Red Seal Oil Heat System Technician Practice Exam

What is one function of a flue gas analyzer?

1. It measures oil temperature to enhance combustion

2. It assesses the noise level of the heating system

3. It measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels

4. It provides a visual inspection of the flue gases

The correct answer is: It measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels

A flue gas analyzer plays a crucial role in assessing the efficiency and safety of combustion systems by measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the flue gases. By determining these gas concentrations, the analyzer helps technicians evaluate the combustion process. For instance, just the right amount of oxygen is needed for complete combustion; too little can indicate that the system is not burning fuel efficiently, which can lead to incomplete combustion and the production of harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide. Similarly, measuring carbon dioxide levels provides insights into combustion efficiency and excess air, facilitating adjustments to optimize performance and reduce emissions. The other options suggest functions that do not align with the primary purpose of a flue gas analyzer. Measuring oil temperature pertains to fuel management rather than gas analysis, assessing noise levels is more related to mechanical issues, and visual inspection, while important, does not provide the quantitative data necessary for analyzing the combustion process effectively. Thus, the ability of a flue gas analyzer to quantify oxygen and carbon dioxide levels is essential for ensuring proper combustion and maintaining system safety.