FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Flame Safeguard Controls

in

Multi-Burner Environments

by Willy Vandermeer

WV-96, APRIL 1998

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

PREFACE burner environment where many burners fire

into a common combustion chamber where
This booklet provides the basic principles of
multiple fuels are burned simultaneously. Con-
operation and application of Flame Detectors
ditions affecting the complexity of control sys-
and their associated controllers in the multi-
tems is not necessarily dependent upon large
burner environment. The intent of this docu-
burner input, but IS dependent upon the follow-
ment is to develop an understanding and
ing conditions:
appreciation of those principles and applica-
• Type of process.
tions.
• Type of burner.
The reader is guided through the principles • Multi- or single burner environment.
of Burners and Safety Systems, the Combus- • Multi or single fuel operation.
tion Process, Igniters, Burner Configurations, • Safety hazard of fuel burner.
Flame Detection and Controllers. • Local codes and standards.
The content outlines the Burner Manage- • Redundancy and reliability factors.
ment Systems (BMS) environment in multi- • Continuous or intermittent burner operation.
burner applications as well as the principles of Recent technological advances require
operation, application, and installation of the knowledge of applications and systems and
various flame detectors and their associated should be applied only by qualified technicians.
controllers. Standards are set by local authorities and must
Field technicians preparing for a wider base be understood and properly operated in order
of knowledge in the field of multi-burner flame to assure that safety requirements are met.
detection equipment will find the greatest use
BURNERS
for this document. Although it should prove
The primary functions of burner systems are as
beneficial at many levels, the content presup-
follows:
poses that the reader has an adequate back-
• Controlled fuel delivery.
ground in the fundamentals of boiler room
• Controlled combustion-air delivery.
control equipment. The emphasis within is
• Controlled fuel and air mixing.
toward those flame safeguard control particu-
• Controlled and reliable ignition.
lars directly associated within a multi-burner
• Evacuation of combustion products.
environment. • Controlled emissions.
BURNERS AND SAFETY SYSTEMS Regardless of fuels fired, the burner system
must reliably perform all functions listed above.
Burners are simple devices that convert fossil
Choice of fuels burned and type of burner
fuels into heat energy. In order to achieve safe
affects the ease of achieving optimal results.
and reliable operation, each burner must be
equipped with a monitoring and control system. Gaseous fuel fired
The complexity of a safe and reliable system is • Natural draft burners.
relative to the complexity of the process at • Balanced draft burners.
hand. This system can be as simple as a single • Induced draft burners.
burner using a single fuel, to a complex multi- • Forced draft burners.

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 1: Vertically fired Atmospheric Gas Burner. COMBUSTION

Combustion (or burning) is a rapid combination
of oxygen with fuel, resulting in a release of
heat. Air (the oxygen source) is about 21% oxy-
gen and 78% nitrogen by volume. Most fuels
AIR INLET contain carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes sul-
phur. A simplification of combustion could be
listed in the following three processes.
GAS INLET
carbon + oxygen = carbon dioxide + heat
PILOT GAS INLET
hydrogen + oxygen = water vapor + heat
sulphur + oxygen = sulphur dioxide + heat
Liquid fuel fired: (forced or balanced draft)
• Mechanically atomized. These products of combustion are chemical
• Air atomized. compounds. They consist of molecules, com-
• Steam atomized. bined in fixed proportions. Heat given off in any
combustion process is excess energy which the
Figure 2: Cane burner, with center fired oil-gun. molecules must release.
WINDBOX Stoichiometric combustion results when
AIR
REGISTER
no fuel or air goes unused during the combus-
GAS
OIL NOZZLE
CANE tion process. Combustion with too much
(excess) air is said to be lean or oxidizing. The
excess air or oxygen plays no part in the com-
OIL
GUN bustion process. In fact, it reduces efficiency.
GAS SPUDS
Visually, excess air produces a short and clear
GAS flame.
INLET

Combustion with too much fuel is called

rich or reducing, producing incomplete com-
bustion. This flame appears long and some-
Solid Fuel Fired
times smoky. The oxygen supply for
• Grate Burners.
combustion generally comes from ambient air.
• Fluidized bed burners.
• Powdered coal burners. Because air contains primarily (78%) nitrogen,
Final fuel delivery and combustion-air and fuel the required volume of air is generally larger
mixing varies, depending on the burner types than the required volume of fuel. Primary air is
listed below: air mixed with the fuel before or within the
• Gun type. burner’s fuel delivery system. Secondary air is
• Cane (spud) type. usually brought in around the burner’s fuel
• Ring type. delivery system and spun through a diffuser or
• Rotary cup type. turning vane system in order to optimize air-fuel
• Bucket (coal). mixing. Tertiary air is used to control the shape

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

of the flame envelope or to control flame tem- tion process. In stable flames, the flame front
perature on low-NOx burners. It is brought in appears to be stationary. The flame moves
downstream of the secondary air. toward the burner-nozzle(s) at the same speed
that the fuel-air mixture leaves the burner. A
Figure 3: Oil register burner
variety of feed ranges exist in a wide range of
WINDBOX
burner designs. Common flame characteristics
AIR
REGISTER are as follows:
• Production of heat energy
THROAT
• Expansion of gases
OIL NOZZLE • By-product production.
• Radiation emission.
OIL
DIFUSER
• Ionization within the flame envelope.
GUN

Figure 4: Flame, flame envelope

FUEL AND PRIMARY AIR

Table 1: Comparative heating values for typical fuels

Btu/lb Kcal/Kg
(Btu/Gal) (Kcal/L)
FUEL BURNED
FLAME FRONT FLAME ENVELOPE
Gross Net Gross Net

Blast furnace gas 1,179 1,079 665 599

Coke oven gas 18,595 16,634 10,331 9,242
Natural gas 21,830 19,695 12,129 10,943 SECONDARY AIR

Propane gas 21,573 19,885 11,986 11,049

#2 Oil 18,993 17,855 10,553 9,920 FUELS
(137,080) (128,869) (9,130) (8,583)
#6 Oil 18,126 17,277 10,071 9,599 Natural gas fuel requires no special handling in
(153,120) (145,947) (10,198) (9,720)
filtering, drying, heating, etc. Efficiently using
Coal 14,030 12,900 3,500 3,100
fuel oils largely depends upon the ability of the
Most fuels are mixtures of chemical com- burner system to atomize the oil and mix it with
pounds called hydrocarbons. When these burn, air in the correct proportions. Heavy fuel oils are
the by-products are carbon dioxide and water usually heated with steam. Tank heaters may
vapor (unless a shortage of oxygen exists when raise the oil temperature sufficiently to reduce
carbon monoxide, hydrogen, unburned hydro- viscosity to facilitate pumping and straining.
carbons and free carbon may be produced). Steam atomization occurs when steam is
Heat available from fuels is measured in Btu, tangentially projected across jets of oil at the oil
Kilocalories, watt-seconds, or joules. nozzle. This results in a conical spray of finely
A flame is a zone within which the combus- divided oil after the mixture leaves the nozzle.
tion reaction occurs at a rate that produces visi- Air atomizing occurs when air is used as
ble radiation. A flame front is the contour along the atomizing agent in a proportioning inside-
which the combustion starts — the dividing line mixing type oil burner using low pressure air.
between the fuel-air mixture and the combus-

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 5: Schematic control diagram of automatic oil- vapor by application of heat at the flame-front.
fired unit, steam atomized
By atomizing the oil into millions of tiny droplets,
F.D. FAN
the exposed surface area is increased and the
oil can vaporize at its highest rate. For good
atomizing and vaporizing a large volume of air
must be mixed initially with the oil particles.
Mechanical atomization. Atomization with-
out the used of either air or steam is synony-
mous with pressure atomizing. The nozzle
consists of a system of slots tangential to a
OIL SUPPLY small inner whirl chamber followed by a small
orifice. When passing through the slots, the vol-
OIL RETURN
ume of liquid increases. The high velocity pre-
ATOMIZING
STEAM SUPPLY vailing in the whirl chamber tangentially imparts
CONDENSATE a centrifugal effect that forces the oil against the
RETURN
STEAM ATOMIZING
OIL BURNER walls of the nozzle. It passes through the ori-
fices in the nozzle tip and into the combustion
Large capacity oil burners use two steps to
chamber, fanning out into a cone shaped spray
combust the oil — atomizing and vaporization.
of very small particles.
Vaporization converts oil from the liquid to

Figure 6: Typical direct fired pulverizing subsystem, individual external transport

REGISTER
IGNITION
COAL BURNER
FUEL SOURCE

IGNITER

BUNKER (SILO)
COAL BURNER
TO OTHER
BURNERS
BUNKER
SHUTOFF GATE

BURNER LINE,
FEEDER PURGE & COOLING
HOT AIR VALVE Motor FEEDER
PRIMARY
RAW FUEL
AIR GATE BURNER SHUTOFF
PRIMARY AIR VALVE(B)
HOT AIR
DAMPER SHUTOFF GATE

