Brian Duck: From Combustion Technology To Flare Systems, Highlighting a Career of Innovation and Leadership

Brian Duck's career started all the way back in 1980, when he interned for the John Zink Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In just 9 years, he was promoted all the way up to Applications Engineering Manager.

It was here that he was made the Flare Division representative in charge of research and development for new models. The experience would build the foundation for his later innovations and contributions. Additionally, he directed emissions testing for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Engineering Leadership and Product Development

In mid 1989, he switched positions and started working at The Condit Company, where he stayed until 1993. Here, he was part of the R&D and business management process. Besides being tasked to develop skid-mounted packages for compressors, pumps, boilers, and more, he was also responsible for expanding the company's client base. He even worked on standards development, cost estimates, and pricing for products.

Driving Innovation at Callidus Technologies

Brian Duck's next big milestone was working as an Applications Engineer Manager for Flare Systems at Callidus Technologies. From 1993 to 2001, he was responsible for several functions like overseeing application engineers' design efforts and completing various flare start-ups and service trips.

In 2001, Brian Duck was promoted to Senior Business Leader of the combustion group at Callidus Technologies in Tulsa. Over the span of fourteen years, he was tasked with assessing worldwide profit/loss of thermal oxidizer, flare, and SCR products. His responsibilities also included training several indirect employees, implementing budget controls, new product development, and sales strategy implementation.

Global Influence at Zeeco Inc.

After exposure to managing and implementing the company's technology worldwide, Brian Duck moved forward. He started working as Global Business Manager in the flares product branch at Zeeco Inc. in 2015. There, he was responsible for worldwide business development of the company's flare product line.

He also participated in flare system sale and design, new product development, and implementing new sales strategies. During his tenure at the company, Brian Duck was also the interim product line manager for gas recovery systems.

Professional Contributions and Publications

In addition to working in areas like product development, training, and product line management, Brian Duck also authored several papers. His professional contributions in the form of publications include papers on new flare system models, flare monitoring methods, and using CFD technology to design a flare system. 

Conclusion

Over the course of 40 years, Brian Duck has worked in over 30 countries across 6 continents. His valuable experience and contributions to the field have encouraged new innovations in flare systems, helped companies meet emission regulatory requirements, and much more. While he's currently co-founder of The Criterion Fund, his work in flares, thermal oxidizers, process heater burners, enclosed combustors, and SCR systems has paved the way for further developments.