Smitsvonk Ignition Systems

For more than half a century Smitsvonk has been making low-tension high-energy ignition and control systems for industrial combustion processes. These electrical and electronic ignition systems are applied world-wide. They are characterized by a high degree of reliability under demanding conditions. Ignition is not effected by dirt, humidity, extreme temperatures or aggressive gases.

The Smitsvonk ignition principle

SparkSmitsvonk’s low tension high energy ignition

system is designed to meet the requirements of
reliable ignition for many industrial applications.
The system is based upon the principle of a capacitor
discharge over a special discharge surface.
This surface consists of an isolator with
semiconductor properties. The isolator and positive
and negative electrodes are integrated into
a high temperature resistant spark plug. When a
charged capacitor is connected, it will be discharged
via the spark plug producing sparks,
even under wet or soiled conditions.

 

 

Process step by step

  • Charge capacitor
  • Capacitor connected to spark plug through high voltage thyristor
  • As capacitor discharges a current forms across the semi conductor surface of the spark plug
  • The area above the insulator becomes ionised
  • Resulting flame shaped spark forms a plasma. Current from 300–1000 A in 5 to 15 μs.

 

Applications

  • Ground and elevated flares
  • Industrial furnaces and boilers
  • Pulverized coal fired power plants
  • Portable igniters
  • Waste incinerators
  • Gas engines/turbines.

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