Patent Publication Number: US-2017350592-A1

Title: Burner head

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/344,098 filed Jun. 1, 2016, entitled “Burner Head”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for a burner head. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Flares are used to combust and destroy gasses. The flares generally have very large flame lengths, and accordingly, many towns and residents do not want flares close to homes, businesses, or in the city limits. Consequently, it is desirable to have a flare which would be more suitable for towns and residents alike. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a burner head in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a burner in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a shell in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side profile view of a burner head in one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a side profile view of a burner head in one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicant&#39;s invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 
     Flares are often a critical piece of equipment in many processes. Many chemical and oil and gas processes utilize flares to incinerate or burn off-gasses, undesirable by-products, etc. These flares operate as common burners, combusting fuel and air in the presence of a flame. 
     Often, depending upon the flow-rates of the gas, the type of gas, and the type of burner utilized in the flare, the flame on a flare can be 10 feet or higher. This is undesirable for many locations. As an example, many cities and towns have forbidden the use of burners with a flame length greater than 5 feet within the city limits. However, often it is necessary to have a flare within the city limits. Thus, one embodiment a burner is provided which can be utilized in a flare and result in a flame of less than 5 feet. 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of a burner head in one embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a burner in one embodiment. Similar elements have the same number in both figures. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a burner head  100  comprising a plurality of burners  107  is depicted. The burner head  100 , in some embodiments, is used to replace the previous burners located on a flare. The burner head  100  can comprise virtually any material. 
     A gas line, or other product needing to be burned or incinerated, herein after referred to as reactants, is in fluid communication with the burner head  100 . The gas line brings the reactants to the primary manifold  101 . A manifold, as used herein, refers to equipment which separates a single flow stream into two or more streams. The primary manifold  101  receives the single flow of reactants and separates them into a plurality of streams. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate the various devices and methods which can be utilized on a manifold. In one embodiment the manifold has one upstream opening and two or more downstream openings. As used herein upstream and downstream refer to relative locations on a process. An upstream item occurs earlier in the process whereas a downstream item occurs later in the process. As the reactants progress closer to the flame, the reactants move downstream. Accordingly, in one embodiment the primary manifold  101  comprises one upstream opening to receive reactants and two or more downstream openings to send and divide reactants. 
     As depicted, the primary manifold is fluidly coupled to a plurality of burner lines  103 . As used herein, fluidly coupled refers to a coupling such that a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, can flow between two objects. The number and size of the burner lines  103  will be dependent upon many factors including the type and flow rate of the reactants, the desired nozzle velocity, as well as the size of the outer shell, discussed in more detail below. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , there are six-teen burner lines  103  coupled to the primary manifold  101  but this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. Virtually any number, even or odd, of burner lines  103  can be utilized. 
     As depicted the burner lines  103  extend radially out from the primary manifold  101 . Such an arrangement provides for optimal spacing and separation of the burner lines  103 . In one embodiment the burner lines  103  extend radially away from the primary manifold  101  along the same vertical plane of the primary manifold  101 . Put differently, all burner lines  103  couple to the primary manifold  101  a distance of two inches from the top of the manifold, for example. In other embodiments, however, two or more burner liens  103  extend radially away from the primary manifold  101  at two or more vertical planes. As an example, eight burner lines  103  can be coupled to the primary manifold  101  two inches from the top and eight other burner lines  103  are coupled 12 inches from the top of the manifold  101 . Such an arrangement utilizing vertical spacing to space the burner lines  103  is referred to herein as multi-layering. When all burner lines  103  are coupled to the primary manifold  101  along the same vertical plane, this is referred to as single-layering. Multi-layering provides for an increased number of burner lines  103  compared to single-layering. 
     The burner lines  103  can be coupled to the primary manifold  101  via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment they are coupled via bolts, screws, or the like. In other embodiments the burner lines  103  are welded onto the primary manifold. 
     The burner lines  103  are further fluidly coupled to the secondary manifold  102  located on the burners  107 . The secondary manifolds  102  act similarly to the primary manifold  101  discussed above in that they further divide the flow among a plurality of spokes  104 . 
     As depicted the spokes  104  extend radially out from the secondary manifold  102 . This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The secondary manifold  102  can divide the flow of reactants from the burner lines  103  via any orientation or arrangement. The radially extending spokes  105 , in one embodiment, allow the elongated nozzles  105 , discussed in more detail below, to be sufficiently separated. 
