Introduction
This article offers a detailed introduction to coking plant ignition devices. It begins by summarizing the coking process, followed by a technical description of the different types of ignition equipment used in such a process. The various advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and the article closes by providing a comparison of the most convenient ignition systems for coking plants.
The Coking Process
Coking is a refinery process by which coal is heated to produce coke and carbon monoxide. This process can also be used to convert other carbonaceous materials such as heavy oils or distillate into useful products. During the coking process, the coal or feedstock is heated to temperatures of up to 2000°C in a sealed vessel known as a coking furnace or retort. This causes the coal to break down into its component parts, which then separate out into vapors, liquids, and high-carbon coke.
The vapors are collected in a condensate tower and the liquids are separated. The coke is removed from the vessel and cooled in a coke drum. The carbon monoxide and other by-products of the coking process can be sold for use in various industries.
The Ignition Systems
The coking process requires a reliable and robust ignition system to successfully heat the feedstock to the required temperature. A wide range of ignition systems are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The first type of ignition equipment is known as a spark-plug ignition system. This system uses a spark plug to provide an ignition spark at the nozzle of the burner. This system is relatively simple, reliable and cheap to maintain, but can struggle with heavy fuel loads and require frequent adjustment.
The second type of ignition system is known as an oil-fired ignition system. This system uses a special combination of oil and air to provide an ignition spark, allowing it to cope with heavier fuel loads. However, these systems require regular maintenance and can be expensive to run.
The third type of system is known as an electrical ignition system. This system uses low-voltage electricity to provide an ignition spark, making it the most reliable and simplest system to use. However, it is also the most expensive option and requires complex wiring.
Comparison
When selecting a coking plant ignition system, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Spark-plug systems are simple, reliable and cheap to operate, but can struggle with heavy fuel loads and require regular adjustment. Oil-fired systems provide greater flexibility and can handle heavier fuel loads, but require regular maintenance and can be expensive to run. Electrical systems are the most reliable and simplest to use, but are expensive and require complex wiring.
Conclusion
Coking plants require robust and reliable ignition systems to confidently and safely heat the feedstock. There are a number of different ignition systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Spark-plug systems are reliable and cheap to maintain, but can struggle with heavy fuel loads. Oil-fired systems are more flexible, but require regular maintenance and can be expensive to run. Electrical systems are the simplest and most reliable, but also the most expensive. When selecting the most appropriate ignition system, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
