BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to fluid combustion and, more particularly, to gas samplers and related methods.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Fluids generated during testing of a hydrocarbon well can be disposed of via combustion (e.g., flaring, burning) using a burner. To monitor for gas pollution from the burning of hydrocarbons, a gas sampler including an inlet for collecting exhaust gases is disposed proximate to the burner where the gases are emitted into the air. The collected samples can be analyzed to determine, for example, a concentration of the exhaust gases. Variables that can affect the positioning of the gas sampler relative to the burner include a bum rate of the fluid, wind direction in the environment in which the burner is operating, and/or wind speed. In some instances, such as for large scale burners operating in open-air environments, collection of all or substantially all of the combustion products (e.g., emission gases) is difficult. In such instances, the gas sampler may include probe(s) to sample the burner emissions. Variables that can affect sampling the gases via probe(s) include probe design, probe position, and orientation relative the flame (burner).

SUMMARY

[0003] Certain aspects of some embodiments disclosed herein are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0004] An example apparatus for sampling gases includes a frame support including a fluid conduit and a plurality of probes fluidly coupled to the support to enable fluid to flow from one or more of the plurality of probes to the frame support.

[0005] Another example apparatus includes a gas sampler to sample gases associated with a flame emitted by a burner, means for adjusting a position of the gas sampler relative to the burner, and means for adjusting an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner. [0006] An example method for adjusting a position of a gas sampler relative to a burner includes coupling the gas sampler to a first cable. The first cable is to extend between a first crane and a second crane. The example method includes moving the gas sampler to a first position relative to the burner via the first cable. The example method includes selectively positioning a second cable coupled to the gas sampler to adjust an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner.

[0007] Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in relation to various aspects of the present embodiments. Further features may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above- described aspects of the present disclosure alone or in any combination. Again, the brief summary presented above is intended to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of some embodiments without limitation to the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for sampling exhaust gases emitted by a burner and including a gas sampler arid a gas sampler controller in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is another illustration of the example system of FIG. 1 including cranes to position the example gas sampler of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates representative axes for positioning the example gas sampler of FIGS. 1 and 2 relative to a burner.

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates example positions for positioning the cranes of FIG. 2 relative to a burner.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of ah example gas sampler that may be used with the example system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the example gas sampler of FIG.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of the example gas sampler of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates the example gas sampler of FIG. 5 during operation of a burner.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the example gas sampler controller of FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example method to position the example gas sampler of FIGS. 1-8 relative to a burner.

[0018] FIGS. 11-16 illustrate the positioning of the example gas sampler of FIGS. 1-8 relative to a burner in connection with the example method of FIG. 10.

[0019] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example processing platform structured to execute the instructions of FIG. 10 to implement the example gas sampler controller of FIGS. 1 and/or 9.

[0020] The figures are not to scale. In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It is to be understood that the present disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below for purposes of explanation and to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0022] When introducing elements of various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, any use of “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” other directional terms, and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but does not mandate any particular orientation of the components.

[0023] Descriptors "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein when identifying multiple elements or components which may be referred to separately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on their context of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaning of priority, physical order or arrangement in a list, or ordering in time but are merely used as labels for referring to multiple elements or components separately for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as "second" or "third." In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements or components.

[0024] Fluid generated during well testing operations is typically considered to be waste fluid that is combusted using open air burners. Such burners can emit flames having diameters of, for example, up to 10 meters. In view of the combustion of hydrocarbon fuel and the emission of the burning fluid into the air, the content of the burning fuel is of interest with respect to, for instance, monitoring for pollution. Example exhaust gases generated during burning of well fluids can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NO _x ), and/or sulfur dioxides. In some known examples, a gas sampler, which can include a pipe having an inlet, is positioned proximate to the flame in the exhaust gases. Samples of the exhaust gases are collected and analyzed with respect to gas concentration.

[0025] Positioning a gas sampler to collect representative samples of the gases can depend on variables such as fluid burning rate, wind direction, and/or wind speed. Because the burner is operating in an open atmosphere, wind conditions can change during operation of the burner, which can affect the shape and/or size of the flame. To collect a representative sample of the gases, the gas sampler should be located proximate to the burner where the chemical combustion reactions have already occurred. The gas sampler should not be positioned too far from the burner to avoid inaccurate detection of the gases. Further, the gas sampler should be oriented to collect a mixture of the combustion products and not, for example, large amounts of air that could result in misrepresentations of the samples.

[0026] Some known gas samplers include a tubular conduit (e.g., a pipe) having an inlet positioned proximate to the burner flame via a crane. However, in such examples, the positioning of the gas sampler is limited to a height range of the crane. Further, in some known examples, the gas sampler is supported by the crane such that the gas sampler is oriented horizontally relative to a ground surface. Such known gas samplers may only capture a small sampling of gases at a particular height, which does not account for the asymmetrical nature of flames. Additionally, some known vertical gas samplers may only be sized to measure flames having diameters in the range of, for example, 3-5 meters. Thus, known gas samplers may not adequately collect samples that are representative of gases generated during burning. Further, known gas samplers and methods for positioning the samplers do not provide for dynamic adjustment of the gas sampler in view of changes in wind conditions, flame size, fluid burning rate, etc. during operation of the burner.

[0027] Disclosed herein are example gas samplers and methods for positioning gas samplers that improve the sampling of exhaust gases emitted during burning of hydrocarbon fuels. In examples disclosed herein, a gas sampler is positioned via two cranes that raise or lower the gas sampler to a selected height based on, for instance, a height of the burner and an expected size of the flame. The positions of the cranes relative to the burner can be selected to control a distance of the gas sampler from the flame. In examples disclosed here, an inclination adjustment cable is coupled to the gas sampler. When the gas sampler is in a raised position via the cranes, the inclination adjustment cable can be used to adjust an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner. For example, the inclination adjustment cable can be used to move the gas sampler toward or away from the burner, to left or right of the burner, etc. Thus, in examples, disclosed herein, the gas samplers can be selectively adjusted about multiple axes to position or orient the gas sampler relative to the burner. Examples disclosed herein provide for flexibility in positioning the gas sampler in view of varying wind conditions, asymmetrical flames, flame size, etc. Further, examples disclosed herein improve operational safety by reducing or eliminating the presence of human operators in close proximity to the burner during the collection of combustion exhaust gases.

