flue gas analyzer

Flue gas analyzers are in the market for a while now and are helping out in keeping a check on the emissions of household appliances and monitor their safety. Although Flue gas analyzers are not new to the industries, they are now getting momentum with the introduction of new technologies and due to the fact that they have become easier to handle, transport, and operate as they have become more lightweight, and compact now.

With its unique properties and amazing product quality, you can see a considerable growth in their demand. 

Therefore, we thought of compiling every bit of information related to the portable flue gas analyzers in a single article.

What Are Flue Gases?

Flue gases are the gases that emit from the combustion power plants. Usually the gases emitting from these power plants are different and depend on the material that is burning. But, most of the times, common gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, and excess oxygen are the ones emitting.

Flue is basically a duct that provides outlet channel for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire place, gas heater, oven, furnace, steam generator, boiler, power station, or any type of other fuel-burning appliances.

Therefore the gases that emit from these flues are eventually called as flue gases.

These flue gases are usually the reaction products that result after combustion.

What Is The Composition Of Flue Gases?

Flue gases compose of several gases that are a result of combustion of different materials. They are generated when fuel sources such as coal, wood, fuel oil, natural gas, or other  fuel types are burnt in furnace or boilers in industry, or a steam generator in a fossil fuel power plant.

Therefore, even though the resultant flue gases depend on the material that is being burnt, there are some common gases and reaction products that release during the combustions.

The common one’s included carbon dioxide, water vapor, particulates, dust, sulfur oxides,  heavy metals, acidic gases, nitrogen, excess oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide.

However, the percentage of particulates, dust, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxide, etc. are less as compared to others.

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What Are Some Unique Properties Of Flue Gases?

Flue gases being basically a chemical by-product substance that gets generated as a result of a combustion reaction is what makes it unique. They are the gases that have escaped boiler’s, furnace’s or steam generator’s flue/ducts. 

Another important feature of flue gases is that they are much hotter as compared to the outside air, and hence are less dense. This causes the bottom of the flue vertical column a lower pressure. This might not be the case with such a vertical column on the outside air.

Interestingly, they also act as a reactor agent for atmospheric corrosion.

Why Are Flue Gases Considered Dangerous?

As seen above, flue gases consist of a mixture of different compounds. These compounds are considered to be dangerous for one’s health. Especially, carbon monoxide (CO) can cause organ damage. Other compounds such as  nitrogen dioxide, acidic water vapors, and particulate matter are responsible to clog our respiratory system.

Therefore, you need a device to keep a check on these gases and take preventive action accordingly.

This takes us to the flue gas analyzer. We will learn more about them in detail.

What Is A Flue Gas Analyzer?

A flue gas analyzer is a portable device that detects and observes the composition level of the flue gas to determine if the mixture of air and fuel is at the right ratio for maximum heat output. 

In short, portable flue gas analyzer measures oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the flue.

How Does A Flue Gas Analyzer Work?

Flue gas analyzers have become easy to operate and you just need to situate the analyzers probe inside the exhaust of the appliance you are measuring. 

Flue gas analyzers are equipped with sensors that detect the gas emissions released though the appliances. 

The results immediately appear on the digital screen of the device. This result include the information regarding the efficiency of the appliance and poisoning risk, if any.

What Applications Are Flue Gas Analyzers Used In?

A flue gas analyzer primarily is used in measuring the concentrations of various gases that helps in adjusting the burners on a boiler so that optimal combustion could be achieved.

It is useful to reduce the emission of harmful flue gases in atmosphere, as due to them optimal combustion is enabled.

It helps set up proper fuel to air ratio, which is vital for any combustion to increase its efficiency, and at the same time minimize the emissions.

It reduces the formation of NOx while maintain combustion efficiency of the appliance. 

Portable flue gas analyzers are used in many small combustion processes such as reciprocating engines that execute flue gas measurement and monitoring.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Flue Gas Analyzer?

  • A flue gas analyzer enables to measure the concentrations of various gases and adjust burners on a boiler to help achieve optimal combustion. 
  • They are easy to handle and operate
  • They display quick handy results, reducing the chances of errors
  • You can analyze the environmental impact and maintain the regulatory measures in compliance with local emissions regulations.
  • It also allows you to achieve maximum possible combustion for your fuel.

Takeaway

Flue gases are one of the most useful industrial applications these days. With their benefits and feasible availability, portable flue gas analyzers have gained a huge popularity in last few decades.

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