Ignition Element and Method for Kindling Solid Fuel

Abstract

An igniter element for igniting solid fuel particles in a retort furnace is disclosed. The igniter element is a substantially planar shaped element that is in direct contact with the fuel to be ignited. A configuration of various sections is formed into the planar igniter element in order to facilitate the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy. The igniter element uses a control system to reliably facilitate the ignition of all solid fuels including difficult to start fuels, such as anthracite coal. The service life of the heat igniter is extended by its planar shape in contact with the surface of the retort and its ability to dissipate the thermal energy produced within the retort region.

1 . A device for igniting solid fuel in a solid particle fuel burning furnace comprising an electrically conductive igniter element connected to a retort of the furnace, wherein the igniter element has a configuration consisting of a plurality of sections. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is planar and lies horizontally on the surface of the retort of the furnace. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the thickness of the igniter element ranges from about 0.025 to about 0.10 inch. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the thickness of the igniter element is approximately 0.05 inch. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is divided into sections, said sections being physically connected to form interconnecting sections. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the interconnecting sections consist of two heating element sections, two electrical contact sections, each electrical contact section being connected to one of the two heating element sections and at least one protection ring section. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is connected to an electrical power source. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the electrical power source provides parallel current to the igniter element. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the electrical power source provides either alternating or direct current. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is made from an electrically conductive material. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the electrically conductive material is a nickel chromium alloy. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is in direct contact with the solid fuel particles are selected from the group consisting of wood, wood pellets and coal. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the igniter element is capable of heating up to approximately 1800° F. when a sufficient amount of electricity is provided to the igniter element for a sufficient amount of time. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the igniter element is capable of receiving up to approximately 500 watts of electrical power from the electrical power source. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the igniter element preferably receives approximately 200 watts of power from the electrical power source. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the power source delivers approximately 6 volts to the igniter element. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the surface dimensions of the igniter element are approximately 1 to 4 inches in an X plane to approximately 2 to 5 inches in a Y plane. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein the surface dimensions of the igniter element are approximately 2 inches in the X plane and approximately 3 inches in the Y plane. 
     
     
         19 . A method for igniting solid fuel particles in a retort furnace comprising the steps of:
 a) providing solid fuel particles from a hopper to a horizontal fuel transporter;   b) urging the solid fuel particles down the horizontal fuel transporter into direct contact with an igniter element;   c) providing sufficient electricity to the igniter element to heat the solid fuel particles to at least their ignition temperature; and   d) introducing combustion air to the heated solid fuel particles to begin combustion of the solid fuel particles.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the combustion of the solid fuel particles occurs directly over the igniter element. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the fuel transporter continues to move the combusting solid fuel particles to a combustion region adjacent the igniter element.