Today, combustion gas analysis requires instruments that are built for speed, versatility, and reliability — and many older devices no longer make the cut. Here, we look at the 10 killer features that a modern analyzer cannot do without.

 

1. Extremely robust CO measurement cells

Combustion professionals work on a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial heating equipment. This versatility means that the instruments they use need to withstand high concentrations of CO. That’s why, for modern combustion gas analyzers, extremely robust CO cells are an absolute must.

  • Advanced CO cells are capable of measuring and withstanding CO concentrations of up to 8,000 ppm. An analyzer that has a range of up to 10,000 ppm — and as high as 50,000 ppm from a built-in automatic dilution system — is even better. The CO dilution not only allows for higher CO measurements, but also helps prevent the CO sensor from becoming oversaturated with high CO levels that can damage the sensor.

 

2. NOx measurement capability without changing tools

These days, NOx has become an essential measurement parameter for various combustion equipment — for both environmental and health reasons. For some combustion applications, such as power stations, incinerators, and high-powered boilers, strict regulations often require NOx concentrations to be measured at various points in the combustion process. A good combustion gas analyzer needs to support this capability when needed.

  • That’s why it’s important to use a combustion gas analyzer that can adapt to measure NOx, with supporting field-replaceable cells. Even better is an analyzer that measure NOx (including total NOx with both NO and NO2 sensors) and up to six total gases.

 

3. Multiple cells for simultaneous measurements

For reasons of speed and efficiency, technicians naturally prefer all-in-one tools that can handle multiple measurements at once. The aim is to reduce the number of maintenance and analysis steps, allowing technicians to service combustion equipment quickly without compromising on reliability.

  • An analyzer with three replaceable measurement cells, or a model that has six cells, is ideal.

 

4. Measurement reliability backed by experts

As emissions regulations become ever stricter and more precise, modern combustion gas analyzers must be able to take measurements at a high degree of accuracy. Adjusting these tools is essential. And it’s a task that needs to be done in a lab by metrology experts — both before and after sales.

  • Analyzers backed by years of measurement expertise, with specialized gas analysis laboratories, are essential. Measurement experts and production engineers should provide a full range of after-sales services: calibration, adjustment, and repair.

 

5. Wireless connectivity and free apps

Paid apps are a thing of the past. Customers buying professional-grade instruments no longer expect to pay extra for an iOS, Android, or Windows app. Why? Because these apps are now viewed as an integral part of the package when purchasing a modern combustion gas analyzer.

  • App and PC software should be free to download when customers purchase any combustion gas analyzers. The app, for Android, iOS, and Windows, gives technicians access to the extra features available. An app that allows for real-time remote display and control functionality when used is a great option.

 

6. One-click auto-generation of exportable measurement reports

Again, for reasons of efficiency, modern combustion gas analyzers should be able to generate comprehensive measurement reports, which can then be exported and emailed in various formats (Excel, CSV, or PDF). A report generation interface should be linked to customer (and equipment) databases stored on the device and/or in the app.

  • Combustion gas analyzer apps/software that can generate and export reports, as well as store a customer database, are an excellent feature to keep your company and technicians in sync. Exporting a hard-copy version of the document to a portable, wireless printer is even better.

 

7. User-friendly features built for speed

Ease and convenience are the first things that today’s technicians look for in a measurement tool. It needs to be instantly usable out of the box. That means the device must be intuitive, quick, and easy to handle in any circumstance. With so many design features, modern-day analyzers are helping combustion professionals work more efficiently than ever.

  • Research an analyzer that is packed with smart design features that make them incredibly convenient to use: magnets to affix them to equipment and keep technicians’ hands free, an LCD display that’s easy to see in any situation, built-in software that issues cell service cycle reminders, the ability to manage them from a smartphone, and more.

 

8. The perfect balance between size, and weight

When it comes to user-friendly design features for measurement devices, portability is at the top of the list. Advances in digital technology and miniaturization have made modern measurement instruments smaller and lighter than ever — and has allowed manufacturers to tweak their design so they fit seamlessly into the palm of your hand. And combustion gas analyzers, despite containing complex electrochemical components, are no different.

 

9. Rugged design that’s built to last

Modern measurement instruments are packed with more technology and feature fewer structural weaknesses that their predecessors. Technicians expect to be able to use them in any situation, without having to take more precautions than with a conventional mechanical instrument. In fact, rugged design is a critical aspect of user-friendliness and ease of use.

  • Analyzers that come with an additional protective rubber casing, which also means they sit firmly in the palm of your hand without slipping, can prove very handy. Probe connectors are stowed away inside the unit so there’s no risk of them breaking if the analyzer is dropped.

 

10. Flexible configuration out of the box

Technicians know exactly what they need to do their job. That’s why, when it comes to designing a measurement instrument like a combustion gas analyzer, flexibility is key. Manufacturers need to supply the exact cells, accessories, and options that the user wants.

  • Our latest-generation Si-CA 030, 130, and 230 models are available in dozens of different kits. Technicians can also order accessories and field-replaceable gas cells separately. For information and advice, speak to our customer services department here.

With these 10 killer features, you can’t possibly go wrong!