Flare pilot detection and ignition system
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsKurt Kraus, Dusty Richmond, Jay Jennings, Stefano Bietto
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system having a flame rod assembly for operation in a high temperature pilot burner. The assembly is designed for operation in temperatures from about −40 to 1100 degrees C. The system may operate in inclement weather involving high speed winds and significant amounts of moisture and rain to hurricane storm force levels and rates. The system incorporates an electrical apparatus which may provide flame sensing and ignition via the flame rod assembly incorporating a quick drying insulator around a rod of the assembly to ensure proper operation of the electrical apparatus.
Claims20
A method for detection and ignition, comprising:
- providing a flame rod having a first end at a flame location of a burner;
- covering a portion of the flame rod with an insulator at a predefined distance from the first end of the flame rod;
- determining whether there is a flame at the burner by detecting a voltage, if any, on the flame rod caused by a field of ionization gas of a flame;
- and
- igniting the burner with a voltage spark from the flame rod to start a flame at the burner;
- and
- wherein the insulator eliminates effects of moisture to prevent an electrical malfunction of the flame rod which makes the flame rod inoperable relative to detecting a voltage on the flame rod caused by a field of ionization gas of a flame or relative to igniting the burner with a voltage spark.
A detection and ignition system comprising:
- a flame rod;
- an electrically insulating sleeve situated around a portion of the flame rod at a first end;
- an electrical switch connected to the first end of the flame rod;
- a signal amplifier for indicating an ionization field on the flame rod, the signal amplifier connected to the switch;
- and
- an electrical spark source connected to the switch;
- and
- wherein:
- the switch comprises a first position and a second position;
- the first position connects the amplifier to the flame rod;
- the second position connects the electrical spark source to the flame rod;
- and
- the insulating sleeve prevents precipitation from electrically affecting the flame rod.
A detection and ignition system for comprising:
- a first elongated piece of metal;
- an elongated insulator having a first end attached to a first end of the first elongated piece of metal;
- and
- a second elongated piece of metal having a first end attached to a first end of the first elongated piece of metal and situated through a hole in the elongated insulator;
- and
- wherein:
- the first elongated piece of metal, the second elongated piece of metal and the elongated insulator are tolerant of temperatures up to 1100 degrees C.;
- the first elongated piece of metal configured to convey a signal voltage indicating a flame in a pilot burner;
- and
- the first elongated piece of metal configured to convey an ignition voltage for lighting a flame at the pilot burner;
- and
- the elongated insulator is situated within a predetermined distance from the pilot burner having a flame for virtually instantaneous moisture removal from the elongated insulator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.