[0028] Also disclosed herein are example gas samplers that provide for increased collection of exhaust gas samples over known gas samplers. Example gas samplers disclosed herein include a plurality of gas sampling probes coupled to a fluid conduit. In some examples, the probes are coupled to the fluid conduit along a length of the conduit to enable gas samples to be collected at various locations along a diameter of the flames. The position of the gas sampler can be selectively adjusted (e.g., via the inclination adjusting cable) such that the probes collect exhaust gas samples when the gas sampler is in the different positions in view of wind conditions, flame size, etc. Further, some example gas samplers disclosed herein include thermal protective coverings to protect the gas sampler from prolonged exposure to heat.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 for measuring exhaust gas emissions from a burner 102 (e.g., a burner for hydrocarbons and fluids produced from a wellbore). As illustrated in FIG. 1, during burning of the oil, flames 104 are emitted by one or more nozzles 106 of the burner 102. A gas sampler 108 is disposed proximate to the flames 104 to sample gases 110 associated with the flames 104. A fluid conduit 112 (e.g., a pipe) is fluidly coupled to the gas sampler 108 to carry samples collected by the gas sampler 108 for analysis by a gas sample analyzer 114. The gas sample analyzer 114 can include apparatus and/or software for analyzing exhaust gas samples collected by the gas sampler 108 with respect to, for instance, content. The gas sample analyzer 114 can be operatively controlled by a gas sampler controller 115 (e.g., one or more processors). As disclosed herein, in some examples, the gas sampler controller 115 controls positioning and/or operation of the gas sampler 108.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 1 , the gas sampler 108 is positioned relative to the burner 102 via a plurality of cables 116 that control height and/or angle of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102. The positioning of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 can include, for instance, a size of the flames 104 (e.g., a diameter of the flames) and/or the direction of wind in the environment in which the burner 102 is located, as represented by arrow 118 in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the example system 100 including a first crane 200 and a second crane 202 for positioning the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the cranes 200, 202 support the gas sampler 108 in a raised position proximate to the flames 104 via a holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain). As shown in FIG. 2, a first end 206 of the holding cable 204 is coupled to a first hoisting cable 208 (e.g., a steel wire) via a first linkage 210 (e.g., a swivel shackle). A second end 212 of the holding cable 204 is coupled to a second hoisting cable 214 (e.g., a steel wire) via a second linkage 216 (e.g., a swivel shackle). The first and second hoisting cables 208, 214 can include, for example, metal slings. The holding cable 204 is coupled to (e.g., locked to, clamped to) the gas sampler 108 via a third linkage 218 (e.g., a swivel shackle). In the example of FIG. 2, the use of swivel shackles for the linkages 210, 216, 218 reduces instances of twisting of the holding cable 204 and/or the hoisting cables 208, 214.

[0032] In some examples, the holding cable 204 includes a thermal covering 219 to protect the holding cable 204 from heat during exposure to the flames 104. In some examples, the thermal covering 219 includes temperature sensor(s) coupled thereto to generate temperature data, which can be transmitted to gas sampler controller 115, via wired or wireless communication protocols. The gas sampler controller 115 can monitor temperatures to which the holding cable 204 is exposed based on the temperature data. In some examples, the hoisting cables 208, 214 include the thermal covering 219. In the example of FIG. 2, the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain) may be more resistive to heat than the hoisting cables 208, 214; however, the holding cable 204 may be heavier and/or difficult to maneuver via the cranes 200, 202. Thus, in the example of FIG. 2, the holding cable 204 is used in combination with the hoisting cables 208, 214 to minimize weight and/or to reduce complexities in the maneuvering the holding cable 204. In other examples, only the holding cable 204 extending between the cranes 200, 202 may be used instead of the combination of the holding cable 204 and the hoisting cables 208, 214. In other examples, only a hoisting cable extending between the cranes 200, 202 (e.g., a steel wire) is used to support and position the gas sampler 108.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the hoisting cables 208, 214 are supported by the cranes 200, 202. Respective ends of the hoisting cables 208, 214 opposite the ends coupled to the linkages 210, 216 of the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain) are coupled to hoists 220, 222. The hoists 220, 222 are used to selectively pull or release the hoisting cables 208, 214 and, thus, raise or lower the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102. The first and second hoisting cables 208, 214 provide means for adjusting a height of the gas sampler 108 via the hoists 220, 222. For example, the hoists 220, 222 are used to raise the gas sampler 108 from a first position proximate to, for instance, a ground surface 224 to a second position proximate to the flames 104 via the hoisting cables 208, 214. In some examples, operation of the hoists 220, 222 is electrically controlled via motor(s) based on instruction(s) from the gas sampler controller 115. The gas sampler controller 115 communicates with the hoists 220, 222 via one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. Similarly, the gas sampler controller 115 is communicatively coupled to the crane(s) 200, 202 to provide instructions to the crane(s) 200, 202 with respect to, for instance, a height of the crane(s). In other examples, operation of the hoists 220, 222 is manually controlled via, for instance, a pulley system and one or more human operators.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, a first end 223 of the gas sampler 108 is coupled to the third linkage 218 such that the gas sampler 108 extends substantially lengthwise relative to the burner 102. In some examples, an angle at which the gas sampler 108 is disposed relative to the burner 102 is adjusted in view of, for instance, a direction in which the wind is blowing and the effect of the wind on the direction of the flames 104 and combustion gases emitted by the burner 102. The example system 100 of FIG. 2 includes an inclination adjusting cable 226. The inclination adjusting cable 226 provides means for adjusting an angle of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102. A first end of the inclination adjusting cable 226 is coupled to (e.g., clamped to, locked to) a second end 227 of the gas sampler 108 opposite the end 223 to which the gas sampler 108 is coupled to the third linkage 218. The inclination adjusting cable 226 can be coupled to the gas sampler 108 via a linkage such as a swivel shackle. A second end of the inclination adjusting cable 226 is coupled to a cable mount 228 (e.g., a hoist, a pulley system, electric motor(s)) located on the ground surface 224. The cable mount 228 can be controlled based on instruction(s) from the gas sampler controller 115. In other examples, the cable mount 228 is manually controlled. The inclination adjusting cable 226 can include, for example, a steel wire.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 2, an angle of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 is adjusted via the inclination adjusting cable 226. For instance, the gas sampler 108 can be adjusted to the right (e.g., first side) or left (e.g., second side) of the burner 102 (e.g., relative to a center point of the burner 102) via positioning and/or pulling of the inclination adjusting cable 226. For example, a position of the cable mount 228 on the ground surface 224 can be selected so as to cause the gas sampler 108 to tilt to the right of the burner 102 or the left of the burner 102. Additionally or alternatively, a distance of the gas sampler 108 toward or away from the burner 102 can be adjusted by changing a distance of the cable mount 228 on the ground surface 224 relative to the burner 102. Thus, in some examples, the inclination adjusting cable 226 pulls the second end 227 of the gas sampler 108 to adjust the angle of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102.

