What combustion analyzer do you prefer for commercial equipment?

RayWohlfarth

I have long been using both bacharach and testo and am looking to purchase a new one. I used a Sietron the other day and was very impressed. What analyzer do you prefer? Thanks in advance

tim smith

Ive had Testos, got a whole boneyard of them. UEI have been somewhat happy with for Res, Light commercial. Kane may (now UEI) ive always heard decent about for commercial industrial.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Testo when I was working. Don't know now.

RayWohlfarth

Thank you @tim smith and @EBEBRATT-Ed Appreciate it

ScottSecor

We used Bacharach manual models for many years, simple and reliable. Switched to Bacharach electronic models around 2000, many problems with reliability and CO sensors failing often. In 2006 or 2007 we bought three Testo 330 analyzers, they were more reliable, but far from perfect. Used the three machines for years, maintenance and repairs were expensive. Last year we determined all three machines were not worth repairing any more. Replaced the Testo 330 with what I believe was a Testo 300 Pro. We had nothing but problems with the 300 Pro. Recently purchased a UEI 165 and it has been pretty good so far. The REI is pretty simple and hopefully more reliable than others.

After writing this, I realize it is probably me and my men abusing the analyzers. We often get called in on problem jobs and we might be accidentally exposing out analyzers to high amounts of CO. If we only used the analyzers on brand new equipment, we may have had better results (especially if it was all gas atmospheric factory built boilers) I am only guessing, but I suspect we have replaced CO sensors about two or three times a year for the last twenty-five years. I suspect we have had at least one of our combustion analyzers in the shop once a year for this same twenty-five year span.

captainco

Although I used Bacharach for many years, they were the first in the market in 1979. They were initially large with 22 feet of hose. A 3-pass boiler had a flue in the back so it was easy to reach the burner. Even the display could be read from 10 feet or more. I guess you can still buy some big ones today for $6000 to $8000.

Unless you are an inhouse boiler engineer those are a bit pricey.

Right now one of the best testers for combustion is Sauermann. They have blue tooth so you can uead them and control them remotely. They also can measure CO up to 10,000ppm. They have a better warranty than most. Might want to check with Tru=Tech tools for more info or whoever will give you the best price. If you mention NCI2026 they might give you a better price. They are the only people in the country that know how they all work,

Now, after 40 years of using and selling combustion analyzers I do not know of any main line of analyzers that has had a CO sensor problem. Someone is taking advantage of your insecurity.. You can overrange them but they will recover. I encountered this starting in 1985 and found out I could not ruin a CO sensor if I tried. Having a special prototype analyzer that could measure up to 100,000 ppm. I would use it when my regular tester overranged. I saw CO levels above 100000 ppm,. The one thing that causes the CO sensor to take extra long to recover is stopping the pump before the CO is back in range. Yes I have complained tp every manufacturer. I have nothing to gain by saving you money and aggravation.

hot_rod

Wohler seems to get great reviews from the IG crowd.

https://www.wohlerusa.com/shop/products/measuring-instruments/combustion-analyzers

RayWohlfarth

Thank you Sirs! I appreciate it I will let you know what I get

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1892526#Comment_1892526

I've been using the Wohler A450 for about a year and a half, and I'm happy with it. I have used the Testo 310 and 300. If CO goes up quick, they're done for at least the day. They almost go into a self induced coma.

tim smith

Scott, I have a couple of the C155 UEI kits, they have been quite reliable over the last 6-8 yrs.

RayWohlfarth

Thank you all I appreciate the feed back