When starting an integrated oil burner in cold conditions, the viscosity of the fuel increases significantly, resulting in poor atomization, reduced combustion efficiency, and even blockage of the fuel supply lines. Furthermore, lubricating oil fluidity decreases in cold conditions, increasing frictional resistance in mechanical components, potentially causing starting difficulties and equipment wear. Therefore, multi-faceted preheating assistance measures are necessary to ensure stable burner operation in low-temperature conditions.
Preheating the fuel lines is crucial to preventing freezing. In cold conditions, the paraffin component in the fuel easily crystallizes and precipitates, leading to line blockage. A continuous heat source can be used to maintain fuel fluidity by wrapping the fuel tank, pump, and fuel supply lines with electric heating tape or circulating hot water pipes. In extremely cold regions, a fuel preheater can be installed. Using electrical heating or engine waste heat recycling systems, the fuel temperature is raised to a suitable range for injection, preventing poor atomization caused by excessive fuel viscosity.
Preheating the burner's air intake system can significantly improve combustion efficiency. Direct entry of cold air into the combustion chamber lowers the flame temperature, resulting in incomplete combustion or even flameout. A resistive or PTC ceramic intake air preheater can be installed in the intake line, using electrical energy to heat the intake air to a specific temperature and reduce heat loss during the compression stroke. Some equipment utilizes exhaust heat recovery devices, transferring exhaust heat to the intake air via a heat exchanger, achieving efficient energy utilization.
Preheating the combustion chamber is crucial for ensuring a quick start. For integrated oil burners, flame or electric glow plugs can be used to locally heat the combustion chamber before starting. Flame glow plugs use fuel injection and spark ignition to create a stable flame source, rapidly raising the combustion chamber temperature to above the fuel's auto-ignition point. Electric glow plugs utilize high-resistance alloys to generate Joule heat, continuously heating to a set temperature before automatically shutting off. Both methods require a temperature control module to prevent damage from overheating.
Insulating the lubrication system can extend equipment life. Low temperatures can cause the viscosity of lubricating oil to increase dramatically, increasing starting resistance of moving parts. An insulation jacket can be installed on the outside of the oil pan to reduce heat loss. For equipment that will be out of service for extended periods, pre-install low-temperature lubricants. Their low pour point ensures good fluidity even in low-temperature environments. Some equipment also features a lubricant circulation heating system, which maintains the oil temperature within a reasonable range through independent heating units.
Rational allocation of auxiliary energy sources can improve preheating efficiency. In outdoor environments without utility power, portable diesel air heaters can be used to generate hot air by burning diesel, directly heating key burner components. For stationary equipment, solar panels can be used to collect heat and, combined with heat storage devices, provide continuous heating at night. Furthermore, biomass pellet burners can serve as a backup heat source, providing auxiliary heating for the fuel system in extreme weather conditions.
Intelligent upgrades to the control system can optimize the preheating process. Modern integrated oil burners are often equipped with PLC control systems that integrate components such as temperature sensors, pressure switches, and flow meters to monitor equipment status in real time and automatically adjust preheating parameters. For example, when the ambient temperature falls below a set point, the system automatically initiates the fuel preheating process. When the combustion chamber temperature reaches a threshold, the intake air preheating device is deactivated with a delay to ensure combustion stability. This closed-loop control mode significantly reduces the complexity of manual operation.
Regular maintenance and emergency response plans are equally important. Before the cold season arrives, a comprehensive burner inspection is required, focusing on checking pipeline tightness, heating element integrity, and temperature control module sensitivity. Sufficient supplies of low-temperature fuel, lubricants, and spare heating elements should also be stockpiled. An emergency response procedure should be established for sudden freezing events, including temporary thawing measures such as steam purging and hot water spraying, to minimize downtime.
