Combustion analyzers are measuring instruments. It is highly convenient to calculate the performance of numerous applications in factories such as heat exchangers, boilers, and condensers. It helps track the efficiency of fuel-burning equipment, such as propane, oil, coal, or natural gas.
These instruments measure a range of parameters, including stack temperature, gas levels, and flue pressures, to ensure accurate combustion measurements and efficient operation.
Combustion is a process of burning the natural oxygen compound to create energy, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. After combustion, industries use combustion analyzers to determine the fuel’s chemistry, the net temperature of the stack gases, and the volume of oxygen combusted (as a percentage).
It is helpful for the industry to:
- Improve the efficiency of boilers, heat exchangers, or other fuel-burning equipment.
- Enhance labor safety from negligent behavior.
- Enhance ventilation in the environment.
Let us read some essential areas that combustion analyzers measure. It will also help you gain a better understanding of a high-quality combustion analyzer and choose one wisely.
Table of Contents
6 Basic Readings Of The Combustion Analyzers
Combustion Analyzers are highly versatile and multifunctional devices, very useful in domestic and industrial premises. Due to advanced technology and increasing demand, manufacturers are working harder to improve the user experience of these devices.
The following are some fundamental readings that you will find in combustion analyzers:
1. Carbon Dioxide
You can determine the carbon dioxide concentration by noting the oxygen and carbon monoxide measurements. If the combustion is stoichiometric, carbon dioxide should be present along with water vapor.
2. Carbon Monoxide
The presence of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas indicates incomplete combustion. It might be due to an insufficient air supply during the process.
3. Oxygen
If oxygen appears in the flue gas, it indicates that the air supplied was higher than required for the combustion. An abundant amount of oxygen will further combine with carbon monoxide to produce carbon dioxide.
4. Draft
The draft rates indicate the combustion process’s efficiency in producing exhaust gases. Excessive drafts prevent heat transfer to the system, while insufficient drafts allow harmful gases to accumulate.
5. Inlet Temperature
During combustion, heat transmission within the systems is notably high. The inlet temperature will calculate the volume of heat entered during the operations.
6. Excess Air
A calculated air volume is essential for understanding the efficiency and performance of the entire combustion process. For instance, excess air can absorb energy, reducing the system’s ability.
Key Points To Remember Before Purchasing Combustion Analyzers
A few decades ago, these products were huge, heavy, and enclosed in a metal case. Their displays were analogs.
Modern combustion analyzers are lightweight, handy, and available in plastic cases. The displays are digitalized and more accurate than the traditional ones.
Let us check out some essential features of combustion analyzers that will help you to select the best from the options available in the market:
1. Gas Detections
It is one of the most fundamental features to consider before buying a combustion analyzer. During combustion, your analyzer should detect at least two other gas types.
For instance, if excess air is present in the application, you can adjust another combustion tool to overcome the problem.
2. Readings
Readings are the screen on the button board that enables individuals to address their findings. If the analyzer shows too advanced calculations, it will lead the users to the answers they need. At the same time, too many numbers will consume users’ time and effort.
We suggest you check the features you need before purchasing your combustion analyzer.
3. Sensors
Sensors are, technically, the in-built modulators in the combustion analyzer that help detect exhaust gas pressure. Sensors enable you to reach remote locations and obtain accurate measurements.
In addition, sensors assure the safety of the individuals. You don’t need to risk your life, as sometimes, they can emit harmful gases or lead to explosions.
4. USB Features
With advances in technology and science, we need connectivity and records in every digital device. The USB Feature can provide easy access to combustion process performance.
With built-in USB connectivity, anyone can use combustion analyzers with other applications such as printers, data loggers, or toxic gas sensors.
5. Clean Display
The readings must be accurate. If the display is unclear or unable to retrieve the numbers precisely, then the analyzers are of no use.
Apart from features and other analyzing applications, a clear display is crucial to improve the efficiency of the combustion process.
6. Interchangeable Batteries
Modern combustion analyzers function on electricity as well as on batteries. Batteries provide flexibility to use the analyzers at different locations. Also, it saves the technicians’ time, effort, and costs.
Often, all combustion analyzers run on a lithium-ion or disposable battery.
Top 4 Most Useful Combustion Analyzers
Combustion Analyzers are technical. Depending upon the nature of work and applications, you need to choose the combustion analyzer models wisely.
Having too many choices can be confusing. To make your journey smooth and convenient, we have narrowed down a list of the 4 Most Recommended Combustion Analyzer Models.
1. Bacharach Fyrite Insight Plus Combustion Analyzer
Bacharach Fyrite Insight Plus is a lightweight, handy, and dynamic combustion analyzer helpful in residential and commercial operations. This analyzer features advanced, high-tech capabilities to provide accurate pressure measurements and PDF reports to support safe operations.