[0036] The example inclination adjusting cable 226 provides for selective angling of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 in view of, for instance, the direction in which the exhaust gases 110 are emitted due to factors such as a direction of the wind, a speed of the wind, a size of the flames 104, etc. In some examples, a position of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 can be adjusted via the inclination adjusting cable 226 to account for changes in environmental conditions and/or flame conditions after the gas sampler 108 has initially been positioned. Such flexibility enables the position of the gas sampler 108 to be efficiently adjusted in response to varying conditions at the burner 102. In some examples, the height, the angle, rotational position (e.g., left-right position), and/or, more generally, the position of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 is determined by the gas sampler controller 115 based on, for instance, user input(s) and/or data received by the gas sampler controller 115 via one or more sensor(s) (e.g., wind speed data, burner operation data received from the burner 102, etc.).

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-nozzle flame 300 generated by a burner such as the burner 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the axes about which the gas sampler 108 can be positioned relative to the burner 102. The conditions such as direction and/or speed of wind in the environment in which the burner 102 is located, as represented by arrow 302 in FIG. 3, can affect the positioning of the gas sampler 108. For example, an inclination or angle of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 can be adjusted based on wind speed, as represented by arrow 304 in FIG. 3. In some examples, a height of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 is selected based on wind speed and flow rate of oil through the burner 102, as represented by arrow 306 in FIG. 3. As represented by arrow 308 in FIG. 3, in some examples, a rotational position of the gas sampler 108 about the burner 102 (e.g., a left-right position) is based on a direction of the wind. Also, in some examples, a distance of the gas sampler 108 from the burner 102 is based on the oil flowrate for the burner 102 and wind speed, as represented by arrow 310.

[0038] Thus, inclination, height, rotational position, and distance of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 are considerations in the placement of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102. Put another way, means for positioning the gas sampler 108 may provide for at least four degrees of freedom with respect to positioning the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102. Data indicative of wind speed, wind direction, and oil flowrate can be generated by one or more sensor(s) 301 disposed in the environment (e.g., anemometer(s)) and/or associated with the burner 102 (e.g., flowmeter(s)). The sensor data is transmitted to the gas sampler controller 115 via one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. In some examples, the gas sampler controller 115 analyzes the data received and determines the placement of the gas sampler 108 relative to the burner 102 with respect to inclination, height, rotational position, and/or distance based on the data and one or more rules (e.g., algorithms). Based on the determination of the placement of the gas sampler 108, the gas sampler controller 115 can transmit instruction(s) to, for instance, the crane(s) 200, 202 (FIG. 2), the hoists 220, 222, 228 (FIG. 2), etc. In examples disclosed herein, the cranes 200, 202 (FIG. 2) and the inclination adjusting cable 226 (FIG. 2) provide for flexible placement of the gas sampler 108 that accounts for environmental conditions and characteristics of the burners.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates example positions for positioning two cranes such as the first and second cranes 200, 202 of FIG. 2 relative to the burner 102 in an environment 401. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of positions 400 for placing the cranes about the burner 102 are defined substantially symmetrically about the burner 102. The spacing between the respective positions 400 and/or the number of positions 400 can differ from the example shown in FIG. 4. In some examples, the positions 400 are associated with crane supports (e.g., concrete blocks) that define where the cranes 200, 202 should be placed and that support the cranes 200, 202 when the ground surface 224 includes a soft formation. In some other examples, the cranes 200, 202 are placed directly on the ground surface 224 at the selected positions 400.

[0040] The distribution of exhaust gases emitted during combustion can vary based on wind speed and direction. As disclosed herein, the gas sampler 108 is positioned such that the gas sampler 108 is disposed in the flue gases to collect samples. Thus, in some examples, the respective positions 400 selected for placement of the cranes 200, 202 relative to the burner 102 are based on a direction and/or speed of the wind and the expected direction in which the gases will flow. For instance, two of the positions 400 can be selected for placement of the cranes 200, 202 such that the gas sampler 108 will be downwind of the burner 102. In some other examples, respective cranes are placed at each of the positions 400 of FIG. 4 (e.g., at some earlier time). In such examples, rather than placing the two cranes at particular positions 400 prior to sampling the emission gases, the two cranes that have been previously placed at the various positions 400 are selected for use over the other available cranes based on, for example, current wind conditions. In some examples, the position(s) 400 for placement of the cranes 200, 202 are determined by the gas sampler controller 115 based on, for instance, data indicative of wind conditions in the environment.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example gas sampler 500 that may be used with the example system 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 (e.g., the example gas sampler 108 of FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in FIG. 5, the gas sampler 500 is coupled to the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain) of FIG. 2 via the linkage 218. As disclosed herein, the holding cable 204 is coupled to the hoisting cables 208, 214 (FIG. 2) and manipulated (e.g., raised or lowered) via the hoists 220, 222 (FIG. 2) and the cranes 200, 202 (FIG. 2). The gas sampler 500 can be coupled to the linkage 218 at a different location than shown in the example of FIG. 5.

[0042] The example gas sampler 500 includes a frame 502. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 502 may include a first frame support 504, a second frame support 506, and a third frame support 508. The example frame 502 includes a plurality of frame members 510 disposed between the first frame support 504 and the second frame support 506, between the first frame support 504 and the third frame support 508, and between the second frame support 506 and the third frame support 508. The frame supports 504, 506, 508 and/or the frame members 510 can be made of, for example, steel. As a result of the couplings between the frame supports 504, 506, 508 and the frame members 510, the frame 502 resembles a truss. The truss-like shape of the frame 502 increases a strength of the frame 502. However, the frame 502 can have other shapes than the example shown in FIG. 5.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 5, the second frame support 506 is a fluid conduit (e.g., a pipe). The example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 includes one or more gas sampling probes 512. The gas sampling probe(s) 512 provide means for sampling the exhaust gases associated with the flames emitted by a burner, such as the burner 102 of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 5, the gas sampling probes 512 are fluidly coupled to the second support or fluid conduit 506 such that gas entering the probe(s) 512 flows into the second frame support 506 via openings defined in the second frame support (e.g., to receive the probe(s) 512). A first end of the second frame support 506 (e.g., a tubular member) is closed. As disclosed herein, the second frame support 506 is coupled to a gas delivery pipe (FIG. 6) that transports the sampled gases for analysis (e.g., to the gas sample analyzer 114 of FIG. 1) via a second, open end of the second frame support 506 opposite the first end. Thus, in the example of FIG. 5, the second frame support 506, which provides means for transporting the gases from the probe(s) 512, forms a portion of the frame 502 of the gas sampler 500.

