A better burner for oil and gas fields

March 9, 2006
Wells that pump oil and gas out of the ground often pull out flammable vapors and volatile organic compounds.

Most oil and gas companies get rid of these pollutants by burning them in what is called an emission flare. Most current systems use high temperatures to ensure the pollutants are totally consumed. But this is inefficient. A new system developed by Moneyhun, Rock Springs, Wyo., the Vocinerator, creates a vortex in the burn chamber that circulates pollutants until they are completely consumed. The device operates at 600°F, much lower than emission flares, but burns 100% of the pollutants. The device is also shorter than a flare, making it less intrusive on the surroundings.

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