Longevity and performance improvements to flare tips

Abstract

Low emissivity (low-E) coatings are applied onto surfaces of flare tips to achieve longer flare tip service life, improved flare tip structural integrity and/or a more stable flame pattern under a wide range of operating conditions. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, low-E coatings may be applied to the flare tip burner as well as associated internal and/or external component surfaces to reduce direct flame radiation and also conductive heat transfer. The low-E coating material preferably has an emissivity of less than about 0.80, more preferably between about 0.20 to about 0.78. The coating thickness of the low-E material is preferably between about 1 mil to about 25 mils, and more preferably between about 2 mils to about 8 mils. Coating densities of the low-E material in the coating will preferably be at least about 65%, more preferably between about 80% to about 100%.

1 . A method of improving service longevity and performance of a flare tip comprising applying a coating comprised of a low emissivity (low-E) material to component surfaces of the flare tip so as to reduce direct flame radiation and conductive heat transfer during flare tip operation.  
   
   
       2 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the coating is applied to surfaces of a flare barrel, a burner element and/or a stabilization tab of the flare tip.  
   
   
       3 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the surfaces to which the coating is applied are exposed to a direct flame during flare tip operation.  
   
   
       4 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the flare tip includes a flare tip burner, and wherein the method comprising applying the coating to the burner.  
   
   
       5 . Method as in  claim 4  further comprising applying the coating to internal and/or external components of the flare tip other than the burner.  
   
   
       6 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the low-E coating material has an emissivity of less than about 0.80.  
   
   
       7 . Method as in  claim 6 , wherein the low-E material has an emissivity of between about 0.20 to about 0.78.  
   
   
       8 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the coating of the low-E material has a thickness of between about 1 mil to about 25 mils.  
   
   
       9 . Method as in  claim 8 , wherein the thickness is between about 2 mils to about 8 mils.  
   
   
       10 . Method as in  claim 1 , wherein the low-E material is present in the coating at a density of at least about 65%.  
   
   
       11 . Method as in  claim 10 , wherein the density of the low-E material in the coating is between about 80% to about 100%.  
   
   
       12 . A flare tip which comprises a coating on component surfaces thereof comprised of a low-emissivity (low-E) material.  
   
   
       13 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the flare tip comprises a flare barrel, a burner element and at least one stabilization tab, and wherein the coating is applied to surfaces of at least one of the flare barrel, the burner element and the stabilization tab.  
   
   
       14 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the coating is on surfaces of the flare tip which are exposed to a direct flame during flare tip operation.  
   
   
       15 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the flare tip includes a flare tip burner, and wherein the coating is applied to the burner.  
   
   
       16 . A flare tip as in  claim 15 , wherein the coating is applied to internal and/or external components of the flare tip other than the burner.  
   
   
       17 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the low-E coating material has an emissivity of less than about 0.80.  
   
   
       18 . A flare tip as in  claim 17 , wherein the low-E material has an emissivity of between about 0.20 to about 0.78.  
   
   
       19 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the coating of the low-E material has a thickness of between about 1 mil to about 25 mils.  
   
   
       20 . A flare tip as in  claim 19 , wherein the thickness is between about 2 mils to about 8 mils.  
   
   
       21 . A flare tip as in  claim 12 , wherein the low-E material is present in the coating at a density of at least about 65%.  
   
   
       22 . A flare tip as in  claim 21 , wherein the density of the low-E material in the coating is between about 80% to about 100%.