Effect of Nozzle Geometry on the Performance of Non-Assist Flares

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Mohit, Ashray, Stolzman, Jenna, Wooldridge, Margaret, Capecelatro, Jesse
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Mohit, Ashray
Stolzman, Jenna
Wooldridge, Margaret
Capecelatro, Jesse
author_facet Mohit, Ashray
Stolzman, Jenna
Wooldridge, Margaret
Capecelatro, Jesse
contents This study employs large-eddy simulations with a flamelet progress variable approach to systematically quantify the influence of nozzle geometry on combustion efficiency, mixing, and blowout resistance in non-assist methane flares. Five canonical nozzle shapes-circle, low aspect ratio ellipse, high aspect ratio ellipse, diamond, and square-were evaluated under relevant industrial flare conditions. Results demonstrate that cornered geometries enhance near-field recirculation, promote mixing, and sustain flame attachment, resulting in up to a 5% improvement in combustion efficiency compared with streamlined nozzles. The square nozzle performed best irrespective of the wind direction (orientation) and maintained a combustion efficiency greater than 96.5% even at the highest tested crosswind velocities, while other streamlined designs exhibited early flame lift-off, reduced recirculation, and efficiency losses. Analysis of mixing and vorticity reveals that sharp-edged nozzles accelerate scalar homogenization and buffer flames against crosswind-induced strain, directly translating to increased blowout resistance.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2507_21827
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Effect of Nozzle Geometry on the Performance of Non-Assist Flares
Mohit, Ashray
Stolzman, Jenna
Wooldridge, Margaret
Capecelatro, Jesse
Fluid Dynamics
This study employs large-eddy simulations with a flamelet progress variable approach to systematically quantify the influence of nozzle geometry on combustion efficiency, mixing, and blowout resistance in non-assist methane flares. Five canonical nozzle shapes-circle, low aspect ratio ellipse, high aspect ratio ellipse, diamond, and square-were evaluated under relevant industrial flare conditions. Results demonstrate that cornered geometries enhance near-field recirculation, promote mixing, and sustain flame attachment, resulting in up to a 5% improvement in combustion efficiency compared with streamlined nozzles. The square nozzle performed best irrespective of the wind direction (orientation) and maintained a combustion efficiency greater than 96.5% even at the highest tested crosswind velocities, while other streamlined designs exhibited early flame lift-off, reduced recirculation, and efficiency losses. Analysis of mixing and vorticity reveals that sharp-edged nozzles accelerate scalar homogenization and buffer flames against crosswind-induced strain, directly translating to increased blowout resistance.
title Effect of Nozzle Geometry on the Performance of Non-Assist Flares
topic Fluid Dynamics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.21827