High Voltage Ignition (HVI)
Precision Spark Technology, High-Voltage Ignition for Peak Reliability
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High-voltage arc ignition engineered for elevated and remote pilots
Our High-Voltage Ignition (HVI) systems deliver precision ignition via powerful, high-voltage arcs, perfectly suited for industrial flare and burner applications. Engineered to operate seamlessly even in the harshest environments, HVI guarantees consistent spark delivery to the pilot electrode. Capable of lighting across elevated stacks, these systems are custom-fitted, rugged, and crafted for mission-critical uptime, tailored to your process needs and backed by enduring reliability.
Spark Type
High-voltage arc
Reach
Elevated stacks
Diagnostics
Integrated flame detection
Integration
BMS-compatible
What is a High Voltage Ignition System?
A high-voltage ignition (HVI) system generates a high-voltage electrical arc at the ignition electrode, delivering consistent spark energy to the pilot across elevated flare stacks and challenging ignition gaps where lower-voltage systems lose reliability.
How it works
A step-up transformer or solid-state module generates a high-voltage arc across the electrode gap, sized to bridge the specific distance and elevation of the installation.
A step-up transformer or solid-state high-voltage module generates an arc across the electrode gap at the pilot location.
Arc voltage is sized to bridge the specific electrode gap and ignition distance of the installation, holding consistent spark intensity regardless of stack elevation.
Built-in diagnostics monitor spark generation and flame presence, feeding status signals to the burner management system for automated sequencing.
Key Benefits
Generates robust arcs capable of bridging challenging ignition gaps and ensuring dependable starts.
Designed to maintain spark intensity across long pilot distances and in elevated flare systems.
Personalized design adapts to unique site geometry, fuel types, and environmental conditions.
Built to tolerate heat, vibration, and corrosive environments—ensuring stable performance.
Equipped with built-in diagnostics, flame detection, and control logic for seamless automation.
Projects That Push Boundaries
Fully integrated with plant DCS and safety interlocks for reliable pilot lighting in any weather.
The CRA Edge
Over 30 years designing flare ignition systems that meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Precision combustion metering and robust design ensure consistent ignition in the harshest environments.
Installed in 25+ countries, backed by responsive technical assistance and on-site service.
Each HVI rig is tailored to site-specific fuel composition, flare setup, and operational needs.
Applications
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a high voltage ignition (HVI) system?
A high voltage ignition system generates a powerful, high-voltage arc to deliver consistent spark to a pilot electrode, engineered specifically for applications where the ignition point sits at a distance or elevation that a standard spark gap can't reliably bridge. CRA's HVI systems are custom-fitted rigs rather than a single standard product, sized to the site's electrode gap and geometry.
When is HVI the right ignition choice for an elevated flare?
HVI is typically specified for elevated and ground flare systems where the pilot sits high on the stack, since the high-voltage arc maintains spark intensity across longer pilot distances better than lower-voltage ignition methods. It's also used for process burner start-up, reformers, and incinerators where mission-critical uptime depends on dependable ignition.
What safety features are built into an HVI system?
CRA's HVI systems include built-in diagnostics, flame detection, and control logic for automated operation, and are designed to integrate with a burner management system (BMS) rather than operate as a standalone spark source. This lets the ignition sequence tie into the plant's broader combustion safety interlocking.
How does HVI handle harsh operating environments?
HVI units are built to tolerate heat, vibration, and corrosive environments without losing spark intensity or reliability, since intermittent flare or backup ignition duty often means the system sits idle for long periods before it needs to fire reliably on demand. CRA rates each rig for the site's specific fuel composition and flare setup rather than a generic environmental spec.
Can HVI be retrofitted onto an existing flare or burner?
Yes. CRA's HVI scope includes retrofit and operations and maintenance support alongside new installations, so an existing flare or burner ignition point can be upgraded to high voltage ignition without replacing the whole system. CRA has supplied ignition systems across 25+ countries with field-service backing for retrofit work.