Burner ignition control system

Abstract

A system for controlling the temperature of a natural gas processing unit. The system having a main burner and a pilot burner operatively associated with the main burner, and temperature control means for regulating the temperature of the natural gas processing unit. A pilot valve is interposed between a fuel supply and the pilot burner and is responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the pilot valve and to the pilot burner when the natural gas processing unit is below a selected temperature. An igniter wire is operatively associated with the pilot burner and responsive to temperature control means for generating a spark that ignites fuel being discharged from pilot burner. A main burner control valve is interposed between the fuel supply and the main burner and is responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the main burner control valve and the main burner upon ignition of the pilot burner.

1 . A system in combination with a natural gas processing unit for controlling the temperature of the natural gas processing unit, the system comprising:
 a main burner operatively associated with the natural gas processing unit, the main burner capable of burning a fuel from a fuel supply to generate thermal energy for the natural gas processing unit;   a pilot burner operatively associated with the main burner to ignite the fuel discharged from the main burner;   temperature control means for regulating the temperature of the natural gas processing unit, the temperature control means being operative to call for an ignition and maintenance of a flame at the main burner;   a pilot valve interposed between the fuel supply and the pilot burner and being responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the pilot valve and to the pilot burner when the natural gas processing unit is below a selected temperature;   an igniter operatively associated with the pilot burner and responsive to temperature control means for generating a spark that ignites fuel being discharged from pilot burner; and   a main burner control valve interposed between the fuel supply and the main burner and being responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the main burner control valve and the main burner upon ignition of the pilot burner.   
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the pilot valve closes in response to the pilot burner failing to ignite in a predetermined time period. 
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a computerized logic device in electrical communication with pilot valve and the igniter; and   a first pressure switch pneumatically connected to the temperature controller, the first pressure switch being in electrical communication with the computerized logic device.   
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein the computerized logic device generates a signal to the igniter to re-try igniting the pilot burner after a predetermined period of time during which the pilot burner is purged of fuel. 
   
   
       5 . The combination of  claim 3  further comprising an output in electrical communication with the computerized logic device in such a way that a signal is sent to one or more remote users to inform the users that ignition of the pilot valve has failed. 
   
   
       6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the main burner control valve is controlled by fuel flowing through the temperature controller. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of  claim 6  further comprising a main burner safety valve interposed between the temperature controller and the main burner control valve, the main burner safety valve being in electrical communication with the computerized logic device.