öljypolttimella

An oil burner, or "öljypolttimella" in Finnish, is a device used to combust fuel oil to produce heat. These burners are commonly found in residential and commercial heating systems, such as boilers for hot water or steam. The primary function of an oil burner is to atomize the fuel oil, mix it with air, and ignite the mixture to generate a controlled flame.

The process typically begins with a fuel pump delivering oil from a storage tank to the burner. Inside the burner, a nozzle atomizes the oil into a fine mist, which is then propelled into the combustion chamber by a fan. This atomized oil mixes with air, creating a combustible mixture. An ignition system, often an electric spark or a hot surface ignitor, ignites this mixture. The resulting flame heats the surrounding environment, often a heat exchanger in a boiler, which then transfers the heat to a medium like water or air for distribution.

Oil burners require regular maintenance to ensure efficient and safe operation. This includes cleaning the nozzle and filter, checking for leaks, and adjusting the air-fuel mixture. Modern oil burners often incorporate safety features such as flame sensors and limit controls to prevent overheating or combustion malfunctions. They are an established technology for heating, though their use is influenced by fuel prices and environmental regulations.