Kane-Flue-Gas-Analysers-Comparison

Test-Meter.co.uk currently stocks a wide range of Kane Flue Gas Analysers suitable for use on a variety of different combustion systems including boilers, flueless appliances and professional catering appliances. With several different measurement functions available and compatibility with various fuel types, this post aims to explain the different options and help gas engineers select the right instrument for them.

Basic Testing

All Kane flue gas analysers are capable of measuring carbon monoxide in ppm, as well as temperature and carbon dioxide. These factors are then calculated to produce additional readings for oxygen content, excess air calculation, and CO/CO2 ratio when the user enters the fuel type. These values can then be used to assess the efficiency of a combustion system such as a boiler.

CO measurement also performs an important role in meeting the standards set out in Technical Bulletin 143 for newly installed systems. All Kane flue gas analysers can be used to measure carbon monoxide and this is the single most important factor when it comes to determining the safety of a fuel-burning installation.

Notably, the Kane 456 and 458 have an automatic commissioning test which allows the user to perform tests quickly and efficiently whilst the Kane 458 and 452NO also have innovative dual pumps that prevent over range damage to the CO sensors.

Let By and Tightness Testing

One of the notable factors that differentiates the various analysers in the Kane range is the capability of performing a let by or tightness test. These tests are designed to indicate leaks in pipework by discovering anomalous pressure drops and therefore requires differential pressure measurement. Models such as the Kane 452NO, 456 and 458, have pressure measurement from 0 to ±80mbar, thus allowing tightness and let by testing on new and repaired installations. For basic models, a separate manometer would be required to perform these tests.

Nitric Oxide Measurement

Nitric oxide (NOx) is a damaging pollutant produced by many systems running on organic fuels such as natural gas and particularly oil and coal. Factors influencing NO formation include running temperature and air-fuel mix ratio as well as fuel type and various legislation imposes limits for these emissions on certain types of combustion systems. In order to measure these emissions, options include the Kane 452NO and ‘NO’ model of the Kane 251 and they have a measurement range of 0 to 100ppm.

Differential Temperature Measurement

Whilst all flue gas analysers in the Kane range measure temperature, differential temperature measurement allows the user to check inflow and outflow temperatures which helps determine the correct functionality of a combustion system. In terms of the Kane range, the four models that boast this feature are the 456, 457, 458, and 452NO.

Ambient Air Quality

Ambient CO build up can be measured by the Kane 251, 456, 458 and 452NO from 0 to 2000ppm (0 to 10,000ppm for the Kane 251). This is an important factor when determining the safety of an appliance for the regular users. The most appropriate instrument for ambient air assessment is the Kane 457 which boasts additional ambient CO2 measurement. This can be an important factor when assessing comfort in the workplace and residential properties. Both spot checks and timed assessment can be carried out with the Kane 457.

Other Features

Whilst testing functions are the most important factor in choosing your flue gas analyser, various additional features can help professionals make a decision. The Kane 251 and Kane 255 both provide readings on screen only whilst the 452NO, 456, 457 and 458 have an internal memory that can record readings during inspections for later analysis. All the analysers run off rechargeable batteries and are available in a range of kits.

251 255 456 457 458 452NO
Carbon monoxide 10,000ppm 2,000ppm 2,000ppm 2,000ppm 2,000ppm 2,000ppm
Temperature 0 to 600˚C 0 to 600˚C 0 to 600˚C 0 to 600˚C 0 to 600˚C 0 to 600˚C
Carbon dioxide 0 to 20% 0 to 20% 0 to 20% 0 to 20% 0 to 20% 0 to 20%
Oxygen calculation
Nitric oxide 100ppm (optional) 100ppm
Differential temperature
Tightness/let by
Ambient Air Quality
Internal memory