| Description |
This paper will discuss applications for and details of a fiber optic pilot monitoring system that addresses known, specific challenges in the market. For decades, thermocouples have been the most widely accepted device for determining flare pilot status. However, there is a growing desire in the industry to have a pilot detection system that can surpass five-year run cycles, differentiate between pilot and flare flames, and make an instantaneous determination of pilot flame signal. Zeeco developed the VerifEye fiber optic pilot monitoring system to meet these three critical criteria. Employing optical technology in pilot flame detection is a common practice; however, those systems typically monitor the entire combustion envelope from a distance and have trouble discriminating between the pilot flame and the flare flame. Zeeco addressed this challenge through fiber optic technology integrally mounted in the flare pilot to relay the pilot ignition status of each unique pilot flame to an at-grade monitor in real time. An optical sensor in the monitor discerns pilot status and controls pilot ignition and function. This paper details how Zeeco's technology surpasses others while detecting flame by withstanding the extreme temperatures present over a significant lifespan. We will also share lessons learned and test results of this new fiber optic technology and monitoring system to show how it can solve the flame discrimination challenge. The aggregate effect of these design aspects creates a pilot monitoring system requiring no regular or anticipated maintenance between plant shutdowns. The maintainable electronics are at grade, out of the heat affected zone, and easily accessed while the flare is in service. With accurate-to-the-second pilot status signals, discriminant of other flames, operators can have greater control and confidence in their flare system. Multiple flare pilot detection technologies are available to operators, but each available technology falls short in some aspect when evaluating these systems on the criteria of operational longevity, differential pilot detection, and instantaneous response. |