HOT AIR MOTOR

PRIMARY
AIR REGULATING PULVERIZER
TEMPERING
Motor DAMPER
AIR
PRIMARY
TEMPERING
AIR FAN
AIR DAMPER
SEAL
SUPPLY

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Coal burning in multi-burner applications designed to ensure continuous flow adequate

uses pulverized coal. Boilers can be equipped for all operating requirements.
with one or more pulverizing mills through It needs to include the co-ordination of the
which the coal passes on its way to the burners. main fuel control valve, burner safety shutoff
Hot air from the preheater dries the pulverized valves, and associated piping volume to ensure
coal and carries it through the burners and into against fuel pressure transients. This can result
the furnace (suspension firing). There are wide in exceeding burner limits for stable flame when
variations in fineness requirements. The lower burners are placed in and out of service.
the coal’s volatile content, the finer it must be
Main burner subsystems (fuel trains) contin-
milled. Generally four to six burners are fed by
uously supply burner inputs to the furnace with
one mill.
stable flame limits. Variations in the burning
The main fuel supply subsystem (consist- characteristics of a fuel introduce unreliability to
ing of the piping and/or ducts and associated the lower operating limits of a burner subsys-
equipment to deliver the fuel to the burners) tem of any design. Class 1 or 2 igniters may be
connects to the main burner subsystem. A required to maintain stable flame.
fuel supply system needs to be sized and

Figure 7: Typical main burner fuel supply system for gas-fired, multi-burner boiler.

PSL B

SS
V
S S Q R
1
S

PI PI PSH PSL PI B
C
S SS
J
A PI
MAIN GAS D
SUPPLY T K

BURNERS
O B
SS
D
1
B

SS
To ignition system (see above)

A Main safety shutoff valve Q High fuel pressure switch

B Individual burner safety shutoff valve R Low fuel pressure switch
C Main burner header vent valve R1 Low fuel pressure switch (alternate location)
D Main fuel control valve S Fuel pressure gauge
D1 Main fuel bypass control valve SS Individual burner supervisory shutoff valve, manual
J Constant fuel pressure regulator T Manual shutoff valve
K Pressure relief valve V Main atmospheric vent valve, manual
O Strainer or cleaner

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

IGNITERS Class 2 igniters may remain in operation to sup-

port ignition under low-load or adverse operat-
Igniters provide proven ignition energy to
ing conditions. Class 2 igniters cannot be used
immediately light-off the burner. They are per-
to extend main burner turn-down range.
manently installed. Igniters are classified as fol-
lows by NFPA: Class 1: High capacity igniter used to ignite the
fuel input through the burner. Supports ignition
Class 3 special: High energy igniter (HEI)
under any burner light-off or operating condi-
capable of directly igniting the main burner fuel.
tions. Its location and capacity provide sufficient
Generally consists of a spark-rod, and power
ignition energy at its associated burner to raise
pack to deliver the high voltage pulse train, and
any credible combination of burner inputs of
required cabling. Operation time of igniter is no
both fuel and air above the minimum ignition
longer than required to light-off burner, within
temperature. Tests are to be performed with
maximum allowed trial-for-ignition time.
this ignition system in service to verify that the
Class 3: Low capacity igniter applied particu-
igniter furnished meets the requirement of this
larly to gas and oil burners. Ignites the fuel input
class as specified in its design. Class 1 igniters
to the burner under prescribed light-off condi-
can be used to extend the main burner’s turn-
tions. The range of class 3 igniters generally do
down, where they are in service and flame if
not exceed 4 percent of full load burner input.
proved.
Operation time of igniter is not longer than
The Ignition subsystem must be sized and
required to light-off the burner, within the maxi-
arranged to ignite the main burner input within
mum allowed trial-for-ignition time.
the limitation of the igniter classification. Many
Figure 8: Class 3 igniter installed on oil burner. factors affect the classification and subsystem
of igniters, including the characteristics of the
HESI POWER PACK WINDBOX
main fuel, the furnace and burner design, and
AIR REGISTER the igniter capacity and location relative to the
main fuel burner.
IGNITER FUEL Burner configuration is dependent on
SUPPLY
boiler furnace design and configuration. Some
burner configurations in multi-burner boilers
MAIN OIL
GUN are:
Front fired. Burners are located in only one
of the furnace walls, nominally the front of the
boiler. Variations in arrangements of front-fired
Class 2: Medium capability igniter applied par- applications can include a single row of burners
ticularly to gas and oil burners to ignite the fuel at one level, to multi-burners per level at many
input to the burner under prescribed light-off levels. Four levels of three burners (3 over 4),
conditions. The range of class 2 igniters gener- or three levels of six burners (6 over 3), etc.
ally is 4 to 10 percent of full-load burner input. would be common multi-burner configurations.

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 9: Fuel supply system for gas fired, multi-burner boiler igniters.

C5

G G

C5

K S G G
PI
F
T IGNITERS
GAS (PERMANENTLY C5
SUPPLY INSTALLED)

G G
C5 Individual igniter atmospheric vent valve
F Igniter fuel control valve
G Individual igniter safety shutoff valve
K Pressure relief valve C5
S Fuel pressure gauge
T Manual shutoff valve G G

Figure 10: Front-fired boiler. the center of the of the furnace area. Tangen-
tially fired boilers have four burners per level,
and variations are in the burner decks.

Figure 11: Plan view of a tangentially fired boiler.

MAIN BURNERS COMBUSTION AIR

DUCTING

Opposed fired. Burners are located in two of

the furnace walls, opposite each other, firing
toward the center of the furnace. The same
variations in burner arrangements as in front-
AIR DAMPERS
fired may apply to opposed fired burners.
Tangential fired. Where burners are located in By law, boilers must be operated with the instal-
the corners of the furnace, firing tangentially lation and check of a flame safeguard and
into the furnace. This creates a large fireball in instrumentation system. Boiler control is divided

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

into two groups — the combustion control sions can also occur in associated boiler
system and the burner management system. passes, and ducts that convey the combustible
The combustion control system regulates gases to the stack.
the furnace fuel and air inputs to maintain air-to- A number of conditions can arise in connec-
fuel ratio. This ratio must be within the limits tion with the burner’s operation to produce
required for continuous combustion and flame explosive conditions. The most common are:
stability throughout the operating range. 1. Momentary loss of flame at the burner due
The burner management system must be a to interrupted fuel or air supply, followed by
stand-alone system dedicated to boiler safety. It delayed ignition of the accumulated fuel-air
assists the operator in safe starting and stop- mixture.
ping of burners while preventing operator error. 2. Fuel leakage into an idle furnace followed
A burner management system (BMS) includes by ignition of the accumulated combustible
the following components. mixture by a spark (or other source of igni-
• Interlock system. tion).
• Fuel trip system. 3. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to light-off
• Master fuel trip system. burner(s) without appropriate purging. This
• Master fuel trip relay. results in ignition of the accumulated com-
• Flame monitoring and trip system. bustible mixture.
• Ignition subsystem. 4. The accumulation of an explosive mixture of
• Main burner subsystem. fuel and air. This happens as a result of loss
Figure 12: Opposed fired boiler. of flame or incomplete combustion at one or
more burners during normal operation, or
SUPER HEATERS during lighting of additional burners.

ECONOMIZER According to NFPA, these examples are condi-

tions that typically give rise to furnace explo-
sions. An examination of numerous reports of
FURNACE AIR HEATER
furnace explosions suggests that small explo-
sions, furnace, puffs, or near misses is more
FLUE GAS
frequent than commonly assumed. Improved
instrumentation, safety interlocks, proper oper-
BURNERS
ating sequences, and a clearer understanding
of the problems by both designers and opera-
tors can greatly reduce the risk and actual inci-
dence of furnace explosions.
FURNACE EXPLOSIONS
The basic cause of furnace explosions is the FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS
ignition of an accumulated combustible mixture Flame Safeguard (FSG) controls are integral
within the confined area of the furnace. Explo- and essential components in the BMS system.
These systems monitor individual burner

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

flames and respond to the presence or absence from fuel oil and powdered coal, and burner
of their targeted flame. This recognition occurs front-area “hazardous area classification.”
within a specified flame failure response time These situations require special attention to
(FFRT) without being influenced by extraneous each type of application with attention to prod-
signals radiating from neighboring burners or uct specification and enclosure ratings. Each
furnace background. The detectors are con- flame detection control is specifically designed
nected to associated controllers. In industrial to fulfill selected functions and the burner tech-
multi-burner environments, FSG detection may nician must customize to meet his particular
be located in extreme conditions of high ambi- application.
ent temperatures, vibrations, dirt, and moisture

Figure 13: Burner Management System interlock and logic for natural gas fired, multi-burner boiler (NFPA 8502)

