Real-time flare optimization using an edge device

An automated system for continuous optimization of a flaring of waste gas at an industrial facility, the automated system comprising:

• an RGB camera operably coupled to a gateway device by a data communication interface;
• and
• a pressure sensor configured to measure a waste gas flowline pressure of the waste gas;
• wherein:
• the RGB camera is configured to capture time-series color image frames of a flare produced at the industrial facility and communicate the time-series color image frames to the gateway device;
• the gateway device includes an image processing module and a flare optimization module executing on the gateway device;
• the image processing module is configured to process the time-series color image frames to determine at least one flare parameter that provides a qualitative measurement of combustion efficiency of the flare over time;
• and
• the flare optimization module is configured to;
• evaluate the waste gas flowline pressure to determine if the waste gas is flowing to a flare tip of the flare, the evaluation including determining if the waste gas flowline pressure is greater than a predetermined criterion which indicates the waste gas is flowing to the flare tip;
• and
• adjust a relative amount of the waste gas to at least one assist gas for the flare based on the at least one flare parameter to continuously optimize the combustion efficiency of the flare.