Podcast
Questions and Answers
EASY What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds?
EASY What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds?
During the run period, what happens if a permissive opens?
During the run period, what happens if a permissive opens?
What is the purpose of the safe start check?
What is the purpose of the safe start check?
What happens during the standby stage?
What happens during the standby stage?
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What happens if there is power at any of the fuel SSOV terminals during the safe start check?
What happens if there is power at any of the fuel SSOV terminals during the safe start check?
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What happens if the low-fire proving switch is not closed during the ignition trials?
What happens if the low-fire proving switch is not closed during the ignition trials?
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What is the purpose of the pilot trial for ignition period?
What is the purpose of the pilot trial for ignition period?
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What happens during the initiate stage?
What happens during the initiate stage?
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What happens if a burner safety limit opens during the run period?
What happens if a burner safety limit opens during the run period?
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What is a safety shutdown?
What is a safety shutdown?
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What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the purpose of the purge counter in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the purge counter in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the pilot flame is deemed inadequate during the pilot trial for ignition period?
What happens if the pilot flame is deemed inadequate during the pilot trial for ignition period?
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What is the primary factor that determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary factor that determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the purpose of the high airflow step in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the high airflow step in a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the function of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the function of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the final step in the typical sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
What is the final step in the typical sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
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What happens if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
What happens if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
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What is the purpose of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition?
What is the purpose of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition?
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What happens if the pilot is not established on the second attempt?
What happens if the pilot is not established on the second attempt?
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What is the purpose of the flame detector in oil-fired boilers?
What is the purpose of the flame detector in oil-fired boilers?
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What happens if the main flame goes out during the run period?
What happens if the main flame goes out during the run period?
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What is the purpose of the permissives in fully automatic boilers?
What is the purpose of the permissives in fully automatic boilers?
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What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
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What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5?
What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5?
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What is the purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
What is the purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
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What is the purpose of the boiler pressuretrol or aquastat?
What is the purpose of the boiler pressuretrol or aquastat?
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What must be closed for the boiler ignition sequence to initiate?
What must be closed for the boiler ignition sequence to initiate?
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What is the purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
What is the purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
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When does the programming controller begin counting the purge?
When does the programming controller begin counting the purge?
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What happens when the purge period is completed?
What happens when the purge period is completed?
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What is the purpose of the flame detector?
What is the purpose of the flame detector?
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What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
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What is the purpose of the post-purge period?
What is the purpose of the post-purge period?
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What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
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What is the purpose of the oil pumps in an oil-fired boiler?
What is the purpose of the oil pumps in an oil-fired boiler?
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What happens during the run period?
What happens during the run period?
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What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
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What is indicated directly on the controller during a safety shutdown?
What is indicated directly on the controller during a safety shutdown?
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During the INITIATE period, what can cause a safety shutdown and lockout?
During the INITIATE period, what can cause a safety shutdown and lockout?
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What is required for all fuel-fired boilers?
What is required for all fuel-fired boilers?
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What happens when an operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
What happens when an operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
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What happens when the main flame is established in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
What happens when the main flame is established in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
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Why does the primary control system restart when the boiler steam pressure or water temperature drops?
Why does the primary control system restart when the boiler steam pressure or water temperature drops?
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What is the purpose of a safety shutdown and lockout?
What is the purpose of a safety shutdown and lockout?
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What must an operator do to reset the programming controller after a safety shutdown and lockout?
What must an operator do to reset the programming controller after a safety shutdown and lockout?
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MEDIUM What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
MEDIUM What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the pilot flame is deemed inadequate during the pilot trial for ignition period?
What happens if the pilot flame is deemed inadequate during the pilot trial for ignition period?
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What is the purpose of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
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What determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
What determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens when the purge period is completed?
What happens when the purge period is completed?
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What is the purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
What is the purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
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What happens during the main flame trial for ignition period?
What happens during the main flame trial for ignition period?
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What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
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What is necessary to be satisfied for the boiler to start?
What is necessary to be satisfied for the boiler to start?
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What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
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What is the purpose of the low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch?
What is the purpose of the low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch?
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What happens during the purge period?
What happens during the purge period?
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What must be reset manually after a safety shutdown and lockout?
What must be reset manually after a safety shutdown and lockout?
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What is the purpose of the flame detector?
What is the purpose of the flame detector?
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What happens when the airflow reaches at least 60% of the high-fire airflow?
What happens when the airflow reaches at least 60% of the high-fire airflow?
