The combustion gas analyzer is, today, an electronic instrument that gives an instant reading of the levels of toxic pollutants in the gas stream and the efficiency of the burner. It is nearly impossible to adjust a combustion process accurately without using a combustion gas analyzer. Certainly, it will take longer and not be as reliably repeatable. The great advantage of combustion gas analyzers is that they produce a visible result in numbers that can be shown to enquirers. This makes it readily understandable also for non-technical people.
Combustion gas analyzers measure the flue gas temperature and air inlet temperature together with the concentrations of a number of gas components. Standard instruments measure oxygen and carbon monoxide, but larger combustion gas analyzers will also measure other gases.
Using these results the combustion gas analyzer can calculate the concentration of carbon dioxide based on the type of fuel used and the oxygen concentration. The excess air number gives an idea about the air/fuel ratio and the efficiency reading will enable the burner to be adjusted with ease.
The concentration of carbon monoxide is an essential part of pollution control and is rigorously enforced in many countries. Generally, the level of carbon monoxide will just be starting to rise at the most efficient point in the burner settings.