Predictive analytics describes the process by which measured parameters and models are combined to derive information on flare efficiency. They are analogous to Predictive Emissions Monitoring (PEMS) systems used to track emissions of pollutants such as NOx from gas turbines. For flares, predictive analytics system uses a method based on a parametric modelA Parametric Model is a concept used in statistics to describe a model in which all its information is represented within its parameters. In short, the only information needed to… Learn more… and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDis a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and data structures to analyse and solve problems that involve fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate… Learn more…) studies with input data coming from flare gas composition, flow rates, flare design and environmental factors such as wind speed. Predictive systems has the advantage of being permanently installed, providing continuous and near real-time feedback on flare performance, allowing adaptations to be made to maintain efficient combustion. Currently available systems are independent of flare vendor and control system provider.
Analytics work as a reporting and monitoring tool, but have also been successfully deployed with feedback loops for the management of flares by moderating steam and air assist gases. Their use for methane management remains an area of technology development.
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The inclusion of feedback systems into flare monitoring allows adjustments to be made to how the flare is operated to maintain good combustion efficiency. As many influences on flares are transient - such as corsswinds, these systems need to operate in near real-time to afford the maximum benefits to the operation.