Did you know about the Sprint Pro Gas Leak Detector?

Are you still using a stand-alone gas leak detector, or thinking of buying one? If you have a Sprint Pro 2 or higher, then there’s no need, because these Sprint Pros all have gas leak detection capabilities built in. In this post we’ll be looking at that capability in detail.

How to detect leaks with a Sprint Pro 

Before you begin, you’ll need to have a gas escape probe (GEP) handy – if you have a Sprint Pro 3 or higher, this will have been supplied with the machine, but if you have a Sprint Pro 2 you’ll need to buy it separately.  

Having plugged in your GEP, go into the test menu and scroll down to select gas escape detection. Your sensor must reach the correct temperature before you can go any further; the machine will do this automatically and progress is shown on the menu (the machine will let you know when the probe is ready). The Sprint Pro will then ask you to verify that you’re in clean air, at which point you zero the machine.  

Then, place the probe in the area you wish to inspect, and keep it in place for at least a few seconds before moving it on to the next area to be checked. The Sprint Pro will make a sound like a Geiger counter (a series of clicks) and show a full colour bar graph display of gas levels as you approach a gas leak the sound will increase in pitch and the bar graph will indicate higher levels. Once you have located the leak, you can stop the test by pressing ESC. 

Once you have finished looking for leaks, it’s best practice to use leak detection fluid to check all disturbed, suspected and inspected pipework, joints, fittings, test points and flanges in line with your local regulations. 

Incidentally, the GEP is a precision instrument and can be damaged by impact. If your GEP is dropped, struck or otherwise damaged, it’s a good idea to check that it still works by plugging it into the Sprint Pro to make sure it’s recognised. If the Sprint Pro finds a fault in the GEP, it will let you know by means of a visual warning on the display. If this happens, or the GEP is visibly damaged, it must be repaired or replaced. 

You can find more information about using the Sprint Pro to detect gas leaks on page 22 of the Sprint Pro manual (click here for a PDF version).  

Did you know about the Sprint Pro Room Safety Tester?

If you have a Sprint Pro, you can quickly and easily check a room for carbon monoxide (CO) and (with some models) carbon dioxide (CO2), with no need for extra equipment. In this blog we’ll look at the Sprint Pro’s room safety function, and how to use it. 

What does the room safety function look for? 

All models of the Sprint Pro flue gas analyser/combustion analyzer have a room safety setting that lets heating engineers measure the proportion of CO in the air. This is obviously for safety reasons: CO is a highly toxic, potentially lethal, gas hazard – and heating systems (in particular, faulty boilers) are a major source of risk. We’ve written more about the dangers of CO for HVAC in another blog post: click here to read it 

The room safety test looks for possible leaks of gas into the room, or build up within it – perhaps from a faulty appliance.  

If you have a Sprint Pro 4 or Sprint Pro 5, your device is also fitted with a direct infrared CO2 sensor, which means you can detect CO2. as well as CO. While many people think of CO2 as a harmless gas that puts the fizz into sodas and beer, it’s actually very toxic and poses particular danger in sectors like brewing, hospitality and catering. Click here to read more about the hazards of CO2 

How to run a Sprint Pro room safety test  

Most countries set exposure limits for CO and CO2, and before running any room safety test you should refer to local regulations. These should set out the parameters and methods required for CO/CO2room safety testing in your region.  

Running the test is quite straightforward. Select room safety from the menu and zero the device if necessary (if the device has already been zeroed it will move straight on to display the next menu). When the room safety menu is displayed, choose the relevant appliance from the list, connect the probe to your Sprint Pro (if required) and place the device at an appropriate height – you may need a tripod. Press the soft forward arrow key to start the test.  

Full details of how to conduct an interpret the room safety test can be found on page 20 and in Appendix 1 of the current Sprint Pro manual: click here for a pdf copy. 

The test will run for a period of time determined by the appliance type, and will give the current, peak and permitted levels of CO (and CO2 if you are testing for that). The Sprint Pro doesn’t let you print or save the results until you have completed at least the minimum period required, and if your findings approach or exceed the permitted level you will be offered a chance to repeat the procedure. 

Of course, some of these tests run for extended periods (fifteen minutes and more), and if there are high levels of CO around, waiting for the test to finish could be dangerous. Don’t worry, because the Sprint Pro has you covered for that as well: if dangerous levels are detected it will sound an audible alarm so that you can leave the area.  

