Kawasaki Steel Corporation developed a new ignition apparatus, the 'Line Burner' for the improvement of sintering process by radically changing the ignition method at Chiba Works. The Line Burner was applied to Chiba sintering plant No. 3 DL (203 m**2) and No. 4 DL (210 m**2) in August, 1983. The ignition energy consumption decreased to as low as 6000 approximately 7000 kcal/t-s without any operational problems arising by application of Line Burner to sintering machine. This new ignition apparatus the 'Line Burner' completely changed the conventional image of the ignition furnace. It ensures more efficient burning condition. The height and inclination of the burner can be easily adjusted with this ignition system as changes occur in the operation conditions (bed height or pallet speed etc. ).