Once a boiler burner has ignited, the state of the flame undergoes changes. By analyzing aspects such as flame color and morphology, one can infer the operational status of the burner. Today, Ouba will guide you through what different flame characteristics signify.
I. Oil-Fired Boiler Burners
1. Generally, the flame produced by an oil-fired steam boiler burner is yellow-orange; it should neither be dazzlingly bright white nor accompanied by black smoke. The flame's outline should be distinct, with no snowflake-like sparks scattering from its periphery, and the outer layer of the flame should appear as a transparent, smoky haze. During high-fire operation, the flame should essentially fill the furnace chamber, yet its tip should not impinge directly upon the heat-absorbing surfaces.
2. Provided that the oil temperature and pressure meet the required specifications, if the flame appears to be entraining sparks, this may indicate that the nozzle is clogged.
3. If atomization is uneven—resulting in excessive local flow density or the presence of relatively large oil droplets—several dark streaks may be visible at the base of the flame. Furthermore, as these larger oil droplets combust, snowflake-like sparks may be observed around the periphery of the flame. Under these circumstances, the atomization conditions should be adjusted.
4. If unburned carbon black and combustible gases are present on the exterior of the flame, flame recirculation (roll-back) and black smoke will appear around the flame and at its tail, causing the flue gas to appear turbid. In this scenario, the air volume should be adjusted; additionally, the position of the air-distribution stabilizer (swirler) should be checked to ensure stable airflow, and in some cases, the nozzle may need to be cleaned to remove carbon deposits.
II. Gas-Fired Boiler Burners
1. When a gas-fired steam boiler burner is operating normally, the flame appears slightly bluish-yellow with a distinct outline; it should be stable and free of any deviation.
2. The presence of a wheat-yellow, turbid, or grayish flame indicates that the air volume is insufficient or that the fuel-air mixture is poor.
3. If black smoke is emitted, it signifies that carbon black has precipitated due to incomplete combustion. Remedial measures—such as adjusting the air and gas volumes, or repositioning the air-distribution stabilizer—should be implemented to improve combustion conditions and restore normal operation.
Once a boiler burner has ignited, the state of the flame undergoes changes. By analyzing aspects such as flame color and morphology, one can infer the operational status of the burner. Today, Ouba will guide you through what different flame characteristics signify.
I. Oil-Fired Boiler Burners
1. Generally, the flame produced by an oil-fired steam boiler burner is yellow-orange; it should neither be dazzlingly bright white nor accompanied by black smoke. The flame's outline should be distinct, with no snowflake-like sparks scattering from its periphery, and the outer layer of the flame should appear as a transparent, smoky haze. During high-fire operation, the flame should essentially fill the furnace chamber, yet its tip should not impinge directly upon the heat-absorbing surfaces.
2. Provided that the oil temperature and pressure meet the required specifications, if the flame appears to be entraining sparks, this may indicate that the nozzle is clogged.
3. If atomization is uneven—resulting in excessive local flow density or the presence of relatively large oil droplets—several dark streaks may be visible at the base of the flame. Furthermore, as these larger oil droplets combust, snowflake-like sparks may be observed around the periphery of the flame. Under these circumstances, the atomization conditions should be adjusted.
4. If unburned carbon black and combustible gases are present on the exterior of the flame, flame recirculation (roll-back) and black smoke will appear around the flame and at its tail, causing the flue gas to appear turbid. In this scenario, the air volume should be adjusted; additionally, the position of the air-distribution stabilizer (swirler) should be checked to ensure stable airflow, and in some cases, the nozzle may need to be cleaned to remove carbon deposits.
II. Gas-Fired Boiler Burners
1. When a gas-fired steam boiler burner is operating normally, the flame appears slightly bluish-yellow with a distinct outline; it should be stable and free of any deviation.
2. The presence of a wheat-yellow, turbid, or grayish flame indicates that the air volume is insufficient or that the fuel-air mixture is poor.
3. If black smoke is emitted, it signifies that carbon black has precipitated due to incomplete combustion. Remedial measures—such as adjusting the air and gas volumes, or repositioning the air-distribution stabilizer—should be implemented to improve combustion conditions and restore normal operation.