Abstract: Low emissivity (low-E) coatings are applied onto surfaces of flare tips to achieve longer flare tip service life, improved flare tip structural integrity and/or a more stable flame pattern under a wide range of operating conditions. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, low-E coatings may be applied to the flare tip burner as well as associated internal and/or external component surfaces to reduce direct flame radiation and also conductive heat transfer. The low-E coating material preferably has an emissivity of less than about 0.80, more preferably between about 0.20 to about 0.78. The coating thickness of the low-E material is preferably between about 1 mil to about 25 mils, and more preferably between about 2 mils to about 8 mils. Coating densities of the low-E material in the coating will preferably be at least about 65%, more preferably between about 80% to about 100%.

Abstract: The performance of a combustion apparatus is improved by providing a burner tile therein which includes a coating of a high-emissivity (high-E) material. Preferably, the high-E material has an emissivity of greater than about 0.80, usually between about 0.85 to about 0.98. In some embodiments, the high-E material has an emissivity of about 0.92. The coating thickness on of the high-E material on the burner tile can be between about 0.0005 to about 0.025 inch, preferably between about 0.001 to about 0.002 inch. In especially preferred embodiments, the high-E material is ceramic. A burner tile comprising a coating layer of the high-emissivity material may therefore be incorporated into a combustion apparatus so as to improve its combustion performance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced destruction of industrial waste gases include coating a high emissivity material onto to at least portions of the vessel walls of a direct fired incinerator, such as a thermal oxidizer, in order to enhance its incineration efficiencies, particularly for the incineration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).