CLOSE INDIVIDUAL IGNITER SAFETY

VALVE(S) AND DEENERGIZE
SPARKS

LOSS OF IGNITER FLAME

2 IGNITER FUEL PRESSURE OUT OF STABLE RANGE

CLOSE IGNITER HEADER AND INDIVIDUAL IGNITER SAFETY
SHUTOFF VALVES AND DEENERGIZE SPARKS
3 LOSS OF ID FAN 4 LOSS OF FD FAN
TRIP INDICATOR, TYPICAL
5 CUTBACK MAIN FUEL AND

6 LOSS OF D FAN 7 LOSS OF FD FAN

8 COMBUSTION AIR FLOW LOW

9 EXCESSIVE FURNACE PRESSURE

MASTER MASTER
10a BURNER HEADER FUEL PRESSURE HIGH FUEL FUEL
TRIP TRIP
LOGIC RELAYS
10b BURNER HEADER FUEL PRESSURE LOW CLOSE MAIN SAFETY SHUTOFF VALVE(S) AND ITS
INDIVIDUAL BURNER SAFETY SHUTOFF VALVES

11 LOSS OF ALL FLAME

12 PARTIAL LOSS OF FLAME INTRODUCING HAZARD

13 ALL FUEL INPUTS ZERO

14 MANUAL TRIP SWITCH

15 LOSS OF INDIVIDUAL BURNER FLAME WITH ONE OR

MORE ADDITIONAL STABLE BURNER FLAMES PRESENT
Close individual burner safe shutoff valve(s) and its
individual igniter safety shutoff valve(s) and deenergize
associated sparks

The most important criteria in hardware the technician in selection of the correct control.
selection is determined by the application. Con- The most basic flame characteristics are:
trols with the appropriate features must be 1. Production of heat energy.
selected. The control must be able to monitor 2. Expansion of gases.
it’s targeted flame, regardless of adjacent burn- 3. By-product production.
ers or furnace conditions. Awareness of differ- 4. Radiation emission.
ent characteristics of flames can greatly assist 5. Ionization within the flame envelope.

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Heat energy from a flame is not a good method Figure 14: Electron flow through ionization within the
flame envelope.
of flame detection. Sensors used to detect the
presence or absence of heat respond too
slowly. In addition, such a system requires
directly inserting a sensing device into the
flame. This method necessitates high mainte-
nance costs.
Expansion of gases created by the com-
bustion of fuel-air mixture can be detected and
used as a flame detection method. However, it
is not useful for main burner flame detection.
Because this system requires the detection of
minute changes in pressures at the burner noz- FLAME IONIZATION PRINCIPLE
zle, it requires tubing from the nozzle back to
Heat in the flame causes the molecules in and
delicate pressure measuring devices. They
around the flame envelope to collide with one
require high-maintenance to keep operational.
another. The force of the collision frees some of
Production of by-products. This is a reli- the outer electrons of the atoms forming the
able method of combustion detection, but, as molecules. This creates free electrons and pos-
with heat energy, response time is slow and itive ions, allowing a very small current to be
detecting individual flames in multi-burner fur- conducted through the flame. The whole pro-
naces is unlikely. cess is called Flame Ionization.
Emission or radiation and ionization Within the flame there is very low conductiv-
within the flame are the most commonly used ity and resistance can vary from 100,000 to
flame characteristics measured with flame safe- 100,000,000 ohms. Current conducted through
guard hardware. In multi-burner FSG systems, the flame (flame current) is generally in the
emission of radiation is the main flame detec- range of 2-4 micro amps.
tion method. Ionization, when used, is only
If two electrodes were placed in a flame as in
appropriate for gas-igniter flame detection.
Figure 14, and a voltage applied, a current
could be conducted between the two rods
(Flame Rods). Naturally the positively charged
ions would flow to the negatively charged rod.
In order to use this process to determine pres-
ence of flame and to prevent the potential haz-
ard of a high resistance short to ground
(effectively simulating flame signal), the flame
current is rectified. Generally referred to as a
Flame Rectification System, this is achieved
by placing a grounding electrode in the flame

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

which is several times (generally 4 times) larger will result in an AC type flame current which is
than the flame rod or electrode. An AC supply rejected by the FSG control. The large ground-
voltage is applied across the electrodes. In the ing electrode generally forms part of the burner
first half of the AC cycle, the flame rod is posi- fuel nozzle as shown in figure 15.
tive and the ground rod is negative. The posi- Flame rods are small diameter metal rods
tively charged ions will flow to the negatively supported by an insulator. The tip-end of the
charged grounding area. rod can project into the flame. They typically are
The large grounding area increases the made of Kanthol, a high temperature alloy
capacity to hold electrons. This results in a rela- capable of operating in temperatures of up to
tive high flame current flowing through the 2400 F (1300C). Other materials with higher -
flame during the first half cycle. temperature ratings, such as Globar (a ceramic
material) are also available.
Figure 15: Typical ignition gas burner assembly using
flame rectification detection system. Applications for flame rod, rectification type
flame detection in multi-burner applications are
FLAME generally found in the supervision of gas fired
ELECTRODE
igniter flames.
Requirements for successful applications
FLAME include:
GROUND
IGNITION • Gas burners only (premixed where possi-
ELECTRODE
ble).
FLAME
RETENTION • Adequate flame rod to grounding area pro-
NOZZLE portioning (4 to 1 minimum).
• Stable flame (no movement from flame(rod).
• Proper placement of flame rod in flame
(short as possible, yet adequate contact).
• Proper rectifying flame current and associ-
ated circuitry.

FLAME RADIATION PROPERTIES

Radiation emission from within a flame is the
most typical media for flame detection systems
in an industrial multi-burner environment.
The radiation properties of the flame oper-
During the second half cycle, the reverse ate electronic optical flame sensing devices.
process will take place. This results is a much Electronic sensing is required to achieve the
smaller flame current, rectifying the AC current quick flame-failure-response-time (FFRT)
through the flame. The only type of current demanded by the large input appliances.
accepted by the system is the rectified flame Depending on type(s) of fuel burned and rated
current. Any high resistance type short circuit input capacities, FFRT generally is from one

12
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

second to four seconds. 400 to 800 nanometers are visible to the human
Flames emit radiation along a wide band of eye. The blue visible light is towards the ultra-
the electromagnetic spectrum called the flame violet, and the red visible lights is toward the
spectrum. infra-red portion of the flame spectrum. Flame
detectors are sensitive within either ultra-violet,
This spectrum consists of ultra-violet, visi-
visible or infra-red radiation. Various aspects
ble, and infra-red radiation. Ultra-violet and
determine the proper selection of flame detec-
infra-red radiation are at the opposite extremes
tor type.
of the flame spectrum and only wavelengths of

Figure 16: Flame Rod, Flame rectification system operational diagram.

+E(V)
+Emax
FLAME ROD AC VOLTAGE
ISOLATED COMMON RETURN WIRE
FLAMEROD
CURRENT
280 Vac
AMPLIFIER
0 t
CIRCUIT LOW CAPACITANCE
NON-SHIELDED WIRE
FLAME
ROD
CONTROL OUTPUT

-Emax GAS SUPPLY

-E(V)
T=1/50s=20ms(f=50Hz)

+I(A)

+Imax
FLAME ROD “RECTIFIED” CURRENT

+Imax
-Imax >4
EARTH (ZERO) POTENTIAL
0 t
BURNER FRONTPLATE
-Imax
-I(A)

Figure 17 show the flame spectrum and Infra red is emitted at about ninety percent
each associated curve of commonly used fuels. of total radiation emitted by burner flames and
Ultra-violet (at about one percent) is the least is found mostly in the last 2/3 of the flame. Hot
available of the three types of radiation from a furnace parts (such as refractories) emit IR
flame. Generally, the first 1/3 of a burner flame radiation when above 1000°F.
is the main source of ultra-violet radiation. High
temperature flames emit high amounts of UV
ULTRA-VIOLET FLAME DETECTION
radiation. Both oil and gas flames radiate suffi- Flame scanners operating in UV wave-
cient UV for detection. Visible radiation length use an ultra-violet detection tube. In this
amounts to ten percent of total radiation and is type of system the flame is considered present
detectable by the human eye in the various col- when UV radiation is detected. Differentiation or
ors: discrimination between the targeted flame
• Blue with orange-yellow for gas flames and neighboring flames or background, is
• Bright yellow for oil and powdered coal achieved by discriminatory scanner sighting.
flames. This sees as little as possible of the background

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 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

and is then combined with signal sensitivity blindness is important to prevent stray light
adjust or threshold settings to tune out detection from sources other than the flame
unwanted signal at the detector’s controllers. spectrum. UV detection tubes are made with
UV detection tubes should be sensitive only in quartz, the tube is then sealed and filled with
the far UV wavelength range (200 to 300 nano- gas. They contain two electrodes connected to
meters) to be considered solar blind. Solar a source of AC voltage.