Things to remember when room safety testing with a Sprint Pro 

Please bear in mind that, like any analyser, the Sprint Pro acts in an advisory capacity only and in some circumstances – for example, where results are not clear-cut – the Sprint Pro will ask you as the engineer to declare the test a pass or fail, and will record that decision. Ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure any room safety test is correctly performed, in line with local regulations. If the data does not support the result, or if you think it may be wrong or unreliable (for example, due to the presence of cigarette smoke or vehicle exhaust fume), then you must repeat the test and/or seek expert advice. 

Our Partnership with Gasway

Background

Founded in Norwich in 1982 Gasway Services Ltd have over 40 years industry experience, with over 200 contracted engineers. They are experts in all boiler types. Gasway are the largest heating company in the East of England. With 4 offices, 2 in Norwich and the other 2 in Colchester (Gasway are a subsidiary company of Flagship Group and has acquired Colchester-based Blueflame Services).

Their team of engineers help thousands with their heating. Gasway specialise in gas appliances and boilers, providing services for all kinds of heating systems including gas, oil, electrical and LPG. As well as renewable technologies, commercial heating, and electrical services. Gasway install, repair, service, and even offer you a boiler cover plan to protect your heating system.

Views on HVAC

Renewable heating solutions are becoming more popular, with the UK Government’s new low carbon agenda. The burning of gas is responsible for more carbon dioxide than any other fuel source. To hit net zero by 2050 there are several ways that need to be achieved. There are many ways that we need to change our lives in order to help achieve this. Gasway acknowledges that they have a part to play in helping to achieve net zero by 2050. They have a dedicated department that focuses purely on renewable energy with future aims to expand in the future. Alongside this Gasway are aiming to offer more apprenticeships dedicated to renewable energy. These initiatives highlight that they believe in renewable energy as well as the possibility for hydrogen to play a part in this.

Working with AntonbyCrowcon

Gasway Services Ltd has been a partner of AntonbyCrowcon for over 3 years. They have provided their engineers with equipment that they can rely on when servicing gas, and oil boilers. Through continuous communication with their service team, our partnership has provided Gasway with the confidence to provide expert advice to their customers. “AntonbyCrowcon provide our engineers with reliable, multi-purpose equipment that not only ensures the safety of our workers and our customers. But also allows our engineers to carry less equipment and work more efficiently.”

The Gas Safe Register was introduced to protect the public from rogue gas engineers and plumbers. Millions of lives are put at risk by faulty gas work every year and illegal work costs millions of pounds annually to fix. Gas Safe makes sure that everyone on its register is competent to carry out the type(s) of gas work they’re registered for, and their registration is updated every year. Making it very easy to check if the engineer completing work on your behalf is authentic. If a Gas Safe-registered contractor breaches the terms of their registration, Gas Safe can investigate them and may revoke their registration. Gasway are investing in UK manufacturing to give customers and engineers the safety that they require and can rely on.

Did you know about the Sprint Pro differential temperature monitor?

If you’re a heating or gas engineer, chances are that you sometimes measure temperature differentials (i.e., the difference between temperatures in two locations). For example, if you want to balance a domestic heating system, you need to measure and compare the temperatures of the flow and return pipework for each radiator, and if you want to get best performance from a modern condensing boiler you might tweak the flow/return differential. In this way, you can ensure a perfectly balanced, efficient system that won’t burn people or freeze up in the cold weather – and some very happy customers.

Traditionally, heating engineers have measured differential temperatures with a traditional thermometer, but if you own a Sprint Pro then you don’t need any additional equipment for this task.

How to measure temperature differentials with the SprintPro

First, find the differential temperature listing on the Sprint Pro menu and press it. To begin, you’ll need to connect either one or two thermocouple probes to the K-type connectors on the bottom of your device – make sure you get the flow and return the right way around! If you use a single probe, the Sprint Pro will display a soft key option to switch between T1 and T2 snapshot measuring points; in this case, you place the probe in the first position (T1) and take a reading, then move the probe to the second position (T2) and repeat the process. The Sprint Pro will calculate the differential for you. If required, you can also use this facility to measure a single temperature.

You can find full instructions (including some important safety precautions) in the Sprint Pro manual.

Once you have taken differential temperature measurements, you can either print these out or save them to your log (bearing in mind you can print them from there later). Alternatively, if you have the Sprint Mobile/Crowcon HVAC Companion app, you can Bluetooth the readings directly to your tablet or smartphone.

Why use Sprint Pro to measure temperature differentials?

