Burner Warm-Up Time Calculator

Burner Warm-Up Time Calculator

Cold-starting a burner means first heating its own refractory and chamber mass before the system reaches steady operating temperature - this calculator estimates how long that takes.

The Formula

t = (m × c × ΔT) / Q

Worked Example

200 kg of refractory mass, specific heat 1.0 kJ/kgK, needing an 800K temperature rise, with 100 kW of heat input:

Energy required = 200 × 1.0 × 800 = 160,000 kJ

t = 160,000 / 100 = 1,600 seconds = 26.7 minutes

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the mass being heated (refractory, casing, etc).
2. Enter its specific heat capacity.
3. Enter the temperature rise needed.
4. Enter the heat input rate during warm-up.

Note: this assumes all heat input goes toward warming the mass, ignoring ongoing losses during warm-up - real warm-up typically runs somewhat longer than this simplified estimate.