Figure 17: Radiation intensity relative to wavelength as found in common fuels.

LIGHT ENERGY HEAT ENERGY

10% USEFUL WAVEBAND 8.3% OF USEFUL WAVEBAND
X-RAYS MICROWAVES
GAMMARAYS RADIOWAVES

ULTRAVIOLET VISIBLE INFRARED

ZONE ZONE ZONE
RELATIVE
INTENSITY NEAR UV
Violet Blue Green Yellow Orange Red
MIDDLE UV
4.2 4.6 5.2 5.9 6.5 7.2
100
OIL
FarUV

80 COAL GAS

60 REFRACTORY
AT 3000 F

40 REFRACTORY
AT 1000F

20

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
2.8 3.8 WAVELENGTH IN NANOMETERS
3.2

14
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 18: Radiation sources as emitted from a gas Figure 19: Ultra violet radiation detection tube.
flame.
ELECTRODES
MAX 1/3 LENGTH OF FLAME

QUARTZ TUBE

ULTRA VISIBLE INFRARED

VIOLET

Generally, the voltage supplied to the tube is

AC. (DC voltage may also be used along with a
<1% OF TOTAL RADIATION <10% OF TOTAL 90% OF TOTAL RADIATION
RADIATION
square pulse generator). Voltage across the
electrodes will zero for each half cycle of AC.
This allows the tube to restore itself to a non-
Electrons are released and gas within the ionized or quenched state. On the next voltage
tube becomes conductive through ionization. half-cycle, the current is re-established across
Then an electric current flow from one electrode the electrodes in order to fire if UV radiation is
to the other (cathode to anode) happens. This present. The number of firings during each
whole process is the result of strong ultra-violet cycle is called the count. The maximum counts
radiation and with wave lengths within the of firings during one second is the number of
response characteristics of the detection tube counts during one-half cycle, times twice the
falls upon the electrodes. frequency of the supply voltage.
A high AC voltage (400 to 1200 VAC) is When flame is present and UV radiation
applied to the electrodes. This causes the tube enters the tube, the system begins to count.
to produce an arc between the electrodes (pro- When flame disappears, the UV radiation stops
vided sufficient UV radiation is present to pro- and the system stops counting. The flame con-
duce the required ionization of the inter- trol relay is the part of the system with the elec-
electrode gas). The tube is said to be “Firing.” tronic circuitry receiving the count signal from
In the tube design, this “arc” wanders back and the detector. When the rate reaches pre-set
forth along the electrodes, never staying in one levels of flame-on indication, the flame control
place to prevent damage to the electrodes by relay pulls in the flame relay. The flame relay
over-heating. A quartz lens is needed to focus remains in as long as the pre-set threshold is
the UV radiation through the optical shutter win- satisfied. The count relates directly to the inten-
dow directly on the detector tube electrodes. sity of the UV radiation. A very intense source
of UV radiation produces several thousand
counts per second. The count is a measure of

15
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

flame intensity. When the flame disappears, the the tube. This can also result from over-heating
count zeros, except for very infrequent firings the tube, subjecting it to excessive voltages, or
inherent in this type of design to which the sys- subjecting it to excessive UV radiation for long
tem does not respond. periods of time.
UV flame detectors respond to UV sources Deteriorated tubes can operate in random
in a flame. However, is possible for the detector failure mode — sometimes firing continuously
to respond to other sources of UV radiation after having started and failing to quench, or fir-
such as: ing inconsistently and causing nuisance shut-
• Hot refractory (well above 2000 F) downs. Tubes can also fail, causing the tube to
• Spark ignition fire as soon as the normal operating current is
• Welding arcs applied (regardless of the presence of UV radi-
• Halogen light. ation).
Care should be taken to avoid picking up Flame safeguard systems will always pick-
unwanted signal from any of these sources at up faulty UV detecting tubes during start-up and
(or near) the burner front. no flame or signal should be present to cause
Ultra-violet detection tubes can deteriorate system lockout if signal from a bad tube hap-
due to degeneration of the special gas inside pens during flame-off conditions.

Figure 20: Ultra violet, tube type flame detector schematic.

1. PLANO-CONVEX QUARTZ LENS
2. OPTICAL SHUTTER
3. SHUTTER COIL 5
4. GAS FILLED DISCHARGE U.V.TUBE
HIGH VOLTAGE
5. CURRENT LIMITING RESISTOR 2 1
6. STEP-UP TRANSFORMER
7. RESONANT CAPACITOR 4
8. ISOLATING TRANSFORMER Flame Spectrum
6 U.V.Radiation
CONTROL WIRING DETECTOR WIRING
200-300nm.

8 7 +HOT PULSE
SCANNER SUPPLY MULTIPLYING
CIRCUIT
LINE SUPPLY 120V
COMMON CIRCUIT COMMON +

SIGNAL PULSE TRAIN

3
ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT
SHUTTER DRIVE

If a tube starts to fail during normal operat- check system for a UV tube-type flame detec-
ing flame-on conditions, the bad tube would not tor, consists of an optical shutter placed directly
be recognized until a system re-start is initiated. in the path of the UV radiation from the tube.
To prevent this from happening, the scanner The shutter opens and closes continuously,
self-check systems were developed. A self- effecting blocking the UV radiation for a brief

16
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

period (0.25 to.75 seconds, depending on the Figure 21: Ultra-violet tube detector, AC current
operation principle.
design, but less than the FFRT).
The system drives the scanner self-check QUENCH

shutter mechanism and checks for the scan- PEAK VALUE

+
ner’s pulse count to stop during the shutter
close period. (See Figure 20). Scanner pulse CURRENT (T)

counts detected during the shutter close time _

causes the system to react in a safe manner AC CYCLE(T)

through activation of its fault relay or through

an immediate opening of its flame relay. DETECTOR COUNT
(T)

Activation of the fault relay indicates a scanner

fault. In the BMS system’s logic, this requires
fixing within a set time-limit before a safety
shutdown will occur. If the flame relay opens Ultra-violet radiation used in flame detection
there is an indication at the control of scanner by means of a UV detection tube is limited in
self-check failure. interpretation of the signal. When UV radiation
is sensed, the flame is considered present.
When using UV, tube-type flame detectors,
Only amplitude of the signal is available to inter-
a scanner self-check feature is mandatory for
pret whether the signal received is from the tar-
burners or appliances designed for continuous
geted flame or from adjacent flames or from the
operation.
background. Ultra-violet accounts for only
Continuous operation (sometimes called
about one percent of the flame spectrum. UV is
permanent operation) is defined by the local
weak and blocked by unburned fuel products of
authorities having jurisdiction over the appli-
combustion, smoke, water vapor, and other
ance’s safety regulations. This can vary from 1
substances found in and around flames.
to 24 hours. If the appliance operates continu-
Accordingly, UV is picked up most easily by the
ously (firing for times longer than the classified
sensor close to the root of the flame and UV
time for continuous operation) UV tube-type
radiation from background or adjacent flames
flame detectors must be equipped with an
tends to have a much weaker signal.
approved self-check feature.
With proper scanner sighting and set-ups of
Besides the scanner self-check features, an
associated controls, UV flame scanners remain
FSG system designed for continuous operation
a simple, well-trusted and acceptable option in
must comply to failure mode stipulations for all
multi-burner FSG systems.
of its system’s components as set forth in the
applicable norms and regulations. FLAME DETECTORS IN THE
VISIBLE AND INFRA-RED RANGE
Flame scanners operating in the visible and
infra-red spectrum use a lens, photodetector
and a solid-state frequency tuning circuit. Infra-

17
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

red radiation, together with visible light, ative to amplitude of radiation >400 nm. visible
accounts for about 99 percent of total flame infra-red region on the cell.
spectrum radiation (See Figure 18). IR and visi- Figure 22 shows the response of the PbS
ble light (400 nanometer wavelength and cell to radiation from a steady light source such
upward) do not effectively detect the presence as a DC flash light, and a flame which provides
or absence of flame. A boiler with multiple burn- a flickering type radiation. The cell responds by
ers and hot, glowing refractory contains an modulating, harmonized with the variations in
abundance of visible and IR radiation. Detect- radiation amplitudes given off by the combus-
ing the presence or absence of these would not tion process.
be a reliable method to detect the condition of
Not only do flames flicker in this way, the
the targeted flame.
flicker frequency is actually different within the
Figure 22: PbS cell response to radiation from steady zones of the flame.
light and from flame flicker.
Figure 18 shows the ultra-violet region of
RELATIVE RESISTANCE
the flame, nearest the nozzle, the ignition
100
zone, which has the least amplitude, but the
80

