Flue gas contains a multitude of toxic chemicals. This includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particles of soot and many others. In relation to household environments, carbon monoxide is considered the biggest threat. This is because it is colourless, odourless and can kill people quickly. In industrial settings, carbon dioxide and other emissions are a larger concern. They have the potential to damage the planet, and companies have a larger capacity for environmental damage than households.
However, it should be noted that in both settings, flue gas must be analysed in order to maintain safety and efficiency of appliances. Temperature and flow rate are two of the most important factors in question.
Technicians can analyse temperatures of emissions to discover dangerous amounts of certain chemicals. High temperatures are indicative of unsafe levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other hazards. Measuring flue gas flow rate is another means of determining the safety of appliances in both residential and industrial settings.
How to calculate flue gas flow rate
There are a few different types of flow rate measurement.
First, it is possible for technicians to determine flow rate by calculating gas velocity. This is a measurement of the distance the gas travels per unit of time.
It is also possible for a technician to calculate flue gas flow rate by determining the volume flow rate of emissions. This is a similar concept to velocity (as stated above) but with a key difference - volume flow is calculated by determining the amount of gas that can travel a certain distance over a unit of time.
Velocity measures speed and direction, whereas volume flow rate is a calculation of the amount of combustion released in a certain period of time.
These measurements are able to be taken by placing a pilot tube in a ventilation duct. The pilot tube has two holes, one hole that is used to measure stagnation pressure and the other to measure static pressure. By determining the differential pressure, technicians are able to calculate the flue gas flow rate and thereby determine the safety and efficiency of the combustion.
The continuous measurement of flue gas flow rate can be used to inform both homeowners and plant operators about the flow profile of their machinery. This is important not only for the safety of those on the premises, but also the wellbeing of the planet.
The Importance of Measuring Flue Gas Flow Rate
The quicker appliances release emissions, the more gas goes into the atmosphere. Because flue gas contains a variety of harmful chemicals, maintaining updated knowledge of the magnitude at which gases are produced is essential for both human and environmental safety.
Industrial testing
Large organisations, such as factories and power plants, often produce a significant amount of emissions. These emissions, such as carbon dioxide, are incredibly harmful to the environment and contribute to climate change.
This is why it is important that stack gas testing is conducted to make sure that the flue gas flow rate of facilities operated by large corporations does not exceed acceptable levels. Both a high volume and high velocity of gas flow leads to more carbon emissions entering the atmosphere, ultimately damaging the ozone layer and leading to increased temperatures around the world.
Small Scale Testing
Even though small businesses and households do not face the same level of risk in terms of damaging the environment, they must address increased health risks from unsafe amounts of gas emissions.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant risk in certain environments. This is because it is undetectable without equipment and can cause serious health issues. This includes flu-like symptoms, impaired vision, dizziness and chest pain. If carbon monoxide levels are high enough, CO poisoning can lead to death.
It should be noted that carbon monoxide is not the only dangerous chemical found in flue gas though. Appliances can also produce soot, which if emitted in significant amounts, can cause respiratory damage and even cancer. In addition to this, unsafe amounts of nitrogen can cause unconsciousness or even death by asphyxiation.
Testo’s Solution
Being able to consistently measure flue gas flow rate is important to assure safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility. This is the reason why flow measurement technology should be smart, fast and intuitive.
Testo’s flue gas analysis tools measure gas flow rates as well as temperature. This gives technicians a well rounded understanding of the safety and efficiency of any appliances being monitored. Furthermore, Testo NZ carries a variety of products for professionals and consumers alike, all ranging in usability and advanced features.
The Testo 310 is our easiest flue gas analysis tool. It's built to be user friendly and easy to operate, all while being able to conduct all basic measurements on heating systems. The Testo 300 is a tad more technologically advanced, with features to take a wide range of measurements. It also comes with smart-touch operation and internet compatibility. This way professionals are able to quickly and easily compile data. For those looking to future proof their instruments, the Testo 330i is one of our Bluetooth-capable products that can be operated from the convenience of a smart device via the Testo Smart App.
Testo’s flue gas analysis tools measure a range of properties of flue gas emissions. This includes temperature and flow rate. Both of these qualities can help technicians determine the amount of harmful gasses emitted. This may include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. It goes without saying that measuring the emissions of industrial and residential appliances is the first step in making environments safer.
If you are after flue gas rate measurement solutions specifically, Testo NZ offers a range of flow meters. These flow meters calculate flow measurements in ducts, outlets and filters. Deciding on a flow meter depends on the users level of experience and expertise as well as if the product will be used for industrial or small scale environments. Testo has a flow meter for every scenario and situation.
Testo New Zealand provides solutions for a wide range of environments and professionals. Our industry leading technologies are paving the way to the future, and we are making flue gas flow rate measurement and other types of analysis faster and more efficient for everyone.
For more information on our flue gas analysis and flow rate monitoring solutions, get in contact with the team at Testo New Zealand today!