FIG. 1, is connected.
  • VARYING GAS FLOW RATE SMOKELESS FLARE PORTION The other portion of the flare control system provides the proper amount of steam flow to the flare 10, F IG. 1, to ensure a smokeless flame by utilizing two additional steam flow control valves 35 and 36 in combination with valve 34.
  • variable steam control valve 34 is controlled by steam controller 31 to provide a smokeless flame or smokeless flare over the low range of gas that can be detected by low range flow transmitter 39 over and above the empirically set amount required by the very low gas flow rate detection system 13 described above.
  • ratio relay 40 which multiplies its input signal by a number, as between .5 and 1.7, for example, actuating square root extractor 30 for transmitting a signal to high pressure selector relay 29 greater than the very low pressure indicating signal from solenoid valve 28.
  • Relay 29 then transmits a signal to open steam flow control valve 34 even wider.
  • Steam flow controller 31 controls steam flow control valve 34 in response to pitot detector 25 as it responds to gas flow to theflare in order to provide the proper steam-to-gas mixture ratio in the flare to ensure a smokeless flare.
  • intermediate range differential pressure transmitter 41 responsive to gas flow rate detector 25 transmits all medium or intermediate gas flow rate signals to its steam control valve 35 via its intermediate range high limit relay 42, steam flow controller 37, steam flow meter 43, and flow element 44.
  • high range steam flow control valve 36 controls the proper amount of steam to the flare to ensure smokeless burning of the various gas flows through the gas flow detector 25 in the high range as transmitted by the high range differential pressure transmitter 45.
  • This control system comprises a high limit relay 46, a cascade type flow controller 38, flow transmitter 47, high flow control valve 36, and a flow element 48.
  • Each of the low, intermediate, and high range differential pressure transmitters 39, 41, and 45 varies the amount of stream in its respective range to insure smokeless burning while there is overlap at the extremities of each range to ensure continuous and uninterrupted flow control.
  • This system also provides a higher proportion of steam-to-gas to the aspirating gas flare at the low gas flow velocities than at the higher gas flow velocities.
  • the square root extractor 30 increases the relative steam flow at low gas flow rates.
  • a reliable and efficient steam control system resultsfor measuring, metering, and supplying the proper amount of steam to the flare for maintaining the proper air-to-gas ratio and resultant smokeless flare in all ranges of gas flow from the immeasurable, but detectable, flow to the maximum flow.
  • a steam rate of about .35 pounds of steam per pound of hydrocarbon is the minimum to allow for the heaviest hydrocarbons.
  • valve 36 is on the main steam supply line 24
  • valve 35 is on a bypass line 24a around valve 36
  • valve 34 is on a bypass line 24b around valve 35.
  • Each of the valves has a steam controller and a flow meter in addition to the orifice runs.
  • Steam flow controller 31, flow meter 32, and flow element 33 control the steam flow through control valve 34 over and above the empirical setting for very low immeasurable gas flow rates for control in the low range of measurable gas flow.
  • Steam flow controller 37, flow meter 43, and flow element 44 control the steam flow through control valve 35 for the intermediate range of gas flow.
  • Steam flow controller 38, flow meter 47, and flow element 48 control the steam flow through control valve 36 for the high range of gas flow.
  • a heat-up by-pass line 49 may be utilized for permitting a small constant flow of steam to flow for maintaining the steam pipes at operating temperatures and conditions.
  • a gas flare having means for mixing steam with gas for maintaining the gas flare smokeless over a wide range of gas flow rates of a first range of very low and immeasurable flow rate, a second range of low flow rate, a third intermediate range, and a fourth high range comprising,
  • third means for detecting a gas flow in said third range having an empirical setting for said third range
  • a smokeless gas flare utilizing aspirating steam for mixing air with gas for burning over varying flow rate ranges of very low and immeasurable range, low range, intermediate range, and high range of gas flow comprisa. means for electronically detecting gas in said very low and immeasurable gas flow rate range,
  • said aspirating steam flow control means for said very low gas flow rate range being means for providing a fixed empirically determined steam flow rate to said flare
  • each of said steam flow controlling means being responsive to its respective detecting means for its range for maintaining a smokeless flame in the flare as the gas flow rate varies between the very low immeasurable, low, intermediate, and high ranges.
  • a control system for supplying steam in precise amounts to a steam aspirating gas flare for maintaining a smokeless flame comprising,
  • a second by-pass line having a third flow element for detecting flow rates in a low range and a third flow control valve connected in said second bypass line around said second flow control valve
  • electrical detection means for passing a fixed empirically determined amount of steam to the aspirating gas flare for maintaining a smokeless flame
  • said third flow control valve being responsive to said third flow element for varying the steam flow in said low range of flow rates
  • said second flow control valve being responsive to said second flow element for varying the steam flow in said intermediate range of low rates
  • said first flow control valve being responsive to said smokeless flame.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Gas Burners (AREA)
  • Incineration Of Waste (AREA)
  • Feeding And Controlling Fuel (AREA)
US00192453A 1971-10-26 1971-10-26 Smokeless gas flare Expired - Lifetime US3829275A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE790605D BE790605A (fr) 1971-10-26 Torche pour le brulage de gaz sans fumee
US00192453A US3829275A (en) 1971-10-26 1971-10-26 Smokeless gas flare
CA152,114A CA974872A (en) 1971-10-26 1972-09-19 Smokeless gas flare
GB4813072A GB1405147A (en) 1971-10-26 1972-10-19 Smokeless gas flare
JP47105381A JPS5127496B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1971-10-26 1972-10-23
DE2252166A DE2252166A1 (de) 1971-10-26 1972-10-25 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur verbrennung ueberschuessiger gase
CA204,475A CA971474A (en) 1971-10-26 1974-07-10 Smokeless gas flare