Bacharach Fyrite Insight Plus can provide 100 combustion and pressure records. This combustion analyzer includes three essential attributes, which are as follows:
- carbon monoxide test instrument
- dual-channel digital thermometer
- a digital manometer
Key Features
- LCD screen with full-colored infographic display.
- It can display 10 different fuel measurement results simultaneously on its screen.
- It includes a digital manometer for measuring gas pressure, drafts, excess air, and more. Also, it can measure the pressure up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It comes with 3-year oxygen sensor options.
- It contains NOx filters, drafts, and T-stack/air temperature.
- It has built-in USB features. This combustion analyzer can pair with other applications, such as printers, data loggers, or toxic gas sensors, and generate PDF reports.
2. Fieldpiece Combustion Check With Auto Pump
The SOX3 Combustion Check is an all-embracing tool with low maintenance costs. These analyzers are helpful when a complete combustion analysis is not necessary (e.g., at home).
The readings are easily understandable. It efficiently measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and exhaust gas pressure levels.
They are handy and function independently with a cable and a long-range sensor included with purchase.
Key Features
- It can easily and quickly detect the other fuels in the areas, including coal, oil, or propane.
- Pump functions automatically. We can also stop or discontinue the pump to save battery life.
- It is a beginner-friendly analysis apparatus. All the functions available in this analyzer are vital during the combustion process and easy to access.
- It enables the detection of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and excess air present in the appliances.
3. Residential Combustion Analyzer By Forensics
Forensics invented a significant, affordable combustion analyzer for your home. It contains only highly efficient, proven functions that you will need to run on your premises.
The Residential Combustion Analyzer kit contains easy-to-use instruments, including long antennas, carbon monoxide & oxygen sensors, and digital readers.
In residential premises, you can use this analyzer to detect air purity. For instance, this device will help you to identify mono gas, which can be harmful to health. Also, it provides careful measures against fires.
It also contains NOx filters to reduce calculation errors. It also traps water when the air is humid and reduces the levels of toxic gases in the rooms.
Key Features
- It has a graphic display screen with a backlight facility.
- It includes a quick, easy, Intuitive Menu with Quick-Reference Guides.
- It will quickly detect the presence of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide at ambient room temperature. It calculates the combustion efficiency and excess air loss instantly.
- The long antenna helps to sense air quality. Also, these devices accumulate in any corner of your home.
- The robust exterior makes the combustion analyzer durable. It is easy to install and use with one-button operations.
3. Testo 300 Residential/commercial Combustion Analyzer Kit
The Testo 300 Residential/Commercial Combustion Analyzer is highly recommended for job site contractors. This combustion analyzer is helpful for testing boilers, heaters, or furnaces in industrial premises.
This model is suitable for highly professional individuals. You need experience and expertise to use this model at home, as it includes additional features useful for commercial premises.
Key Features
- 5″ HD Display with smart-touch operations. The screen is scratch-resistant.
- It can easily measure pressure with a touch in standby mode.
- Get detailed and structured measurements. It also includes various measurement units, enabling faster, more accurate recording of results.
- Creates and saves documentation, including measuring values, locations, and customer data. You can also create PDF files within the instrument, as it supports USB connectivity.
- It contains replacement filters. There is a high chance that the exhaust gases will jam the device. Thus, we can replace the old filters with the new ones.
Steps To Use The Combustion Analyzer
In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to using a combustion analyzer.
The combustion analyzers are technical. It requires your time, patience, and full attention to learn to use combustion analyzers. Although the motive to use them is likewise, you cannot use identical mechanisms across all combustion analyzers.
However, we have pulled down standard procedures for a professional technician to use with a combustion analyzer.
Step 1
Push the start button on the combustion analyzer. To make it more efficient, run the device in the fresh air. In some cases, you need to hold the start button for a few seconds.
Step 2
There is an apparatus known as a probe. You need to insert it inside the gas stream for two or more minutes. Your testing device must lock the readings on the digital screen.
Step 3
Project the readings on the monitor. As we told you earlier, the analyzer should display two or more exhaust gases on the screen.
You can use the device’s navigation buttons to gather additional relevant information. It includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, excess air, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and draft pressure.
Step 5
After noting the reading, remove the sample line and wait until the oxygen reading reaches 20 percent or higher.
Step 6
After other readings come below 15 ppm, switch off the combustion analyzer.
Note: It was an ideal example of using a combustion analyzer. Different brands and manufacturers have other operational techniques. We would advise you to read the company’s instruction manual.
Final Thoughts
Combustion analyzers with advanced technology will improve the efficiency and accuracy of data. Although it will be more costly than the older versions, it will be more versatile and durable.
We would advise you to consult a professional before settling for the final ones. We hope this article was valuable in your findings. Stay tuned for more updates.