How can low manifold pressure affect a gas burner?

Low manifold pressure can adversely impact a gas burner by causing "flashback," which is a dangerous condition where the flame travels back into the burner or the gas supply lines. This occurs because insufficient pressure may result in an improper fuel-to-air ratio. When the mixture becomes too rich due to lower pressure, the flame can lose stability and potentially reverse, leading to the flame moving upstream instead of staying at the burner outlet.

A well-regulated manifold pressure is crucial for maintaining proper combustion, ensuring that the burner functions efficiently and safely. When the pressure is too low, combustion can become erratic, leading to incomplete burning of gas, increased emissions, and the risk of flashback, all of which compromise both efficiency and safety.

The other effects of low manifold pressure, such as increasing efficiency, lowering gas consumption, and enhancing combustion stability, do not occur; instead, low manifold pressure typically leads to a higher risk of operational issues and inefficiencies in the gas-burning system.