A flue gas analszer is a vital tool for any engineer when installing, repairing, or servicing combustion based appliances. Just like a car mechanic testing the engine of a car, flue gas analysers are used to determine the condition of appliances and the emissions they emit.
Due to the potentially harmful nature of the gases measured by the devices, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, it’s imperative that regular flue gas analyser calibration takes place regularly. To make sure it can provide accurate readings so you can keep appliances and the environment they’re in safe.
In this blog we’ll explain the risks associated with not maintaining flue gas analyser calibration:
What Is The Function Of A Flue Gas Analyser?
Flue gas analysers are electronic portable devices used to measure emissions generated by combustion based appliances, such as stoves, boilers, generators, or furnaces. They are an essential piece of equipment to ensure appliances in both domestic and commercial premises are fit for use.
To test a piece of apparatus, a flue gas analyser measures the critical gases produced when the apparatus is operating to determine if it’s working both efficiently and safely. If there is an issue the device will alert the operator of the problem so it can be rectified as soon as possible.
Why Is It Necessary To Calibrate A Flue Gas Analyser?
A flue gas analyser calibration service should be a key priority. As they are frequently exposed to gases, over time the sensors and components inside can deteriorate even in the best flue gas analysers.
Meaning, as time goes on, there’s an increased risk of them providing inaccurate readings. Which could leave faulty appliances in operation and potentially serious consequences for those exposed to them.
With regular calibration, the sensors are tested and replaced (if needed) so you can be safe in the knowledge you’re getting fully accurate readings from your analysers.
What Should Flue Gas Analyser Readings Be?
Of course, readings differ from appliance to appliance but for something like a domestic boiler, according to flue gas analyser readings charts it is considered to be running efficiently a safe level is below 0.004.
Anything between 0.004 & 0.008 represents a potential issue and the boiler must be inspected further.
Anything above 0.008 and the appliance must be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and then tested again.
4 Risks If You Don’t Calibrate Your Flue Gas Analyser
Safety – imagine, for example, you test an appliance with an uncalibrated analyser and receive an inaccurate reading stating an appliance is fit for use even though it’s emitting a high level of carbon monoxide. The outcome could be extremely dangerous for those exposed to it.
Getting your devices calibrated regularly guarantees that you receive fully accurate readings.
Inefficiency – if you’re a business that relies on a particular instrument and have neglected calibration to test this instrument, it could lead to unscheduled production downtime or process inefficiency as you wait for the instrument to be fixed.
You could lose your license – as well as the obvious safety implications, if you’re neglecting calibration you could lose your licence to operate as you’re not meeting the regulatory requirements set by British standards.
You risk breaking the law – using a flue gas analyser without a valid calibration certificate is against the law and is therefore deemed a criminal offence. With this in mind, you could lose receive a hefty fine or even be criminally charged.
Conclusion
Flue gas analyser calibration is vital. Ensuring your devices are calibrated means you can be safe in the knowledge you’re obtaining fully accurate readings and anything you use or install is safe to operate.