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What is necessary for oil-fired boilers?
What is necessary for oil-fired boilers?
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What happens during the post-purge period?
What happens during the post-purge period?
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What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
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What is the primary purpose of the safe start check in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary purpose of the safe start check in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if a burner safety limit opens during the run period?
What happens if a burner safety limit opens during the run period?
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What is the primary function of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary function of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
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What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
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What happens if the power quality is poor during the initiate stage?
What happens if the power quality is poor during the initiate stage?
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What is the primary purpose of the purge period in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary purpose of the purge period in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds during the main flame trial for ignition?
What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds during the main flame trial for ignition?
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What is the purpose of the post-purge period in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the post-purge period in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the permissives are not satisfied during the ignition trials?
What happens if the permissives are not satisfied during the ignition trials?
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What is the purpose of the high airflow step in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the high airflow step in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens to the burner when an operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
What happens to the burner when an operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
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What is the purpose of the primary controller in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
What is the purpose of the primary controller in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
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What happens during the SAFE START CHECK period?
What happens during the SAFE START CHECK period?
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What is required for a boiler to start?
What is required for a boiler to start?
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What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
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What is the purpose of a safety shutdown and lockout?
What is the purpose of a safety shutdown and lockout?
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During the RUN period, what happens if the airflow proving switch opens?
During the RUN period, what happens if the airflow proving switch opens?
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What is the purpose of the programming controller in a boiler?
What is the purpose of the programming controller in a boiler?
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What is the purpose of the flame detector in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
What is the purpose of the flame detector in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
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What happens if the pilot flame is not established during the PILOT TRIAL-FOR-IGNITION PERIOD?
What happens if the pilot flame is not established during the PILOT TRIAL-FOR-IGNITION PERIOD?
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What happens if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
What happens if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
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What is the purpose of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition?
What is the purpose of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition?
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What happens if the main flame goes out during the run period?
What happens if the main flame goes out during the run period?
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What is the purpose of the permissives in fully automatic boilers?
What is the purpose of the permissives in fully automatic boilers?
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What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
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What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5?
What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5?
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What is the purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
What is the purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
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HARD What is the purpose of the boiler pressuretrol or aquastat?
HARD What is the purpose of the boiler pressuretrol or aquastat?
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What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
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What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
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What is the primary purpose of the BMS checking permissives and pre-ignition interlocks during the startup sequence?
What is the primary purpose of the BMS checking permissives and pre-ignition interlocks during the startup sequence?
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Why does the BMS open the main SSOVs during the main flame trial for ignition period?
Why does the BMS open the main SSOVs during the main flame trial for ignition period?
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What is the primary reason for the BMS to lockout the burner system in case of an inadequate pilot flame?
What is the primary reason for the BMS to lockout the burner system in case of an inadequate pilot flame?
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What determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
What determines the specific sequence of operation for a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the pilot flame is not established during the pilot trial for ignition period?
What happens if the pilot flame is not established during the pilot trial for ignition period?
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What is the purpose of the high airflow step in the sequence of operation?
What is the purpose of the high airflow step in the sequence of operation?
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What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
What is the term for the period of time during which the pilot flame is established and proven to be stable?
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What happens when the BMS detects low airflow during the startup sequence?
What happens when the BMS detects low airflow during the startup sequence?
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What is the primary purpose of the pilot trial for ignition period in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
What is the primary purpose of the pilot trial for ignition period in a natural draft gas-fired boiler?
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What happens when the operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
What happens when the operating control opens in an automatically fired boiler?
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What condition can cause a safety shutdown and lockout during the RUN period?
What condition can cause a safety shutdown and lockout during the RUN period?
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What is required for all fuel-fired boilers?
What is required for all fuel-fired boilers?
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What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
What happens when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected?
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What is indicated directly on the controller during a safety shutdown?
What is indicated directly on the controller during a safety shutdown?
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What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
What must be satisfied for the boiler to start?
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What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
What happens when the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control?
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What is the purpose of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the purpose of the airflow sensing devices in a boiler's programming controller?
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What must an operator do to reset the programming controller after a safety shutdown and lockout?
What must an operator do to reset the programming controller after a safety shutdown and lockout?
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What is the primary reason for the controller to conduct a post-purge of the furnace during the run period?
What is the primary reason for the controller to conduct a post-purge of the furnace during the run period?
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During the safe start check, what is the primary condition that the controller is checking for?
During the safe start check, what is the primary condition that the controller is checking for?