[0044] The gas sampling probe(s) 512 can be coupled to the second frame support 506 such that the probe(s) 512 extend substantially perpendicular to the second frame support 506. In the example of FIG. 5, the gas sampling probes 512 are coupled to the second frame support 506 via, for example, welding, mechanical fastener(s), chemical fastener(s), etc. A first gas sampling probe 512 can be spaced apart from a second gas sampling probe at a distance of, for example, 1.5 meters. The spacing between adjacent gas sampling probes 512 can differ from the example shown in FIG. 5. Also, the example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 can include additional or fewer gas sampling probes 512 than shown in FIG. 5. The size and/or shape of the gas sampling probes 512 can also differ from the example shown in FIG. 5. Also, although in FIG. 5 the gas sampling probes 512 are coupled to the second frame support 506, in some examples, the first frame support 504 and/or the third frame support 508 can additionally or alternatively serve as fluid conduits and the gas sampling probes 512 can additionally or alternatively be coupled to the first and/or third frame supports 504, 508.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the gas sampling probes 512 are disposed at various locations along the length of the second frame support 506. Such an arrangement provides for an increase in the collection of emission gas samples for analysis as compared to if the gas sampler 500 only had a single inlet or a few inlets concentrated at a particular region of the gas sampler 500. In some examples, a length of the gas sampler 500 (e.g., a length of the frame supports 504, 506, 508) is greater than a size of the flame (e.g., a maximum size (e.g., diameter) of a flame) expected to be emitted by a burner from which the gas sampler 500 is to collect samples. For example, a flame emitted by the burner may be expected to have a diameter of 10 meters. The example gas sampler 500 of Fig. 5 can have a length of 15 meters. Thus, the example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 can collect gas samples along the length (e.g., diameter) of the flame via the gas sampling probes 512 to obtain an accurate representation of the gases being emitted.

[0046] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, a gas delivery pipe 600 is coupled to an outlet 602 of the second frame support 506. The gas delivery pipe 600 delivers gas sampled by the gas sampler 500 via the gas sampling probe(s) 512 to a gas analyzer (e.g., the gas sample analyzer 114 of FIG. 1) for analysis. In some examples, the gas delivery pipe 600 includes a flexible metal pipe. The use of a flexible metal pipe enables the gas delivery pipe 600 to adapt to changes in positions of the gas sampler 500 with respect to height and/or orientation of the gas sampler 500 relative to a burner (e.g., via the inclination adjustment cable 226). The use of a flexible gas delivery pipe 600 reduces the need to adjust the length and/or positions of the gas delivery pipe 600 when the position of the gas sampler 500 is changed.

[0047] In some examples, the gas sampler 500 is coupled to the linkage 218 and, thus, the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain), via a support cable 604. The support cable 604 can be coupled to, for instance, the first frame support 504 of the gas sampler 500 via another linkage 606. A length of the support cable 604 can differ from the example shown in FIG. 6. In some examples, a length of the support cable 604 is selected prior to the positioning of the gas sampler 500 relative to a burner to control an amount by which the angle of the gas sampler 500 can be adjusted relative to the burner.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a side view of the example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 and, in particular, shows a side view of the first frame support 504 and the second frame support 506. For illustrative purposes, the third frame support 508 is not shown in FIG. 7. However, in some examples, the third frame support 508 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to, for instance, the first frame support 504. As disclosed above, the first frame support 504 is coupled to the second frame support 506 via one or more frame members 510.

[0049] As disclosed above, in some examples, a length of the frame 502 of the gas sampler 500 is selected to be greater than a size (e.g., a maximum size (e.g., diameter)) of a flame expected to be emitted by a burner to enable the gas sampler 500 to collect gas samples along the flame. The example gas sampler 500 can be formed from a plurality of supports coupled together to selectively define a length of the gas sampler 500. For example, the first frame support 504 can include a first support member 700 (e.g., a steel rod) removably coupled to a second support member 702 via a first flange 704. The first frame support 504 can include a third support member 706 removably coupled to the second support member 702 via a second flange 704. The respective first and second flanges 704 can provide for fluid sealing between the first and second support members 700, 702 and the second and third support members 702, 706. Thus, the first frame support 504 can be defined by two or more support members.

[0050] Similarly, the second frame support 506 can include a fourth support member 703 removably coupled to a fifth support member 705 via a third flange 704. The second frame support 506 can include a sixth support member 707 removably coupled to the fifth support member 705 via fourth flange 704. The third frame support 508 (FIG. 5) can be substantially the same as the first frame support 504 and include support members coupled via flanges. The frame 502 of the example gas sampler 500 can include additional or fewer support members 700, 702, 706, 703, 705, 707. Thus, a length of the example gas sampler frame 502 of FIG. 7 can be efficiently increased or decreased via the coupling or removal of support members 700, 702, 706, 703, 705, 707 that form the frame supports 504, 506, 508. The length of the frame 502 of the gas sampler 500 can be selected based on expected properties of the flames in view properties of the burner, wind conditions, etc.

[0051] The example gas sampler 500 of FIGS. 5-7 includes the gas sampling probe(s) 512 coupled to the second frame support 506. The gas sampling probe(s) 512 can be coupled proximate to a first end 709 of the second frame support 506, a second end 710 of the second frame support 506, and/or at one or more locations between the first and second ends 709, 710. In some examples, the second frame support includes a plurality of openings to receive the gas sampling probe(s) 512. In some examples, one or more of the gas sampling probes 512 can be plugged (e.g., closed, capped, etc.) to reduce the number of gas intake ports. For example, if the gas sampler 500 having a length of 15 meters is used with a burner that emits a flame having a substantially smaller diameter (e.g., 5 meters), one or more of the gas sampling probes 512 can be selectively plugged to reduce an amount of air that will enter the gas sampler 500 via the probe(s) 512 that are not exposed or that are not substantially exposed to the exhaust gases. Selectively plugging the gas sample probe(s) 512 can prevent excessive air from mixing with the gases collected via the probe(s) 512 that are not plugged and can provide for a more accurate sampling of the exhaust gases. Further, selectively plugging the gas sampling probe(s) 512 can serve as an alternative to adjusting the length of the gas sampler 500 via the coupling and decoupling of the support member(s) 700, 702, 703, 705, 706, 707 via the flange(s) 704.

[0052] In FIG. 7, the inclination adjustment cable 226 is coupled to the second frame support 506 via a linkage 711. The gas sampler 500 can be coupled to the linkage 218 (FIG. 2, 5, 6) associated with the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain) (FIGS. 2, 5, 6) via the cable 604 (FIG. 6) and the linkage 606 (FIG. 6) of the first frame support 504 of FIG. 7. Also, as disclosed above, the gas delivery pipe 600 is coupled to the gas sampler 500 via the gas sampler outlet 602 of the second frame support 506.

