What precautions should be taken when using a quartz crystal igniter?

Quartz crystal igniteris commonly used in factory fire areas, laboratories, and specialized equipment. They rely on a special quartz crystal inside to ignite, resulting in accurate and reliable results. However, because they are so delicate, they require careful handling and certain rules to be followed. To ensure long-lasting service, trouble-free operation, and the safety of personnel and equipment, these precautions must be adhered to. Failure to do so could result in damage, malfunctions, and even dangerous consequences. Therefore, these precautions must be carefully considered and followed thoroughly.

Proper Installation

When installing quartz crystal igniter, be sure to follow the manufacturer's drawings and instructions. The position, angle, and distance of the ignition electrode tip relative to the fuel injector must be precisely adjusted. The screws or clips securing the igniter should be tightened securely, but be careful not to overtighten. Excessive force can easily crack the delicate quartz or ceramic insulators. Also, wear clean gloves when installing the igniter to prevent hand oils and sweat from rubbing against the quartz or insulation. Dirt can cause leakage and lead to malfunctioning ignition.

Suitable Working Environment

This type of igniter is not well-suited to high and low temperatures. Exposing it to these constant fluctuations will rapidly degrade the quartz and surrounding materials, potentially causing cracks. The igniter itself and its connecting wires should be kept away from consistently hot areas, such as the furnace wall or hot flue pipes. Excessive heat can overwhelm the internal components and insulation. Also, avoid installing it where it's subject to frequent shaking or vibration, as these external forces are most likely to damage the delicate quartz structure. The surrounding area should also be clean and dry. Avoid collecting conductive dust or corrosive gases that could damage the insulation or joints.

Standard Operating Procedures

Before using quartz crystal igniter, check that the ignition head is properly positioned against the fuel injector nozzle and that there are no obstructions. When pressing the ignition button or switch, do not apply too much or too little force. Hold it in for the time specified by the manufacturer, which is usually a few seconds. Pressing it too briefly will result in insufficient ignition force and a failure to ignite. If you continue to press the button even after it fails to ignite, especially if you continue to apply power even after it has not ignited, the voltage-boosting transformer and piezoelectric ceramics will suffer, potentially causing them to overheat and burn out. If it doesn't ignite the first time, don't rush to press it again. Stop and investigate the issue (for example, whether there's insufficient fuel, insufficient gas pressure, or the ignition head is too far away). Once the cause is identified and corrected, try again. Never press it too hard.

The medium meets the requirements.

The quartz crystal and its packaging are sensitive to certain chemicals. Therefore, the fuel and ambient atmosphere exposed to the ignition head during use must match the manufacturer's specifications. Avoid contact with inappropriate liquid fuels, additives, cleaning agents, or corrosive gases. These can damage seals, insulation, or metal parts, leading to ignition failure or a short circuit. If the work area is greasy and dirty, which can easily contaminate the ignition head, wait until the equipment is idle and cool. Carefully clean the carbon deposits and dirt from the ignition head according to the instructions in the manual using the designated tools and method. Be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging the fragile ignition head or the insulating ceramic.

Regular Maintenance Inspections

This should be considered part of your overall equipment maintenance schedule and inspected regularly. What should be inspected? Check the ignition lead for signs of burnout, bending, deformation, or cracks; check the ceramic insulator for signs of carbon deposits, shine, discharge marks, or cracks; check the high-voltage wires and connectors for any signs of wear, tear, or aging; and check if the base securing the ignition is loose. If you see even one of these defects, do not use it. Have it repaired or replaced immediately. Don't make do with it to avoid further trouble or accidents.

Safety Guidelines

Safety always comes first. When the ignition is in operation or immediately after operation, the voltage-boosting components and high-voltage output connectors inside may still be live, posing a serious risk. Therefore, before inspecting, cleaning, or disassembling it, follow the proper procedures: completely disconnect the main power supply, lock it out, and tag it out, ensuring that the entire system is completely de-energized and discharged. Never touch or repair the high-voltage components of the ignition while power is still on or until you are certain it is safe to do so. People who do this job need to learn safety knowledge carefully, know how powerful high voltage electricity can be and what to do if something happens.