If you don’t use your Sprint Pro to measure temperature differentials, you’ll either need to trust your touch alone (which can be risky and inaccurate) or invest in a two-channel differential thermometer, which just means more expense and extra kit to carry around. In contrast, the Sprint Pro lets you measure differentials quickly and easily and gives you the option of printing reports and/or storing them electronically.

Did you know about the Sprint Pro’s Ambient Air Monitor?

You probably know that the Sprint Pro has a host of useful functions, but have you ever scrolled through the menu of your Sprint Pro, found the ambient air monitor and wondered how you could use it?  

Well, you need wonder no longer – because in this post we will look at the Sprint Pro ambient air monitor and its uses.

Who needs to carry out ambient air monitoring? 

As a gas engineer, your need for ambient air monitoring may vary according to the type of work you do, but if you specialise in Carbon monoxide (CO)/Carbon dioxide (CO2) detection – for example, if you have CMDDA1 certification for dwellings or undertake COMCAT (commercial catering) reports in the UK, or have equivalent domestic or catering CO/CO2) certification elsewhere in the world – you will probably find this function very useful.  

How does ambient air monitoring work? 

In general terms, ambient air monitoring is simply the measurement of pollutants in the atmosphere, but in a gas detection context it refers to analysis of how much carbon monoxide is in the air.  

In some cases, the level of CO2 is also measured. The Sprint Pro 4 and Sprint Pro 6 both have a direct CO2 infrared sensor fitted, therefore they can measure both CO and CO2.

Ambient air monitoring may be carried out anywhere that CO and/or CO2 present a risk. For example, to detect CO leakages in the home (perhaps from a boiler), or to monitor CO2 levels in commercial catering premises.  

With the Sprint Pro, ambient air monitoring is carried out over a given time period, which may be anything from a few minutes to several days, during which time the analyser samples the ambient air at intervals of between one and thirty minutes. At the end of the test, the device gives readings for the current, peak and whole-test average rates for both CO and CO2. You can save these directly to your log and/or print them out as paper reports. 

Even when it comes to report printing, the Sprint Pro gives you options, so you can print as much or little of the relevant information as you need. This can be very handy when you have just taken literally hundreds of samples over a 7-day period! 

Ambient air monitoring for CO is available on all Sprint Pro models 

Why do I need ambient air monitoring functionality? 

Regardless of specialist certification, having the capacity to analyse ambient air is increasingly useful to HVAC professionals and gas engineers. This is particularly true in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the benefits of fresh air and good indoor ventilation have been highlighted. Excessive CO and CO2 are threats to both human and environmental health, and with growing awareness of this, and sustainability becoming an increasingly important social/political/policy topic, the need to quantify and measure them is likely to increase. 

The importance of being Gas Safe registered 

In 2009, the Gas Safe Register replaced Corgi as the mark of approval for all plumbers and heating engineers who work with gas appliances. Now, in order to work with gas appliances and installations in the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey, you must be on the Gas Safety Register – if you’re not, you may face prosecution.  

However, there are additional benefits to being Gas Safe registered, and in this blog post we’ll take a look at them. 

What’s the purpose of the Gas Safe Register? 

The Gas Safety Register was introduced to protect the public from rogue gas engineers and plumbers, because millions of lives are put at risk by faulty gas work every year and illegal work costs millions of pounds annually to fix. Gas Safe makes sure that everyone on its register is competent to carry out the type(s) of gas work they’re registered for, and their registration is updated every year. If a Gas Safe-registered contractor breaches the terms of their registration, Gas Safe can investigate them and may revoke their registration.  

This gives members of the public a lot of reassurance, because they know they can check with an independent organisation and make sure that their gas contractor is qualified and legitimate. Customers can quickly and easily check an engineer’s registration with Gas Safe, and many use the Gas Safe website as a first port of call when looking for a heating engineer or plumber to work with gas. 

What is more, Gas Safe has the power to investigate anyone, either registered or unregistered, who is suspected of working with gas illegally. 

How does being on the Gas Safe Register help my business? 

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to being Gas Safe registered is the seal of approval from a recognised authority. If you’re registered you can use the Gas Safe mark on your vehicle, clothing, adverts and paperwork, and your contact details will be on the Gas Safe website that so many people use to find suppliers.  

There are also practical benefits. Gas Safe is a network of gas experts and registration gives you immediate access to a host of resources and expertise. These include the latest technical bulletins, industry standard updates and safety alerts. When you are registered, Gas Safe will provide contact details for your local Gas Safe inspector, whom you can contact for advice – they’ll even send you a monthly magazine! 

