Based on student surveys we have condensed the information presented in what was formerly a four day course so that we can concentrate on equipment failure issues - i.e. "no-heats" the biggest concern by far of companies and students. Data in this course is applicable to both methane and propane. Subjects covered are standing pilots with thermocouples and powerpile generators and how to use a meter to determine proper millivoltage output for these devices, both "open circuit" and "closed circuit" and trouble shooting of spark ignited pilots and direct spark or hot surface ignitors, with attention paid to understanding how to read the appropriate dc microamp signal for the specific device. Our simulator boards for these systems have fourteen real world problems that will allow a technician a rigorous work out with the comparatively advanced control systems used on all gas fired heating equipment today. We also examine the operational problems caused by improper venting and combustion air piping mistakes. Since we have slimmed down from four days, the student should already be knowledgeable about the properties of both gaseous fuels, especially the characteristics related to combustion and explosion, BTU content, carbon monoxide concerns, the use of manometers to test gas pressures and how to "clock" a meter to confirm firing rate. Hands on problems on "bugged" equipment are also given to students, but not as many as in the past due to the reduction of the days available to us.
Rood Utilities, Division of VP Supply
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