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What happens to the pilot SSOV during the main flame trial for ignition period?
What happens to the pilot SSOV during the main flame trial for ignition period?
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What is the primary function of the programming controller during the standby stage?
What is the primary function of the programming controller during the standby stage?
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What happens if the power quality is poor during the initiate stage?
What happens if the power quality is poor during the initiate stage?
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What is the primary reason for the controller to perform a safety shutdown and lockout during the pilot trial for ignition period?
What is the primary reason for the controller to perform a safety shutdown and lockout during the pilot trial for ignition period?
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What happens during the ignition trials if the low-fire proving switch is not closed?
What happens during the ignition trials if the low-fire proving switch is not closed?
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What is the primary function of the safe start check during the startup sequence?
What is the primary function of the safe start check during the startup sequence?
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What happens if the controller detects power at any of the fuel SSOV terminals during the safe start check?
What happens if the controller detects power at any of the fuel SSOV terminals during the safe start check?
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What is the primary function of the programming controller during the run period?
What is the primary function of the programming controller during the run period?
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What is the primary reason why a primary controller goes into safety shutdown and lockout if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
What is the primary reason why a primary controller goes into safety shutdown and lockout if the pilot does not light within 15 to 90 seconds?
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What is the significance of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition in a primary controller?
What is the significance of the 5-minute wait before retrying ignition in a primary controller?
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What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5 in a primary controller?
What happens if the number of main flame failures in a call for heat cycle reaches 5 in a primary controller?
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What is the primary purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
What is the primary purpose of the programming controller in oil-fired boilers?
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What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
What is the primary function of the pre-ignition interlocks in a boiler's programming controller?
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What happens if the steam pressure or water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control in a fully automatic boiler?
What happens if the steam pressure or water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control in a fully automatic boiler?
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What is the primary purpose of the flame detector in oil-fired boilers?
What is the primary purpose of the flame detector in oil-fired boilers?
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What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
What is necessary to reset the primary control after a lockout?
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What happens if the pilot is not established on the second attempt in a primary controller?
What happens if the pilot is not established on the second attempt in a primary controller?
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What is the primary purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
What is the primary purpose of the purge period in the boiler startup sequence?
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What is the primary function of the low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch?
What is the primary function of the low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch?
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What is the purpose of the atomizing medium in an oil-fired boiler?
What is the purpose of the atomizing medium in an oil-fired boiler?
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What happens when the combustion airflow reaches at least 60% of the high-fire airflow?
What happens when the combustion airflow reaches at least 60% of the high-fire airflow?
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What is the purpose of the manual resets on the cut-offs?
What is the purpose of the manual resets on the cut-offs?
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What happens during the post-purge period?
What happens during the post-purge period?
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What is the purpose of the programming controller in a boiler?
What is the purpose of the programming controller in a boiler?
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What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds?
What happens if the main flame is not established within 10 seconds?
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What is the purpose of the fuel selector switch in a dual fuel boiler?
What is the purpose of the fuel selector switch in a dual fuel boiler?
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What happens if the pilot flame is interrupted during the run period?
What happens if the pilot flame is interrupted during the run period?
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What is the purpose of the flame detector in a boiler?
What is the purpose of the flame detector in a boiler?
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Study Notes
Power Engineers and Programming Controllers
- Power engineers must familiarize themselves with the programming controller installed on each boiler they operate.
- Different types of flame amplifiers, purge timers, pre-ignition interlocks, airflow sensing devices, and permissives may vary depending on the fuel used, burner input, furnace volume, fuel pressure, and age of the equipment.
Typical Sequence of Operation for Programming Controllers
- Pre-ignition interlocks and permissives are checked, and if satisfied, the startup sequence proceeds.
- The draft fan starts, and the fan speed or combustion air damper position is increased to high-fire position.
- High airflow is detected, and the purge counter begins.
- When the purge is complete, the combustion airflow returns to low-fire position.
- The pilot is ignited, and the pilot SSOV is opened. The pilot flame must be proven within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The main burner is lit, and the main SSOV is opened. The main flame must be established within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The burner runs until a burner limit or boiler operating limit switch opens, and a post-purge is conducted.
Operating Sequence Charts
- The sequence of operation can be illustrated using charts, such as those shown in Figures 22 and 23.
- The chart shows the events during each stage of the sequence, including initiate, standby, safe start, ignition trials, pilot trial for ignition, main flame trial for ignition, run, and shutdown.
Safety Shutdown and Lockout
- A safety shutdown is a built-in feature of every programming controller that closes all SSOVs and locks out the controller when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected.
