Refractory Ignition Electrode Structure for High-Temperature Burners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionization and ignition devices for industrial burners face challenges in withstanding high temperatures while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacture, and they are often complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a refractory inner rod made of non-oxide ceramic, such as silicon carbide, combined with a lower hardness outer sleeve of sintered silicon carbide or refractory stainless steel, allowing for efficient high-temperature performance and ease of assembly, with a design that includes an electrical insulator and projecting tips for spark generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single hard refractory material is used for the electrode, then high-temperature resistance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two distinct parts: a hard inner rod made of refractory material (such as silicon carbide) that withstands high temperatures, and a softer outer sleeve made of material easier to machine (such as sintered silicon carbide or refractory stainless steel). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying overall manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses a composite structure combining two different materials with complementary properties. The inner rod provides high-temperature resistance, while the outer sleeve provides ease of manufacturing and assembly. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between temperature resistance and manufacturability.
2Measurement precision
If a complex optical scanner is used for flame detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical scanning systems with a simpler flame ionisation detection method. By using an electrode that detects flame through ionisation current rather than optical scanning, the system achieves effective flame detection with significantly reduced complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-material electrode is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the electrode have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The inner rod uses hard refractory material for high-temperature exposure, while the outer sleeve uses softer material for ease of assembly and connection. This local differentiation enhances adaptability to various applications without complicating manufacturing.
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
The device effectively withstands high temperatures, maintains mechanical integrity, and simplifies manufacturing processes, providing improved performance and adaptability for both flame detection and ignition applications.
Implementation Method 1
a device comprising a refractory inner rod (10) made of a non-oxide ceramic... an outer sleeve (20)... The inner rod (10) and the outer sleeve (20) are designed so that, in use, they are thermally resistant
Implementation Method 2
an electrical insulator (30)... The outer sleeve (20) is electrically insulated from the rod (10)
Implementation Method 3
The outer sleeve (20) comprises one or more projecting tips (27)... a spark formed between them
Implementation Method 4
The inner rod (10) comprises a material which has a greater hardness than the material of the outer sleeve (20). Although the inner rod (10) may comprise other materials... the inner rod (10) may consist only of material which has a greater hardness than the outer sleeve (20)... refractory inner rod made of non-oxide ceramic, such as silicon carbide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
There is disclosed an ionisation and/or ignition device comprising: an inner rod, an outer sleeve, and an electrical insulator. The inner rod comprises a semiconductor refractory material. The outer sleeve comprises a semiconductor refractory material. The electrical insulator is disposed between the inner rod and the outer sleeve. The inner rod material has a greater hardness than the outer sleeve material.