Programmed ignition system

There are ways, of course, to convert a computerized ignition system to run on water, but this is basically a major re-programming task that manufacturers are not about to do until watercars become a legislated fact or we run out of gasoline. 

Fixed heaters are extensively used in the oil and gas industry to process raw materials into unstable product in a variety of processes. Fuel gas is normally used to fire the units that heat process fluids. Control of the burner system is critical in order to avoid firebox explosions and uncontrolled heater fires due to malfunctions and deterioration of the heat transfer tubes. Microprocessor computers are used to manage and control the burner systems. Principle functions of the burner management system are provided with programmed ignition of niters and burners at lightoff, flame monitoring during boiler operation, and proper furnace shutdown. 

A liquid pipeline has less stored energy than a gas pipeline, and a rupture does not cause an explosion. However, an explosion can occur on ignition of an explosive product. In the case of a hazardous liquid product pipeline, the environmental impact can be as serious as an explosion. The risk of an oil leak from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System has continued to be the primary driver for the aggressive corrosion prevention and inspection program maintained by the operator. Of major concern is the risk of oil leakage into water streams and thereby contaminating water supplies. 

The authors dedicate this work to the memory of Phil G. Squire. His passion for gel filtration began with a visit to Uppsala in 1960, before widespread interest in the field of column chromatography ignited. His passing in 1989 diminished our collective potential to fully explore this important technology. This work was funded by the Ethanol from Biomass Program of the Biofuels Systems Division of the U.S. Department of Energy. 

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