- Safety shutdown occurs under various conditions, including:
- INITIATE period: power error, low voltage, or poor power quality.
- STANDBY period: flame signal present, ignition transformer or SSOV energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- SAFE START CHECK: ignition transformer, pilot SSOV, or main SSOVs energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- PILOT TRIAL-FOR-IGNITION PERIOD: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer and pilot SSOV not energized, or main SSOV energized.
- RUN period: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer energized, main SSOV not energized, or no flame present.
Burner Management Systems
- Burner management systems (BMS) must have built-in self-diagnostics and perform a safety shutdown and lockout if an internal fault is detected.
- Shutdown without lockout occurs when an operating control opens, and the burner shuts off, but the BMS does not lockout.
- BMS are required for all fuel-fired boilers, and smaller natural draft boilers with atmospheric burners may not require controllers with the ability to start draft fans and prove purge conditions.
Natural Draft Gas-Fired Boilers
- The operating control initiates a startup, and the primary controller opens the uptake damper, permitting natural draft to purge the furnace for 30 seconds.
- The primary controller energizes the ignition transformer and pilot SSOV to light the pilot flame.
- The pilot flame is established, and the primary control energizes the main gas SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the ignition transformer is de-energized.
- The primary control keeps the main burner in operation until the desired preset operating steam pressure or water temperature is reached.
Oil-Fired Boilers with No Pilot
- The programming controller energizes the motor that drives the draft fan and fuel oil pump, and purges the furnace.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer and fuel oil SSOV.
- The spark ignites the main burner, and the flame detector senses the flame.
- The ignition transformer de-energizes, and the flame relay closes.
- In case of ignition failure, the programming control locks out, and the operator must correct the problem and reset the control.
Programming Controller Sequence of Fully Automatic Boilers
- Fully automatic packaged boilers use highly sophisticated programming controls that include one or more timers, and several relays.
- The programming controller sequence varies depending on the type of burner, fuel, method of ignition, and operating controls used.
- The boiler or burner manufacturer's operations manual must be consulted for specific instructions.
Pre-Start Conditions
- Before a steam or hot water boiler can be started, several conditions, known as permissives and pre-ignition interlocks, must be satisfied.
- Typical permissives include:
- Water level in the boiler drum above the cut-off point of each low water fuel cut-off.
- Steam pressure or water temperature at or below the cut-in setting of the operating control.
- Fuel supply pressure to the burner valves above the cut-out point of the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch open.
- Combustion air damper or air supply interlocks satisfied.
- Oil pumps running to satisfy the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Atomizing medium at the proper pressure to satisfy the low atomizing medium cut-off switch.
Startup Sequence
- The boiler ignition sequence is initiated when the on-off and operating control switches are closed.
- The programming controller starts the draft fans, and the airflow to the burner is established.
- The purge period is completed, and the combustion airflow returns to the low-fire position.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer, and opens the pilot gas valve.
- The pilot flame is established, and the programming controller energizes the main SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the flame detector senses the main flame.
- The burner runs until a permissive, a manual on-off switch, or a burner safety switch shuts it off.
Shutdown Sequence
- When the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control, the call for heat ends.
- The programming controller de-energizes the SSOVs, and extinguishes the flame.
- The programming controller begins a post-purge.
- The programming controller returns to its standby mode.
- If there is a call for heat, and all permissives and pre-ignition interlocks are satisfied, the programming controller repeats the startup sequence.
Power Engineers and Programming Controllers
- Power engineers must familiarize themselves with the programming controller installed on each boiler they operate.
- Different types of flame amplifiers, purge timers, pre-ignition interlocks, airflow sensing devices, and permissives may vary depending on the fuel used, burner input, furnace volume, fuel pressure, and age of the equipment.
Typical Sequence of Operation for Programming Controllers
- Pre-ignition interlocks and permissives are checked, and if satisfied, the startup sequence proceeds.
- The draft fan starts, and the fan speed or combustion air damper position is increased to high-fire position.
- High airflow is detected, and the purge counter begins.
- When the purge is complete, the combustion airflow returns to low-fire position.
- The pilot is ignited, and the pilot SSOV is opened. The pilot flame must be proven within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The main burner is lit, and the main SSOV is opened. The main flame must be established within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The burner runs until a burner limit or boiler operating limit switch opens, and a post-purge is conducted.
Operating Sequence Charts
- The sequence of operation can be illustrated using charts, such as those shown in Figures 22 and 23.
