Burner Management System (BMS) and Combustion Control Systems Specification

1 Scope – This article presents the minimum requirements for the design and implementation of burner management systems (BMS). Additionally, the design and implementation of control and safety systems on all combustion processes are addressed.

2 BMS and CCS References

Reference is made in this standard to the following documents. The latest issues, amendments, and supplements to these documents shall apply unless otherwise indicated.

Basic Engineering Design Data (BEDD)

Basis of Engineering and Design Data (BEDD) is a summary of basic information to be followed in the basic and detailed design which defined a basis for the design of the process and utility units. The BEDD is developed by an engineering contractor or a consultant in accordance with BEDQ responses and contractor’s experience and knowledge.

American Petroleum Institute (API)
556 Instrumentation and Control Systems for Fired Heaters and Steam Generators.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
85 Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code.
86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces.

3 BMS Definitions

Following definitions are excerpted from 2011 editions of the relevant NFPAs.

What is Burner Management System (as per NFPA 85, 2011 Edition).

The field devices, logic system, and final control elements dedicated to combustion safety and operator assistance in the starting and stopping of fuel preparation and burning equipment and for preventing misoperation of and damage to fuel preparation and burning equipment.

What is Boiler Control System (as per NFPA 85, 2011 Edition).

The group of control systems that regulates the boiler process, including the combustion control system but not the burner management system.

What is Combustion Control System (as per NFPA 85, 2011 Edition).

The control system that regulates the furnace fuel and air inputs to maintain the air-fuel ratio within the limits that are required for continuous combustion and stable flame throughout the operating range of the boiler in accordance with demand.

What is Combustion Safeguard (as per NFPA 86, 2011 Edition).

A safety device directly responsive to flame properties that senses the presence or absence of flame using flame sensors. 

What is Logic System (as per NFPA 85, 2011 Edition).

A system that provides outputs in a particular sequence in response to external inputs and internal decision-making elements.  As per NFPA 85, Annex A 4.11.6, logic systems include, among others, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital processing units (DPUs), and distributed control systems (DCS).

4 Burner Management System (BMS) and Combustion Control Systems Specification General

4.1 Site Conditions

Refer to BEDD for details.

5 Burner Management System (BMS) and Combustion Control Systems Design

5.1 Burner Management Systems

5.1.1 Design of burner management systems shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 85.

5.2 Combustion and Fired Equipment Control Systems

5.2.1 Manufacturer’s and licensor’s requirements shall be followed for designing boiler control, combustion control, and fired equipment control systems.
5.2.2 NFPA 85, NFPA 86, and API 556 guidelines should be followed for the design of above mentioned systems as applicable.

5.3 Combustion and Fired Equipment Safety Systems

5.3.1 NFPA 85, NFPA 86, and API 556 requirements shall be followed for safety related applications.

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