Pro Tip: Here is how your bakery can attain the optimal performance of both constant spark ignition (CSI) and direct spark ignition (DSI) in your ovens.

Transitioning from constant spark ignition (CSI) to direct spark ignition (DSI) burners can enhance safety, efficiency and reliability. However, proper adjustment and maintenance remain critical for optimal performance, regardless of the type of burner system in use.

Common in older ovens, CSI ignitors produce a continuous arc but require careful maintenance and alignment. Neglected ignitors may fail to ignite, potentially leading to dangerous unburned gas accumulation and explosion risks.

Equipped with a burner control module, DSI burners automatically stop gas flow if ignition fails within 9 to 11 seconds, significantly reducing safety hazards and improving fuel efficiency.

Both CSI and DSI burners rely on similar maintenance and adjustment procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation. These steps can help keep either system functioning at optimal levels.

For the ignitor adjustment procedure, please do the following:

Setup: After the purge cycle, with ignitors active but burners unlit, every burner should have a clear arc from the ignitor to the burner ribbon before gas flow begins.

Adjustment steps: Remove the ignition cable using insulated tools; clean the ignitor electrode and burner ribbon thoroughly; position the ignitor 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch away from the burner ribbon to create a robust arc, slightly above the ribbon to prevent damage, and replace the ignition cable using insulated tools.

Make sure to clean or replace ignitors monthly to ensure consistent performance.

For air/fuel ratio adjustment:

Adjust Modutrols: CSI burner combustion air should be set to about two inches water column on low fire. This will help avoid excess heat since this design cannot turn burners off automatically. DSI low fire setting should be four to six inches water column so the microamps are detectable by the module. This design can avoid excess heat by cycling off burners as needed. The high fire setting should be maximum airflow with no wasted valve movement.

Setup: Perform adjustments at high fire for best results. Open the manual burner gas valve or activate the DSI burner module.

Adjust: Turn the air/fuel ratio adjustment screw fully clockwise to close it. Gradually turn it counterclockwise until the burner ignites. Open the air/fuel ratio screw until the flame comes off the burner ribbon, then slowly close it until a steady blue flame rests on the burner ribbon. Last, cycle from low to high fire and observe flame.

Always turn off the gas valve or burner module for burners that won’t light before moving to the next burner.

If ignition problems persist, check the following: combustion air filter, clogged burner ribbons, dirty mixing valves, loose burners, bad or missing ground wires or failed DSI modules.

Mitch Brixey is manager of inspection services at Brixey Engineering Inc. He inspects more than 100 bakery ovens every year, often finding issues that would otherwise cause dangerous and expensive problems.

You can connect with him on LinkedIn.