The Components in Fuel Trains

The series of valves, regulators, and switches that fuel is carried through in an oil production heater/ gas process treatment equipment is known in the industry as a fuel train or sometimes a gas train. Fuel trains regulate the amount and pressure of fuel to the burners. They also keep gas out of the combustion chamber whenever equipment is cycled or shut off.

Fuel trains with a rating greater or equal to 12,500,000 BTU/hour require double block and bleed valves for additional safety. They have a number of components that ensure that safe light-offs take place and that shutdowns occur immediately if anything goes wrong during operation. Irregular fuel pressures in the fuel train trip fuel pressure switches and cause the unit to shut down. Switches are also used to ensure that airflows are correct for purging residual combustibles prior to light-off and to make sure airflow is correct.

All components of the fuel train are logically linked, controlled, and interlocked to a burner management system. This system supervises and sequences all the light-off efforts, including the timing and adequacy of the purge prior to light-off, as well as the intervals allowed for getting pilots and main flames lit. The system ensures safety by monitoring all the switch and safety conditions. It directs the safety shutoff valves to close if there is a problem detected.

Fuel train components vary based on a number of different factors. These include E&P specifications, control needs, safety requirements, gross BTU requirements, performance needs, and budget.

Profire Energy offers PF2100 and PF3100 BMS as well as standard and custom fuel train solutions for production heating applications which comply with current standards. To learn more about our products and solutions visit www.profireenergy.com.