Measurements of Benzene Destruction Efficiency in a Lab-Scale Flare

Glycol dehydrators, used to remove water vapour from raw natural gas, are a significant source of benzene emissions (a known human carcinogen). This thesis investigates the benzene destruction removal efficiency (DRE) and black carbon (BC) emissions when using flaring as an emissions control mechanism for glycol dehydrators. Experiments were performed in which fuel mixtures representative of glycol dehydrator still vent gas, plus other manipulated compositions, were combusted in a flare. In quiescent conditions the DRE of benzene was nearly 100%, but the presence of benzene increased BC yields. Considering data for Alberta, Canada, flaring could potentially reduce benzene emissions by a factor of 1000, but would increase total BC emissions from all flaring by ~56%. BC emissions could be partially mitigated by adding methane to the still gas mixture prior to flaring. Further work is recommended to investigate the effects of crosswinds on the benzene DRE in a flare.