60
highest flame frequency. Therefore, a photode-
40 tector mounted on the burner-front, looking par-
20
allel with the fuel flow, has the best possible
0 TIME
view of the ignition zone of the targeted flame.
STEADY LIGHT FLAME
SOURCE FLICKER
Should this targeted flame disappear, it
would likely pick up radiation of lower frequency
Reliable detection of the targeted flame from either adjacent or opposed burner’s flame
requires the IR detector to distinguish between envelopes.
the modulating frequency of the radiation it Flame flicker frequency is noted in Hertz.
receives. IR radiates from a flame in many fre- Flicker frequencies in flames can be found from
quencies (Flame Flicker). As fuel ignites with 5 upwards to well over 200 Hz. Variations in
oxygen during the burning process it initiates higher or lower frequencies found in flames are
many small explosions. Each explosion emits dependent on a variety of functions in burner
light and IR radiation, giving the flame an design and type of fuel burned. Designs such
appearance of comparatively steady shape and as gun-type or ring-type produce flames with a
glow. wide range of frequencies. However, spud-type
The flame constantly moves - changing (gas) and low NOx burners do not. Fuel oils and
shape and brightness. The function of the pho- coal produce wide ranges of frequencies; gas
todetector is to monitor flame flicker to distin- (particularly low-NOx) burners do not.
guish between flame and other sources of The ability of the photodetector to detect
radiation. The photodetector most commonly flame flicker frequency can be adversely
used is the PbS (lead sulfide) photo resistor. affected by overpowering, low-frequency radia-
The PbS cell lowers its electrical resistance rel- tion from furnace background light or heat.

18
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Strong sources of this low frequency radia- Figure 24: Example of typical flame flicker analysis for
flame “on” and flame “off” (background)
tion will have a saturation effect. Also called condition.
washout, saturation inhibits the cell’s ability to 100%
maintain a high enough electrical resistance
value. This renders it unable to monitor flame
flicker. Flame on

AMPLITUDE
Figure 23: PbS photodetector in saturation from
abundant low frequency radiation. Discrimination
Flame"on"
RELATIVE RESISTANCE
Background
100
80
"on" “off”
60 0 50 100 150 200Hz
40 Background Background FLAME FREQUENCY
20
0 The curves in Figure 24 indicate the relative
TIME
amplitude of this radiation at the corresponding
flame flicker frequency. The “flame on” curve
shows a relatively high amplitude in the 50 to
120 Hz range received from the ignition zone of
The flash-light in Figure 23 represents the the flame.
lower frequency IR-visible light radiation from The “flame off” (background) curve shows
furnace background, made up of adjacent or these 50 to 120 Hz frequencies at a much lower
opposed burner-flames, and the flame repre- amplitude. The cause of this difference is that
sents the ignition zone of the targeted flame. although the “flame off” condition receives
The furnace background radiation focused on nearly the same frequencies from adjacent
the detector drastically reduces its electrical flames in the background, they are further away
resistance. This leaves almost no room for the from the detector. Therefore, there is less
cell to respond to flame flicker modulation. amplitude. This difference in amplitude at
To minimize this saturation effect, sight the selected frequencies allows the flame detection
detector so that radiation from the ignition zone system to discriminate.
is maximized and radiation from furnace back- In a set-up such as this, where the detector
ground is minimized. This is sometimes impos- is sighted at the ignition zone of the targeted
sible because of burner design. flame, it is not uncommon to find that the lowest
Oil and coal flames have strong radiation in frequencies increase dramatically in a “flame
the visible wavelength and gas flames do not. off” condition. This happens because the igni-
When looking through a burner’s sight-glass it tion zone of the targeted flame “masks” the
is easy to confirm that oil and coal burn brightly, bright background low-frequency radiation
whereas gas flames tend to be more transpar- while the targeted flame is on. When the tar-
ent or dim. However, all fuels radiate profusely geted flame disappears, the background radia-
in the infra-red region of the flame spectrum. tion comes into full view is shown in the curve.

19
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

BACKGROUND GAIN CONTROL mum while maintaining sufficient signal for

“flame on” detection, within the best possible
Infra-red scanners may feature Back-
“discrimination region.” Optimal discrimination
ground Gain Control or BGC. BGC inversely
in Figure 24 belongs between the 50 to 80 Hz
adjusts the Flame Signal Gain based on flame
zone.
brightness as sighted by the scanner. As flame
brightness increases, automatic gain (see Fig- The ability to selectively discriminate varies
ure 25) is decreased, thereby diminishing the by the design of the detector. Some have a
detector’s flame signal. fixed band-pass to modulation of flame frequen-
cies, while others use multiple band-pass filter-
Some older detectors use an optical shutter
ing, selectable to the appropriate flame flicker
for verification of valid flame presence data, in
frequency of the application.
later models this electromechanical shutter is
replaced by an electronic self-check circuitry. Figure 26 illustrates how selecting the
This periodically bypasses the photo resistor appropriate bandpass helps the user to achieve
cell and checks the system for false or cor- optimum results. Bandpass A, peaks in sensi-
rupted flame signal. tivity at 40Hz. This provides optimum discrimi-
nation in this example. Bandpass B, peaking in
SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT OF GAIN CONTROL sensitivity at 100 Hz, remains sensitive in the
Most infra-red detectors incorporate some higher frequency-range where both the “off”
sensitivity adjustment or gain control. Both and “on” curves share the same amplitudes,
allow the user to adjust the sensitivity of the compromising discrimination. Bandpass a
photodetector-to-flame-signal circuitry. The would be the one to use.
user can then tune background signal to a mini-

Figure 25: Infra Red type flame detector schematic.

1. PLANO-CONVEX GLASS LENS +Vpp SCANNER SUPPLY

+Vpp
2. PbS PHOTORESISTOR 1
3. AUTOMATIC BACKGROUND GAIN 3
CONTROL ( B.G.C.) ON OR OFF 5
4. FLICKER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT
5. SCANNER (FLAME) SIGNAL BARGRAPH 2
6. FAIL SAFE PULSE FORMER
6
CONTROL WIRING SENSITIVITY
ADJUSTMENT

+HOT
1
4
DC/AC SUPPLY CIRCUIT
COMMON COMMON

SIGNAL PULSE TRAIN

3
ELECTRON IC CIRCUIT
CHECK PULSE
2

20
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 26: Example of bandpass filter selectivity to flame Figure 27: Example of detector receiving radiation from
flicker frequency, to achieve maximum both targeted flame, and adjacent flame or
discrimination. background.

100%
Background Flame on
AMPLITUDE

Bandpass A Bandpass B

0 50 100 150 200Hz

FLAME FREQUENCY

Selectivity of appropriate flame flicker fre- SELECTABLE FREQUENCY RESPONSE

quency in infra-red flame detectors can be Detectors with selectable frequency response
achieved in a several ways. These include fixed require careful set-up during system commis-
settings (no adjustment), to dipswitch selection sioning.
(requiring consultation of charts to find the 1. Carefully mount the scanner with the most
proper switch setting for the desired frequency), advantageous angle-to-flame position. Best
to a rotary type and marked selector switch. results are obtained by aiming the scan-
Detectors using selection switching of fre- ner’s line of sight to intersect the burner
quency response should have the selector center line at a slight (5°) angle. Remember
switches placed so they can be manipulated to include the primary combustion zone
• without removing the detector (ignition zone) into the field of view when
• so that the selection can happen while the possible. Targeted burner should be on
scanner operates medium to maximum firing rate. Adjacent
• the result of the selection becomes immedi- burners should be on highest possible firing
ately apparent (by means of signal strength rate during the setup, providing ample back-
meter at the detector). ground radiation.
Detectors without selectable frequency 2. Find a strong flame signal at a high flame
response ability must be sighted to optimize flicker frequency. Set the bandpass selector
discrimination through sighting only. The diffi- switch at the highest setting, gain adjust
culty in achieving this depends upon the appli- (sensitivity) set high, and work your way
cation. If the scanner sees the adjacent flame down the available frequency selectable
too easily, it could be sighted more on axis with settings until a steady and strong signal pre-
the targeted flame, avoiding the adjacent flame vails. (Signal from either the scanner’s indi-
(Figure 27). If the situation in this figure of on an cator or the flame control’s reading).
opposed fired burner, changing the angle to be 3. Back off the gain adjust to approximately
more on axis may not have the desired results. mid-range of the signal output.