[0053] When the gas sampler 500 is exposed to flames during operation of a burner, the frame supports 504, 506, 508 and the probe(s) 512 are subjected to high temperatures. For instance, a burner can release heat in the order of 600 Megawatts. The example gas sampler 500 of FIG. 7 includes one or more temperature sensors 712 (e.g., thermocouples) coupled to the frame 502 of the gas sampler 500. For example, one or more temperature sensors 712 can be coupled to the first frame support 504, the second frame support 506, and/or the third frame support 508 (FIG. 5). The temperature sensor(s) 712 generate temperature data that is monitored during the gas sampling process to prevent overheating of the gas sampler 500. The temperature sensor(s) 712 can transmit data (e.g., via one or more wireless or wired communication links) to the gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 1 for analysis of the temperature data relative to predefined thresholds for the materials of the frame supports 504, 506, 508. In some examples, the frame 502 (e.g., the frame supports 504, 506, 508) and/or the gas sampling probe(s) 512 include thermal protective materials having low heat conductivity to further protect the gas sampler 500 from heat damage. The thermal protective material(s) can include, for example, a Cerachem ^® blanket (e.g., a ceramic fiber blanket). In some examples, the thermal protective material(s) include foil (e.g. in addition to the use if the ceramic fiber blanket) to provide protections from atmospheric condensation.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates the example system 100 of FIG. 1 including the gas sampler 500 of FIGS. 5-7. As shown in FIG. 8, the gas sampler 500 is raised via the cranes 200, 202 (for illustrative purposes, only the first crane 200 is shown in FIG. 8), the hoisting cables 208, 214, and the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain) (for illustrative purposes, the hoisting cable 208 and a portion of the holding cable 204 are shown in FIG. 8). As disclosed herein, the gas sampler 500 is coupled to the holding cable 204 via the linkage 218 (FIGS. 2, 6). As shown in FIG. 8, the gas sampler 500 is located a distance from the burner 102 such that the gas sampler 500 is disposed in the exhaust gases 110 associated with the flames 104. Also, an angle of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 can be adjusted via the inclination adjusting cable 226. In some examples, one or more of the height of the gas sampler 500, the distance of the gas sampler 500 from the burner 102, and/or the angle of the gas sampler 500 is determined by the gas sampler controller 115.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the example gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 1. As mentioned above, the example gas sampler controller 115 is constructed to control placement of a gas sampler (e.g., the gas samplers 180, 500 of FIGS. 1-8) relative to an burner (e.g., the burner 102 of FIG. 1) and/or operation of the gas sampler. The example gas sampler controller 115 can be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to, for example, adjust a position and/or inclination of the gas sampler. In some examples, one or more components of the gas sampler controller 115 are implemented via a cloud-computing environment and one or more other components of the gas sampler controller 115 are implemented by one or more processors.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 9, the gas sampler controller 115 receives environmental condition data 900 from one or more environmental condition sensor(s) 902 (e.g., the sensor(s) 301 of FIG. 3). The environmental condition sensor(s) 902 (e.g., anemometer(s), wind direction sensor(s) (e.g., wind vanes) measure, for instance, wind speed and wind direction in an environment in which the burner 102 of FIG. 1 is located. The environmental condition data 900 is stored in a database 904. In some examples, the gas sampler controller 115 includes the database 904. In other examples the database 904 is located external to the gas sampler controller 115 at a location accessible to the gas sampler controller 115 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 9, the gas sampler controller 115 receives burner operation data 906 from the burner 102. The burner operation data 906 is stored in the database 904. The burner operation data 906 can include data indicating, for example, whether the burner 102 is emitting flames and oil flowrates of the burner 102. The burner operation data 906 can be received from one or more sensor(s) associated with burner 102, such as flowrate sensor(s) 907 to generate data regarding hydrocarbon and/or air flowrates to the burner 102. . In some examples, one or more of the environmental conditional data 900 or the burner operation data 906 is based on user input(s) received at the gas sampler controller 115.

[0058] The example gas sampler controller 115 includes a gas sampler placement controller 908. The gas sampler placement controller 908 determines a placement of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102. The gas sampler placement controller 908 determines one or more of a height of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102, a distance of the gas sampler 108, 500 from the burner 102, an angle of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102, or a position of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative a first side of the burner 102 (e.g., a right side) or a second side of the burner 102 (e.g., a left side). In the example of FIG. 9, the gas sampler controller 115 determines the placement of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102 based on gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 stored in the database 904 and one or more of the environmental condition data 900 and the burner operation data 906. The gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 can define, for example, an angle at which the gas sampler 108, 500 should be disposed relative to the burner 102 based on wind speed in the environment. The gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 can define a height of gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102 based on, for example, wind speed and oil flowrate at the burner 102. The gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 can define a rotational position (e.g., a left-right position) of the gas sampler 108, 500 about the burner 102 based on a direction of the wind. The gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 can define a distance of the gas sampler 108 from the burner 102 is based on the oil flowrate for the burner 102 and wind speed. The gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 can be defined based one or more user inputs.

[0059] Based on the determination of the placement of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102, the example gas sample placement controller 908 of FIG. 9 transmits one or more instructions to control operation of, for example, the hoist(s) 220, 222, cable mount 228, and/or the crane(s) 200, 202 with respect to adjusting the placement of gas sampler 108, 500 via the cable(s) 116, 204, 208, 214, 226. For instance, the instruction(s) generated and transmitted by the gas sampler placement controller 908 can control operation of the hoist(s) 220, 222 to raise or lower the cables(s) 204, 208 to adjust the height of the gas sampler 108, 500.

[0060] The example gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 9 includes a gas sampler operation controller 912. The gas sampler operation controller 912 can control operation of the gas sampler 108, 500 with respect to the collection of gas samples. For example, the gas sampler operation controller 912 can determine which gas sampling probes 512 of the gas sampler 108, 500 should be closed or capped and which gas sampling probes 512 should be open to collect samples. The gas sampler operation controller 912 can control operation of the gas sampler 108, 500 based on one or more gas sampler operation rule(s) 914 stored in the database 904 and data such as the environmental condition data 900 and/or the burner operation data 906. For example, the gas sampler operation controller 912 can determine which probe(s) 512 should be plugged based on the burner operation data 906 indicating expected size(s) of the flame(s) to be emitted by the burner 102, the length of the gas sampler 108, 500, and the gas sampler operation rule(s) 914. The gas sampler operation rule(s) 914 can be defined based on user input(s)).

