Piezoelectric Ignition System (PEIS)
Mechanically actuated ignition for flare pilots and burners, with no external power needed
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Power-free ignition for remote, off-grid, and backup duty
CRA’s Piezoelectric Ignition Systems provide a portable, power-independent ignition source for flare pilots, burners, and auxiliary combustion equipment. Using mechanical energy to generate a high-voltage spark, these systems deliver instant, safe ignition without the need for external power or complex wiring. Built with robust, weather-resistant housings, our piezo-electric systems are suited to remote, off-grid, or backup ignition duties where reliability and simplicity are essential.
Power Source
None (mechanical)
Operation
Manual trigger
Mount
Portable, compact
Application
Remote & backup ignition
What is a Piezoelectric Ignition System?
A piezoelectric ignition system generates a high-voltage spark from mechanical energy alone, providing a portable, power-independent ignition source for flare pilots, burners, and auxiliary combustion equipment in locations without reliable electrical supply.
How it works
Mechanical force applied to a piezoelectric crystal assembly generates a high-voltage pulse that discharges across the electrode gap as an ignition spark.
The operator applies mechanical force through a manual lever or button, triggering the ignition cycle.
The force compresses the piezoelectric crystal assembly, generating a high-voltage electrical pulse.
The pulse discharges across the electrode gap as an ignition spark.
Sealed construction protects the crystal assembly and housing from moisture, dust, and corrosive exposure, keeping the unit ready to fire after long periods without use.
Key Benefits
Generates a spark manually, suited to off-grid, remote or backup applications.
Corrosion-resistant construction withstands harsh environmental exposure.
Ergonomic design delivers repeatable ignition without operator fatigue.
Lightweight, easy-to-carry design for quick deployment in the field.
Compatible with a wide range of pilot tips, burners, and flare systems.
Projects That Push Boundaries
Fully integrated with plant DCS and safety interlocks for reliable pilot lighting in adverse weather.
The CRA Edge
CRA has over 30 years of experience designing flare ignition systems.
Precision engineering and robust design give consistent ignition in harsh environments.
CRA equipment is installed in 25+ countries.
Each piezoelectric unit is tailored to the site's fuel composition, flare setup and operational needs.
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a piezoelectric ignition system?
A piezoelectric ignition system generates a high-voltage spark from mechanical energy, so it needs no external power source to light a flare pilot, burner or auxiliary combustion device. The operator actuates the unit by hand and the piezo element produces the spark at the ignition point. CRA builds its units in rugged, weather-resistant housings for field use, and they are compact and portable enough to carry to the flare.
When is piezoelectric ignition the right choice over an electric ignition system?
Piezoelectric ignition is the right choice for remote, off-grid or backup duty where running power to the ignition point is impractical, or where a simple manual ignition source is preferred over an automated electric system such as HEI or HVI. It gives up automated, continuous operation in exchange for power independence and mechanical simplicity. It is also used as the backup igniter alongside an electric system on CRA flares.
How reliable is piezoelectric ignition in harsh or hazardous environments?
CRA's piezoelectric systems use corrosion-resistant construction to withstand harsh environmental exposure, and the ergonomic design gives repeatable ignition without operator fatigue over many manual actuations. The device contains no electronics or batteries, so its reliability comes from mechanical simplicity. That makes it suitable for hazardous areas and remote sites where an electric igniter would need power and protection.
Which ignition points is piezoelectric ignition compatible with?
CRA's piezoelectric systems are compatible with a wide range of pilot tips, burners and flare systems, including elevated and ground flares, process burner start-up, reformers and incinerators. They can also be integrated with a burner management system where a manual ignition step sits within a supervised sequence. The compact, portable construction supports quick deployment for maintenance, intermittent or emergency ignition.
Which industries use piezoelectric ignition systems?
Piezoelectric ignition is used in oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, and paper and pulp facilities, and wherever flares or burners sit in hazardous areas or remote locations without reliable power. Typical duties are manual and self-powered ignition, backup ignition for an electric system, and ignition for intermittent duty where a permanent igniter is hard to justify. CRA tailors each unit to the site's fuel composition and flare setup even though the ignition mechanism itself is mechanical.