The Orsat Apparatus is used for flue gas analysis on dry basis.

The flue gas is successsively

absorbed in caustic potash solution (for absorbing carbon dioxide), alkalline pyrogallol (for
absorbing oxygen), and cuprous chloride (for absorbing carbon monoxide). The extent of
absorption of each component represents their volume concentration. The Orsat Apparatus is
made of glassware. It consists of a graduated eudiometer tube connected to an aspirator bottle
containing water and three double absorption flasks. The front flasks are packed with glass
tubes to increase the wetted surface. The rear flasks are open to atmosphere. The liquid levels
in the front flasks are drawn up to a fine mark on the neck. 100 cc of the flue gas is drawn into
the eudiometer and carbon dioxide, oxygen, and carbon monoxide are successively absorbed in
the front flasks containing the reagents. The balance volume of the remaining gas is taken as
nitrogen.
 EXCESS AIR CALCULATION IN HYDROCARBON FUEL OIL FIRED FURNACE

FLUE GAS ANALYSES BY ORSAT

DATA
CARBON DIOXIDE, VOL% 11.56010
OXYGEN, VOL% 8.89650
NITROGEN, VOL% 81.55628
OXYGEN FROM AIR 21.67952 KG. MOL
OXYGEN IN FLUE GAS 20.45660 KG. MOL
OXYGEN UNACCOUNTED 1.22292 KG. MOL
OXYGEN USED 12.78302 KG. MOL
EXCESS AIR, VOL% 69.59624

ENTER CARBON DIOXIDE, OXYGEN AND NITROGEN IN VOL % FROM ORSAT ANALYSIS.
PRESS ENTER AFTER EACH OF THE ABOVE VALUES
ALL ENTRIES IN BLUE COLOUR FIELD INCLUDING EXCESS AIR WILL BE DISPLAYED