[0061] The example gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 9 includes a gas sample analysis controller 916. The example gas sample analysis controller 916 controls operation of the gas sample analyzer 114 (e.g., gas sample analysis hardware such as sensors, meters, etc.; gas sample analysis software) based on one or more gas sample analysis rule(s) 918. The gas sample analysis rule(s) 918 can define the type of analysis (e.g., test(s)) to be performed on the samples by the gas sample analyzer 114 and can control operation of the gas sample analyzer 114 based on, for instance, an indication from the gas sampler operation controller 912 that the gas sampler 108, 500 is collecting gas samples. The gas sample analysis rule(s) 918 can be defined by user input(s) and stored in the database 904.

[0062] While an example manner of implementing the gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 9, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated in FIG. 9 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example database 904, the example gas sampler placement controller 908, the example gas sampler operation controller 912, the gas sample analysis controller 916, and/or, more generally, the example gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 9 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example database 904, the example gas sampler placement controller 908, the example gas sampler operation controller 912, the gas sample analysis controller 916, and/or, more generally, the example gas sampler controller 115 could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), programmable controller(s), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), digital signal processor(s) (DSP(s)), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this patent to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the example database 904, the example gas sampler placement controller 908, the example gas sampler operation controller 912, and/or the gas sample analysis controller 916 is/are hereby expressly defined to include a non-transitory computer readable storage device or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. including the software and/or firmware. Further still, the example gas sampler controller 115 may include one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 9, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices. As used herein, the phrase “in communication,” including variations thereof, encompasses direct communication and/or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and/or constant communication, but rather additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, and/or one-time events.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example method 1000 for positioning a gas sampler (e.g., the gas sampler 500 of FIGS. 5-8) relative to a burner (e.g., the burner 102 of FIG. 1). For illustrative purposes, the example method 1000 will be discussed in connection with FIGS. 11-16. Although the example method 1000 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10, many other methods of positioning and orientating a gas sampler relative to a burner may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. [0064] In some examples, one or more blocks of the example method 1000 of FIG. 10 are implemented by the example gas sampler controller 115 of FIGS. 1 and/or 9. In such examples, FIG. 10 is representative of example hardware logic, machine readable instructions, hardware implemented state machines, and/or any combination thereof for implementing the gas sampler controller 115 of FIGS. 1 and/or 9. The machine readable instructions may be one or more executable programs or portion(s) of an executable program for execution by a computer processor such as the processor 115 shown in the example processor platform 1700 discussed below in connection with FIG. 17. The program may be embodied in software stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a DVD, a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with the processor 115, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor 115 and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10, many other methods of implementing the example gas sampler controller 115 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks may be implemented by one or more hardware circuits (e.g., discrete and/or integrated analog and/or digital circuitry, an FPGA, an ASIC, a comparator, an operational-amplifier (op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) structured to perform the corresponding operation without executing software or firmware.

[0065] The machine readable instructions described herein may be stored in one or more of a compressed format, an encrypted format, a fragmented format, a compiled format, an executable format, a packaged format, etc. Machine readable instructions as described herein may be stored as data (e.g., portions of instructions, code, representations of code, etc.) that may be utilized to create, manufacture, and/or produce machine executable instructions. For example, the machine readable instructions may be fragmented and stored on one or more storage devices and/or computing devices (e.g., servers). The machine readable instructions may require one or more of installation, modification, adaptation, updating, combining, supplementing, configuring, decryption, decompression, unpacking, distribution, reassignment, compilation, etc. in order to make them directly readable, interpretable, and/or executable by a computing device and/or other machine. For example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in multiple parts, which are individually compressed, encrypted, and stored on separate computing devices, wherein the parts when decrypted, decompressed, and combined form a set of executable instructions that implement a program such as that described herein.

[0066] In another example, the machine readable instructions may be stored in a state in which they may be read by a computer, but require addition of a library (e.g., a dynamic link library (DLL)), a software development kit (SDK), an application programming interface (API), etc. in order to execute the instructions on a particular computing device or other device. In another example, the machine readable instructions may need to be configured (e.g., settings stored, data input, network addresses recorded, etc.) before the machine readable instructions and/or the corresponding program(s) can be executed in whole or in part. Thus, the disclosed machine readable instructions and/or corresponding program(s) are intended to encompass such machine readable instructions and/or program(s) regardless of the particular format or state of the machine readable instructions and/or program(s) when stored or otherwise at rest or in transit.

[0067] The machine readable instructions described herein can be represented by any past, present, or future instruction language, scripting language, programming language, etc. For example, the machine readable instructions may be represented using any of the following languages: C, C++, Java, C#, Perl, Python, JavaScript, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Structured Query Language (SQL), Swift, etc.

[0068] As mentioned above, the example processes of FIG. 10 may be implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. [0069] The example method 1000 begins at block 1002 with a determination if the gas sample intake properties of the gas sampler should be adjusted. For example, based on expected properties of the flames to be emitted by a burner and/or environmental conditions such as wind direction and/or wind speed, one or more properties such as a length of the gas sampler 500 and/or the probe(s) 512 of the gas sampler 500 that are plugged may be adjusted. In some examples, the gas sampler operation controller 912 of the example gas sampler controller 115 of FIG. 9 determines if gas sample intake properties of the gas sampler 500 should be adjusted based on the gas sampler operation rule(s) 914 and data such as the burner operation data 906.

[0070] If the gas sampler is to be adjusted, the example method 1000 includes adjusting the gas intake properties of the gas sampler at block 1004. For example, a length of the gas sampler 108, 500 of FIG. 5 can be increased by adding additional support members 700, 702, 703, 705, 706, 707 forming the frame supports 504, 506, 508 via the flanges 704 and thereby providing for a gas sampler that includes additional gas sampling probes 512. In other examples, a length of the gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 can be reduced by removing one or more support members 700, 702, 703, 705, 706, 707 associated with the frame supports 504, 506, 508 via the flanges 704. The adjustment of the length of the gas sampler 500 can be based on an expected size of the flame.

[0071] In some examples, adjusting the gas intake properties of the gas sampler 500 of FIG. 5 includes plugging one or more of the gas sampling probes 512 to prevent excess air from mixing with the exhaust gases collected by the gas sampler. For example, if the length of the gas sampler 500 is substantially longer than an expected diameter of the flame, the gas sampling probes 512 that are expected to be substantially outside a region including the exhaust gases can be plugged to improve accuracy in the exhaust gas samples collected. In some examples, the plugging of the probe(s) 512 is based on instruction(s) from the gas sampler operation controller 912,

[0072] At block 1006, cranes that will be used to support the hoisting cables that lift the gas sampler are positioned. For example, the first crane 200 and the second crane 202 of FIG. 2 can be positioned relative to the burner 102 at selected positions 400 of FIG. 4 based on, for example, wind conditions in the environment in which the burner 102 is to operate. In some examples, the first crane 200 and the second crane 202 have been previously positioned relative to the burner 102 and are selected from other cranes disposed about the burner 102 based on their position and conditions such as wind, expected flame size, etc.