- The chart shows the events during each stage of the sequence, including initiate, standby, safe start, ignition trials, pilot trial for ignition, main flame trial for ignition, run, and shutdown.
Safety Shutdown and Lockout
- A safety shutdown is a built-in feature of every programming controller that closes all SSOVs and locks out the controller when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected.
- Safety shutdown occurs under various conditions, including:
- INITIATE period: power error, low voltage, or poor power quality.
- STANDBY period: flame signal present, ignition transformer or SSOV energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- SAFE START CHECK: ignition transformer, pilot SSOV, or main SSOVs energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- PILOT TRIAL-FOR-IGNITION PERIOD: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer and pilot SSOV not energized, or main SSOV energized.
- RUN period: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer energized, main SSOV not energized, or no flame present.
Burner Management Systems
- Burner management systems (BMS) must have built-in self-diagnostics and perform a safety shutdown and lockout if an internal fault is detected.
- Shutdown without lockout occurs when an operating control opens, and the burner shuts off, but the BMS does not lockout.
- BMS are required for all fuel-fired boilers, and smaller natural draft boilers with atmospheric burners may not require controllers with the ability to start draft fans and prove purge conditions.
Natural Draft Gas-Fired Boilers
- The operating control initiates a startup, and the primary controller opens the uptake damper, permitting natural draft to purge the furnace for 30 seconds.
- The primary controller energizes the ignition transformer and pilot SSOV to light the pilot flame.
- The pilot flame is established, and the primary control energizes the main gas SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the ignition transformer is de-energized.
- The primary control keeps the main burner in operation until the desired preset operating steam pressure or water temperature is reached.
Oil-Fired Boilers with No Pilot
- The programming controller energizes the motor that drives the draft fan and fuel oil pump, and purges the furnace.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer and fuel oil SSOV.
- The spark ignites the main burner, and the flame detector senses the flame.
- The ignition transformer de-energizes, and the flame relay closes.
- In case of ignition failure, the programming control locks out, and the operator must correct the problem and reset the control.
Programming Controller Sequence of Fully Automatic Boilers
- Fully automatic packaged boilers use highly sophisticated programming controls that include one or more timers, and several relays.
- The programming controller sequence varies depending on the type of burner, fuel, method of ignition, and operating controls used.
- The boiler or burner manufacturer's operations manual must be consulted for specific instructions.
Pre-Start Conditions
- Before a steam or hot water boiler can be started, several conditions, known as permissives and pre-ignition interlocks, must be satisfied.
- Typical permissives include:
- Water level in the boiler drum above the cut-off point of each low water fuel cut-off.
- Steam pressure or water temperature at or below the cut-in setting of the operating control.
- Fuel supply pressure to the burner valves above the cut-out point of the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch open.
- Combustion air damper or air supply interlocks satisfied.
- Oil pumps running to satisfy the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Atomizing medium at the proper pressure to satisfy the low atomizing medium cut-off switch.
Startup Sequence
- The boiler ignition sequence is initiated when the on-off and operating control switches are closed.
- The programming controller starts the draft fans, and the airflow to the burner is established.
- The purge period is completed, and the combustion airflow returns to the low-fire position.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer, and opens the pilot gas valve.
- The pilot flame is established, and the programming controller energizes the main SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the flame detector senses the main flame.
- The burner runs until a permissive, a manual on-off switch, or a burner safety switch shuts it off.
Shutdown Sequence
- When the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control, the call for heat ends.
- The programming controller de-energizes the SSOVs, and extinguishes the flame.
- The programming controller begins a post-purge.
- The programming controller returns to its standby mode.
- If there is a call for heat, and all permissives and pre-ignition interlocks are satisfied, the programming controller repeats the startup sequence.
Power Engineers and Programming Controllers
- Power engineers must familiarize themselves with the programming controller installed on each boiler they operate.
- Different types of flame amplifiers, purge timers, pre-ignition interlocks, airflow sensing devices, and permissives may vary depending on the fuel used, burner input, furnace volume, fuel pressure, and age of the equipment.
Typical Sequence of Operation for Programming Controllers
- Pre-ignition interlocks and permissives are checked, and if satisfied, the startup sequence proceeds.
- The draft fan starts, and the fan speed or combustion air damper position is increased to high-fire position.
- High airflow is detected, and the purge counter begins.
- When the purge is complete, the combustion airflow returns to low-fire position.
- The pilot is ignited, and the pilot SSOV is opened. The pilot flame must be proven within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The main burner is lit, and the main SSOV is opened. The main flame must be established within 10 seconds, otherwise, a safety shutdown occurs.
