EXPERIMENT NO.

10
FLUE GAS ANALYSIS ORSAT APPARATUS

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
LABORATORY 2

Submitted by:
BAS, MICHAEL ALAN NAVARRO
CAYOMO, BERNIE POLIA
GIPGANO, ALLYANA MARIE BRONCANO
VALERA, MARCK CLARENCE JULIUS DAYON
MACTAL, JHEREON

Submitted to:
Engr. Luisito Tolentino
 Experiment No. 10
Flue Gas Analysis Orsat Apparatus
I. Objectives:
To know the method of determining the chemicals contains in combustion.

II. Theory:
Samples of the flue contains in varying amounts carbon dioxide (carbonic acid), oxygen,
carbon monoxide, nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbons and occasionally free hydrogen. The
determination of the carbon monoxide with the facilities and the portable apparatus
ordinarily available in engineering laboratories is often somewhat doubtful. When more
than 1 percent carbon monoxide is shown by the analysis and the carbon dioxide is no
over 14%, it may usually be assumed that a large part of what is taken to be carbon
monoxide which was not absorbed by the property reagent.

III. Apparatus:

1. Draw the available orsat apparatus and be able to discuss the operating procedure
label the parts.
2. Place the absorbing reagent in the corresponding pipette of fisher's orsat
apparatus.
3. Place the sample gas in the pipette as instructed by the instructor. Note: Please
follow the procedure of operation and observed safety.
4. Repeat the procedure twice. To get a good data.

IV. Question to Answer:

1. Describe the other types of equipment in flue gas analysis.

Flue gas analysis involves monitoring and measuring the components of gases
emitted from combustion systems, such as boilers, furnaces, or engines. Various
types of equipment are used for these analyses, depending on the parameters
being measured. Here are the primary categories of equipment:

Gas Analyzers
 Electrochemical Sensors: Measure gases like O₂, CO, NOx, and SO₂. Compact
and widely used in portable analyzers.
 Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) Analyzers: Used for detecting CO₂, CO, and
CH₄. They measure gas concentration based on IR absorption at specific
wavelengths.
 Paramagnetic O₂ Analyzers: Measure oxygen levels based on its paramagnetic
properties.
 Flame Ionization Detectors (FID): Ideal for detecting hydrocarbons (VOCs).
 Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS): Measures low-concentration gases with
high sensitivity.

Particulate Monitors
 Optical Dust Monitors: Use light scattering techniques to measure particulate
matter in flue gases.
 Beta Attenuation Monitors (BAM): Measure particulate concentrations by
observing beta particle attenuation through collected particles.
 Electrostatic Precipitation Analyzers: Assess particulate load by analyzing
electrostatic behavior.

Flow and Velocity Measurement Devices

 Pitot Tubes: Measure gas flow velocity based on pressure differences.
 Thermal Anemometers: Detect flow velocity using heat dissipation rates.
 Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Measure flow velocity using the time-of-flight principle
for ultrasonic waves.

Moisture Analyzers
 Hygrometers: Measure the water vapor content in the flue gases.
 Chilled Mirror Analyzers: Provide accurate dew point measurements for moisture
determination.

Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS)

 Integrated systems that continuously monitor and record emissions such as NOx,
SO₂, CO₂, CO, and particulates in real time.
 Typically include a combination of gas analyzers, particulate monitors, flow meters,
and data acquisition systems.

Temperature Measurement Devices

 Thermocouples: Widely used for measuring high flue gas temperatures.
 Infrared Thermometers: Measure temperatures remotely by detecting emitted IR
radiation.

Pressure Measurement Devices

 Manometers: Measure static or differential pressure in flue gas systems.
 Electronic Pressure Sensors: Provide precise and real-time pressure readings.

Data Acquisition and Processing Units

 Used to collect, analyze, and store data from various sensors and analyzers.
 Modern systems often include cloud connectivity and remote monitoring
capabilities.

Calibration Equipment
 Gas calibration kits with standard reference gases are used to ensure the accuracy
of analyzers.
 Zero air generators and span gas mixtures are common in calibration routines.
 Portable Gas Sampling Systems
 Used to collect gas samples for laboratory analysis.
 May include heated probes, sampling lines, and pumps to prevent condensation.