[0073] At block 1008, a height of the gas sampler is adjusted (e.g., raised) to enable the gas sampler to sample gases associated with flames emitted by the burner during operation of the burner. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, a position of the gas sampler relative to a first side (e.g., a right side) or a second side (e.g., a left side) of the burner is adjusted. For example, the gas sampler 500 can be coupled to the holding cable 204 (e.g., a chain), which is coupled to the first and second hoisting cables 208, 214. The first and second hoisting cables 208, 214 are supported by the cranes 200, 202 and coupled to the hoists 220, 222. The hoists 220, 222 are used to control the hoisting cables 208, 214 to lift the gas sampler 500 and/or adjust a position of the gas sampler 500 relative to a side (e.g., a left side, a right side) of the burner 102. In the example of FIG. 9, the height of the gas sampler 500 can be selected based on the characteristics of the burner (e.g., height(s) and/or position(s) of the burner nozzle(s)), expected properties of the flames (e.g., size), wind direction and/or speed, etc. In some examples, the gas sampler placement controller 908 of the example gas sampler controller 115 determines the height and/or left-right position of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 based on the gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 and the environmental condition data 900 and/or the burner operation data 906. In some examples, the gas sampler placement controller 908 generates and transmits instruction(s) to the crane(s) 200, 202 and/or the hoist(s)/cable mount(s) 220, 222, 228 to cause the height and/or the left-right position of the gas sampler 180, 500 to be adjusted via the cables 116, 204, 208, 214, 226.

[0074] Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, these figures illustrate the lifting and/or adjustment of a side position (e.g., left-right position) of the gas sampler 500 via the hoists 220, 222 and the cables 204, 208, 214 relative to the burner 102. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the hoisting cables 208, 214 are supported by the respective cranes 200, 202. The hoists 220, 220 are used (e.g., via electric or manual operation) to pull the hoisting cables 208, 214 and thereby lift the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102, as represented by arrows 1100, 1102 in FIG. 11.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 10, at block 1010 the example method 1000 includes adjusting an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner to further enable the gas sampler to sample gases during operation of the burner. For example, an angle of the gas sampler can be adjusted via the inclination adjustment cable 226 coupled to the gas sampler 500 to position the gas sampler 500 toward or away from the burner 102 and/or about the burner 102 (e.g., to the right or left of the burner 102). The inclination adjustment cable 226 can be controlled via the cable mount 228 (e.g., a hoist) to angle the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 (e.g., via pulling of the inclination adjustment cable 226). The orientation of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 can be based on, for example, wind direction, an expected size of the flame, etc. For example, based on the wind direction and, thus, direction of the flame, the gas sampler 500 can be angled relative to the burner 102 so as to position the gas sampler 500 in the exhaust gases associated with the flame. In some examples, the gas sampler placement controller 908 of the example gas sampler controller 115 determines the angle of the gas sampler 108, 500 relative to the burner 102 based on the gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 and the environmental condition data 900 and/or the burner operation data 906. In some examples, the gas sampler placement controller 908 generates and transmits instruction(s) to the cable mount 228 to cause the angle the gas sampler 180, 500 to be adjusted via the inclination adjustment cable 226.

[0076] When the gas sampler is positioned relative to the burner with respect to height and angle and the burner is operating, the gas sampler collects samples of the exhaust gases associated with the flame emitted by the burner. The sampled gases can be transmitted for analysis a fluid conduit coupled to the gas sampler (e.g., the gas delivery pipe 600). In some examples, gas sample analysis controller 916 of FIG. 9 controls operation of the gas sample analyzer 114 with respect to analyzing the sampled gases based on the gas sample analysis rule(s) 918.

[0077] Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG. 13 illustrates the adjustment of the angle of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102. The inclination adjustment cable 226 is coupled to the gas sampler 500 and the cable mount 228. As represented by arrows 1300, 1302 of FIG. 13, an angle and/or a distance of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 can be adjusted via positioning and/or pulling of the inclination adjustment cable 226.

[0078] FIG. 14 illustrates the gas sampler 500 during operation of the burner 102 in which the flames 104 are emitted. As shown in FIG. 14, the gas sampler 500 is disposed proximate to the flame and, thus, the exhaust gases. The gas sampler 500 can collect samples of the exhaust gases via probes coupled to a frame of the gas sampler 500 (e.g., the gas sampling probes 512 of FIG. 5).

[0079] Returning to FIG. 10, block 1012 includes a determination if sampling of the exhaust gases is complete. If sampling of the gases is to continue, the example method 1000 includes determining if a position of the gas sampler relative to the burner should be adjusted at block 1014. If the position of the gas sampler is to be adjusted, block 1016 of the example method 1000 includes adjusting the height, side position (e.g., left-right position) and/or angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner. In the example method 1000, the position of the gas sampler 500 can be adjusted to account for, for instance, changes in wind direction and/or speed, flowrates of the burner, etc. without moving the position of the cranes lifting the gas sampler. Rather, the height and/or angle of the gas sampler can be adjusted via adjustment of the hoisting cables 208, 214 and/or the inclination adjustment cable 226. The adjustment(s) to the position of the gas sampler can be performed during, for instance, a period in which the burner is not operating. The adjustment(s) to the placement of the gas sampler 500 can be determined by the gas sampler placement controller 908 of FIG. 9 based on the gas sampler placement rule(s) 910 and data such as the environmental condition data 900 and/or the burner operation data 906.

[0080] FIG. 15 illustrates adjustments to the position of the example gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102. As represented by arrow 1500 in FIG. 15, a height and/or left-right position of the gas sampler 500 can be adjusted by lowering or raising one or more of the hoisting cables 208, 214. As represented by arrow 1502 in FIG. 15, an angle of the gas sampler 500 relative to the burner 102 can be adjusted via the inclination adjustment cable 226 and the cable mount 228. Thus, the example gas sampler 500 can be adjusted without adjustment of the positions of the cranes 200, 202.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 10, when no further gas samples are to be collected, the example method 1000 includes lowering the gas sampler relative to a ground surface at block 1018. The gas sampler can be lowered proximate to the ground surface via the hoisting cables 208, 214. The example method 1000 can include rigging down any other equipment such as the cranes 200, 202, the hoists 220, 222, etc. [0082] FIG. 16 illustrates the gas sampler 500 in a lowered position after sampling of exhaust gases is complete. In the example of FIG. 16, the gas sampler 500 is lowered via the hoisting cables 208, 214 as represented by arrows 1600, 1602 in FIG. 16.

