Image sensing system, software, apparatus and method for controlling combustion equipment

A flare controller comprising:

• at least one flare ambiently discharging in the atmosphere;
• an imaging system, the imaging system including:
• at least two optical image capture devices, wherein at least one optical image capture device detects, locates and captures a flame in the flare, and at least one optical image capture device captures an electronic image of the flame;
• an image processor, the image processor being at least a computer in electronic communication with the optical image capture devices;
• at least one image processing algorithm hosted on the image processor, the image processing algorithm capable of analyzing the electronic image, wherein the image processing algorithm discriminates between the flare and the atmosphere;
• and
• an electronic output generated by the image processor, wherein the electronic output identifies at least one performance parameter of the flare;
• and an automated flare control processor receiving the electronic output, the automated flare control processor generating a responsive control input to a flame generation system that includes the flare.

A method for controlling a flare comprising:

• discharging a flare in an open-air ambient environment;
• monitoring the flare using an optical-based imaging system having at least one camera;
• capturing the image of the flare as an electronic image using the camera;
• analyzing the electronic image of the flare using at least one algorithm capable of predicting smoke, and at least one algorithm that is capable of discriminating between the flare and the open-air ambient environment;
• and
• adjusting the flare based upon the analyzed condition of the flare.

An automatic flare control system comprising:

• at least one flare;
• an imaging system capable of electronically capturing a digital image of a flame generated by the flare;
• and
• a computer system including software for analyzing the image captured by the imaging system.