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LP Gas Engineers Benefiting from Flue Gas Analyser Development

The technical development of portable flue gas analysers over recent years has benefited installation and service engineers working on all fuel types, including lpg.

The advancement in flue gas analysers has been accelerated with the introduction of standards and procedures detailed in BS7967 Parts 1-5 (Part 5 pending). Following on from this is the requirement for users of flue gas analysers (FGAs) to be competent in their use by taking the CPA1 module for combustion performance assessment.

The Testo 327 multipurpose flue gas analyser can be used to check flue gas, CO, CO2 and ratio readings, and calculate net and gross combustion efficiency. It can measure flue, water, flow and return temperatures and carry out pressure and ambient carbon monoxide safety testing. Testo also manufactures gas detectors and digital manometers for gas installations, including the 317-2 for gas leak detection in pipework, the 317-3 CO detector and the 510 digital manometer.

In April this year, Testo, in conjunction with Parts Center, launched an interactive training DVD on the practical use of a flue gas analyser. Testo says the DVD is intended to help its customers utilise and understand the functionality and safety benefits of using a flue gas analyser, and includes information on the constituents of gas and the main components of combustion; how BS7967 applies to domestic gas appliance installation and servicing; the main components of a flue gas analyser and its functions; how to obtain measurements on different appliance types, including fumes investigation; how to interpret the measurements obtained from a flue gas analyser and the actions required from the readings obtained, and why regular service and calibration is critical.

Testo is a member of the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM), the UK trade association that represents manufacturers of flue gas analysers and other gas detectors in matters of common interest, such as standards writing and the creation of industry guidance, regulation and work practices. Lpg gas has been of particular interest to CoGDEM during 2009 as the organisation has been involved in several relevant activities, such as the updating of BS 6173 (gas safety in commercial kitchens), which includes those on boats powered by lp gas.

CoGDEM has also recently been coordinating activities related to the detection of carbon monoxide from lpg-powered appliances that may be used in recreational vehicles, such as touring caravans, camper vans and leisure boats. The confined nature of the accommodation surrounding cooking appliances, for example, can lead to spikes of carbon monoxide when a cold pan or kettle causes a quenching of the lpg flame for several minutes, sufficient time for possible activation of a nearby CO alarm if the ventilation is insufficient. Leigh Greenham of CoGDEM said: “The correct installation, flueing and ventilation of lpg-powered appliances is vital, especially in confined spaces where the supply of fresh air may be difficult to maintain.

The requirement for regular maintenance and servicing of such appliances by properly registered tradespersons who are equipped with combustion gas analysers suitable for lpg cannot be stressed highly enough.”

Contact Testo on 01420 544433 www.testo.co.uk