21
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

4. Observe the flame-off condition by turning • Portion of flame envelope viewed.

off the targeted burner and observe the • Diameter of detector sight-tube.
change in signal. • Length of sight tube.
• Obstructed or unobstructed view.
It is not always the highest frequency that is
• Cleanliness of lenses.
most desirable (See Figures 24 and 26). In this
• Type of photodetector used.
graph, the peak signal strength for flame on is
All of these factors, alone or combined, influ-
found at 30 Hz. But peak discrimination value is
ence the frequency-to-amplitude curve of the
found at 65 Hz. It may take several attempts to
targeted flame and background radiation. They
find the frequency giving the highest discrimina-
have profound effect on the ability of the system
tion ratio. Repeat the above steps and keep
to discriminate between the presence or
notes during each trial at flame-on and off sight-
absence of the targeted flame.
ing to create a graph for your own use. In this
way you can select optimum frequency setting Figure 28: Flame detector line of sight.
more easily.
BURNER THROAT
The smaller the ratio in signal strength SCANNER
between flame-on and flame-off, the more your
set-up will need to rely on exact duplication of LINE OF
SIGHT
those conditions during normal operation. In BURNER
FRONT
other words, you can not afford changes in
flame flicker frequencies for both the flame-on
or off conditions when your thresholds between
on and off are very close. Stable fuels such as
In some new detection devices (Fireye Sig-
natural gas or #2 fuel oil, are not as subject to
nature Scanner), the conventional selected-fre-
fluctuations in flicker frequencies and bright-
quency-to-amplitude approach, has been
ness. The detector may do well with a small dis-
enhanced by incorporating the flame spec-
crimination ratio. Some fuels (such as
trum’s complete frequency-to-amplitude curve
powdered coal and heavy oil) are not as stable
(the Signature) in its flame on-to-off discrimina-
and may present the FSG system with fluctua-
tion strategy. The heart of this style detector is
tions in their frequency-to-amplitude curve and
a microcomputer built in the scanner. It continu-
also require larger discrimination ratios.
ally monitors all flame flicker frequencies of its
In setting up infra-red scanners, remember targeted flame, and compares it to the flame’s “
that the frequency-to-amplitude curve is learned” flame-on signature that is stored in its
affected by: memory. A programming procedure is used to
• Type of fuel(s) burned “learn” the flame-on and -off conditions.
• Type of burner(s) Records of these conditions are stored in indi-
• Type of fuel atomization. vidual files. The scanner allows the user to
• Flame temperature.
review and program all setpoints and parame-
• Distance of detector from flame.
ters, as well as up and download scanner files
• Angle of view through flame.
from a standard IBM compatible desktop or lap-

22
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

top PC. Usually there are few locations appropriate for

mounting flame detectors. They are often
Figure 29: Burner front showing typical flame detector
locations. restricted by pre-designated positions on the
burner front plate. Depending of burner design
GAS IGNITER and variants in fuels burned, it can be difficult to
SCANNER
SENSING
SCANNER SENSING
IGNITER FLAME
find a location offering an unobstructed view of
MAIN FLAME
the primary combustion zone. Burners firing
OIL
multiple fuels may have their internals cluttered
BURNER COAL
BURNER with fuel delivery equipment, igniters, and air
diffusers, all obstructing scanner sight.
Even though NFPA specifies detector place-
SIGHT SIGHT
GLASS GLASS
ment in initial furnace design, little attention is
generally given to detector location during
AIR
ADJUST
burner construction. Some designs prevent
OIL STEAM
COAL INLET
clear view of the primary combustion zone,
especially tangential furnaces, or where burn-
ers alter their angle of firing into the furnace
INSTALLATION (tilting).
Installation of flame detectors requires atten-
Figure 30: Tilting coal nozzle for tangentially fired boiler.
tion to detail. Many factors must be considered
when mounting the scanner on a burner. BURNER NOZZLE

• A clear view of the targeted flame’s primary

combustion zone.
BURNER
• Minimizing view of adjacent flames or back- FRONT

ground radiation.
• Ensuring pilot flame is detected only when
in proper position to light-off main flame.
• Minimizing excessive heat radiation from TILTING
MECHANISM
burner front.
• Minimizing electrical noise from burner-
front, particularly spark ignition sources.
• Protection from excessive furnace pres- Tilting burners control superheater tempera-
sures. tures by directing fuel-flow upwards (towards
• Hazardous area classification compliance. the superheater), or downward (away from the
• Materials and paint specifications. superheater).
Providing a clear view of the primary com-
bustion zone is influenced by the design of the
burner. Ideally, the detector is mounted in such
a way that the line of sight intersects the pri-
mary combustion zone at a slight angle (5-10°).

23
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 31: Two fiber optic scanner assemblies installed individual burner’s flame (provided the fuel
on tilting oil burner.
ignites before entering the fireball). A fiber optic
scanner assembly includes an objective lens,
FIBER OPTIC SCANNER
mounted near the interface of the windbox and
OIL GUN furnace area. The fiber optic bundle is enclosed
within a series of flexible stainless steel tubes
and brings the flame radiation to the detector
FIBER OPTIC SCANNER
within the scanner’s assembly, located outside
OIL GUN
DIFFUSER the windbox.
An inner carrier assembly containing the
FIBER OPTICS fiber optics is inserted into an outer carrier, The
Fiber optic scanners allow optimal viewing in scanner electronics assembly is them attached.
burners where movable vanes, air compart- The outer carrier assembly is permanently fas-
ments, or burner nozzles would obscure or tened to the burner front. (See Figures 31 and
move the target flame away from the line of 32). The extreme end of the outer carrier which
sight. In tangentially fired boilers, where individ- holds the fiber optic lens, is usually made of
ual burner flames tend to form fireballs, a fiber- stainless steel and welded to the burner front to
optic scanner can detect the presence of an allow the best possible viewing angle.

Figure 32: Cutaway view of fiber optic scanner assembly (shown without outer carrier).

SCANNER ELECTRONICS PURGE AIR

ASSEMBLY CONNECTION AIR GUIDE
LENS
HOLDER
FIBER OPTIC
BUNDLE AIR GUIDE
SCREW

FLEXIBLE STAINLESS FIBER OPTIC

INNER CARRIER ASSEMBLY WITH LENS
RIGID INNER
DETECTOR CARRIER

The inner carrier assembly containing the fiber and lens should be protected from tempera-
optic bundle and lens assembly, can be tures in excess of 800F (430C). Optical field of
removed from the outer carrier for servicing. view is 13 square inches at 3 feet. (110 sq. cm
Fiber optics and lens are made of high tem- at 1.00 meter).
perature glass for infra-red use, and quartz Lenses are available to assist the user in
when used with UV detectors. The assembly viewing the primary combustion zone when
requires protection from over-heating, and this location of the lens-holder cannot be near
is done with purge-air. Volume required for enough to the burner nozzle. These lenses look
purge-air is from 4 to 15 SCFM (113 to 425 L/ at an angle (skew), allowing the primary com-
M), depending on the application. Fiber optics bustion zone to be viewed as opposed to view-

24
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

ing too far into the furnace area. If, due to tle as possible of adjacent flame or background
mounting limitations of the outer-carrier’s lens- radiation in the field of view.
holder, insufficient discrimination results, a 5 For example, if the situation shown in Fig-
degree or 9 degree skewed lens can be ure 34 is a side-view of a multi-burner, six over
installed. When using a skewed lens, the user six arrangement, then aiming the scanners as
can rotate the inner carrier assembly to find the shown would help eliminate unwanted signal.
primary combustion zone during commissioning The same viewing pattern would also be rele-
of the system. As the inner carrier assembly is vant to avoid unwanted signal from opposed
easily removable, the user can experiment with burner arrangements. In multiple-burner-level
various degrees in skewed lenses until a suit- arrangements, scanners mounted on the mid-
able lens has been found. dle row of burners would not be able to view
Figure 33: Fiber optic scanner assembly using skewed areas without background radiation. Many
lens to view primary combustion zone. burners do not allow freedom to provide angle
on the scanner’s sight. The only available scan-
STRAIGHT
LENS ner mounting may be on the burner-front (Fig-
FIBER OPTIC ASSEMBLY
ure 29) with only a straight-ahead view into the
furnace through the burner internals. In these
OIL BURNER
SKEWED
LENS
situations only flame detection systems with the
most advanced electronic discrimination capa-
bilities should be used.

Figure 34: Typical discriminating scanner sighting

Fiber optic assemblies provide only “cold light” positions.
radiation to the detector. The saturation, or
washout effect on a photodetector previously
discussed, where excessive heat radiation may
have an adverse effect on the system, is when
using fiber optics, effectively filtered out.
Fiber optics may also protect the detector
from excessive heat or vibration at the burner
front by allowing the electronics assembly to be
mounted away from this danger, while receiving
flame radiation through the fiber optic assem-
bly.