Sounds great! How do I sign up?  

There are several routes to registration: you find all the details on the Gas Safe website (click here to view it).  

What to do – and what not to do – with your Flue Gas Analyser/Combustion Analyzer

A durable, accurate and versatile flue gas analyser/combustion analyzer is a wonderful thing. For many heating and gas engineers, it’s tough to get a day’s work done without one. That’s why it makes sense to treat your analyser well – and in this blog post we’ll be giving you some tips on how to do just that. 

How to keep your analyser happy 

  • The most important rule of all is this: get your flue gas analyser/gas combustion analyzer calibrated every year, on time, without fail. No excuses! 
  • If you can, book your analyser in for service or recalibration at the time you need it least (for example, if you are going on holiday or planning some time off). 
  • Keep an eye on your machine’s condensate trap and remove any water promptly, and always before you put it back into your bag. 
  • Make sure the flue probe is connected to the analyser before turning the analyser on (to purge the probe and instrument) and until the instrument has switched off (so that the probe is purged as the machine shuts down). 
  • When you take a sample from the flue, make sure the tip of the probe is in the centre of the flue. This puts the thermocouple in the hottest part, which provides the most accurate temperature reading and efficiency calculation. When you have taken your readings, put the flue inspection cap back on. 
  • Don’t put your probe in the flue and then switch the boiler on – this runs the risk of excess CO ruining reducing the lifespan of your sensor. 
  • When finishing a job, wait for the device to switch off, then remove the probe and then put the analyser in the bag. NEVER put the analyser in the bag whilst the instrument is shutting down or purging, because if you do, debris from the bag may be sucked into the instrument and cause damage. 
  • It’s dangerous to leave your analyser in a vehicle overnight. Not only could it be stolen, but overnight temperature fluctuations can lead to a build-up of condensation inside the device, which may cause it to malfunction. 
  • Only initiate start-up and purge in clean, fresh air (i.e., not in a room with the appliance already running).  
  • Take care of your flue probe; if it’s not completely air tight it may draw in ambient air and give inaccurate readings. Top tip: if you cover the end of the probe that usually attaches to the analyser and then blow through the other end, you should not be able to blow right through the probe. If you can, it’s leaking. 
  • When you have used the flue probe, let any condensate drain out.  
  • Check filters regularly and discard any that get dirty or damaged. Always carry spares.
  • Keep the display screen and buttons clean, for ease of visibility and use. 

Cared-for analysers live longer 

While there are quite a few rules for analyser care, most of them become second nature over time and are well worth sticking with. A decent flue gas analyser/combustion analyzer is an important investment, but with a little care and attention, that investment will last you for many years. 

To find out more information about flue gas analysers/combustion analyzers visit our solution page.

Our partnership with Heating Engineer Supplier (HES) 

Background  

Founded in 2012 (11 years as a limited company) and based in County Limerick in Ireland, Heating Engineer Supplies (HES) are one of the main suppliers of Anton and Crowcon in Ireland, supplying Cork, Dublin, Galway, Waterford and throughout Ireland. HES provide an extensive range including; flow and pressure, flue gas analysers, gas detectors and oil accessories.  

Views on HVAC 

Providing workers within the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) sectors with the correct equipment is vital, therefore providing these workers with an integral tool is crucial. SprintPro is a tool that is used every day by HVAC; therefore, Anton by Crowcon flue gas analysers provides a five-gas analysis through an easy-to-use tool. Sprint Pro is manufactured in the UK to exacting standards, stay on the job longer with a reliable device you can trust. Multi-function and easy-to-use, it is designed to last with troubleshooting built in and triple filter water trap system for total hydrophobic protection. 

Providing gas detection equipment that is lifesaving allows HES’ customers to have a full solution option best suited to their needs and requirements. HES work by providing their customers with the knowledge, expertise and advise in order to keep them safe when using gas detection products, whilst highlighting and focusing on the awareness of why this type of equipment is required in a variety of industries. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas that is also highly toxic and potentially flammable (at higher levels: 10.9% Volume or 109,000ppm). It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as wood, oil, coal, paraffin, LPG, petrol and natural gas. CO is present in several different industries, such as steel works, manufacturing, electricity supply, coal and metal mining, food manufacturing, oil and gas, production of chemicals and petroleum refining to name a few. The Clip SGD  is a CO personal monitor that can sense what you can’t, giving you time to react and ultimately can save you and your customers lives. 

