Boiler flue gas analysis demands close attention to the problem of dirt in the gas sample as well as liquid condensate.
The dust is particularly an issue for solid fuel and oil fired boiler combustion analysis. But it is also an issue when sampling gases from gas fired boilers. Significant levels of condensate will be collected after sampling for a relatively short time.
The gas treatment on the range of Systronik combustion analysers is second to none with a high capacity coalescing filter. The high capacity filter is a cylinder design, 18mm diameter and 55mm long. The flue gases are drawn through the wall of the filter from the inside. Particulates or dust is deposited onto the inside wall of the filter whilst the condensate droplets pass through the outside wall and collected for periodic removal.
Some properties, mainly flats and apartments, have been built with boiler flues which cannot be inspected because they are hidden behind walls or ceilings. If you live in one of these homes then please read on for more information so you know what to do.
Gas Safe registered engineers need to be able to see the flue − which take fumes away from the boiler − as part of essential safety checks whenever the boiler is worked on. A flue in poor condition, combined with a boiler that is not working properly, could put you and your family in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause death or serious injury.
If your boiler is situated on an outside wall, it is unlikely you have this type of flue. Alternatively, if your engineer can see all of the flue, you will not need to take any further action in relation to this matter.
If you do have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen, you, or your landlord, will need to arrange for inspection hatches to be fitted. This does not mean that your flue system is suddenly unsafe. As long as the boiler passes a series of safety checks − including having audible carbon monoxide alarms fitted − it can be used normally for the time being.
Carbon monoxide alarms are not an alternative to being able to see the flue and you will still need to have inspection hatches fitted. You have until 31 December 2012 for this work to be completed. It is recommended that inspection hatches are fitted as soon as you are able to do so. From 1 January 2013, any Gas Safe registered engineer will turn the boiler off and formally advise you not to use it until inspection hatches have been fitted in appropriate places
Although most of the affected boiler and flue systems are relatively new (installed since 2000), the risk of faults leading to the release of carbon monoxide increases as the system gets older, especially if it is not serviced regularly. It is important that you have your gas appliances serviced annually.
