The metaphorical saying “life is a gas” brings new meaning in this millennium, notably global warming with environmental concerns placing further importance on gas analyzers. These devices detect and monitor unwanted levels of various gases. They provide a safety net against unseen or odorless gases escaping from furnaces, vehicles and other types of equipment.

The marketplace is primarily growing due to governmental regulations prohibiting certain levels of emissions. A vehicle exhaust gas analyzer plays an important role but other types exist with specific functions. When looking for a gas analyzer note the following:

1. Consider the various gas analyzers your business requires in respect to handheld, portable or bench top models.

2. Look at gas analyzers for sale based on your budget; note that portable and bench tops each cover low- to high-end pricing.

3. Select models dependent on function that include infrared, combustion, residual or exhaust gas analyzers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an infrared gas analyzer to monitor CO2 or combined CO2/H2O

Consider optical bench, portable or fixed models. Applications include vehicle emissions, combustion efficiency, stack gases, industrial process and various environmental monitoring.

I recommend: Request a quote by filling in the form at PP Systems and see infrared gas analyzers by clicking “Products”; then select “CO2 Gas Analyzers” or “Combined CO2/H20 Gas analyzers.” Selections include OEM, environmental and CO2 with software for logging sensor data. Contact California Analytical Instruments for pricing or questions and see the infrared gas analyzers by clicking “Products,” then “Infrared Analyzers” for multi-capability models.

Buy a combustion gas analyzer for monitoring installations

Locate leaks, measure flue gases, carbon monoxide and other gases with a small handheld or portable model.

I recommend: See the model of choice for monitoring all heating appliances including furnaces and boilers at TSI then click “Shop at our E-Store” for “Combustion Gas Analyzers” with prices. Go to Professional Equipment to buy online low- to high-end combustion gas analyzers. Find the right unit for your business at Value Testers with online ordering.

Get a residual gas analyzer with processes your business requires

Obtain vacuum system gas analysis with real-time PC software for mass spectra, vacuum processing, leak detection and pressure versus time readouts.

I recommend: Order 100, 200 or 300 amu systems with programmability and PC software at Stanford Research Systems; click “Prices” for further details and to order. Contact Extorr for pricing on three models; click “Home” then “Products” for information about the residual gas analyzers.

Purchase an exhaust gas analyzer to detect engine emission problems

Check out CO emissions for internal combustion engines using gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. Applications for vehicle exhaust gas analyzers include autos, snowmobiles, forklifts, sweepers and other types.

I recommend: Phone or use the online form to contact Blanke Industries; click “Products” to see the selections for carbon monoxide detection. Click “quote form” at the bottom of product detail for a 5-gas analyzer with continuous analysis of engine exhaust gas at DyneSystems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  CO2 and O2 measurements from exhaust gas analyzers not only provide emissions data but also give insight into the engine's combustion chamber. A highly efficient engine produces higher readings for CO2. Engine problems typically show lower CO2 readings. When buying a vehicle exhaust gas analyzer get a 4- or 5-gas model.