One of the current important goals around the globe is associated with improving energy efficiency while minimizing the impact on the environment (Hák, Janoušková, & Molda, 2016); (Esparza, et al., 2023). Flaring activities, which are present in the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction (upstream segment) and process and safety requirements in the midstream segment, represent an important aspect where energy resources can be utilized rather than waste them. Assessing flaring efficiency allows the understanding of the equipment's performance as well as the identification and quantification of emissions from combustion by-products and non-combusted gases. The system of study employs a methodology that leverages the use of high-definition optical gas imaging (OGI). The use of infrared (IR) imaging cameras allows the monitoring of individual flare stacks in real time. In this IR spectra, the system can identify and quantify the flared and pilot gases, while evaluating the system's destruction and removal efficiency (DRE). The purpose of this paper is to present a system that permits the determination of destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) on an operating flare by means of optical measurements coupled with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
One of the current important goals around the globe is associated with improving energy efficiency while minimizing the impact on the environment (Hák, Janoušková, & Molda, 2016); (Esparza, et al., 2023). Governments around the world have pledged action on the climate change, in which flares are part of the equation (Esparza, Ebbs, De Toro Eadie, Roffo, & Monnington, 2023). Flaring activities, which are present in the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction (upstream segment) and process and safety requirements in the midstream segment, represent an important aspect where energy resources can be utilized rather than waste them. The practice of flaring excess gases from routine processes or emergency scenarios came as a safer solution when compared to venting them, since it reduces personnel and equipment exposure as well as the emissions of a potent greenhouse gas (Franklin, Chau, Cushing, & Johnston, 2019). However, abnormal operations of flares, wind velocity, gas composition could lead to inadequate combustion, effectively affecting the efficiency of the flare, which in turn results in the production of toxic gases, soot, and unburned emissions natural gas being emitted to the environment (Ismail & Umukoro, 2012).
