Operations Manual

Table of Contents Page

Important Tips 3

1. Instrument Design 5

2. ECOM-B Accessories 6

3. Analyzer Start-Up 7

4. Opening/Creating Data Records 8

5. Testing Procedures
5.1. Preparing For Measuring 9
5.2. Gas Analysis 10
5.3. Draft Measurement 12
5.4. Soot Test 13
5.5. Recording/Printing Measurement Results 13
5.6. After Measuring 13

6. Mean Value Function 15

7. Adjustment 16

8. Control 19

9. Data Processing 20

10. Maintenance Tips 21

11. Technical Data 23

12. FAQ 24
Page 2 ecom-B
 Important Tips

The ECOM-B is not suitable for continuous emissions

testing. Please allow at least 10 minutes of fresh air
purge for each hour of testing.

In order to get correct measurement values:

-allow 1 min. for auto-zero in fresh air
-allow at least 2 mins. for stable readings before
taking the measurement

The following substances will impair the

instrument’s operation:
-cleaning agents
-degreasers
-wax polishes
-adhesives
-anything containing formaldehyde
Adjustments on burners and boilers should be made
only by specialists who are familiar with these
installations.

1. Charge the internal battery regularly. (An

unused analyzer should be charged at least
once per month)
2. Never store the unit with a discharged battery!

ecom-B Page 3
 Fresh air opening

Do not block the fresh air opening for

the fresh air pump!

Make sure the probe is in fresh air upon

starting the analyzer!

Page 4 ecom-B
1. Instrument Design
Enter button
(confirm
Store Print Unlocking Arrow Keys
selection)
key key front flap (up/down/scroll)

Charging
socket

ESC key
(quit/
exit menu) CAL key Standby key Instrument
ON/OFF

Bluetooth RS232
antenna interface
(optional)

Ambient air
Draft
temperature
connection
sensor

Gas
connection Gas temperture sensor

Pressure connection

ecom-B Page 5
2. ECOM-B Accessories

Part Part Number Description

Thermal IR Portable 5/PK - Thermal printer

Printer Paper (5/PK) 6951801H paper for portable IR
printer

IR Thermal Printer IR Thermal Printer

7937501H

Condensate 6943611H 5/pk- Condensate Pads

Pad (5/pk)

9vdc Power Pack 7940301H 9vdc Power Pack

Page 6 ecom-B
 Comb.measure.

3. Analyzer Start-Up Mean value

After turning on the instrument (press <I/0>), the main Data processing
menu will appear on the display (see example on the
right). The following sub-menu options will be dis- Adjustment
played (additional sub-menus can be displayed by
Control
scrolling with the arrow keys):

Comb. measurement : Perform combustion measurement

Mean value : Perform averaging over time
Data processing : Save snapshots to internal memory or perform
data logging (only if SD card is inserted)
Adjustments : Modify instrument settings
Control : Check operating status of instrument

To perform measurements, select "Gas analysis" using the arrow

keys and confirm with <Enter>. The instruments starts then a
1-minute calibration phase and the fuel type selection list is displayed.
The following fuel types are available:

Natural Gas Type of fuel

Propane Fuel oil (B)
Butane
Number 2 Oil
Number 4 Oil
Number 6 Oil CO2max : 15.4
Coal A1-fact. : 0.50
Wood (0% H2O)
Wood (17% H2O)
Wood (50% H2O) Select with  !
North Sea Gas
Diesel Oil

Use the arrow keys to select the desired fuel type and Data processing
confirm with <Enter>. The instrument will then ask if
you wish to use data processing. If you want to assign NO
the sampled data to a specific machine, so choose Are you sure?

<YES> with the arrow keys and confirm with <Enter>.

If you choose <NO>, measurement will be performed
without assignment. Continue with :  

ecom-B Page 7
 Memory number 0
4. Opening/Creating Data Records
Data record
The ECOM-B has 300 storage locations. In order to is empty !
open a record with previously stored data or to create
a new file, choose a data record with the arrow keys
and confirm with <Enter>.
Confirm with :  
If you are choosing an empty data record, a record name (max. 16
characters) can be assigned. To assign a data record with a specific
name, proceed as follows:

-Choose a keyboard with the <CAL.> key (5 keyboards are available)

-Select a character with the keys <Store> (left), <Print> (right) and
the <up/down> arrow keys.

-Confirm the character with <Enter>.

-Repeat until you have the desired name.

-If you want to change a character, proceed as follows:

-Press <Standby>.
-Select the character with the keys <Store> (left), <Print> (right),
and the <up/down> arrow keys.

-Confirm the character to be changed with <Standby> and select the

correct character.

-To return to the Combustion Measurement Screen, press <ESC>

twice, then select <Comb. Measurem>, then press <Enter>

If you are choosing a record with previously recorded data, you can
open the record with <Enter> / <Store> / <Enter>. Now you can view
the data with the <up/down> arrow keys.

Page 8 ecom-B
5. Testing Procedures

5.1 Preparation for Measuring

Condensate pad

Prepare the instrument for measurement by making all connections

(T-Gas, Gas and Draft of the 3-chamber hose). Make sure that:

-the condensate pad has not expanded all the way

-the condensate pad is not darker than a no. 3 on the soot scale

5.2. Gas Analysis

ecom-B Page 9
 To being testing, simply position the probe in
the exhaust pipe once the auto-zero phase is
over!