     As depicted the spokes  104  extend radially outward from the hub of the secondary manifold  102 . Here reactants are further divided into smaller discrete streams. The primary manifold  101  broke a large stream of reactants into several smaller streams, and the secondary manifold  102  further separates the flow of reactants into even smaller streams. 
     The number, size, orientation, and arrangement of the spokes  104  can be varied as discussed above. In one embodiment a single burner  107  comprises six spokes  104 . As depicted, the spokes  104  are coupled via a single-layered arrangement, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. 
     The spokes  104  can comprise a length, as measured from the secondary manifold  102  to the cap  106 , of virtually any length and any diameter. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the operation and function of the spokes  104  can now be described.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a burner in one embodiment. 
     The spoke  104 , as depicted, comprises a cap  106 . The cap  106  prevents reactants from exiting the spoke  104  but through the nozzle  105 . As depicted the nozzle  105  comprises an elongated nozzle. The cap  106  can comprise any method or device known to the stop and prevent passage of the flow of reactants. In one embodiment the cap  106  comprises an end which has been coupled to the end of the spoke  104 . The cap  106  can be coupled to the end of the spoke  104  via any attaching device or method known in the art including, but not limited to, welding, soldiering, etc. The cap  106  can be added to the downstream end of the spoke  104  or the cap  106  can be integrally made. The purpose of the cap  106 , in any form, is to ensure all reactants exit the spoke  104  only through the nozzle  105 . 
     As depicted, the spokes  104  comprise at least one nozzle  105 . In the embodiment depicted, the nozzle comprises an elongated nozzle. An elongated nozzle  105 , as used herein, refers to an extended nozzle through which gas exits and combusts with surrounding air. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the elongated nozzle  105  extends for the majority of the length of the spokes  104 . In one embodiment the elongated nozzle  105  extends greater than 80% of the length of the spokes  104 . 
     An elongated nozzle  105  is contrasted with a point nozzle wherein reactants, such as gasses, are directed to a single opening, often in the shape of a circle. A point nozzle directs all reacts to a single point, concentrating the reactants, and accordingly, increasing flame length. An elongated nozzle  105 , however, in one embodiment disperses the reactants along the length of the elongated nozzle  105 . The result is that the flame and combustion occurs along an increased surface area compared to a point nozzle, lowering the flame height. 
     The elongated nozzle  105  can comprise virtually any shape. In one embodiment the elongated nozzle  105  is linear whereas in other embodiments the elongated nozzle  105  is curved. As noted, in one embodiment the goal is to increase surface area. 
     The elongated nozzle  105  can be formed in a variety of ways. In one embodiment a slid of hole is created in the spokes  104 . In other embodiments the elongated nozzles  105  are directed in an upward direction. As an example, in the figure depicted the spokes  104  comprise an oval cross-section which comprises a larger diameter on the upstream side of the elongated nozzle  105  (down in the figure) than the downstream side of the elongated nozzle  105 . This causes the reactants to flow in the upward direction. This can be accomplished by either forcing the upstream side (below the nozzle  105 ) outward or forcing the downstream side (above the nozzle  104 ) inward. 
     In one embodiment each spoke  104  comprises a single elongated nozzle  105 . In other embodiments, however, each spoke  104  comprises two or more elongated nozzles  105 . As depicted, each side of the spoke  104  comprises an elongated nozzle  105 . This allows combustion to occur on both sides of the spokes  104 , further increasing surface area and accordingly decreasing flame height. 
     As noted, in one embodiment the spokes  104  comprise a curved cross-section. They can comprise a substantially circular or a substantially oval cross-section. The spokes  104  can comprise any cross-section, but a curved cross-section offers some benefits based on air flow. Referring still to  FIG. 2 , as the flame adjacent to the spokes  104  burn, they consume oxygen. In doing so, they cause an updraft which pulls air upward toward the flame. When the updraft air hits the upstream side of the spokes  104 , the air is divided as it must flow around the perimeter of the spokes  104 . The spokes  104 , in one embodiment, use the theory of adhesion with the air during the combustion. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a shell in one embodiment. A shell, as used herein, refers to equipment which at least partially surrounds the burner head  100 . In one embodiment the burner head  100  completely surrounds the shell  108 . In one embodiment the burner head  100  is installed within the shell  108  such that no flame is visible during operation. Put differently, the flame is hidden from view by being located on the internal side of the shell  108 . 