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00192453A US3829275A (en) 1971-10-26 1971-10-26 Smokeless gas flare

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3829275A true US3829275A (en) 1974-08-13

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US00192453A Expired - Lifetime US3829275A (en) 1971-10-26 1971-10-26 Smokeless gas flare

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3829275A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5127496B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
BE (1) BE790605A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA974872A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2252166A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1405147A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4089639A (en) * 1974-11-26 1978-05-16 John Zink Company Fuel-water vapor premix for low NOx burning
US4342550A (en) * 1980-04-18 1982-08-03 Phillips Petroleum Company Method and apparatus for the reduction of flare smoke emissions
US4492558A (en) * 1983-05-16 1985-01-08 John Zink Company Smokeless waste gas burning using low pressure staged steam
GB2193347A (en) * 1986-07-15 1988-02-03 Stephen Goben Apparatus for adding water to fuel oil
US20070153071A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for ink-jetting and gas-supplying unit

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3973899A (en) * 1975-02-03 1976-08-10 John Zink Company Apparatus for using exhaust steam for smoke suppression in flares
US4094632A (en) * 1977-02-07 1978-06-13 John Zink Company Accelerated response for delivery of smoke suppressant to flares

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4089639A (en) * 1974-11-26 1978-05-16 John Zink Company Fuel-water vapor premix for low NOx burning
US4342550A (en) * 1980-04-18 1982-08-03 Phillips Petroleum Company Method and apparatus for the reduction of flare smoke emissions
US4492558A (en) * 1983-05-16 1985-01-08 John Zink Company Smokeless waste gas burning using low pressure staged steam
GB2193347A (en) * 1986-07-15 1988-02-03 Stephen Goben Apparatus for adding water to fuel oil
GB2193347B (en) * 1986-07-15 1991-04-10 Stephen Goben Apparatus for adding water to fuel oil
US20070153071A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatus and method for ink-jetting and gas-supplying unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE790605A (fr) 1973-04-26
GB1405147A (en) 1975-09-03
DE2252166A1 (de) 1973-05-03
JPS5127496B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-08-13
JPS4851337A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-07-19
CA974872A (en) 1975-09-23

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