ABSTRACT
A flare pilot is typically a premixed burner designed to operate over a specific heat release range. In operation, the pressure energy of the pilot fuel is used to aspirate ambient air into the mixer inlet, mix the fuel and air, and propel the mixture through the downstream sec tion and out the pilot tip. The key goals for a properly designed pilot system are to
1. Provide reliable ignition of the main flare flame 2. Be capable of reliable ignition of the pilot(s) 3. Provide high pilot flame stability (difficult to
extinguish) 4. Provide a long service life
To achieve these goals, a pilot must (1) meter the fuel and air, (2) mix the fuel with the air, (3) mold the desired flame shape, and (4) have a means of stabilizing the pilot flame to protect the system from external interference.
