AM Monday – The Flame Behind the Curtain

AM Mondays: The Flame Behind the Curtain

January 19, 2026

The burner system is the RTO’s ignition point—literally and operationally. Stable combustion is essential for consistent VOC destruction, safe operation, and fuel efficiency. Over time, burner nozzles, flame scanners, and fuel trains are exposed to thermal cycling, particulates, and corrosive byproducts that can degrade performance without triggering immediate alarms.

Preventive Focus Areas

Routine inspection of burner assemblies should verify flame stability, ignition timing, and proper air-to-fuel ratio. Fuel valves, regulators, and solenoids must be checked for leakage or drift, while flame detection sensors should be cleaned and tested to ensure reliable shutdown response. Combustion air dampers and linkages should move freely and track control signals accurately.

Why It Matters

Incomplete combustion leads to excess fuel use, unstable chamber temperatures, and potential permit exceedances. Inconsistent burners are also a leading cause of nuisance trips and unplanned downtime.

S&SE Recommendation

Ship & Shore Environmental recommends annual burner tune-ups aligned with seasonal operating changes. Verifying combustion performance under real process conditions protects destruction efficiency and extends burner life.

Contact us at +1 (562) 997-0233 or email service@shipandshore.com for more information. For urgent oxidizer emergencies, text or call +1 (562) 477-7557 or +1 (562) 400-4439.