Spectroscopic Techniques
 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometers: Measure multiple gas
species simultaneously by analyzing their infrared absorption spectrum.
 Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometers (TDLS): Measure specific gases like HCl,
NH₃, or CH₄ with high precision.

Opacity Monitors
 Measure the opacity of flue gases, indicating the concentration of particulates.
Each of these tools plays a specific role in ensuring that emissions meet
environmental standards, improving process efficiency, and ensuring compliance
with regulations. Selection depends on the application, required precision, and the
types of gases or particulates involved.

2. Explain the percentage composition of flue gas.

The percentage composition of flue gas depends on the type of fuel burned, the
combustion process, and the air-fuel ratio. However, it typically includes the
following components:

Major Components
1. Nitrogen (N₂):
o Composes 60–75% of flue gas.
o Comes from atmospheric air, which is about 78% nitrogen. Nitrogen does
not participate significantly in combustion but acts as a carrier gas.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):
o Composes 10–15% for complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.
o Formed from the oxidation of carbon in the fuel. The percentage depends
on the fuel's carbon content and combustion efficiency.
3. Water Vapor (H₂O):
o Composes 5–12%, depending on the hydrogen content of the fuel and the
moisture in the air and fuel.
o Produced by the combustion of hydrogen in the fuel.
4. Oxygen (O₂):
o Composes 2–8%, depending on the excess air supplied for combustion.
o Higher oxygen levels indicate excess air, which can improve combustion
but reduce efficiency.

Minor Components
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO):
o Composes 0–0.5% (higher if incomplete combustion occurs).
 o Indicates inefficient combustion or inadequate oxygen supply.
6. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx):
o Typically 0.001–0.3%.
o Formed at high combustion temperatures from the reaction of atmospheric
nitrogen with oxygen.
o Includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
7. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂):
o Composes 0–0.2%, depending on the sulfur content in the fuel.
o Higher in coal and oil combustion than in natural gas.
8. Methane and Other Hydrocarbons (CH₄, CₙHₘ):
o Usually less than 0.1%, depending on combustion quality.
o Indicates unburned fuel in the flue gas.

3. Trace Components
9. Particulate Matter (PM):
o Composed of unburned carbon, ash, and other fine particles.
o Depends on the fuel type (coal has higher PM compared to natural gas).
10. Other Compounds:
o Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S): Trace amounts in fuels containing sulfur.
o Mercury and Heavy Metals: Found in trace amounts, particularly in coal
combustion.

Example Flue Gas Composition for Natural Gas (Approximate):

 N₂: 70–75%
 CO₂: 8–10%
 H₂O: 10–12%
 O₂: 3–5%
 CO, NOx, SO₂: Trace amounts.
Example Flue Gas Composition for Coal (Approximate):
 N₂: 60–65%
 CO₂: 12–15%
 H₂O: 6–9%
 O₂: 3–5%
 SO₂: 0.05–0.2%
 NOx: 0.1–0.2%.

Impact of Excess Air

 Low Excess Air: Higher CO, unburned hydrocarbons, and lower O₂.
 High Excess Air: Lower CO, reduced combustion efficiency due to heat loss with
excess N₂ and O₂.
Understanding the percentage composition is crucial for optimizing combustion
efficiency, reducing pollutants, and meeting environmental regulations.

3. Give the limitation of using the orsat apparatus.

 The Orsat apparatus is a traditional chemical method used to analyze the
composition of flue gases, specifically for oxygen (O₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and
carbon monoxide (CO). While it is simple and widely used, it has several
limitations:

