A new method has been developed for a direct and remote measurement of industrial flare combustion efficiency (CE). The method is based on a unique hyper-spectral or multi-spectral Infrared (IR) imager which provides a high frame rate, high spectral selectivity and high spatial resolution. The method can be deployed for short-term flare studies or for permanent installation providing real-time continuous flare CE monitoring.
In addition to the measurement of CE, the method also provides a measurement for level of smoke in the flare flame regardless of day or night. The measurements of both CE and smoke level provide the flare operator with a real-time tool to achieve “incipient smoke point” and optimize flare performance.
The feasibility of this method was first demonstrated in a bench scale test. The method was recently tested on full scale flares along with extractive sampling methods to validate the method. The full scale test included three types of flares – steam assisted, air assisted, and pressure assisted. Thirty-nine test runs were performed covering a CE range of approximately 60-100%. The results from the new method showed a strong agreement with the extractive methods (r2=0.9856 and average difference in CE measurement=0.5%).
Implications: Because industrial flares are operated in the open atmosphere, direct measurement of flare combustion efficiency (CE) has been a long-standing technological challenge. Currently flare operators do not have feedback in terms of flare CE and smoke level, and it is extremely difficult for them to optimize flare performance and reduce emissions. The new method reported in this paper could provide flare operators with real-time data for CE and smoke level so that flare operations can be optimized. In light of EPA’s focus on flare emissions and its new rules to reduce emissions from flares, this policy-relevant development in flare CE monitoring is brought to the attention of both the regulating and regulated communities. 相似文献
Streamflow values are commonly synthesized for locations where flow measurement stations are lacking or where only intermittent
measurements are available. In an Appalachian Mountains dataset comprised of 29 watersheds, the most appropriate among geomorphic,
geologic, and hydrogeologic datasets were selected for use in prediction of streamflow at watershed scale. A statistical model
was developed using principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) for. Using CA on variables derived from
the PCA, an optimum set of variables was derived for predicting streamflow. Results indicate there are two categories of watersheds
in the study area. The first is strongly correlated with climatic variables (precipitation, temperature, elevation, and groundwater
recharge). The second is strongly correlated with two geomorphic variables (watershed slope and percentage of forested area).
The spatial distribution of cluster classifications shows that watersheds dominated by the climatic component are located
along the Allegheny Front while watersheds dominated by the geomorphic component are located in the Allegheny Plateau and
Valley and Ridge physiographic provinces. These variations between the Allegheny Plateau and Valley and Ridge physiographic
provinces suggest that, to accurately model streamflow, modeling needs be done based on natural physiographic boundaries rather
than political boundaries. In this physiographic setting, elevation seems to be a major control. 相似文献
Rapid urbanisation is a key characteristic of the modern world, interacting with and reinforcing other global mega trends, including armed conflict, climate change, crime, environmental degradation, financial and economic instability, food shortages, underemployment, volatile commodity prices, and weak governance. Displaced people also are affected by and engaged in the process of urbanisation. Increasingly, refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are to be found not in camps or among host communities in rural areas, but in the towns and cities of developing and middle-income countries. The arrival and long-term settlement of displaced populations in urban areas needs to be better anticipated, understood, and planned for, with a particular emphasis on the establishment of new partnerships. Humanitarian actors can no longer liaise only with national governments; they must also develop urgently closer working relationships with mayors and municipal authorities, service providers, urban police forces, and, most importantly, the representatives of both displaced and resident communities. This requires linking up with those development actors that have established such partnerships already. 相似文献
By focusing on regulated businesses as “customers,” the EPA is bringing a new way of thinking to the negotiating table that is producing creative, workable solutions. The author, who was instrumental in initiating the adoption of TQM in the Environmental Protection Agency, discusses how it can be used in negotiation to resolve impasses between EPA and business and meet the needs of both. 相似文献