| Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Linear coanda flare methods and apparatusUSPTO Application #: 20060105276Title: Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus Abstract: Linear Coanda flare apparatus for burning pressurized waste flammable gas are disclosed. The flare apparatus basically comprises an elongated closed end pipe connected to a waste flammable gas supply pipe and having an elongated linear opening therein; and an elongated flammable gas distributor trough positioned adjacent to the elongated linear opening in the closed end pipe with the sides of the distributor trough being positioned adjacent to the outer curved surfaces of the closed end pipe thereby forming slots that discharge pressurized waste flammable gas from inside the closed end pipe over the outer curved surfaces of the closed end pipe. (end of abstract) Agent: C. Clark Dougherty, Jr. Mcafee & Taft - Oklahoma City, OK, US Inventors: James Wilkins, Roger L. Poe USPTO Applicaton #: 20060105276 - Class: 431005000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Combustion, Process Of Combustion Or Burner Operation, Burning Waste Gas, E.g., Furnace Gas, Etc. The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060105276. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to linear Coanda flare apparatus and methods of burning waste flammable gas in the apparatus. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] High pressure Coanda flares have been utilized in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries for many years. The flares include a Coanda body having a surface shape similar to a pot that has an enlarged round bottom and a smaller circular top. The Coanda bodies utilized heretofore have been formed from castings or forgings. [0005] The prior art Coanda flares include a Coanda body attached to the top of a vertical pipe whereby a circular slot is formed between the top of the pipe and the bottom of the Coanda body. Pressurized waste flammable gas exits the slot at a velocity that creates low pressure regions at the boundaries of the gas stream. The space between the Coanda body and the gas stream is quickly evacuated by the low pressure which forces the waste gas to attach to the Coanda surface and follow its form until it has turned through approximately 90.degree.. [0006] The normal operating range is at sonic velocity and many small eddies are formed whereby at any point in the gas stream, the velocity is greater than the linear velocity of the overall stream. In addition, the linear velocity is greater than a conventional jet at the same distance from the gas exit. This increases the low pressure region at the film boundary thereby increasing air entrainment efficiency. As the gas and air reach the maximum diameter of the Coanda body surface, the inherent turbulence provides effective mixing of the gas and air thereby producing a very stable and efficient flare device. [0007] When the fuel pressure at the Coanda slot is about 11 psig, the fuel velocity at the slot becomes sonic. The relationship between gas flow rate and Coanda slot exit pressure becomes linear once sonic exit velocity is achieved and the only way to increase capacity is to increase either the gas pressure or the Coanda slot area. As a result, in order to achieve higher capacities, larger diameter flares with larger Coanda bodies, slots and surfaces are required which become very heavy and costly. [0008] In some cases, the waste flammable gas pressure in a Coanda flare is limited by the process involved and by the geometry of the flare. Once a certain pressure is attained, the mass flow achieves a critical level whereby there is such momentum in the gas film passing over the Coanda surface that the flame detaches from the Coanda surface and the Coanda effect is lost. [0009] Thus, there is a need for improved high pressure flares which utilize the Coanda effect, that do not have the disadvantages mentioned above and instead have the advantages of a robust long life design, low radiation, low weight, high smokeless turndown, wide operating range, low purge rate requirement and a stable flame in all conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention provides a linear Coanda flare apparatus for burning pressurized waste flammable gas which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and meets the needs described above. A linear Coanda flare apparatus for burning pressurized waste flammable gas of this invention comprises the following elements. An elongated closed end pipe is connected to a waste flammable gas supply pipe. The elongated closed end pipe has an elongated linear opening therein, and an elongated flammable gas distributor trough is positioned adjacent to the elongated linear opening. The sides of the distributor trough are positioned adjacent to the outer curved surfaces of the closed end pipe thereby forming slots that discharge pressurized waste flammable gas over the outer curved surfaces of the closed end pipe. [0011] A method of burning waste flammable gas of this invention comprises the following steps. The waste flammable gas is conducted to a linear Coanda flare apparatus comprising a waste flammable gas supply pipe connected to an elongated closed end pipe having an elongated linear opening therein. The waste flammable gas is discharged through the elongated linear opening into an elongated flammable gas distributor trough positioned adjacent to the elongated linear opening. The elongated sides of the distributor trough are positioned adjacent to the outer curved surfaces of the closed end pipe thereby forming elongated discharge slots. The waste flammable gas is discharged through the elongated discharge slots over the curved surfaces of the closed end pipe. The waste flammable gas is ignited by a pilot light positioned adjacent to the closed end pipe. [0012] The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the description of preferred embodiments which follows when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is a side, partly sectional view of a prior art Coanda flare. [0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. [0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of one form of the linear Coanda flare apparatus of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. [0017] FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of another form of the linear Coanda flare apparatus of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 illustrating a spring assembly attached to the bottom of the distributor trough and attached to the closed end pipe. [0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating a spring assembly attached inside the flare apparatus and attached to the distributor trough. [0020] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the spring assembly attached to the top of the closed end pipe and attached to the distributor trough. [0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a linear Coanda flare apparatus similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating the elongated closed end pipe and the distributor trough positioned at an angle. Continue reading... Full patent description for Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Fabrication methods and structures for micro-reservoir devices Next Patent Application: Method and burner for rotary kilns Industry Class: Combustion ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Linear coanda flare methods and apparatus patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.92267 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
||