1. Limited Gas Measurement Capability

 The Orsat apparatus is designed to measure only a few gases (O₂, CO₂, and CO).
 It cannot detect or quantify other important flue gas components such as nitrogen
oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), or hydrocarbons.
2. Time-Consuming
 The analysis process requires manual operation and is relatively slow compared
to modern gas analyzers.
 Not suitable for real-time or continuous monitoring of flue gases.
3. Low Sensitivity
 The Orsat apparatus cannot detect gases present in very low concentrations (trace
levels).
 This makes it unsuitable for applications requiring high precision or trace gas
analysis.
4. Operator Dependency
 The accuracy of results depends on the skill and experience of the operator.
 Errors can arise from improper handling, inaccurate measurement of gas volumes,
or timing errors in chemical reactions.
5. Inability to Measure Moisture
 The apparatus does not account for water vapor in the gas sample, which can
affect the accuracy of volume measurements if moisture is present.
6. Safety Concerns
 The reagents used (e.g., potassium hydroxide, pyrogallol, cuprous chloride) are
corrosive and hazardous.
 Handling these chemicals requires caution, and improper disposal can cause
environmental harm.
7. Unsuitability for High-Temperature Gases
 The Orsat apparatus requires gases to be cooled to ambient temperature before
analysis, necessitating additional equipment like cooling tubes.
8. Lack of Automation
 The process is entirely manual, with no capability for automation or digital data
recording.
 Modern systems with data logging and remote monitoring capabilities are far
superior for industrial applications.
9. Limited Applicability for Complex Mixtures
 In cases where flue gases contain multiple unknown components, the Orsat
apparatus cannot provide a complete analysis.
 Complex gas mixtures require advanced spectroscopic or chromatographic
methods.
 Conclusion
The Orsat apparatus, while useful for basic flue gas analysis in traditional settings,
is limited in scope, precision, and modern applicability. It has largely been replaced
by advanced gas analyzers that offer real-time, multi-component, and high-
precision measurements.

V. Discussion:

Flue gas analysis is critical in optimizing combustion efficiency, monitoring

emissions, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. A variety
of equipment and methods are used to analyze the composition of flue gases,
each with specific applications, strengths, and limitations.

The typical composition of flue gas includes major components such as

nitrogen (N₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), and water vapor (H₂O), along
with minor and trace pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides
(NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulates. These concentrations vary
depending on the fuel type, combustion process, and the amount of excess air
used. Proper analysis provides valuable insights into combustion efficiency and
pollutant formation. For example, low CO and unburned hydrocarbons indicate
complete combustion, while high levels of CO or NOx may signal inefficiencies
or excessive temperatures.

The Orsat apparatus, one of the oldest tools for flue gas analysis, has been
instrumental in basic measurements of O₂, CO₂, and CO. However, its
limitations, including low sensitivity, inability to measure additional
components, operator dependency, and lack of real-time monitoring, make it
less viable for modern applications. Advances in technology have led to the
development of more sophisticated instruments, such as non-dispersive
infrared (NDIR) analyzers, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers,
and Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS). These systems can
measure multiple components simultaneously, provide high precision, and
support continuous monitoring, which is essential for large-scale industrial
operations.

Despite its limitations, the Orsat apparatus remains relevant in educational

settings and low-tech environments due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
However, industries increasingly rely on advanced tools to meet stringent
environmental regulations and optimize processes.

VI. Conclusion:

Flue gas analysis plays a pivotal role in achieving energy efficiency, reducing
environmental impact, and ensuring compliance with emissions regulations.
 While the Orsat apparatus laid the foundation for gas analysis, its limitations
highlight the need for more advanced, automated, and precise tools. Modern
gas analyzers and monitoring systems provide comprehensive data,
supporting better decision-making in industrial and environmental contexts.

The evolution of flue gas analysis reflects the growing complexity of combustion
systems and the demand for sustainable practices. By understanding the
composition of flue gases and leveraging advanced tools, industries can
enhance performance, reduce pollutants, and contribute to a cleaner
environment. The choice of equipment ultimately depends on the specific
requirements of the application, balancing cost, accuracy, and regulatory
needs.

VII. References:

 Flue gas analysis. [Link]. (n.d.). [Link]

gas-analysis/
 Francis, W., & Peters, M. C. (1980). Data Sheet No. 122 - Analysis of
Flue and Fuel Gases. In W. Francis & M. C. Peters (Eds.), Fuels and
Fuel Technology (2nd ed., pp. 431–436). Pergamon.
[Link]
 Manka, D. P. (n.d.). Orsat. Orsat - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
[Link]
 P, M. (2018, July 23). Flue gas analysis by Orsat Apparatus:
Combustion: Thermodynamics. Engineering Notes India.
[Link]
combustion/flue-gas-analysis/flue-gas-analysis-by-orsat-apparatus-
combustion-thermodynamics/49480
 Slideshare. (2014, August 23). Flue gas analysis. SlideShare.
[Link]