The 10 killer features of a modern portable combustion gas analyser

1- Extremely robust CO measurement cells

Combustion professionals work on a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial boilers. And this versatility means that the instruments they use need to be able to withstand high concentrations of CO. That’s why, for modern combustion gas analysers, extremely robust CO cells are an absolute must.

• Our Si-CA 030 and Si-CA 130 models are the only analysers in their weight and price category to include advanced CO cells, which are capable of measuring and withstanding CO concentrations of up to 8,000 ppm. The Si-CA 230 model, meanwhile, has a range of up to 10,000 ppm – and as high as 50,000 ppm thanks to its built-in automatic dilution system. The CO dilution not only allows for higher CO measurements, but also helps prevent the CO sensor from becoming oversaturated with high CO levels that can damage the sensor.

2 - NOx measurement capability without changing the device

These days, NOx has become an essential measurement parameter for various combustion equipment – for both environmental, health and financial reasons. For some combustion applications, such as power stations, incinerators and high-powered boilers, strict regulations often require NOx concentrations to be measured at various points in the combustion process. A good combustion gas analyser therefore needs to support this capability when needed.

• That’s why our Si-CA 030 and 130 analysers are the only instruments in their class that can be adapted to measure NOx, with the Si-CA 130 supporting field-replaceable cells. And of course, the top-of-the-range Si-CA 230 can measure NOx (including Total NOx with both NO & NO2 sensors) and up to six total gases.

3 - Multiple cells for simultaneous measurements

For reasons of speed and efficiency, engineers naturally prefer all-in-one instruments that can handle multiple measurements at once. The aim is to reduce the number of maintenance and analysis steps, allowing specialists to service a combustion equipment quickly without compromising on reliability.

• Our Si-CA 030 and 130 analysers come with three replaceable measurement cells, while our top-of-the-range Si-CA 230 model features six cells: more than any competitor in its format and price category!

4 - Measurement reliability backed by metrology experts

As emissions regulations become ever stricter and more precise, modern combustion gas analysers must be able to take measurements to a high degree of accuracy. Adjusting these instruments is now essential. And it’s a task that needs to be done in the lab by metrology experts – both before and after sales.

• Our Si-CA 030, 130 and 230 models are backed by 45 years of measurement expertise, with specialist gas analysis laboratories located on the same premises as our production lines. Our metrology experts and production engineers provide the full range of after-sales services: calibration, adjustment and repair.

5 - Wireless connectivity and free apps

Paid apps are a thing of the past. Customers buying professional-grade instruments no longer expect to pay extra for an accompanying iOS, Android or Windows app. Why? Because these apps are now viewed as an integral part of the package when purchasing a combustion gas analyser.

• The brand-new Sauermann Combustion mobile app & PC software are free to download when customers purchase any of our three latest-generation Si-CA combustion gas analysers. The app, for Android, iOS and Windows, gives users access to the extra features available in this digital environment, which has formed a natural extension to our products in recent years. The app allows for real-time remote display and control functionality when used with all three combustion analyzers.

6 - One-click auto-generation of exportable measurement reports

Again for reasons of efficiency, modern combustion gas analysers must be able to generate comprehensive measurement reports, which can then be exported and emailed instantly in various formats (such as Excel, CSV or PDF). The report generation interface needs to be linked to a customer (and equipment) database stored on the device and/or in the app.

• Our Si-CA 030, 130 and 230 models can all generate and export reports in any standard electronic format, as well as store a customer database. They can also export a hard-copy version of the document to a portable, wireless printer. The accompanying Sauermann Combustion mobile app & PC software even generates statutory service reports. For instance, the app can create the “Attestation d’Entretien” (AdE, or “Service Certificate”) for France, as well as service reports that include CO room & sweep tests and pressure let-by tests as required under UK regulations.

7 - User-friendly features built for speed

Ease and convenience are the first things that today’s customers look for in a measurement instrument. In other words, it needs to be instantly usable out of the box. That means the device must be intuitive, quick and easy to handle in any circumstances. And with so many clever technical design features, modern-day instruments are helping combustion professionals work more efficiently than ever.

• Our new Si-CA analysers are packed with smart design features that make them incredibly convenient to use: powerful magnets to affix them to heat-generating machines and keep engineers’ hands free, an LCD display that’s easy to see in any situation, built-in software that issues cell service cycle reminders, the ability to manage them from a smartphone, and more. The 130 and 230 even have a large touch screens that allows for easy & quick operations of the analysers.

8 - The perfect balance between size, weight and price for on-site operations

When it comes to user-friendly design features for measurement devices, portability and maneuverability definitely top the list. Advances in digital technology and miniaturisation have made modern instruments smaller and lighter than ever – and allowed manufacturers to tweak their design so they fit seamlessly into the palm of the hand. And combustion gas analysers, despite containing complex electrochemical components, are no different.

• At Sauermann, we wanted to strike the perfect balance with our mid-range instrument: the Si-CA 130 model is one of the smallest, lightest and most comprehensive devices in its class, without compromising on features (touch-screen display, CO measurement of up to 8,000 ppm, etc.). For combustion professionals, it delivers unmatched versatility at this price point.

9 - Rugged design that’s built to last

Modern measurement instruments are packed with more technology and feature fewer structural weaknesses that their predecessors. Professionals expect to be able to use them in any situation, without having to take more precautions than with a conventional mechanical instrument. In fact, rugged design is a critical aspect of user-friendliness and ease of use.

• Our new Si-CA analysers come with an additional protective rubber casing, which also means they sit firmly in the palm of the hand without slipping. The probe connectors are hidden away inside the unit, so there’s no risk of them breaking if the instrument is dropped. They also have an ingress protection rating of IP42.

10 - Flexible configuration out of the box

Professionals know exactly what they need to do their job. That’s why, when it comes to designing a specialist measurement instrument like a combustion gas analyser, flexibility is key. In other words, manufacturers need to supply the exact cells, accessories and options that the user wants.

• Our latest-generation Si-CA 030, 130 and 230 models are available in dozens of different kits, which vary from country to country. Customers can also order accessories and field-replaceable gas cells separately. For information and advice, speak to our Customer Services department.

With these 10 killer features, you can’t possibly go wrong!