- The burner runs until a burner limit or boiler operating limit switch opens, and a post-purge is conducted.
Operating Sequence Charts
- The sequence of operation can be illustrated using charts, such as those shown in Figures 22 and 23.
- The chart shows the events during each stage of the sequence, including initiate, standby, safe start, ignition trials, pilot trial for ignition, main flame trial for ignition, run, and shutdown.
Safety Shutdown and Lockout
- A safety shutdown is a built-in feature of every programming controller that closes all SSOVs and locks out the controller when a condition that can cause unsafe burner operation is detected.
- Safety shutdown occurs under various conditions, including:
- INITIATE period: power error, low voltage, or poor power quality.
- STANDBY period: flame signal present, ignition transformer or SSOV energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- SAFE START CHECK: ignition transformer, pilot SSOV, or main SSOVs energized, or SSOV proof-of-closure switch opens.
- PILOT TRIAL-FOR-IGNITION PERIOD: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer and pilot SSOV not energized, or main SSOV energized.
- RUN period: airflow proving switch opens, ignition transformer energized, main SSOV not energized, or no flame present.
Burner Management Systems
- Burner management systems (BMS) must have built-in self-diagnostics and perform a safety shutdown and lockout if an internal fault is detected.
- Shutdown without lockout occurs when an operating control opens, and the burner shuts off, but the BMS does not lockout.
- BMS are required for all fuel-fired boilers, and smaller natural draft boilers with atmospheric burners may not require controllers with the ability to start draft fans and prove purge conditions.
Natural Draft Gas-Fired Boilers
- The operating control initiates a startup, and the primary controller opens the uptake damper, permitting natural draft to purge the furnace for 30 seconds.
- The primary controller energizes the ignition transformer and pilot SSOV to light the pilot flame.
- The pilot flame is established, and the primary control energizes the main gas SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the ignition transformer is de-energized.
- The primary control keeps the main burner in operation until the desired preset operating steam pressure or water temperature is reached.
Oil-Fired Boilers with No Pilot
- The programming controller energizes the motor that drives the draft fan and fuel oil pump, and purges the furnace.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer and fuel oil SSOV.
- The spark ignites the main burner, and the flame detector senses the flame.
- The ignition transformer de-energizes, and the flame relay closes.
- In case of ignition failure, the programming control locks out, and the operator must correct the problem and reset the control.
Programming Controller Sequence of Fully Automatic Boilers
- Fully automatic packaged boilers use highly sophisticated programming controls that include one or more timers, and several relays.
- The programming controller sequence varies depending on the type of burner, fuel, method of ignition, and operating controls used.
- The boiler or burner manufacturer's operations manual must be consulted for specific instructions.
Pre-Start Conditions
- Before a steam or hot water boiler can be started, several conditions, known as permissives and pre-ignition interlocks, must be satisfied.
- Typical permissives include:
- Water level in the boiler drum above the cut-off point of each low water fuel cut-off.
- Steam pressure or water temperature at or below the cut-in setting of the operating control.
- Fuel supply pressure to the burner valves above the cut-out point of the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Low combustion air pressure fuel cut-off switch open.
- Combustion air damper or air supply interlocks satisfied.
- Oil pumps running to satisfy the low fuel pressure cut-off switch.
- Atomizing medium at the proper pressure to satisfy the low atomizing medium cut-off switch.
Startup Sequence
- The boiler ignition sequence is initiated when the on-off and operating control switches are closed.
- The programming controller starts the draft fans, and the airflow to the burner is established.
- The purge period is completed, and the combustion airflow returns to the low-fire position.
- The programming controller energizes the ignition transformer, and opens the pilot gas valve.
- The pilot flame is established, and the programming controller energizes the main SSOV.
- The main burner is lit, and the flame detector senses the main flame.
- The burner runs until a permissive, a manual on-off switch, or a burner safety switch shuts it off.
Shutdown Sequence
- When the steam pressure or hot water temperature rises above the set point of the operating control, the call for heat ends.
- The programming controller de-energizes the SSOVs, and extinguishes the flame.
- The programming controller begins a post-purge.
- The programming controller returns to its standby mode.
- If there is a call for heat, and all permissives and pre-ignition interlocks are satisfied, the programming controller repeats the startup sequence.
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Description
Learn about the programming controllers used in boiler operation, including flame amplifiers, purge timers, and airflow sensing devices. Understand the sequence of operation for most programming controllers.