Burner Components and Settings
The pressure-jet burner, part by part
- Pump - draws oil, raises pressure, and contains the pressure regulating valve and solenoid.
- Nozzle - sets the flow rate and spray pattern; rated in US gallons per hour at a stated pressure (commonly 100 psi / 7 bar).
- Electrodes - set to the manufacturer's gap and position relative to the nozzle.
- Blast tube and turbulator/air guide - shape the air/oil mixing.
- Fan and air damper - set the combustion air; damper position affects CO₂ and smoke.
- Control box - runs the sequence and provides lockout; flame detection by photocell (or flame sensor on some types).
- Solenoid valve - opens to admit oil at the right point in the sequence.
Settings that matter
- Pump pressure - affects atomisation and flow; raising pressure increases flow through the same nozzle.
- Electrode gap and position - too wide or wrongly placed causes poor ignition; too close can carbon up.
- Nozzle selection - flow rate, spray angle and pattern must match the appliance.
- Air damper - the main efficiency adjustment in service.
- Photocell - must see the flame but not be fooled by stray light.
Traps in questions
- Assuming a bigger nozzle always means more heat - it may over-fire the appliance and soot the flue.
- Forgetting that nozzle flow is rated at a specific pressure.
- Mixing up electrode gap with nozzle position.
- Overlooking a dirty photocell as a lockout cause.
Worked example
A burner locks out with a good flame that dies after a few seconds. Rule of thumb: clean the photocell and check it sees flame before touching the pump. A sooted or misaligned photocell gives exactly this signature, and it costs nothing to rule out first.