Burner Management & Control SYSTEMS

Burners, boilers and thermal process equipment operate under demanding conditions where fuel, air and ignition must be carefully coordinated. HIMA supports the implementation of Burner Management and combustion control solutions that help operators manage critical operating phases, monitor combustion-related conditions and integrate safety-related functions into the wider plant environment.

From application engineering to lifecycle support, HIMA combines Functional Safety expertise with combustion technology know-how for industrial burner applications.

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Managing Safety Throughout the Combustion Process

Incorrect operating sequences, flame loss or unburned fuel mixtures can create hazardous conditions in combustion systems. A Burner Management System evaluates defined permissives, interlocks and operating conditions throughout start-up, operation and shutdown, while combustion control functions regulate relevant process values required by the application.

The required solution depends on the equipment, fuel and plant design. HIMA supports customers in implementing the appropriate Burner Management and combustion control concept for their specific application.

Safe Start-Up and Shutdown

Before fuel is admitted, the conditions defined for starting the burner must be fulfilled. Depending on the application, this can include permissives and interlocks for purging, ignition and the fuel supply.

HIMA Burner Management function blocks support the implementation and monitoring of defined sequences for purging, ignition, burner operation and shutdown. Monitored times and interlock conditions help ensure that the sequence only proceeds when the specified requirements are met.

Continuous Flame Monitoring

Flame status and other combustion-related conditions are monitored throughout burner operation. If a relevant signal or sequence condition is not present, the Burner Management System initiates the response specified for the application.

HIMA provides documented functions for gas and oil burner applications, pilot and direct ignition, and fuel-air ratio monitoring. The required signals, limits and responses are determined by the specific burner and plant design.

Fuel Safety Control

Fuel must only be admitted when the defined conditions for burner operation are fulfilled. The Burner Management System coordinates the relevant burner sequence and safety logic, including the commands associated with fuel admission and shutdown.

HIMA function blocks support different gas and oil burner configurations. Their use must take account of the valve arrangement, ignition system, field signals and safety requirements of the individual application.

Integration into Combustion Systems

Burner Management and combustion control have different responsibilities. The Burner Management System implements the defined safety-related sequences and protective functions. The Burner Control System regulates relevant process values where required by the application.

HIMA supports the integration of these functions with higher-level process and supervisory systems while keeping their roles clearly defined. This allows the burner, control system and plant environment to be considered as one engineered application.

HIMA Burner Management Capabilities

From Burner Functions to System Modernisation

Burner Management Functions

Recurring combustion safety functions require a consistent engineering approach. HIMA provides dedicated Burner Management function blocks for purging, pilot burners, gas and oil burners, direct ignition and fuel-air ratio supervision. These documented functions can be combined to implement Burner Management applications for burners, furnaces, boilers and steam generators, providing a structured basis for engineering safety-related combustion systems.

The current generation of HIMA BMS function blocks has been certified by TÜV and documented in corresponding test reports for combustion applications. Together with dedicated application manuals, they support the implementation, testing and validation of Burner Management applications

Combustion Control Functions Safe combustion depends not only on burner safety functions but also on the controlled operation of critical process variables. HIMA Burner Control function blocks support tasks such as fuel-air control, pressure and temperature compensation, ramps and control valve operation. Together with Burner Management functions, they help create coordinated combustion solutions for complex burner and boiler applications.

Combustion Application Expertise Combustion systems differ significantly in their fuels, burner technologies, operating modes and process requirements. HIMA combines combustion technology knowledge with Functional Safety expertise to support applications ranging from burners and boilers to furnaces, steam generators and thermal process equipment. This allows safety-related and operational requirements to be addressed within a coordinated application concept.

Assessment and Modernisation Many combustion installations have evolved over decades through modifications, upgrades and changing operating requirements. The HIMA Combustion Review helps operators assess existing burner systems against available documentation, operational requirements and applicable standards. The result is a structured evaluation with documented recommendations that can support modernisation and future development of the application.