FLARE STACK COMBUSTION METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method of enhancing the complete combustion of an undesired chemical and minimizing the formation of smoke in the operation of a flare stack. The method includes the steps of providing a flare feedstream formed from a combustible mixture of the undesired chemical and a fuel gas; determining the minimum stoichiometric oxygen requirements to assure the complete combustion of the components of the flare feedstream and converting the oxygen requirements to a corresponding digital signal. The method also includes providing a source of high pressurized air for mixing with the flare feedstream to create a combustible mixture and providing a source of low pressurized air (e.g. through a sidewall of the stack and above the high pressurized air) for mixing with the feedstream. The volumetric flow of the pressurized air can be controlled through an air flow control valve in response to the digital signal such that the total volume of air mixed with the flare feedstream is sufficient to assure the complete combustion of the feedstream components.