Working with Anton by Crowcon 

A 12-year partnership through continued communication and support has allowed Heating Engineer Supplies to supply their customers with both flue gas analysers and gas detection solutions. HES is an official service centre for Anton by Crowcon located in house at their base in county Limerick, with the possibility of portable calibration coming soon. “Over many years we have built up an excellent relationship with Anton by Crowcon. It’s fantastic to know we have brilliant Technical support and we know moving forward with Fixed & Portable gas detection this will continue, we look forward to growing our respective businesses.” Although previously our partnership has predominately been focused on both flue gas analysers and portable gas detection solutions, HES are expanding their offering to cover sales and calibration of our portable gas detection equipment with future hopes being focussed on our fixed product range.  

Our Partnership with Preferred Sales

Background

Founded in 1962, Preferred Sales Inc. (PSI) is a standout manufacturers’ representative in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania specializing in the plumbing, HVAC, and hydronics industries. Based in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Preferred Sales’ trading territory encompasses all of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Over six decades, PSI has evolved into a multi-faceted manufacturers’ representative agency built on consultative selling, technical training, product troubleshooting and installation guidance to provide “any contractor any solution.”

Views on HVAC

Many equipment manufacturers in the US are now urging contactors to use a combustion analyzer when installing and maintaining their latest generation of high efficiency products. Preferred Sales pride themselves in providing training and product knowledge to their customers. Through the distribution of knowledge, expertise, and technique, PSI is able to provide confidence in the solutions for their end customers.

Working with Crowcon

Preferred Sales are a new partnership to Crowcon. This partnership will work hand in hand with PSI’s current customer base already present from over 60 years of trading. Preferred Sales now hold stock for our combustion analyzers in their Hermitage, PA warehouse. This combustion analyzer (the Sprint Pro) stops you from having to store, charge, carry, calibrate, and transport multiple devices. Our device allows you to conduct all critical test measurements with just one high performance, innovative solution. “We are excited to add Crowcon to the other valuable partners on our line card. We feel this partnership continues to enhance the growing list of business and jobsite solutions we provide to our wholesale customers and contractors across the territory.” – Matt Guidish, Director of Marketing at Preferred Sales.

Did you know about the Sprint Pro Tightness Tester?

Pressure testing is all in a day’s work for many gas engineers, but the right equipment can make all the difference.  

Did you know that you can use the Sprint Pro flue gas analyser to carry out tightness testing, with no need for additional U gauges or other bulky equipment? In this post we’ll explore how and why you can tightness test with the Sprint Pro. 

What is tightness testing? 

Tightness testing is a type of pressure test, applied to a gas supply system at the meter. Other forms of pressure testing include the let-by test (which checks for leaks in the emergency control valve [ECV]), temperature stabilisation test, standing pressure at the meter test (a measurement of the gas when it’s stationary), and working/operating pressure at the meter test (which assesses the flow and pressure of gas when appliances are being used). 

Tightness testing measures the pressure in gas pipes, in order to find evidence of leaks. A tightness test is generally carried out after a let-by test and temperature stabilisation test. The tightness test is sometimes followed by a purge and then a standing pressure test, followed by a working/operating pressure at the meter test. This allows the engineer to make a full assessment of the system.  

Using the Sprint Pro to conduct a tightness test 

All Sprint Pro models except the Sprint Pro 1 can be used to tightness test. To begin, go into the pressure menu and select let-by/tightness. You will need to attach the pipe and matching pressure relief valve to the Sprint Pro’s positive pressure inlet – the valve makes setting the desired pressure, and adjusting it if required, very easy.  

As you scroll through the Sprint Pro’s pressure menu, you’ll find that tightness testing follows let-by testing and temperature stabilisation. Full instructions for tightness testing are given in the Sprint Pro manual (click here for a PDF version).  

It is very important to note that the parameters for tightness testing, and any increases/drops in pressure that are permitted, depend on many variables, such as the age and size of the pipework, whether appliances are attached and several others. Ultimately, you as the engineer must decide whether to pass or fail the tightness test when the analyser displays the results. 

Once the test is completed, you can either print the results immediately (although this erases them from the system) or save them to the log (and they can always be printed from there). Alternatively, if you have the Sprint Mobile/Crowcon HVAC Companion app, you can Bluetooth directly to your tablet or smartphone. 

Why use a Sprint Pro for tightness testing? 

Using a Sprint Pro for pressure testing means less to carry around (no bulky water gauges, for example) and the clarity of results displayed digitally. The Sprint Pro also creates an audit trail in the form of digital logs, which can provide great peace of mind in case of any dispute or query.