Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-variable flare control include receiving, at a flare controller, a plurality of flare characteristics from a flare monitor. The flare monitor may be an optical flare monitor. The plurality of flare characteristics may include, but are not limited to, Combustion Efficiency (CE), Smoke Index (SI), Flame Stability (FS), Flame Footprint (FF), and Heat Release (HR). The flare controller analyzes a plurality of the flare characteristics and outputs a control signal to control an operating condition of the flare, such as an amount of assist media being fed to the flare. Iterations of the control signal may be bounded by a step value defining a maximum increase or decrease in the control value as compared to the previous control value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-variable flare control include receiving, at a flare controller, a plurality of flare characteristics from a flare monitor. The flare monitor may be an optical flare monitor. The plurality of flare characteristics may include, but are not limited to, Combustion Efficiency (CE), Smoke Index (SI), Flame Stability (FS), Flame Footprint (FF), and Heat Release (HR). The flare controller analyzes a plurality of the flare characteristics and outputs a control signal to control an operating condition of the flare, such as an amount of assist media being fed to the flare. Iterations of the control signal may be bounded by a step value defining a maximum increase or decrease in the control value as compared to the previous control value.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are provided for recovering hydrocarbons from an intermittent or continuous inlet air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture. The air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to flow through a bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbons are removed therefrom and a residue gas stream of substantially hydrocarbon-free air is produced. The substantially hydrocarbon-free air is vented into the atmosphere and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbons previously adsorbed thereon is regenerated by evacuation. As long as the concentration of hydrocarbons contained in the vented air is below a predetermined concentration, the inlet air-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to continue to flow through the first bed of adsorbent. After the second bed of adsorbent is regenerated, the pumping and evacuation of the second bed is shut down and not restarted so long as the monitored concentration of hydrocarbons is below the predetermined concentration.