[0083] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 1700 structured to execute one or more block of the example method 1000 of FIG. 10 to implement the example gas sampler controller 115 of FIGS. 1 and/or 9. The processor platform 1700 can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a workstation, a self- learning machine (e.g., a neural network), a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a headset or other wearable device, or any other type of computing device.

[0084] The processor platform 1700 of the illustrated example includes a processor 115. The processor 115 of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor 115 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, GPUs, DSPs, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. The hardware processor may be a semiconductor based (e.g., silicon based) device. In this example, the processor implements the example gas sampler placement controller 908, the gas sampler operation controller 912, the gas sample analysis controller 916.

[0085] The processor 115 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 1713 (e.g., a cache). The processor 115 of the illustrated example is in communication with a main memory including a volatile memory 1714 and a non-volatile memory 1716 via a bus 1718. The volatile memory 1714 may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS® Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM®) and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory 1716 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory 1714, 1716 is controlled by a memory controller.

[0086] The processor platform 1700 of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit 1720. The interface circuit 1720 may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a Bluetooth® interface, a near field communication (NFC) interface, and/or a PCI express interface. [0087] In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1722 are connected to the interface circuit 1720. The input device(s) 1722 permit(s) a user to enter data and/or commands into the processor 115. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

[0088] One or more output devices 1724 are also connected to the interface circuit 1720 of the illustrated example. The output devices 1724 can be implemented, for example, by display devices (e.g , a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube display (CRT), an in-place switching (IPS) display, a touchscreen, etc.), a tactile output device, a printer and or speaker. The interface circuit 1720 of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip and/or a graphics driver processor.

[0089] The interface circuit 1720 of the illustrated example also includes a communication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a modem, a residential gateway, a wireless access point, and/or a network interface to facilitate exchange of data with external machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network 1726. The communication can be via, for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, a telephone line connection, a coaxial cable system, a satellite system, a line-df-site wireless system, a cellular telephone system, etc.

[0090] The processor platform 1700 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices 1728 for storing software and or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 1728 include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

[0091] The machine executable instructions 1732 to execute one or more blocks of the example method 1000 of FIG. 10 may be stored in the mass storage device 1728, in the volatile memory 1714, in the noh-volatiie memory 1716, and/or on a removable non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD. [0092] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above-disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide for selective adjustment of a gas sampler relative to a burner to collect samples of exhaust gases associated with flames emitted by the burner. In examples disclosed herein the gas sampler can be adjusted with respect to one or more axes to control the height, angle, and/or distance of the gas sampler relative to the burner. Examples disclosed herein employ a series of adjustable cables that are used to manipulate the position of the gas sampler. As a result of the flexible positioning of the gas sampler, examples disclosed herein provide for improved sampling of gases in view of varying wind conditions, burner designs, flame characteristics, etc. Some example gas samplers disclosed herein include a plurality of gas sampling probes disposed along a length of the gas sampler. As a result, example gas samplers disclosed herein are able to collect gas samples along a diameter of the flame, thereby providing for increased sampling of the gases as compared to gas samplers that only contain one inlet or that are limited to collecting samples associated with particular area of the flame.

[0093] An example apparatus for sampling gases includes a frame support including a fluid conduit and a plurality of probes fluidly coupled to the frame support to enable fluid to flow from one or more of the plurality of probes to the frame support.

[0094] In some examples, the frame support includes a tubular member defining a plurality of openings fluidly coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of probes, wherein a first end of the tubular member is closed, and a second end of the tubular member opposite the first end is to receive a hose to carry the fluid.

[0095] In some examples, the apparatus further includes a temperature sensor coupled to the frame support.

[0096] In some examples, a first one of the plurality of probes is disposed proximate to a first end of the frame support, a second one of the plurality of probes is disposed proximate to a second end of the frame support, and a third one of the plurality of probes is disposed between the first one of the plurality of probes and the second one of the plurality of probes.

[0097] In some examples, the frame support includes a first support portion removably coupled to a second support portion. [0098] In some examples, the fluid conduit is a first fluid conduit and the apparatus further includes a second fluid conduit coupled to an outlet of the first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit including a flexible material.

[0099] In some examples, the frame support includes a thermal protective material.

[00100] In some examples, the frame support is a first frame support and the apparatus further includes a second frame support and a plurality of frame members extending between the first frame support and the second frame support to couple the first frame support to the second frame support.

[00101] Another example apparatus includes a gas sampler to sample gases associated with a flame emitted by a burner, means for adjusting a position of the gas sampler relative to the burner, and means for adjusting an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner.

[00102] In some examples, the means for adjusting the position includes a first cable and a second cable and the apparatus further includes a first hoist to selectively raise or lower the first cable and a second hoist to selectively raise or lower the second cable.

[00103] In some examples, the apparatus includes a first crane and a second crane, the first crane to support the first cable when the first cable is in a raised position and the second crane to support the second cable in a raised position.

[00104] In some examples, the means for adjusting the angle of the gas sampler includes a cable extending between the gas sampler and a ground surface.

[00105] In some examples, the means for adjusting the position includes a first cable and a second cable and the apparatus farther includes a third cable coupled to the first cable and the second cable, the gas sampler coupled to the third cable.

[00106] In some examples, one or more of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable includes a thermal covering.

[00107] In some examples, the gas sampler includes at least two gas intake probes coupled to a frame of the gas sampler.

[00108] An method for adjusting a position of a gas sampler relative to a burner includes coupling the gas sampler to a first cable, the first cable to extend between a first crane and a second crane; moving the gas sampler to a first position relative to the burner via the first cable; and selectively positioning a second cable coupled to the gas sampler to adjust an angle of the gas sampler relative to the burner.

[00109J In some examples, selectively positioning the second cable is to cause a distance of the gas sampler from the burner to be adjusted.

[00110] In some examples, the gas sampler includes a plurality of probes and further including selectively plugging one or more of the probes of the gas sampler.

[00111] In some examples, the method further includes moving the gas sampler to a second position relative to the burner via the first cable, the first cable supported in a raised position by a crane, the crane in the first position relative to the burner when the gas sampler is at the first height, and the crane in the second position relative to the burner when the gas sampler is at the second height.

[00112] In some examples, the first cable is coupled to a second cable and wherein moving the gas sampler to the first position includes adjusting the second cable via a hoist.

[00113] In some examples, selectively positioning the second cable is based on at least one of a direction of wind in an environment including the burner, a speed of the wind in the environment, a direction of a flame emitted by the burner, or a flowrate of hydrocarbons to the burner.

[00114] In the specification and appended claims: the term “coupled” is used to mean “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements.” “Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term "comprising" and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[00115] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method actions may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

[00116] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[00117] Although the preceding description has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, it extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. [00118] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed

Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.