Top 5 Characteristics of an Analyzer for a Flare Stack Application

There are several different technologies available for measuring the heating value in a flare stack including:

• Gas Chromatography
• Thermopile
• Residual Oxygen
• Micro-Combustion Calorimeter

However it is important to make sure that the technology chosen has the following 5 characteristics:

1. Direct Measurement - Directly measures the total heating value. 
2. Mounts at the Base of the Flare - This decreases the sample transport delivery time resulting in the fastest response time possible. 
3. Fully Heated Assembly - Keeping all sample wetted parts of the sampling system and analyzer at a high temperature will ensure that all combustible vapors are properly measured, eliminating inaccurate readings.
4. Simple Flow System - An aspirator driven system is simple and effective, no pump or moving parts helps to avoid condensation and maintenance problems. 
5. Universal Response - Gives a uniform response to a wide range of combustible gases and vapors, including heavy hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and numerous other compounds found in waste gas streams. 

Measuring the heating value of a varying waste gas streams in a flare stack applications is rigorous, that’s why its important to have an analyzer that can withstand it AND be reliable.