     As depicted, the shell  108  comprises a vessel with an open shell top  109  and a shell bottom  110 . In one embodiment the burner head  100  is inserted such that the flame rises in the direction of the open shell top  109 . In one embodiment the shell  108  prevents the flame from being visible. Pedestrians driving by, accordingly, will simply see a shell  108  and will be unable to view the flame. This is a benefit in many circumstances. 
     As noted, open flares comprising a flame height of greater than 5 feet are often disallowed within the city limit. The increased surface area of the burners  107  discussed herein offers a reduced flame height of 4-6 feet in some embodiments. In other embodiments the flame height is less than 5 feet. In still other embodiments the flame height is about 3 feet. A shorter flame height means that the burners  107  can be used in confined spaces which was not possible with greater flame lengths. Further, a reduced flame height allows the burners  107  to be utilized within the city limits, often much closer to the equipment and processes which necessitate the flare. 
     As an example, consider a flare which comprises a 5 inch diameter pipe and burns 2 MM cubic feet of gas. The resulting flame height is approximately 6 feet and had a nozzle speed of 0.28 mach. However, utilizing the burners  107  discussed herein, the same flow rate resulted in a flame height of about 3 feet and a reduced nozzle speed of 0.14 mach. The new burner  107  had a similar or increased surface area compared to the 5 inch diameter and accordingly did not create back pressure. Further, a reduced nozzle speed of 0.14 means that there is reduced smoke. A nozzle speed of 0.28 or above typically results in considerable smoke as the gas is burning too quickly. However, a reduced nozzle speed results in reduced smoke as the gas is burning more thoroughly. 
     While one embodiment has been discussed in reference to an elongated nozzle, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The elongated nozzle, as described above, provides increased surface area compared to a single point nozzle. However, the benefits of increased nozzle surface area, which include reduced flame height, can be achieved by increasing the number of point nozzles. Thus, rather than having a single point nozzle, a plurality of point nozzles can be utilized to increase the effective surface area of the nozzle.  FIG. 4  is a side profile view of a burner head in one embodiment, and  FIG. 5  is a side profile view of a burner head in one embodiment. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show a burner head with three burner lines  103 . As noted, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting Like the burner head  100  in  FIG. 1 , the burner head  100  comprises a primary manifold  101  which couples to the burner lines  103 . The burner lines  103  then couple with a secondary manifold  102 . From there, the secondary manifold again splits the reactant feed into a plurality of spokes  104 . As depicted the burner comprises four spokes  104 , but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Those skilled in the art will be able to modify the number and placement of spokes  104 . 
     The spokes  104  comprise a plurality of point nozzles  105 . As depicted, each spoke comprises four point nozzles  105 , but this is for illustrative purposes only. In one embodiment a plurality of point nozzles  105  are placed along the length of the spoke  104 . In one embodiment a plurality of point nozzles  105  are placed linearly and adjacent to one another along the length of the spoke  104 . In this manner, rather than having a single point, the surface area is increased because there are a plurality of nozzles  105 . 
     In some embodiments a plurality of point nozzles  105  offers benefits over elongated nozzles. For example, having a plurality of point nozzles  105  allow each nozzle  105  to be adjusted, replaced, or modified as desired. Each nozzle  105 , for example, can be adjusted to balance the flow. Accordingly, in one embodiment at least one of the nozzles  105  is adjustable. This allows the flame height to be more accurately controlled. 
     One benefit of the burner assembly discussed herein is the ability to modify as necessary. For example, if the flowrate of gas is to be increased, then an additional burner  107  can be added. This would involve adding an additional burner line  103  to the primary manifold  101 . Likewise, if the user wanted to increase burner surface area for any other reason, including controlling nozzle speed, back pressure, etc., the user can simply add or remove a burner line  103  and the associated burner  107  as required. 
     Another variable that the user can adjust as necessary to control flow rate, nozzle speed, back pressure, etc. is the width of the elongated nozzle  105 . This width can range from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The width as described herein, the distance of the elongated nozzle  105  between the upstream side of the nozzle  105  and the downstream side of the nozzle  105 . The width, in one embodiment and as depicted, is approximately perpendicular to the length. Those skilled in the art will understand how to optimize the elongated nozzle width to account for various reactant streams, flow rates, etc. 
     As noted, another benefit, in some embodiments, is the ability to cover the flame in an outer shell. In some embodiments an open flame is unsightly or undesirable. Accordingly, having the ability to cover the flame in an outer shell provides benefits in some embodiments. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.