Apparatus for using exhaust low pressure steam for smoke suppression in flares by mixing the steam with the vented hydrocarbon gases prior to combustion, and prior to flow to the flare stack. The device comprises a cylindrical housing with means at a first end for the inflow of hydrocarbon vent gases, and outflow at the second end of hydrocarbon gases plus water vapor. Exhaust steam is entered through the side wall near the second end and the steam conduit is bent into an axial position, facing upstream of the steam flow. The end of the conduit is closed. There are a plurality of radial pipes of small diameter closed at their outer ends, extending into the steam conduit and between it and the cylindrical housing. A plurality of small diameter holes are drilled into the small pipes in a plane through the small pipes which is transverse to the axis of the housing. Steam flow issues from the small openings in one or more planes perpendicular to the axis of the housing, and at right angles to the flow of vent gases, so that the vent gases readily mix with and are heated by the steam and take up water vapor prior to combustion.
展开▼
