Description Stand Alone Combustion Check Model: SOX2 · flow of fuel and air in the equipment. b. Test within 18" of the breech start of the flue for most oil fire equipment. i. Combustion

Stand Alone Combustion CheckModel: SOX2

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

DescriptionThe SOX2 allows you to easily calibrate combus-

tion equipment such as boilers or furnaces to themanufacturer’s specified Excess Air %, CO2%, orO2%.

Tuning the Excess Air, CO2, O2 stack tempera-ture and temperature rise to match the appliancemanufacturer’s specifications will increase efficien-cy and help maximize performance and lifeexpectancy of the equipment. Tuning typicallyinvolves adjusting the air/fuel ratio.

How to use1. Thoroughly inspect combustion equipment for

problems.2. Determine where the flue is and if the equip-

ment is condensing or non-condensing.3.Turn on unit and allow one minute for warm up

before use.4. Determine what kind of fuel

the equipment uses.5. Calibrate temperature if

needed (see FieldCalibration).

6. Clip the thermocoupleto the snoot of theSOX2 pump using theincluded clips makingsure to bend the beadtip (see photo) for opti-mum accuracy.

7. Connect the water filter,pump and probe to theSOX2.

8. Ensure that the water trap is securely fastenedand that the filter is clean and properly installed.

9. Purge the sensor and pump of any left-overcontaminants from the previous measurements.Pump uncontaminated air into the SOX2 for oneminute before inserting in the flue.

10. Look at the manufacturer's specifications todetermine the required EA%(Excess Air %),

CO2% or O2% in the flue are required. 11. Select the desired parameter to display

between EA%, CO2% or O2% using theEA/CO2/O2 button.

a. If in CO2% mode, the correct fuel typemust be selected by using the FUEL but-ton.

12. Once the system has stabilized and the SOX2has been purged, insert the snoot into the fluegas.

a. In order to ensure accurate testing, waituntill the system is stabilized before tak-ing flue gas readings. This means thatthe temperatures throughout the systemhave stabilized, and there is a steadyflow of fuel and air in the equipment.

b. Test within 18" of the breech start of theflue for most oil fire equipment.

i. Combustion tests need to be takenbefore dilution air enters the ventingsystems, i.e., draft hoods and baro-metric dampers.

ii. If the appliance is an atmosphericgas (with a draft hood), the testshould be taken in the top flue pas-sage prior to mixing with dilution air.

13. Read temperature of the flue gas, EA%(Excess Air %), O2% or CO2% directly on thedisplay by selecting the appropriate test usingthe EA/CO2/O2 button.

a. Make sure you keep pumping and thatthe parameter you are reading is stable.

b. Press the HOLD button to lock in thereadings. Press the EA/CO2/O2 but-ton to scroll between the differentmeasurements.

14. Make adjustments to bring the equipment towithin manufacturer's specifications.

a. See the chart in this manual for anexample of a typical manufacturer's rec-ommended measurements.

15. Retest

Water trap with filterOver time, the filter within the water trap will get

dirty and eventually block airflow. Periodically,check the filter for excess dust, debris or other con-taminents. 1. Compress and twist cap to open the case. 2. Replace O-ring if it looks cracked or torn.3. Replace filter if it looks dirty or clogged. Make

sure you orient the filter as shown with the knobof the case going into the bottom of the filter.

4. Twist cap back on to seal trap.

Field CalibrationTemperature: To calibrate the temperature

sensor, turn the Temp-Cal pot whilemeasuring a known temperature. Icewater is very close to 32°F and is readi-ly available.

1. Stabilize a large cup of ice water.2. Read temperature from lower dis-

play.3. Make sure the appropriate

degree scale is selected. 4. Plug in a k-type thermocouple

and then immerse entire metaltip into the ice water.

3. For optimum accuracy at ambientpressure, adjust the calibration potto read 32°F or 0°C, depending onthe scale selected.

T2

T2

CombustionCheckExcess Air and %CO2

calculated from %O2

Auto-Off

NaturalGas

Oil #2 Propane

Temp-Cal

°C °F

SOX2

EA/CO2/O2

H/MAX/MIN

FUEL

ON/OFF

WARNINGPlug any hole that may have been created in

the flue with heat resistant silicone or compara-ble plug.

! !

APO (Auto Power Off) turns the meter off after 15 minutes. To Disable APO, simultaneously hold the H/MAX/MIN button and press the ON/OFF button.

Displays whether the meter is holding the current, max or min measurement. A blank field indicates the measurements are in real time. Select the desired mode with the H/MAX/MIN button.

Shows whether the upper display is showing Excess Air%, CO % or O %.

Displays which fuel is being used for the CO %calculation. Choose between Natural Gas, Oil#2 and Propane using the FUEL button.

Upper display for Excess Air%, CO %and O %.

Lower display always displays the temperature from the thermocouple.

Units of °C and°F for the lower display can be changed by holding the or FUEL button while pressing the ON/OFF button.

Indicates a low battery that needs to be replaced.

NaturalGas

Oil #2 Propane

NO YES

COMBUSTION BASICSCombustion is the rapid oxidation of fuel. Oxygen

from air (20.9% oxygen & 79.1% nitrogen) is usedto burn fuel which produces heat. The appliancesinstalled and serviced by technicians rely on cleanefficient flames to produce the energy needed toheat homes, water, etc. Combustion testing is nec-essary to maximize the efficiency of the combustionsystems and to minimize the harmful emissions pro-duced such as carbon monoxide and carbon diox-ide (greenhouse gas emissions). Proper tuning ofthe combustion process by combustion testingreduces the production of harmful carbon monoxideand decreases the amount of fuel burned due toincrease in efficiency.