DISCRIMINATION
Close attention to viewing angle during scanner
mounting will minimize view of adjacent
flames or background radiation. If possible, Elimination of unwanted signal by mechani-
the scanner should be mounted to include as lit- cally limiting the scanner’s view of adjacent

25
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

flames can be achieved while concentrating on system, steps must be taken to ensure that
the flame’s primary ignition zone. To do this, when the pilot is detected it will light off its main
install either an orifice in front of the detector, or burner’s flame under all conditions. For exam-
extend the detector’s sight-tube. Since viewing ple, if an optical detector is used for pilot flame
adjacent flames or background radiation cannot detection and the detector’s view is on axis
be avoided, then it is best to view as little of it as along the burner center, the system may detect
possible. the pilot even though the pilot flame is too far
back from the main flame nozzle to light off the
Figure 35: Effects on field of view by extending scanner’s
sight tube. main flame. Using a flame rectification system
(Figure 15) for the pilot burner (gas pilots only)
FIELD OF VIEW
= ANGLE OF VIEW would give greater control over the pilot flame’s
TG
2
=
D/2
L
=
D
2L
location when detected.
LENS Alternately, and in the use of oil fired pilot
1
D
2
burners, the way the pilot lights-off the main
CELL burner safely and reliably will be in the burner
designs.
L1
L2 Figure 36: Flame detector mounting arrangements.
HEAT INSULATING
Figure 35 shows how to calculate the effect of NIPPLE

extending the sight-tube. The use of an orifice

to control dimension “D” would have a similar
effect. Be sure to include the primary combus-
tion zone into the detector’s field of view. Both SWIVEL MOUNT PURGE AIR
SUPPLY
orifice size and extending the sight-tube
restricts the amount of radiation to the detector
This makes it even more important to maximize
view of the targeted flame.
BALL VALVE HEAT INSULATING
Achieving the best result can be a matter of NIPPLE

experimenting with various lengths and/or ori-

fice sizes through trial and error. HEAT RADIATION
Minimizing effects of excessive heat radia-
PILOT BURNER DETECTION
tion from burner-front to flame detector when
When scanning pilot flames, insurance must be installing can be achieved by:
built into the system to detect the pilot flame • Using a non-metallic material for the con-
only when it is in the proper position to light off nection of the detector to the sight-tube
the main flame. In multi-burner applications it is (such as heat insulating pipe nipple) pre-
often difficult to reliably detect the relatively venting heat transfer from the hot burner-
small pilot flame against the strong background front sight-pipe to the scanner head.
radiation. In the process of commissioning the • Providing cooling air to the detector’s cool-

26
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

ing/purge air connection. an ohm check from unit chassis to the nearest
• When heat radiation from burner front area proven earth ground. This reading should not
is extreme, other devices, such as water- exceed 1000 ohms. The chassis will be used to
cooled housings or additional heat-shields tie all suppression components to ground. This
may be required. makes it essential that it be noise-free. Next, it
See Figure 36 for common scanner mounting is necessary to assure that neutral is at, or
arrangements including common accessories. neat, ground potential. Verify this with a voltme-
ter check between neutral and ground. On the
ELECTRICAL NOISE
AC range, it should not be more than 50 milli-
Minimizing effects of electrical noise from volts. If it is greater than this amount, the sec-
the burner front area, particularly the spark igni- ondary of the AC transformer supplying the
tion sources is an important consideration dur- instrument should be checked by an electrician.
ing installation of flame detectors. When using All wires coming into or out of the microproces-
the non-metallic, heat insulating nipple (Figure sor based instrument can be classified into
36), the detector will also be effectively isolated three different categories.
from the burner front. Electrical noise is a varia- 1. Analog (i.e. 4-20 mA, T/C, RTD, V or mV
tion in frequency or voltage beyond the nor- DC).
mally expected range. It exists in the industrial 2. Relay or SSR outputs.
environment as RF (Radio Frequency) noise or 3. AC.
a short duration transient voltage spike.
Each of these must be isolated from each other
Noise can be carried by, or modified by AC and from any wires coming from devices. If they
or DC voltages. Therefore, any wire to a micro- need to be parallel with any other lines, then
processor-based instrument can potentially maintain a minimum 6-inch space between the
carry noise. The immunity to noise is controlled wires. Remember that the only wires that can
by the operating environment of the unit and the be run together in a bundle are those of the
amount of noise suppression nearby. Even with same category. If the wires must cross each
noise suppression, an instrument cannot over- other, do so at 90 degrees. This minimizes the
come noise unless it’s environment (i.e. loca- contact with other wires and reduces cross talk.
tion, wiring, and power) meets minimum Cross talk is the EMF (Electro Magnetic Flux)
installation guidelines. emitted by a wire as current passes through it.
Listed below are some of the common This EMF can be picked up by other wires run-
sources of severe noise: ning in the same bundle. Shielded cable is a
1. Ignition transformers single or multi-pair of insulated wires; with each
2. Arc welders pair wrapped in an un-insulated wire (shield)
3. Mechanical contact relays wrapped with foil, and all inside a cover of plas-
4. Solenoids tic insulation.
5. Motors Analog signals should be run with a
Earth ground must be attached to the unit’s shielded cable. Terminal lead length should be
chassis. To verify that it is earth ground, make as short as possible, keeping them protected by

27
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

the shielding. The shielding should be All fittings must be constructed with speci-
grounded at one end only. The preferred fied materials (ASME) according to the pres-
grounding location is the microprocessor based sures involved. Purge or cooling air is generally
unit since its chassis should be at ground not required in arrangements like these.
potential. Shielding helps eliminate RF and
EMF noise the wires may be exposed to.
HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION
Detectors needing hazardous area classifica-
Figure 37: Installation details of flame detector
installation for high furnace pressure tion compliance must be mounted inside an
applications. enclosure of the appropriate NEMA or
HEAT INSULATING CENELEC rating.
NIPPLE
The enclosure in Figure 38 can be adapted
for use with fiber optic detectors. Alternately,
fiber optic assemblies can be used to locate the
SWIVEL
MOUNT detector-head outside the hazardous classified
area. Non-incendive detectors can be used in
lieu of the requirement for special enclosures,
when specifications allow.
BALL
VALVE
Figure 38: Cut-away view of flame detector mounted in
hazardous area enclosure.

FURNACE PRESSURE HAZARDOUS AREA ENCLOSURE

FOR FLAME DETECTOR

Protection from excessive furnace pres- EXTRA HEAVY

LENS

sures is achieved through a viewing window, or

protective lens installed between the detector
and furnace opening. Be sure to use the lens
with the appropriate material specification. Use AIR PURGE

high temperature glass for infra-red and quartz THREADED FOR ACCESS
TO DETECTOR

for ultra-violet radiation detectors.

The use of a full-bore shutoff valve between CONTROLLERS
furnace and protective lens is required in order Flame detectors operate in conjunction with
to be able to service the equipment while in ser- an associated controller. The controller is the
vice. recipient of the flame detector’s output signal
Figure 37 shows two examples of detectors and conditions its signal to operate the flame
installed on high pressure furnaces. The upper relay located within the controller. The normally
example, using the pipe union fitting with lens open and normally closed contacts of the flame
inside, is typical for the lowest pressures (max relay provide the input signal to the burner man-
1.5 PSIG or 0.1 BAR). The lower example has agement system (BMS) for status of the tar-
the lens mounted between flanges and is typi- geted flame— on or off.
cal for higher pressures.

28
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 39: Basic electrical connections to controller greater than the compartor’s (fixed) threshold,
the control will energize its flame relay. If the
FLAME OFF(NC)

FLAME
flame signal drops below the flame relay’s
BMS
COMMON
threshold (or is absent) for a period longer than
RELAY
FLAME ON (NO) the FFRT, the flame relay will drop out. In the
SCANNER SIGNAL
above method, the drop-in and pull-out thresh-
old of the flame relay remains fixed and the
CONTROLLER'S SCANNER POWER (+) SCANNER adjustments allow the operator to manipulate
ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS SCANNER NEUTRAL(-) the flame signal controlling the flame relay.
AND
CIRCUITRY For example, with a flame detector mounted
SCANNER SELF CHECK
on the burner-front and connected to its appro-
POWER (+) priate controller and with the targeted flame-off,
NEUTRAL (-)
POWER sensitivity set to maximum, the controller
receives a detector output signal value of 45%
PROTECTIVE GROUND
as displayed on the control or with separate
voltmeter connected. This would represent the
Figure 39 shows the most basic electrical con-
signal value of the background radiation. The
nections to a simplified schematic of a single
control’s flame relay pull-in value is likely to be
channel controller. The controller will operate
around a 30% value. The operator can now
the flame relay within a strategy based on its
adjust the sensitivity dial (or screwdriver adjust-
design. The most simple flame relay control
ment) to limit the detector output signal value to
strategy converts the flame detector’s output
0%, preventing the flame relay from switching
signal into current. The current operates the
on. When the targeted flame is turned on, the
flame relay and as long as this current is suffi-
controller may display a detector output signal
cient to hold-in the relay, the controller is signal-
value of say 60%, ample to energize the flame
ing a flame-on condition. When the detector
relay. At this stage, the operator could select an
reduces its output signal based on flame radia-
even lower sensitivity setting of, for example,
tion (targeted flame-off), the current to the
50%, to assure discrimination between the
flame relay is also reduced. If this occurs for a
presence of absence of the targeted flame.
period longer than the flame failure response
time (FFRT), the flame relay will drop out
(flame-off condition).

SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT OPTION

Controllers can also provide an operator
Sensitivity adjustment. In this way, an adjust-
ment is made to a sensitivity potentiometer. An
increase in the sensitivity adjustment will pro-
vide an increase in the signal level to an output
relay comparator. If the signal to the relay is

29
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 40: External connections to controller with dual detector inputs and option select feature.
MARGINAL ALARM RELAY FLAME RELAY AUXILIARY FLAME RELAY

SPDT DPDT
POWER
SHUTTER POWER (+)
SCANNER "A" MOV
SIGNAL
COMMON NEUTRAL (-)

POWER MOV

SHUTTER
SCANNER "B"
SIGNAL
PROTECTIVE GROUND
COMMON

4-20mA ANALOGUE OUTPUT RS-485 COMMUNICATIONS

OPTION SELECT

THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT OPTION on threshold value of 500 units and fa flame-off

value of 350 units in order to assure discrimina-
An alternate, and generally more accurate
tion between the presence or absence of the
method of operator adjustment is used in some
targeted flame.
controllers. This is available where the output
signal from the flame detector remains uncondi- FLAME RELAY OPTIONS
tioned and the operator is allowed to adjust the
Controllers generally have one double pole,
controller’s flame relay pull-in and drop-out
double throw (DPDT) flame relay, allowing for
threshold to determine the flame’s presence or
an additional auxiliary set of potential free con-
absence. The controller displays the value of its
tacts. Usually, one set of contacts is fused,
flame detector input signal. Via keypad or exter-
intended to be used for switching an electrical
nal device it allows the desired pull-in and drop-
load. The other set can be used for general sta-
out threshold to be set.
tus purposes. When wiring to the controller’s
For example, with a flame detector mounted flame relay, attention must be paid to contact
on the burner-front and connected to its appro- ratings, both maximum current as listed in the
priate controller and with the targeted flame off, controller’s specification.
the controller displays a detector output signal
value of 280 units. This represents the back- MARGINAL ALARM RELAY OPTION
ground radiation of a multi-burner furnace. Some controllers are equipped with a marginal
When the targeted flame is turned on, the con- alarm relay. The marginal alarm relay an-
troller displays a detector output signal value of nounces a deteriorating flame signal that could
750 units. The operator can now select a flame- be caused by a dirty scanner lens, etc.

30
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS
When the flame signal becomes marginal, be an ultra-violet and the other an infra-red
approaching the flame relay drop-out setpoint type.
for longer than the allowable period, the mar- In more simplistic controllers, both input sig-
ginal alarm relay will pull-in, activating an exter- nals from the detectors (A + B) are used indis-
nal alarm device. The pull-in threshold of the criminately by the control. If strategy requires
marginal alarm relay is adjustable and should blocking one detector’s signal, then the use of
be set above the flame relay drop-out thresh- external relays would be required.
old. It should be set high enough to allow cor-
More sophisticated controllers with duall
rective action, but not too high for nuisance
flame detector inputs, are provided with an
trips.
option select feature (see figure 40). Using the
FAULT RELAY OPTION option select lets the operator remotely select
from a menu of scanner options: A only, B only,
Some controllers are equipped with a fault
A and B, A or B, A xor B, and A plus B. Each of
relay. The purpose of the fault relay is to
the scanner options are available during pro-
announce when the system does not respond
gramming of the setpoints when commissioning
to the flame detector’s or control amplifier self-
the system. The operator programs in the scan-
check function properly. Controllers without a
ner option into either of the control options.
fault relay, directly open the flame relay when a
Then, switching between control options, the
self-check failure is determined. Controllers
system selects the appropriate scanner option.
supplied with a fault relay, maintain the flame
With controllers such as this, the operator is
relay energized during a self-check failure, but
also allowed to program two complete setpoint
its fault relay will trip, energizing a timed alarm
parameters into either option. This allows flexi-
function in the BMS before a burner trip. This
bility in scanner logic selection and also control
allows the operator to remedy the fault before a
parameters in both control options.
burner trip is initiated. When this function is not
desired, the flame and fault relay can be wired TYPE OF CONTROLLER ENCLOSURE
in series.
Controllers are manufactured in various archi-
ANALOG OUTPUT tectural designs; panel-mount, base-mount,
DIN-rail, and rack-mount. Design selection is
Almost all controllers have an analog output for
dependent upon the application.
flame signal strength monitoring. The output
may be a mA type (0-20 or 4-20) or voltage (0, - PANEL MOUNT
3, or 0-10). When connected to an appropriate
Panel mount controllers (see Figure 41) mount
service test-meter a continuous readout of
directly in their control cabinet and are wired to
flame signal strength is provided.
the external wiring terminals. They are “one-
OPTION SELECT piece” construction. Advantages of this design
include relative ease of installation (no base,
Controllers often have provision for the connec-
rack, or DIN rail required). Access to wiring ter-
tion of two flame detectors. These detectors
minals for servicing is easy. A disadvantage is
can be different types. For example, one could
the panel-mount’s large footprint, especially

31
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

when multiple controllers must be housed in the base will also add to the controller’s total height
same cabinet. If, for example, twenty four con- dimension, possible requiring a deeper cabinet
trollers are required, cabinet space may be a for mounting the control. Base-mounted con-
problem. Panel mount controllers need to have trollers (depending on their NEMA or IP rating),
all wiring undone and redone when replacing may also be mounted external to control cabi-
the control. A base, or rack-mount control nets.
requires less work at this stage.
Figure 42: Single Channel “base mounted” controller
with LED signal strength indication.
Figure 41: Dual channel “panel mount” controller with
side-entry wiring terminals.

SELECTED
ALTERNATE
WIRINGTERMINALS
WIRINGTERMINALS

FLAME FLAME

DUALCHANNEL
CONTROLLER
DIN RAIL
Compact in design, DIN rail controllers are suit-
able when multiple units for a small space are
Simple panel mount applications might include needed. DIN-rail mounting allows flexibility in
burner-deck mounted operator control panels, combining controllers and associated power
one at each burner. With its relatively low pro- supplies on the same rail.
file, this installation in explosion-proof cabinets
Figure 43: DIN rail mounted controllers
suits this style control.

BASE MOUNT FAULT FAULT FAULT FAULT

POWER POWER POWER POWER

Base mount controllers are similar in design RELAY1

RELAY2
SIGNAL1
RELAY1
RELAY2
SIGNAL1
RELAY1
RELAY2
SIGNAL1
RELAY1
RELAY2
SIGNAL1
SIGNAL2 SIGNAL2 SIGNAL2 SIGNAL2

strategy and subject to the same advantages

(and disadvantages) as panel-mounted con-
trols. The exception is the added wiring base. RACK MOUNT
This allows quick removal and replacement in Ideally suited for mounting many units in
the field. The wiring is inside the wiring base small areas, rack-mounting is multipurpose and
with the control plugging into and out of the flexible. This style has been industry standard
base. Obviously, the wiring terminals on base- around the world.
mounted controllers are not external. This
makes trouble shooting connections more diffi-
cult, unless the wiring has been terminated to a
common, external wiring terminal-strip. This

32
 FLAME SAFEGUARD CONTROLS IN MULTI-BURNER ENVIRONMENTS

Figure 44: Programmable, single channel, “Rack Today’s microprocessor-based systems han-
Mounted” controllers in a half-rack.
dle both modulating and digital logic functions.
Future boilers, turbines, and furnaces will
require the design and installation of progres-
MONOVOLT
sively more sophisticated FSG controls. With
the large installed base of controls and the
CVP
Flame Relay Flame Relay V
Marginal Relay Marginal Relay
Scanner Option Scanner Option
Modify
Up Mdfy
Modify

Up Mdfy
need to upgrade equipment, this is an interest-
ing and exciting time to be involved in this
Next Enter Next Enter
Down Down
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25SU3-2000 25SU3-2000 24V/2.5A

industry.

SUMMARY
Application of Flame Safeguard controls
should only be undertaken by individuals with
knowledge of the combustion process. A thor-
ough knowledge of control and instrumentation
is mandatory.
Understanding and solving application
problems involves:
1. A full understanding of the problem. All
objectives, including performance must be
clear. Safety is paramount to any applica-
tion. Difficulty in achieving strong and reli-
able flame signal cannot interfere with the
ultimate goal of reliably detecting the tar-
geted flame “on” and “off.”
2. Determining various alternative solutions to
the problem can present different advan-
tages and disadvantages. On-site testing of
equipment is often required, allowing the
user to test various types of detectors and
accessories.
3. Make the best selection based on the
results of the tests and assure that they are
implemented.
Flame Safeguard solutions require application
knowledge. Economic justification may influ-
ence decisions, but should not interfere with
appropriate solutions.

33