What are you using to test combustion performance by way of handheld analyzers?
Anyone use a UEI Smartbell?
Anyone use a UEI Smartbell?
Combustion Analyzers
- Thread starter tom in maine
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PassionForFire&Water
Minister of Fire
Karl_northwind
Minister of Fire
The lowest cost ones are made by UEI. They are basic but seem adequate. From what I see (here and elsewhere) the desirable units are the Testos. They are field serviceable and the sensors have a decent life expectancy.
The issue with a DIY'er is you are not going to use it much and every year or two you have to replace sensors.
The UEI Smartbell and Smartbell Plus are ones that have longer lived sensors. Not many people have tried them as far as I can tell.
The issue with a DIY'er is you are not going to use it much and every year or two you have to replace sensors.
The UEI Smartbell and Smartbell Plus are ones that have longer lived sensors. Not many people have tried them as far as I can tell.
not sure how much the smart bell is but the sensor longevity might be worth a few extra bucks. I cheaped out with a testo 327, new sensors about 2 years. O2 and co sensors cost about 400 for both installed and factory calibrated
The news testo 330 2 is awfully tempting and the 380 particulate analyzer is even more interesting
I spoke with UEI. They suggested the Smartbell Plus which does O2, CO2 and CO. It costs about $500. They have a setting for wood but not pellets.
Still leaning toward a Testo. Will look up the 380, but I am certain it will be scary cost wise.
Still leaning toward a Testo. Will look up the 380, but I am certain it will be scary cost wise.
PassionForFire&Water
Minister of Fire
One Testo unit I have had problem with is the 350, The unit worked but the software that allows multiple units to be connected together didn't work.
A general recommendation with extractive type analyzers is that on wood, putting in an ice bath knock out pot upstream of the analyzer will drop out a lot of moisture and cool the gas stream down. This is probably less important for pellets but wood has a lot of vapor in it. When I test on large boilers, I run a sintered filter on the end of probe, then through a cooler with a vacuum pump downstream of the cooler which then goes into the testo.
The new 380 particulate testing kit which includes the 330 2 L (with a software upgrade) is designed for a German standard, There are some head to head tests that indicate that method is more accurate than the EPA tests, but for now its not certified as an EPA method. The reason I mention particulate is that most new wood/pellet stove standards are going to require PM. I believe the NH thermal REC program will require particulate testing although since the regs are still in the draft stage, who knows. The 380 is only sold factory direct
Before you buy the unit make sure you are happy with the internal data logging as the software to connect to a PC is added cost option.
A general recommendation with extractive type analyzers is that on wood, putting in an ice bath knock out pot upstream of the analyzer will drop out a lot of moisture and cool the gas stream down. This is probably less important for pellets but wood has a lot of vapor in it. When I test on large boilers, I run a sintered filter on the end of probe, then through a cooler with a vacuum pump downstream of the cooler which then goes into the testo.
The new 380 particulate testing kit which includes the 330 2 L (with a software upgrade) is designed for a German standard, There are some head to head tests that indicate that method is more accurate than the EPA tests, but for now its not certified as an EPA method. The reason I mention particulate is that most new wood/pellet stove standards are going to require PM. I believe the NH thermal REC program will require particulate testing although since the regs are still in the draft stage, who knows. The 380 is only sold factory direct
Before you buy the unit make sure you are happy with the internal data logging as the software to connect to a PC is added cost option.
heaterman
Minister of Fire
I use a Testo 330-2-LL and it works well. Time for new sensors before this fall though.
What ever unit you get, make sure it has the ability to protect the CO sensor from extreme levels often found in idling wood burners. One good whiff at 10,000PPM can toast the sensors in a standard unit made for oil and gas. Bio mass is a completely different animal.
What ever unit you get, make sure it has the ability to protect the CO sensor from extreme levels often found in idling wood burners. One good whiff at 10,000PPM can toast the sensors in a standard unit made for oil and gas. Bio mass is a completely different animal.
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