An intelligent ignition system

A review of the history of electrical resistance igniters (ERI) applications shows that it is the preferred ignition source for gas appliances with only one shortcoming-the ignitors can be easily fractured or broken if not handled carefully. Since this problem was recognized from the beginning, an improved-strength ignitor has been diligently sought. In 1987, a potential candidate was found and has since been undergoing development along with a new complementary burner control especially designed to maximize the ignitor´s life. The new ignitor is called silicon nitride, so named because of the material used to house the tungsten electrical resistance heater element inside. The burner control is a microcomputer-based design with a special “learning routine” developed to bring the ignitor to the minimum temperature required to ignite gas for a particular appliance reliably under varying conditions of temperature, voltage, gas quality, and combustion air. The authors review the new ignitor and burner control in detail