Apparatus, method and system for a pilot ignition system

Abstract

An apparatus, method and system is disclosed for a pilot light ignition system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a fluid powered linear actuator and (2) a trigger member, wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the trigger member to triggering a spark generating mechanism to generate a spark for igniting a pilot light. The pilot light ignition system may be for use with, for example, a crude oil burner or gas flare.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured for use in a pilot light ignition system comprising:
 a fluid powered linear actuator; and   a trigger member;   wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the trigger member and wherein movement of the trigger member is suitable for triggering a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic linear actuator or a pneumatic linear actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is made from heat resistant material or materials having a melting point greater than of at least one of: 200° C. and 300° C. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to receive a combustible fluid for powering the linear actuator. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the trigger member is configured to be moved by the linear actuator in a first direction, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a mechanism configured to move the trigger member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the linear actuator comprises a cylinder configured to receive the fluid for powering the linear actuator, and wherein the cylinder comprises at least one aperture open to the atmosphere. 
     
     
         7 . A burner, a crude oil burner or a gas flare comprising the apparatus according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . A pilot light ignition system comprising:
 a fluid powered linear actuator;   a trigger member, wherein the linear actuator is configured to move the trigger member and wherein movement of the trigger member is suitable for triggering a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light; and   a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light.   
     
     
         9 . The pilot light ignition system of  claim 8 , wherein the spark generating mechanism comprises:
 a firing mechanism comprising a striking member; and   a spark generator; and   wherein the firing mechanism and the spark generator are configured such that movement of the trigger member triggers the firing of the firing mechanism to force the striking member to strike the spark generator thereby causing generation of a spark for igniting a pilot light.   
     
     
         10 . The pilot light ignition system of  claim 9 , wherein the spark generator comprises a piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         11 . The pilot light ignition system of  claim 9 , wherein the pilot light ignition system is configured so that the pilot light is fuelled by a first combustible medium and wherein the pilot light ignition system is further configured to ignite at least a second combustible medium with the pilot light. 
     
     
         12 . The pilot light ignition system of  claim 11 , wherein the pilot light ignition system is configured so that the ignition of the at least a second combustible medium forms a second pilot light. 
     
     
         13 . A method for use in a pilot light ignition system comprising causing, at least in part, actions that result in:
 receiving a fluid to drive a fluid powered linear actuator;   moving a trigger member with the fluid powered linear actuator wherein movement of the trigger member is suitable for triggering a spark generating mechanism for igniting a pilot light.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising:
 triggering a spark generating mechanism; and   generating a spark for igniting a pilot light.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein triggering the spark generating mechanism comprises triggering a firing of a firing mechanism to force a striking member to strike the spark generator thereby causing the generation of the spark. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the pilot light is fuelled by a first combustible medium, the method further comprising using the pilot light to ignite at least a second combustible medium. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein receiving the fluid to drive the fluid powered linear actuator comprises receiving a combustible medium to drive the fluid powered linear actuator. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein moving the trigger member comprises moving the trigger member from a first position to a second position, the method further comprising moving the trigger member from the second position to the first position. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 13 , the method further comprising venting the fluid to the atmosphere. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus comprising means configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the method as claimed in  claim 13 .