Flame Monitoring Systems

Flame Failure Monitor — FFM-5

R.K. Instruments & Controls manufactures the FFM-5 Flame Failure Monitor, a flame-conduction (ionization) type burner safety controller for gas-fired furnaces, boilers, flare chimneys, special atmosphere furnaces and other industrial gas-fired equipment. Unlike optical/UV or infrared flame sensors, the FFM-5 senses flame by conduction current through a heavy-duty high-temperature sensing electrode rated to withstand up to 1200°C continuous operation, so it is unaffected by ambient room light, radiant furnace heat or soot accumulation. It automates a full pilot-and-main sequence: on power-up the POWER LED lights, and after a 3-5 second safety pre-delay the Ignition Transformer and Pilot Solenoid Valve (SV-1) energize together. Once flame touches the sensing rod, an ionization current confirms flame and the FLAME LED lights; ignition cuts off after 10-12 seconds while SV-1 stays energized, and 10-12 seconds later the Main Solenoid Valve (SV-2) energizes to bring the burner to full firing. If the pilot fails to establish within the 10-12 second ignition window, or flame is lost during running (with one 10-second automatic re-ignition attempt), the controller cuts all fuel valves and the ignition transformer, latches into Lock Out with its LOCK OUT LED and alarm/beacon output, and is restarted via the front-panel yellow RESET button or an external reset terminal. The rear panel carries an S1/S2 toggle to select the primary or backup flame sensor, a BYPASS toggle for offline bench-testing only (must remain in the Right/Normal position whenever gas lines are live), a dedicated protection fuse, and full terminal blocks for 230VAC supply, both flame sensor inputs, Ignition, SV-1 Pilot, SV-2 Main and Lock Out outputs, plus an auxiliary Main SV2 Extra contact. Suitable for multi-burner installations and dual-stage pilot/main firing sequences.