Patent ID: 6431855
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: E21B,F23G

Abstract:
A portable flare stack, comprising:a chassis for a trailer, the chassis having a first end and a second end, the chassis having ground engaging wheels at the second end and a hitch at the first end; a tubular conduit extending substantially the length of the chassis, the tubular conduit having a flaring end and a gas connection end, the tubular conduit being pivotally mounted to a pivot at one of the first end and the second end of the chassis for movement between a travel position in which the tubular conduit is positioned substantially parallel to the chassis and a flaring position in which the tubular conduit extends substantially perpendicular to the chassis, the tubular conduit being asymmetrically mounted with the pivot positioned toward the gas connection end; a counterweight being positioned adjacent to the gas connection end of the tubular conduit, the counterweight repositioning a center of gravity of the tubular conduit close to the pivot, thereby reducing the force necessary to move the tubular conduit from the travel position to the flaring position; and a drive mechanism for moving the tubular conduit as required between the travel position and the flaring position, wherein the drive mechanism includes a cable supported on a reel which is rotatably mounted to the gas connection end of the tubular conduit, the cable having a free, end secured to the gas connection end of the tubular conduit, the cable extending over several direction altering pulleys, rotation of the real shortening and lengthening the cable thereby exerting a force upon the gas connection end of the tubular conduit to pivotally move the tubular conduit between the travel position and the flaring position.