Is it important to measure smoke in oil-fired furnaces?
As already mentioned, smoke is a primary sign of incomplete combustion since it is basically composed of very small unburnt carbon particles, therefore it is important to determine the smoke (soot) content of the flue gas. Using madur portable flue gas analysers gives you the opportunity to perform a soot test and determine oil burner condition and operating efficiency and safety. However, smoke spot testing will not indicate the presence of CO. Since smoke and CO will almost certainly coexist, both tests are necessary. A smoke test is important. This procedure is generally done when servicing fuel oil furnaces or setting up power burners. If the air/fuel mixture is not correct, you will see it in the flue gas as smoke or soot. Generally, equipment is adjusted for a trace or less of smoke (some manufactures will tell you to set their units up for a trace of smoke, then back it off). Smoke in the flue gas eventually will create a soot build up in the furnace, and that will cause a whole
