Service Gas Burners

Question 1

The servicing and inspection of a burner should always begin with what

Answer 1

a thorough examination of its overall appearance

Question 2

What type of environment do burners typically function in

Answer 2

non-sterile environments

Question 3

Soot deposition in the heat exchanger can be cause by what

Answer 3

caused by insufficient combustion air, poor fuel/air mixing, or draft issues

Question 4

What is the second step in servicing/inspecting a burner

Answer 4

It involves opening up the burner to access critical components such as the ignition electrode, flame rod, and oil nozzle.

Question 5

If signs of heat stress or damage are detected in the diffuser what should be done

Answer 5

the diffusers should be replaced immediately.

Question 6

What can can lead to damage in mesh burners

Answer 6

Flashbacks due to low port velocity, especially during low fire

Question 7

If burner damage is found what should be done

Answer 7

special attention should be given to sealing the burner and ensuring that low fire settings are within the manufacturer’s recommendations during re-commissioning.

Question 8

How to check ceramic insulation around electrodes

Answer 8

Dirty fingers or hitting it with a tool makes a different sound

Question 9

Cracks in the insulation can cause what in electrodes

Answer 9

leakage and shorts to ground.

Question 10

What can be used to get the proper gap on the electrode

Answer 10

An Allen key

Question 11

What kind of connectors are used on electrode wires

Answer 11

Rajah connector

Question 12

What is used to clean the oxide buildup on a flame sensor

Answer 12

Scotch-Brite pad or steel wool

Question 13

Combustion air dampers must move freely; if not what do you do

Answer 13

they should be disassembled and cleaned

Question 14

Oil burner nozzles require what for cleaning

Answer 14

compressed air

Question 15

What can be used to clean the holes in the oil burner nozzels

Answer 15

Use something like a toothpick or a bristle from a corn broom.

Question 16

Before closing up the boiler or remounting the burner what should you check

Answer 16

ensure that the gaskets are in good condition and capable of creating a proper seal.

Question 17

What should you use on all linklages to all pivot points and moving parts

Answer 17

Apply a non-gumming, dripless, high-temperature lubricant, such as graphite or a silicone derivative

Question 18

What should you inspect the cam for

Answer 18

ensure that the roller in the cam follower rotates freely without any flat spots.

Question 19

How often should the air-fuel ratio should be checked

Answer 19

Monthly

Question 20

Any time maintenance is performed on the burner linkage what should be done

Answer 20

the air-fuel ratio should be checked.

Question 21

What must be used to adjust air-fuel ratio for safety and maximum operating efficiency.

Answer 21

Combustion analyser

Question 22

What should be checked daily (5)

Answer 22

1 Check over the burner for proper operating pressures and temperatures.

2 Check the start-up and operation of the burner pilot and main flames. Check the appearance of the flames for proper and stable combustion. Standard electrode setting is 1/8” to 3/16” gap.

3 For oil-fired burners, check the operation of the fuel oil pump, heater (for heavy oil) and air compressor. Check the oil level in the compressor. Check the condition of the fuel oil strainer for cleanliness.

4 Check to make sure that an adequate air supply into the boiler room is being maintained. Check to make sure that the inlet screen on the blower assembly is clean and free from obstruction.

5 Check for fuel and air leaks. Any leaks in the piping, fittings, controls, should be attended to promptly.

Question 23

The following maintenance tasks should be performed weekly by the operator (3)

Answer 23

1 Check the burner linkage joints, arms, and rods for tightness. Check the linkage firing rate motor (MOD motor), shafts, bearings, and flow control fuel valves for proper and smooth operation.

2 Grease the burner blower shaft bearings sparingly (only while in operation). See the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricating the blower motor.

3Check the peepsite and sightports for cracks in the lens.

Question 24

The following maintenance tasks should be performed monthly by the operator: (7)

Answer 24

1 Check the burner pilot assembly for cleanliness and proper condition. Check the electrode for cracks in the porcelain and proper adjustment. Check the condition of the lead wire, and its connectors. Standard electrode setting is a 1/8” to 3/16” gap.

2 Check the flame scanner for cleanliness. Check the condition of its connecting cable.
If a light oil fired burner, check the oil gun assembly for cleanliness and condition.

3 Clean as may be required. In cleaning the oil nozzle, disassemble and clean with solvent and compressed air.

4 Check the blower assembly condition, cleanliness and proper operation, including the motor, blower wheel, air damper, and linkages.

5 If a gas fired burner, check the main gas valves for proper, smooth operation.

6 If a combination fuel burner, check the fuel selector shifter mechanism for tightness and proper operation.

7 Change oil in air compressor after 500 hours of operation.

Question 25

The following maintenance tasks should be performed annually by the operator (4)

Answer 25

1 Check the condition of the burner internals, including the swirlers, main gas ring, oil gun assembly and burner refractory. 2 Check gauges and thermometers for proper calibration. 3 Open, clean and inspect the burner fireside. Inspect the condition of the refractory, Hairline cracking in the refractory is normal. Loose or missing pieces in the refractory must be patched, repaired, or replaced. 4 Check the condition of the fireside gasketing. Check for hardness and/or cracking. Replace fireside gasketing as needed, but not less than every three years.