Combustion efficiency can typically be increasedby creating a more balanced air to fuel ratio. Theratio of air to fuel determines how much CO2 is pro-duced and how efficient the flame is.

Tuning the O2, CO2 excess air, stack tempera-ture and temperature rise to match the appliancemanufacturers specifications will increase the effi-ciency and help to maximize the performance andlife expectancy of the equipment.

A properly tuned natural gas appliance will havebetween 6-9 O2% in the flue while an oil appliancewill have 3-7 O2%.

Adjustments to the combustion process ensuresthat the highest combustion efficiency is safelyachieved, thereby reducing the overall amount of

fuel used in producing the energy needed. It is stillnecessary to test and adjust the appliance to themanufacturers’ specification for airflow in the ductsystem, temperature rise across the heat exchang-er and anything else that may need testing. Testingand balancing appliances to meet manufacturers’specifications helps to ensure maximum systemefficiency and equipment longevity.

Combustion testing does not take into accountstart up losses, standby losses, cabinet/boiler bodylosses, or distribution losses in ducts or piping.

The diagram below is from the book CombustionAnalysis and Fuel Efficiency, Erik RasmussenESCO Press 2007.

TYPICAL RECOMMENDEDFLUE GAS MEASUREMENTS

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSHand pump with filter to isolate dirt and particles.

Features:Thermocouple offset adjustment: ± 3°C (6°F).Automatic power off battery saver.2 channel display (LCD).Display Back-Light.

Analyzer Directly Measures:Flue Gas Oxygen Content in %.Flue Gas Temperature in °F or °C

Analyzer Computes:When the measured oxygen level is below 17.9%:

Flue Gas Carbon Dioxide Content in %.Excess Air in %(0 to 400%)

Specifications:Sensor Type: Highly accurate Oxygen Sensor.Operating environment: 32°F to 122°F at

<75%RH.Storage temperature: -4°F to 140°F at <80%RH

with battery removed from meter.Battery life: 75 hours(continuous) typical.Low battery indication:Battery: 9V.Auto off: After 15 minutes. Accuracy: Stated accuracies are at 73°F ±10°F,

75% R.H.

Specifications (continued)Dimensions: 7.9”(H) x 2.6”(W) x 1.4”(D).Weight: approx. 14 oz including battery.Included Accessories:

AOXP2- Hand pump with water trapRAOX9- 3 C-clips, 4 filters, 1 O-ring, 1 calibra-tion screwdriverATBF1- Hi Temp k-type thermocouple 9V battery (installed) ANC1 Case Operators Manual

Display: 4 digit liquid crystal display (LCD) withmaximum reading 9999.

TemperatureRange:-58°F to 1000°F (-50°C to 538°C)Resolution: 0.1°F/0.1°CSystem accuracy*: ±(0.6%, +3°F), after field cali-

bration.Thermocouple Accuracy: (±4°F) on -50°F to

545°F+/- 0.75%, 545°F to 1000°F.

Thermocouple range: -50°F to 900°F (continuousoperation range) and up to 1000°F (maximumsingle exposure use).*System accuracy overrides thermocouple accu-racy after field calibration is performed.

Warranty and ServiceThe product is warranted to the original purchas-

er against defects in material or workmanship for aperiod of one (1) year from the date of purchase.During the warranty period, Fieldpiece Instrumentswill, at its option, replace or repair the defective unit.

This warranty does not apply to defects resultingfrom abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair,alteration, or unreasonable use of the instrument.Any implied warranty arising out of the sale ofFieldpiece’s products including but not limited toimplied warranties of merchantability and fitness forpurpose are limited to the above. Fieldpiece shallnot be liable for incidental or consequential dam-ages.

Any defective SOX2 should be returned toFieldpiece Instruments for warranty service alongwith proof of purchase. Call Fieldpiece for a returnmaterial authorization (RMA). For out of warrantyservice, send the SOX2 meter with battery installedalong with an RMA number. Your SOX2 will berepaired or replaced at Fieldpiece’s option. Repairprice for SOX2 meter is $85.00.

Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc.580 West Central Ave. Suite A

Brea, CA 92821Phone: (714) 257-9060 Fax: (714) 257-9069

www.fieldpiece.com

FlueSupply

The Fieldpiece SOX2 measuring %O2 and stacktemperature inside a flue.

Atmospheric Fan Assisted or LPG

Oxygen (O2) 6-9%Stack Temperature 325-500°F

Condensing Natural Gas or LPG

Oxygen (O2) 6-9%Stack Temperature 90-140°F

Natural LPG Gas Power Burners

Oxygen (O2) 3-6%Stack Temperature 275-500°F

Fuel Oil Flame Retention Power Burners

Oxygen (O2) 3-7%Stack Temperature 325-500°F

Fuel Oil Non-Flame Retention Power Burners

Oxygen (O2) 6-9%Stack Temperature 400-600°F

Condensing Oil

Oxygen (O2) 3-7%Stack Temperature 90-140°F

Specifications (continued) OxygenWorking range (percent): 0 to 25%. Accuracy:

0 to 25% ±0.3%O2 (@72°F (22.2°C) 20.9%O2ambient).

Oxygen Sensor operational temperature range:-4°F to 122°F.

Warm up time: Under 2 minutes minimum or cur-rent reading.

Button Layout

v16

T2

EA/CO2/O2

H/MAX/MIN

FUEL

ON/OFF ON/OFF Button: Turns the meter on andoff.

Backligh Button: Turns backlight on.

H/MAX/MIN BUTTON: Toggles betweenholding the maximum, minimum orcurrent reading.

FUEL Button: Toggles between NaturalGas, Oil #2 and Propane for theCO2% calculation.

EA/CO2/O2 BUTTON: Togglesbetween Excess Air%,CO2 andO2% on the upper display.