CO and Combustion Diagnostics: Cause Versus Symptom

When using the NCI Combustion Diagnostic Reports and Diagnostic Matrix, it is important to recognize the most likely defect/cause of the problem, versus a symptom that it creates.

Specifically, a defect/cause is the main reason a problem exists.’ A symptom is an effect or reaction created by the actual defect/cause. For example, let’s say a piece of equipment is overfired. What type of symptoms could this create?

In overfired equipment, the O₂ reading is low. When a technician rushes to diagnose a system, he can mistake this for a combustion air problem. In addition, when equipment overfires, it often produces more flue gases than the venting system can remove. This can trick a technician into assuming venting is the problem. Overfiring also causes soot production, which can cause poor heat transfer.

In other words, correcting the symptoms by adding combustion air, correcting venting, cleaning up soot, or adjusting airflow won’t fix the overfiring defect.

So, what should you do? You need to take additional measurements. Measuring O₂, CO, flue temperature, and draft, will typically direct you to the actual source of the issue and keep you from being fooled by the symptoms and a single reading.

The following is a list of the seven causes of poor combustion, plus heat transfer, with a definition of each, as well as a list of symptoms (other causes) that mimic or have similar measurements.

OVERFIRED Equipment – CO over 100 ppm or Rising

The Cause: More fuel than air to burn completely ‘ oversized orifices, too much gas pressure More flue gas than the venting system can remove Inability to transfer heat within NCI temperature limits

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Combustion Air Venting Mechanical ‘ blocked, restricted, undersized flue, or defective inducer Soot Rust Alignment Heat Transfer

 

UNDERFIRED – CO not useful, Flue Temperature Low

The Cause: Producing less BTU’s than rated output

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Rust Soot Venting (condensation) Combustion Air (low draft)

VENTING – Rising CO, High Draft

The Cause: Door Curtain Multiple Drafthood Relief Condensate not draining

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Overfiring Underfiring Rust Soot Mechanical

?COMBUSTION AIR – Rising CO, Low Draft

The Cause: Building leakage Exhaust fans Non-functional combustion air openings

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Venting Overfiring Rust Soot Mechanical – blocked, restricted, or undersized flue

DIRT, RUST*, SOOT* – CO over 100 ppm

The Cause: Excess build up on burners

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Overfired Alignment Mechanical *Rust and soot are always caused by additional defects, but in this case, they are creating additional CO above and beyond the other causes.

 

?ALIGNMENT – CO over 100 ppm

The Cause: Burners not in proper position Manifold or orifices not in proper position

Symptoms: Overfired Dirt, rust, soot Mechanical

MECHANICAL – CO over 100 ppm

The Cause: Blocked or restricted flues Blocked combustion air intake Cracked heat exchanger Bent or cracked burners Defective parts

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Overfired Improper Venting Improper Combustion Air Dirt, Rust, Soot Alignment

HEAT TRANSFER – Excessive Flue Temperature or Delta T

The Cause: Improper airflow Improper water flow Scale Soot

Symptoms (not the actual cause) Overfired Mechanical

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be thorough and take the needed measurements. When you measure, it’s easier to diagnose the defect and recognize the symptoms. As you diagnose combustion problems, remember to systematically eliminate the potential symptoms so you’re left with the true defect.