1. For which type of applications can this analyzer be used?

The Si-CA 8500 can be used for commercial and industrial applications to measure stack/flue gases coming from boilers, burners, engines, furnaces, kilns, heaters, dryers, ovens, and other combustion equipment.

 

  1. Does the Si-CA 8500 need to be plugged in during operations?

The analyzer can be operated using either rechargeable battery power or AC power. With a fully charged battery pack, the analyzer can run off battery power for approximately (4) hours. It is recommended to run off AC power as often as possible as this will also help keep the built-in chiller at a more optimal temperature.

 

  1. Where and how should the autozero be performed?

It is recommended to autozero the analyzer at start-up somewhere outdoors in fresh ambient air without any probes or hoses plugged into the analyzer until after the three (3) minute autozero cycle is completed and no errors are found.

 

  1. Can the pump be stopped while the analyzer is still on, and is this recommended?

Yes, you can turn off the gas sampling pump without completely turning off the analyzer through the SETUP button menu on the analyzer keypad. It is normally not recommended to stop the pump because the pollutant flue gases are then trapped inside the analyzer which is not good for the accuracy and longevity of the gas sensors. If the pump is turned off, the analyzer should first be purged with clean air for at least a few minutes.

 

  1. What technologies are used for the analyzer’s gas measurements?

There are three types of gas sensors that can be used in the Si-CA 8500 – electrochemical, NDIR (non-dispersive infrared), & PID (photoionization detection). There are up to six electrochemical sensors available with the Si-CA 8500 – O2, CO, NO, NO2, SO2 & H2S. The CO2, CxHy hydrocarbon, and high CO sensors are NDIR sensors. The VOC sensor is a PID type sensor. All gas sensors, regardless of technology used, perform their measurements simultaneously in the Si-CA 8500.

 

  1. What is the maximum number of gas sensors that can be in one Si-CA 8500 analyzer?

You can have a maximum of nine (9) gas sensor in the Si-CA 8500. The H2S and VOC gas sensors cannot be included together in the same Si-CA 8500 analyzer.

 

  1. Can the analyzer be upgraded for additional gas sensors, and can users change sensors from one sensor type to another in the field?

The Si-CA 8500 can be upgraded to add a gas sensor that was not previous included in the analyzer. For these gas sensor upgrades, the analyzer must be returned to the factory for such service. Gas sensors cannot be changed from one type to another (such as replacing NO2 sensor with SO2 sensor) in the field. When a sensor dies and needs replacement in kind, this can be done locally.

 

  1. What is the expected operating life for each gas sensor?

The typical life of the O2 sensor is 1.5 to 2 years. All of the other electrochemical gas sensors (CO, NO, NO2, SO2 & H2S) each have a typical life of 2.5 to 5 years. The NDIR sensors should last the life of the analyzer with proper operations & maintenance, but the NDIR optics may need to be serviced once every few years. The VOC sensor has a typical life of 2 to 3 years. These sensor lives are partially dependent on the particular application where the analyzer is operated, how the analyzer is operated & maintained, excessive exposure to higher concentrations of target gases, and the total hours of operations of the analyzer.

 

  1. How can data be saved with the analyzer, and how much data can be stored?

Data can be saved to the internal memory of the Si-CA 8500 either manually or automatically through the keypad. Automatic data saving and logging can be done by selecting how frequently the data is saved. You can also save data using the real-time PC software that is included with each product. The internal memory can hold up to 2000 tests while you have virtually unlimited memory if data is saved directly to a PC or tablet using the software. Each “test” is one date/time stamped snapshot in time that includes all parameters that the Si-CA 8500 is capable of measuring and calculating.

 

  1. Is there software available for the analyzer?

Yes, each analyzer includes Windows® compatible real-time software that can communicates via wireless or USB cable at no extra cost. The software allows the operator to view, save, log, and graph data in real-time on a Windows® computer or tablet.

 

  1. Can you change the fuel on the analyzer, and what does this affect?

Yes, you can easily change the fuel from a preloaded list through the SETUP button menu on analyzer keypad menu. Fuel selection will fine tune calculated values such as combustion efficiency and excess air, but it will not affect direct measurements such as O2, CO, NO, NO2, SO2, other gas sensors, temperature and draft/pressure.

 

  1. What is the purpose of the SCU (Sample Conditioning Unit)?

The Sample Conditioning Unit provides an extra layer of defense against moisture by cooling and drying the flue gas at the probe handle. The Sample Conditioning Unit also helps maintain the integrity of the flue gas especially for water soluble gases such as NO2 and SO2. The Sample Conditioning Unit is an option with the analyzer, and it is used in addition to the built-in thermoelectric chiller that comes standard with each Si-CA 8500. More information about the Sample Conditioning Unit can be found here.

 

  1. How long can the Si-CA 8500 be continuously operated?

The Si-CA 8500 is a portable unit that can be operated up to a full work day, but not for a complete 24-hour day. It is recommended to perform a fresh auto-zero calibration cycle approximately every 30 to 60 minutes of testing with the analyzer. This auto-zero calibration is performed by simply disconnecting the hoses from the analyzer, and then turning the unit OFF & then back ON.

 

  1. How often should each Si-CA 8500 analyzer be calibrated?

The factory recommendation is to recalibrate each analyzer at least once each year. Depending on the application and customer requirements, more frequent calibrations may be needed especially if required for compliance to any applicable regulations, permits, test methods, or legislation.

 

  1. How should the analyzer be stored?

It is recommended to store the analyzer in a dry location as close to room temperature as possible. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures such as leaving it in a car/truck overnight especially when temperatures are near or below freezing.

 

  1. Where is the Si-CA 8500 manufactured?

The Si-CA 8500 analyzer is manufactured exclusively at the Sauermann factory in Langhorne, PA, USA.