Apparatus and method for minimizing smoke formation in a flaring stack

Abstract

An apparatus and method for minimizing smoke formation in the operation of a flaring stack. The apparatus includes a generally annular gas deflector having an outer surface for deflecting the waste gas therealong. A plurality of lobes extend radially from the deflector to provide improved mixing between the waste gas, steam, and combustion air during combustion to reduce smoke formation.

1 . An apparatus for minimizing the formation of smoke in the operation of a flaring stack, the apparatus comprising:
 a support arm having a generally hollow waste gas passageway for connection to a waste gas source;   a generally annular gas deflector having an outer surface for deflecting waste gas;   a waste gas outlet between the gas deflector and the support arm;   a steam distributor for distributing steam;   an outlet of the steam distributor configured to direct steam along the outer surface of the gas deflector; and   a plurality of lobes extending generally radially from the gas deflector outer surface for providing improved mixing between the steam, waste gas, and combustion air during combustion.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the gas deflector includes a tulip-shaped Coanda bowl. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lobes include circumferentially spaced generally vertical ribs extending radially from the outer surface of the gas deflector. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the steam distributor includes an annular outlet positioned about the annular gas deflector for directing steam therealong. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the steam distributor annular outlet includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings positioned about the annular gas deflector. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the openings are generally aligned with the ribs. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the openings are generally aligned with channels formed between the ribs. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the waste gas outlet includes a generally annular outlet positioned radially outwardly of the steam distributor. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein a ratio of a perimeter of a ribbed portion of the bowl to an outer diameter of the ribbed portion is between about 6.5 and about 20. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the ribs are tapered radially with respect to the outer surface from a generally lower rib portion flush with the outer surface to a raised rib portion above the outer surface. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the ribs include inclined sidewalls extending from channels between the ribs to upper raised rib portions. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for minimizing the formation of smoke in the operation of a flaring stack, the apparatus comprising:
 a support arm having a generally hollow waste gas passageway for connection to a waste gas source;   a generally annular gas deflector having an outer surface for deflecting waste gas;   a waste gas outlet between the gas deflector and the support arm;   a steam distributor for distributing steam;   a plurality of circumferentially spaced generally vertical ribs extending radially from the gas deflector outer surface for providing improved mixing between the steam, waste gas, and combustion air during combustion; and   a generally annular outlet of the steam distributor configured to direct steam along the outer surface of the gas deflector.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the support arm includes a steam passageway positioned within the waste gas passageway. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the steam distributor includes a steam chamber and the steam chamber outlet includes plurality of upper openings. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the steam chamber includes an inverted generally hollow frustoconical member with the upper openings about an upper portion thereof 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the steam chamber upper openings include a notched upper rim adjacent to a bottom portion of the steam distributor. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the steam chamber upper openings include a plurality of apertures about the upper portion of the steam chamber. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the upper openings are generally aligned with the ribs. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the upper openings are generally aligned with channels between the ribs. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the waste gas outlet is generally annular and positioned radially outwardly of the steam distributor outlet to provide steam along the outer surface of the gas deflector.