Over the course of his career designing and testing flare systems for facilities around the world, Brian Duck has authored several papers. These papers outline the development process behind the system, its applications, and what sets the model apart from conventional systems. Considering his contributions in reducing emissions in facilities across the world, it's worth discussing Brian Duck's papers and their findings.
Brian Duck's Publications on Combustion and Emissions
One of his earliest publications is a 1998 paper titled ‘Flare Noise Reduction in Ethylene Plant Operations.' In it, Brian Duck and his team at Callidus Technologies were tasked with developing a flare system that would reduce noise.
Just a few years after this, he undertook a project to design a new ground mounted, multipoint flare burner system. Brian Duck describes the project in his paper, titled ‘Reducing Emissions.' He developed a system that would eliminate the need for conventional elevated flares, which lead to higher noise levels. After testing the flare burners, he confirmed that they achieved the required level of smokeless new and improved operational efficiency.
Contributions to Industry Standards and Best Practices
With his work on ground flare design and testing, Brian Duck also set standards for new systems. Specifically, we're talking about when he used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to develop and test a ground flare system.
In his paper, ‘Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of a Ground Flare,' he discusses using a CFD software to predict different operational factors. For instance, fence temperature, air flow to the burners, and grade temperature. Further testing showed that the new system achieved predicted results, met flare reduction criteria, and benefited from improved operational efficiency.
Innovations in Flare Monitoring Technology
With the EPA's stringent flaring regulations, facilities needed a new way to measure and monitor combustion efficiency. In his paper, Brian Duck discusses a model that would directly, autonomously, and continuously monitor flare performance.
By bringing attention to the VISR method, his paper introduces an effective way to directly monitor flare CE while eliminating inaccuracies. As the system works autonomously, his paper mentions the potential for other applications. The system wouldn't require human intervention and could create a feedback loop using data to monitor and adjust emissions to keep flare levels under control.
In his paper on the AFRC 2019 Industrial Combustion Symposium, Brian Duck discusses the VISR model's performance for measuring flare levels. He summarizes how it provides accurate measurements despite changes in weather and environmental conditions, and is longer lasting than other equipment used for monitoring flares.
Conclusion
It's clear that publications by Brian Duck are a major contribution in the literature on emission control systems. Using his expertise, he has managed to provide valuable findings that can be applied to other cases. Through his work on combustion efficiency and flare systems, various facilities have met changing environmental requirements by regulatory agencies. Not to mention, his work will pave the way for new innovations down the line.
