Flame ionization control of a partially premixed gas burner with regulated secondary air

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A gas burning furnace has a burner in which the premixed fuel/air ratio of the burned gas in the burner flame is measured by a flame rod sensing the ionization current. The flame rod is connected to a fuel/air controller which controls the gas and primary air to the burner to maintain the maximum flame ionization current which results in an excessive amount of gas to the burner. The secondary air to the combustion chamber is proportionally controlled to add sufficient oxidant to the gas combustion in the combustion chamber to ensure complete combustion. Other properties of the flame or combustion products can also be used.