Facilities: Carleton University Vertical Flare Facility
The primary method of industrial flare emissions control in refinery and upgrading applications is injection of pressurized steam or air into the flame zone with the objective of promoting better fuel-air mixing and suppressing formation of black carbon particulate. However, recent work has demonstrated that flare carbon conversion efficiency can drop below the target threshold of 98% under certain air/steam-assisted conditions even when operated in compliance with regulations in 40 CFR 60.18. As noted above, this has resulted in significant controversy and recent enforcement actions in the United States, and has critical implications for the rise in flaring associated with increased production and processing of unconventional oil and gas resources in Canada.
