Today I am reviewing the TPI 717 Combustion Flue Gas Analyzer series. The TPI 717 and TPI 717R are essentially the same device, but the TPI 717R uses a rechargeable Ni-MH battery, while the TPI 717 uses standard AA batteries. The TPI 717 series measures flue temperature, CO, and O2 and calculates efficiency, excess air, CO2, and CO/CO2 ratio. The TPI 717 series is great for emissions monitoring, maintenance and tuning of combustion processes such as burners, boilers, diesel and gas engines, laboratory analysis, heaters, kilns, furnaces, and turbines.

The TPI 717 series has many features such as a CO sensor that measures up to 10,000 ppm, quick recovery time, an in-line water trap that protects the sensor from any possible water damage, a pump filter that prevents the pump from becoming clogged with dust/dirt debris, and self-diagnostics tests. The TPI 717 series also features a differential manometer (+/- 150 mBar) which is great for burner testing or tightness testing, differential temperature calculations, magnetic backing for easy hanging/one-handed use, compatibility with optional IR printer, and 3 year unit guarantee & 2 year sensor guarantee. Both of the sensors (CO and O2) are field replaceable with very intuitive installation and the TPI 717 can save up to 100 readings.

The TPI 717 series has very intuitive controls with distinct symbols to guide the user along the way. The button with a floppy disc symbol saves data, the button with a monitor symbol recalls stored data, the button with a printer symbol prints stored or current data, the “Func”/Backlight button scrolls through temperature, pressure, and leak turns, the down arrow is used to zero pressure readings, the up arrow is used to toggle between many settings such as efficiency, temperature, and pressure, and the return arrow is used to scroll through combustion analysis information.

Is your water heater running efficiently? Or is it costing you extra money?