🔍 Key Concepts

• Function of an atomizer sprayer plate in fuel oil burners • How burner flame appearance reflects combustion quality • Differences between signs of air-side problems (windbox/registers) and fuel-side problems (nozzle/atomizer)

💭 Think About

• Look at which option describes something you can directly SEE in the flame shape or color right at the burner tip, not farther away in the air system or casing. • Ask yourself: if the fuel is not being finely broken up (poor atomization), will the burning fuel look cleaner and whiter, or will it show signs of incomplete combustion? • Decide which choices describe general furnace/air system symptoms versus the specific symptom of fuel droplets not being properly atomized at the sprayer plate.

✅ Before You Answer

• Match the choice to incomplete combustion rather than perfect combustion. • Separate symptoms caused by air flow/pressure issues from those caused by poor fuel atomization. • Visualize where a dirty sprayer plate is located and what a watchstander would most likely observe at the burner front because of it.