Closed loop flare control using a video imaging spectral radiometer

Video Imaging Spectral Radiometry (VISR) has emerged as the only practical method to directly and continuously monitor flare performance. The VISR method provides real time measurements of flare combustion efficiency (%) and a smoke index (0-10) at a 1-sec temporal resolution. In addition to these two metrics, the VISR method provides a measure of fractional heat release, flare footprint and flare stability. These parameters are provided with no latency, making the VISR method well suited for control loops. In this paper, we examine how a VISR system can be used to control a steam assisted flare. An experiment was performed at Zeeco's test facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma on March 29th, 2019 with the VISR method deployed as part of a closed loop flare operating system. The results from the experiment and implications for future flare control methods are discussed.