Safely sequencing a burner through each state of the burner cycle is the primary function of a burner management system (BMS) or flame safeguard. To do this the BMS utilizes various limits circuits to monitor the status of the burner through each step of the burner sequence. Each of these are “series limits circuits”, meaning that power is […]
Burner Management Series I: Safely Sequencing a Burner
When it comes to burner management systems, safely sequencing a burner through each state of the firing process is the top priority. This can be broken down into 4 basic functions: 1) Pre-ignition checks verifying that the burner and boiler are in a safe condition to start, 2) Continuous monitoring of all safety limits while the burner is […]
Purging Control Panels to Reduce Classification
By Tom O’Marra Hazardous Locations, such as Class I, Division 2 or Class II, Division 2, are common areas to find equipment in the industrial control industry. These are locations, as defined by The National Electrical Code (NEC), where flammable gases or liquids are utilized (C1D2) or in the case of Class II, Division 2, combustible dust. Under […]
Technical Summary: Influence of Chemical Kinetics and Turbulence on Combustion Emissions
Dan Wallace Chemical kinetics and turbulence play critical roles in the formation and control of combustion emissions. Understanding their influence is essential for optimizing combustion processes and minimizing harmful pollutants. Here is a technical summary of how chemical kinetics and turbulence affect combustion emissions: Chemical Kinetics: Chemical kinetics refers to the study of chemical reactions and their rates. […]
Choosing the Right Flow Meter – Vortex
-Robert Roda, Danbury, CT When it comes to choosing a flow meter engineers are spoiled with choices, making selection of the appropriate meter a daunting task simply due to the sheer number of possible types of measurement devices: differential-pressure, thermal mass, turbine, and vortex meters being among the most common. Vortex meters, however, offer some unique advantages and […]
Modbus RTU verses Modbus TCP/IP: What’s the Difference?
-Robert Frohock, Danbury, CT See also: “I know what Modbus is, but what is BACnet?” Modbus Protocol is a messaging structure developed by Modicon. It is used to establish master-slave/client-server communication between devices. Modbus has a lot of protocol options. But the two used most are Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit), serial (RS-232 or RS-485) protocol or Modbus […]
Modbus Comms: How to Set Floating Point Values
In industrial settings, Modbus is one of the oldest protocols for devices to communicate their data digitally to a central controller. It allows transmitters to send integer data to controllers, and controllers to send integer data to SCADAs used in large, fully-monitored mission critical facilities such as data centers. Here we will give a pithy explanation of successfully […]
Boiler System 101: The Advantages of Full System Integration
Danbury, CT – A boiler system functions as a critical component to the continuous operation of a facility. It is important to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operation while minimizing any downtime of the boiler system to prevent disruption of operation and significant loss. A boiler system consists of many sub-systems working in harmony – the boiler, the burner and its controls, boiler […]
Considerations for Long Term Fuel Storage
–Joe Wallace, Danbury CT Many commercial and industrial facilities are required to have fuel oil bulk storage at their sites. Whether it is for heating applications or emergency power generation, the fuel must be available to use especially in mission critical operations, such as hospitals or data centers. If fuel oil is not your primary fuel or you […]
Automatic, Variable Ratio, Firing of a Blend of “Free” and Purchased Fuels
-Peter Lavelle, Danbury CT “Free” fuels are available from many processes: Digester Gas from wastewater treatment plants, Bio-Gas from agricultural and food processing plant waste, Hydrogen from chemical plants, Off-Gases from a Refinery, etc. The Challenge Firing these “free” fuels in a boiler, process heater, or engine-generator significantly reduces operating costs and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. […]