What is an ignition device for industrial gas burners? A comparison of igniters and ignition transformers.

Industrial gas burners are used as a heat source in various production facilities, such as drying ovens, heating furnaces, and heat treatment furnaces. However, combustion does not begin simply by supplying gas; an ignition device is essential to safely ignite the gas by generating a "spark," similar to a household gas stove. This article explains the mechanism of ignition devices that support the safe operation of industrial gas burners, and the differences between the representative types, igniters and ignition transformers.

Ignition devices at a construction site are not merely devices that start fires; they play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and stable operation of the entire system.

A gas burner ignites reliably only when the fuel gas and air are mixed in the correct ratio, and a spark with sufficient energy is added at the precise moment. If the ignition device does not function properly, or if the generated spark lacks energy, the gas will be released into the furnace without ignition. If the gas supply continues in this state, unburned gas will accumulate in the furnace, potentially causing explosive combustion such as backfire or a furnace explosion when re-ignition occurs.

Therefore, the ignition device in industrial gas burners is

1. At the designated time
2. Generate a spark with sufficient energy
3. Ensure proper ignition

It plays this important role.

Ignition systems don't simply convert the 100V or 200V electricity commonly used in factories directly into sparks. Inside the device, the voltage is increased to several thousand to tens of thousands of volts, and this high voltage is feed to the ignition electrode (spark plug) located near the combustion nozzle.

This causes a discharge between the electrodes at the tip of the ignition electrode, generating a spark. This spark ignites the gas, starting combustion, and once a stable flame is formed, the burner transitions to normal operation.

In other words, it's easiest to imagine an ignition system as "a device that increases the voltage of the electricity we normally use to create a strong spark that can ignite the gas."

Are you having trouble selecting an ignition system?
When selecting an ignition system suitable for the equipment, such as an igniter or ignition transformer, it is necessary to consider factors such as the type of burner and combustion conditions.
If you're unsure which ignition system is right for you, please contact the Combustion Equipment Department of Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.!

Currently, industrial gas burnersusetwo main types of igniters: electronic igniters and transformer-type ignition transformers. Each has different characteristics, and they are used differently depending on the equipment and application.

This method uses electronic circuits composed of semiconductor elements and capacitors to control electrical signals and efficiently generate high voltage, and it is one of the ignition methods widely used in industrial gas burners today.

■Main Features

• Compact and easy to install
  Its small size and light weight make it easy to install in control panels and other limited spaces within equipment, contributing to space savings.
• Generates a stable spark
  Because electronic control allows for the generation of a nearly constant spark each time,
  This results in less variation in ignition and leads to stable combustion.
• Energy conservation
  Because it generates high voltage efficiently, it tends to reduce power consumption.
• Low maintenance burden
  Because it has very few moving parts, wear and tear is minimal, and it maintains stable performance over a long period of time.
  It has an easy-to-use structure.
• It is compatible with autonomous driving equipment.
  It is easy to combine with combustion safety control devices and flame detectors, and is suitable for automated operation equipment.
  It is widely adopted.

■Recommended for the following types of equipment

• Industrial gas burner
• Pilot burner
• Small to medium capacity burners
• Automated driving equipment
• Drying oven/heating oven

Igniter

Ignition transformers (transformer type) utilize the structure of a transformer with an iron core and coils (primary and secondary windings) based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. They have a long track record of use in industrial furnaces and large burners.

■Main Features

• Generates a powerful spark
  Because it can generate high spark energy, even in challenging ignition conditions
  You can expect stable ignition.
• Easy to accommodate large-scale equipment.
  High ignition performance even in equipment with large gas volumes or under conditions where flame formation is difficult.
  I will demonstrate it.
• Simple structure and highly durable
  Due to its simple structure, it offers high reliability even in equipment used for long periods of time.
• Adaptable to harsh environments
  It is often used in factory-specific environments such as high temperatures, dust, and vibration.
  It is extremely durable.
• Used in a wide range of combustion equipment
  It is being adopted not only in gas burners but also in equipment that uses liquid fuels.
  there is.

■Recommended for the following types of equipment

• Large gas burner
• heating furnace
• Heat treatment furnace
• drying oven
• Equipment with strict ignition conditions

Ignition transformer

Electronic and transformer-type thermometers each have different characteristics.
Electronic ignition systems are compact, energy-efficient, and well-suited for use with automated control systems, making them a common choice for many industrial gas burners. Transformer-type ignition systems, on the other hand, are sometimes selected for larger equipment requiring a stronger spark or for environments with demanding ignition conditions.

Rather than one being superior to the other, it's important to choose the optimal method based on the burner capacity, fuel type, installation environment, and operating conditions.

Ignition devices are more than just "parts for lighting" industrial gas burners. They play a crucial role in ensuring stable ignition performance, safe combustion initiation, and stable equipment operation. Selecting an ignition device suitable for your equipment can lead to reduced ignition failures, stable combustion, and prevention of equipment problems.

At our company, we not only select industrial gas burners, but also propose complete combustion systems, including ignition devices and combustion safety equipment.
If you have any concerns such as "I want to know which ignition method is suitable for my current equipment" or "I'm having trouble with ignition failures," please feel free to contact us.

Daido Kogyo will resolve your concerns and worries regarding the selection of combustion equipment parts!