Burner Controller (BMS)
A Burner Controller, also known as a Burner Management System (BMS), is the safety "brain" of an industrial combustion system. It manages the startup sequence, continuously monitors safety interlocks, and supervises the flame to prevent unsafe conditions.
Role and Function
The primary function of a Burner Controller is safety. It ensures that fuel is never admitted into the combustion chamber unless a safe pilot flame or ignition source is present and verified.
Key responsibilities include:
- Pre-Purge: Ensuring the combustion chamber is cleared of any residual combustible gases before ignition.
- Ignition Sequencing: Controlling the timing of the spark and pilot valve opening.
- Flame Monitoring: Continuously checking for the presence of a flame via flame detectors.
- Safety Interlocks: Monitoring air pressure, gas pressure, and temperature limits.
- Lockout: Immediately shutting down the system (closing fuel valves) if a fault is detected, requiring manual reset.
Modern BMS units are often microprocessor-based and can communicate with plant DCS/PLC systems via Modbus or Profibus.