Burner Control Valve Speed Control for Pilot Flame Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current burner control valves in fuel-gas systems are prone to causing pilot light blowouts and backfires due to rapid opening and closing, which can lead to safety issues and reduced burner lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a speed control assembly that meters loading pressure into a loading pressure chamber at a controlled rate, using a combination of speed control conduits, pins, bleed conduits, and check valves to regulate the opening and closing of the valve plug, preventing sudden changes in fuel gas supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pneumatic control valves are used for rapid opening and closing, then responsiveness to control signals is improved, but pilot light blowout and backfire occur
Solution Approach 1:
A speed control assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the pneumatic control valve and the fuel gas supply. This assembly includes a speed control orifice and a loading pressure chamber that mediates the rapid pressure changes by controlling the rate at which loading pressure is applied to the valve plug, thereby preventing pilot light blowout and backfire while maintaining responsive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameters by introducing a loading pressure chamber that accumulates and regulates pressure. The speed control orifice controls the rate of pressure change, transforming the abrupt pressure changes from pneumatic signals into controlled, gradual pressure increases that prevent harmful effects while maintaining control responsiveness
2Speed
If the valve opens and closes quickly, then control signal responsiveness is improved, but burner lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The speed control assembly provides beforehand cushioning by gradually applying loading pressure through a controlled orifice before the valve plug fully opens. This cushioning effect reduces mechanical shock and stress on the valve components and burner system during operation, thereby extending burner lifespan while maintaining quick response to control signals
3Loss of time
If loading pressure is applied rapidly to the loading pressure chamber, then valve response time is improved, but pilot light stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The speed control orifice acts as an intermediary that regulates the flow of loading pressure into the loading pressure chamber. It allows pressure to be applied quickly enough to maintain responsive valve operation while controlling the rate of pressure increase to prevent pilot light instability, achieving both fast response and reliable pilot light operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces or prevents pilot light blowouts and backfires, enhances safety, and prolongs burner life by ensuring a smooth and controlled startup, while allowing for retrofits to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a speed control assembly for metering loading pressure into a loading pressure chamber to prevent pilot light blow out and/or backfire
Implementation Method 2
The bleed conduit has a check valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A burner control valve with speed control includes a speed control assembly for metering loading pressure into a loading pressure chamber to prevent pilot light blow out and/or backfire in a downstream burner.