FLAME FRONT IGNITION PANELS Flame front ignition panels operate by creating a combustible mixture at the flare panel. This flammable mixture then travels through a pipeline to the pilot burner, or pilot burners. When the mixture has had time to fill the line between the panel and the pilot tip, it is ignited at the panel. Upon ignition the mixture burns from the flame front chamber until it has reached the end of the igniter line and runs out of fuel. As this small explosion exits the igniter line, it passes over the pilot fuel gas exiting the pilot burner, and ignites it. Flame front generator systems are simple and reliable, however, they are limited by some inherent limitations.

1. Moisture is a by- product of combustion. If the igniter line is not drained, it can fill with water, corrode, and become impassable for the flame ball.

2. The fuel and air pressures must be maintained at constant pressures and flows so that the mixture in the ignition line is combustible.

3. The ignition line between the panel and the pilot ignition point must always slope upwards to prevent low point water accumulation which could block the travel of the flame.

4. Utility lines must be run up the flare stack for fuel gas, flame front ignition line, and conduit for thermocouple wiring.

5. For a flame front ignition to automatically re- ignite pilots which become extinguished many valves, and logic controllers are required. Automatic flame front generator panels are much more costly than automatic electronic ignition systems. top