1. Can the Si-CA analyzers be used for residential, commercial, or industrial applications?
    These analyzers can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial applications to measure stack/flue gas coming from boilers, burners, engines, furnaces, kilns, heaters, dryers, ovens, and other combustion equipment.

 

  1. Does the unit need to be plugged in during operations?
    Each Si-CA analyzer can be operated using either rechargeable battery power or AC power. With a fully charged battery pack, each analyzer can run off battery power for at least eight (8) hours. It is recommended to run off AC power as often as possible.

 

  1. Can the pump be stopped while the analyzer is still on, and is this recommended?
    Yes, you can easily turn off the gas sampling pump without completely turning off the analyzer through 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 before doing so.

 

  1. What technologies are used for the analyzer’s gas measurements?
    Most of the gas sensors used in the Si-CA analyzers are electrochemical sensors. The only exception is the CxHy hydrocarbon sensor is a Pellistor catalytic bead type of sensor.

 

  1. Can the Si-CA analyzer be upgraded for additional gas sensors, and can users change sensors from one sensor type to another in the field?
    The Si-CA 120 is limited to two (2) gas sensors (O2 & CO), and it cannot be upgraded to add more gas sensors. The Si-CA 220 can have a maximum of four (4) gas sensors while the Si-CA 320 can have either five (5) or six (6) gas sensors. If a customer has the Si-CA 220 with less than four gas sensors or the Si-CA 320 with five gas sensors, they can upgrade the analyzer to add a gas sensor that was not previous included in the analyzer. For these 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 CO 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 gas sensors (such as CO, NO, NO2, SO2, CxHy, H2S) each have a typical life of 2.5 to 5 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.

 

  1. Are pre-calibrated replacement gas sensors available?
    Yes, you can get replacement gas sensors either pre-calibrated or uncalibrated. Pre-calibrated sensors can quickly and easily be replaced in the field by the user. Uncalibrated gas sensors must be properly calibrated with a span gas when first installed into 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 analyzer either manually or automatically through the keypad or using the software. Automatic data saving and logging can be done by selecting how frequently the data is saved. The internal memory of the analyzer can hold up to 2000 tests. Each “test” is one date/time stamped snapshot in time that includes all parameters that the analyzer is capable of measuring and calculating.

 

  1. Is there a software available for the Si-CA Analyzer?
    Yes, each analyzer includes Windows compatible software that communicates via wireless Bluetooth® 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. Are smartphone apps available for the analyzers?
    Yes, free apps are available for both Android and iOS smart phones. The apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

 

  1. Can the parameters shown on the display screen and print-out be customized?
    Yes, the operator can easily add, remove, or change the order of the relevant parameters shown on both the display screen and paper print-out (if printer is included) of the analyzer. This can simply be done through the analyzer keypad menu or PC software.

 

  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 analyzer keypad menu. Fuel selection will fine tune calculated values such as combustion efficiency, excess air, and CO2%, but it will not affect direct measurements such as O2, CO, other gas sensors, temperature, and draft/pressure.

 

  1. Why is there an error for Flue Gas Temperature when the analyzer is first turned on?
    This error will appear until the thermocouple connector from the probe is properly attached to the analyzer.

 

  1. Does the water trap need to be connected to the analyzer?
    Yes, the external water trap must be connected to the bottom of the analyzer at all times during operations of the analyzer and should always be a vertical position.

 

  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 each analyzer, and it is used in addition to the external water trap that comes standard with each analyzer. Find more information about the Sample Conditioning Unit here ici.

 

  1. How often should each Si-CA 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.