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Blichmann Engineering TopTier burner simply use the flame inspection hole (Fig 19) and only one 3/16” hole
is needed. New TopTier burners will have all mounting holes provided. Earlier models will require drilling the
3/16” hole.
TIP:
Stainless steel can be challenging to drill – use a cobalt or TiN coated (gold color) bit to drill the 3/16”
hole. McMaster Carr part number 2973A19 is a recommended carbide tipped sheet metal drill if a typical
steel, coated or cobalt drill bit is not successful.
Mark the electrode wire with a marker so that when bent 90 deg downward it will be in the center of the flame
path. For TopTier burners, you’ll want the electrode centered over one of the burner nozzles. Measure the
distance from the surface of the burner to the mark on the wire and note this distance. Remove the electrode
from the frame and using a pliers bend the wire down 90 deg. Install with the included #8-32 X 3/8” screw.
Important!
The tip of the electrode must be perpendicular to the surface of the burner and must be in the
flame path to function properly! A spark gap of 3/16-1/4” (5-6mm) is needed for consistent ignition.
Caution!
Do not hold the electrode by the ceramic insulator and take care not to crack the insulator!
Cracked electrodes are not covered under warranty!
Trim the wire using a wire cutter to the length noted previously. Install the electrode and note the position of
tip of the wire with respect to the surface of the burner. Trim as needed to provide a 3/16-1/4” gap. It is OK
to bend the wire a bit as needed to center the tip of the electrode. Fig 18 and 19 show typical installations.
Install the Temperature Sensor (RTD):
Caution!
The sensor provided with the product is a very high accuracy instrument. Please treat it with care!
Do NOT pull on the lead wire or over-tighten the fitting.
Installing in a Hot Liquor Tank:
For the HLT install the sensor directly into the hot liquor tank. Since water convects easily it is not necessary
to recirculate with a pump. Simply drilling a 0.50 inch diameter hole, or it can be installed in a ½” NPT fitting
already welded into your tank using the supplied adapter bushing (directions below).
Determine the desired location for the sensor and mark the center point with a permanent marker. We
recommend installing it about in the middle of the water level. Drill a 3/16 pilot hole and then enlarge it to
½” (+0.015, - 0.010) using a “step drill” as shown in Fig. 1. Step drills are available through any hardware
store or home improvement store. After the hole is drilled, ensure both sides of the hole are free from burrs,
Fig 18
Fig 19
3/16-1/4” gap