NORA Video 13, Combustion Efficiency Testing

Summary

This script explains the importance of using combustion efficiency test equipment, such as manual wet kits and digital analyzers, to ensure safe and efficient performance when adjusting oil burners. It emphasizes that proper testing can reduce service time, improve accuracy, and help troubleshoot heating equipment effectively. The process involves performing specific tests in a precise order, measuring key factors like stack temperature, draft, smoke, CO2, and efficiency. The script also compares manual and electronic testing methods, highlighting the quicker, more accurate results provided by electronic analyzers while ensuring optimal burner performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Combustion test equipment, such as efficiency kits, is essential for adjusting oil burners safely and efficiently.
• 😀 Some people believe they can adjust oil burners by eye, but combustion efficiency test equipment is the only reliable method.
• 😀 The proper use of combustion test equipment reduces the need for service and minimizes time spent troubleshooting and adjusting.
• 😀 There are two types of combustion efficiency test equipment: manual wet kits and continuous sampling digital electronic analyzers.
• 😀 It's critical to read, understand, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure reliable results and proper maintenance of the test equipment.
• 😀 Pre-use checks and maintenance intervals for test equipment should be followed, and the equipment should be stored properly, especially in extreme weather.
• 😀 A manual test kit includes a draft gauge, smoke tester, stack thermometer, CO2 tester, and a slide chart for combustion efficiency.
• 😀 Electronic combustion analyzers offer advanced measurement methods and are quicker, providing continuous sampling during testing.
• 😀 Combustion efficiency testing should be performed during new installations, preventive maintenance, repairs, and sometimes before servicing.
• 😀 For accurate testing, the unit should be adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications, and the flame should be inspected for optimal combustion before starting tests.
• 😀 Regular use of combustion efficiency test equipment is a major factor differentiating professional technicians from those who only change parts without addressing efficiency.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of combustion efficiency testing equipment?

The main purpose of combustion efficiency testing equipment is to ensure the safe and efficient performance of oil burners by accurately adjusting and troubleshooting them using specialized tools like wet kits or digital analyzers.

Why can't oil burners be adjusted by eye alone?

Adjusting oil burners by eye is ineffective because it cannot provide the precise measurements needed to optimize burner performance. Using combustion efficiency testing equipment ensures accurate and reliable results.

What are the two main types of combustion efficiency testing equipment?

The two main types of combustion efficiency testing equipment are manual testing equipment (wet kits) and continuous sampling digital analyzers.

What are the key components of a manual (wet kit) combustion efficiency test kit?

A manual combustion efficiency test kit includes a draft gauge, a smoke tester, a stack thermometer, a CO2 tester, and a slide chart for calculating combustion efficiency.

What is the recommended procedure when using a digital electronic analyzer?

When using a digital electronic analyzer, ensure the unit is warmed up, perform a smoke test, check the draft and CO2 levels, and adjust the air mixture. The analyzer provides continuous readings, allowing for quick adjustments to achieve optimal efficiency.

What should be done to prevent damage to combustion efficiency testing equipment in extreme weather?

To protect combustion efficiency testing equipment in extreme weather, bring the equipment inside after each use and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding storage and maintenance.

What is the recommended method for testing smoke using a wet kit?

To test smoke using a wet kit, insert smoke test paper into the tester, perform ten strokes, and then compare the spot to the standard smoke scale. Adjust the air shutter as necessary to reduce the smoke level to zero.

Why is it important to adjust the burner to zero smoke before measuring CO2?

Adjusting the burner to zero smoke ensures that the combustion process is optimized, preventing excess air that could lead to lower CO2 levels, cooler flames, and increased carbon monoxide production.

What are the acceptable CO2 reading ranges, and what do they indicate about the burner’s efficiency?

The acceptable CO2 reading range is 10-12.5%. If the CO2 level is too low or too high, it indicates that the burner is not operating efficiently, and adjustments to the air mixture should be made.

What are the advantages of using an electronic analyzer over a manual kit?

An electronic analyzer is faster, provides continuous readings, and allows real-time adjustments to the burner. It gives more accurate results than a manual kit, which requires multiple test iterations for each adjustment.