To obtain accurate measurements, it’s

important to re-zero the instrument after each
measurement (at least once per hour)!

Once the auto-zero phase is over, the instrument enters measurement

mode. The measurement values are displayed on 4 different screens:
3 x gas analysis; 1 x draft measurement. You can change between
these screens using the arrow keys.

O2 4.0 %
O2 4.0 % O2 4.0 %
CO2 12.5 %

CO2 12.5 % CO2 12.5 % CO 30 ppm

Lambda 1.23
T.Air 20 °C CO 30 ppm
T.Gas 166 °C
T.Gas 212 °C Lambda 1.23
T.Air 20 °C

Losses 7.0 %

Eta 93.0 %

Page 10 ecom-B
The position of each measured value can be changed freely. To do
so, please proceed as follows:
-Select the first line on the display by pressing <Enter>, then <Dis-
play values>, then <Enter> again.
-Using the arrow keys, choose the new position of the first value.
-Press <Enter> to select the next line on the display and so on.
-Once finished, press <ESC> or <Enter> to leave this process.

The values for CO2, Efficiency, Losses, Lambda and the Dew Point
are calculated values. They are calculated by using readings for the
basic values, such as O2 and the temperature.
Make sure that:

O2 < 20.5 % and T.Gas – T.Air > + 5°C

The dew point can be calculated correctly if the current barometric air
pressure has been entered in the menu “Adjustments / Air pressure”.
If the combustion gas temperature falls below the dew point (between
25 and 65°C), the efficiency will be calculated with condensation gain.
In this case, a (C) is displayed behind the efficiency. Correct meas-
urement values are displayed after a delay of 1 to 1.5 minutes. This is
needed so that the gas has time to reach the sensors and can
establish a stable electrochemical reaction. Wait for the values to be-
come stable before storing or printing. If the gas value still fluctuates
for more than 2 ppm, there could be unstable draft conditions in the
gas channel.

Once the measurement values are stable and the re-

O2 4.0 %
sults can be printed, press <store> (Disc symbol) to CO2 12.5 %
transfer the values to the temporary memory. Data will CO 30 ppm
be stored here for later printout (the values of the Lambda 1.23

temporary memory can be checked by pressing <En- T.Gas 166 °C

T.Air 20 °C
ter> / <store> / <Enter>. While checking the values, Losses 7.0 %
the gas pump will be switched off in order to spare the Eta 93.0 %

sensors. (back with <ESC>).

Measurement
stored in tempo-
rary memory
ecom-B Page 11
The analyzer has an automatic system that protects the CO-sensor
from overload. If the CO measurement exceeds 4000 ppm, a second-
ary pump will be activated, flushing the sensor with fresh air. Once
enough time has passed with the sensor exposed to fresh air, the
sensor can be returned to measurement mode by pressing <ENTER>,
then <CO MV ON/OFF>, then <ENTER> again. The sensor can be
switched off manually the same way.
5.3. Draft Measurement

Gas measurement mode provides indications of the draft conditions in

the gas channel. As the pressure sensor is very sensitive and tends to
drift, the value will not be recorded by pressing <Store>. Therefore, it
is recommended to recalibrate this sensor prior to the actual meas-
urement and before printing the results.

The current value will be displayed as well as the re- Draught

mark to reset the zero point of the sensor. Simply dis- Draft
-0.12 hPa
connect the sample line from the instrument and press Val.: - . - - hPa
the <CAL> key. The sensor will then be calibrated.
Set zero point CAL.

Reconnect the sample line to the analyzer. The exact

measurement value is now displayed and can be
stored by pressing <Store> and added to the other
values already in the temporary memory. The stored
value will then appear on the display.
Draught
Draft
-0.12 hPa
Val.: -0.12 hPa

Set zero point CAL.

Page 12 ecom-B
5.4. Soot Test

Under <Soot...Oil trace>, the measurement results for boiler temper-

ature, soot number and oil derivative can be entered. Select the cor-
responding line in the display and confirm the selection by pressing
<Enter>. The input for boiler temperature and soot number (3 meas-
urements) can be done as follows:
-Select with the position that should be changed by using the keys
<store> (left) and <Print> (right)
(corresponding field will blink)
-Enter the designated number using the arrow keys <up/down>

By pressing <Enter>, the entry will be transferred to the data record of

the measurement. The result of the oil derivative checking will be doc-
umented as follows: Soot...Oil trace

T.Boiler --- °C
-Set cursor to line “Ölderivat” 1.Soot meas. ---
2.Soot meas. ---
-Select the result with <Enter> 3.Soot meas. ---
(“No”, “Yes” or “- - - “) Oil trace ---
Input: 

When all necessary entries have been made, the entry can be closed
by pressing <ESC>. The measurement is now completed.

5.5. Recording/Printing Measurement Results

After gas analysis, please transfer the recorded

data (intermediate memory) into the internal

instrument memory. Otherwise the values will

be lost when the analyzer is turned off!

After scrolling back to the gas measurement with the Display/Memory

arrow keys <up/down>, the measurement can be
transferred to the internal memory by pressing <En- Memory
Store to memory
ter>, then <Store to memory>, then <Enter> again. Display values
After successful storage an “M” will appear on the CO MV ON/OFF
display. The results can now be printed (IR Printer re-
quired) by pressing <Print>.
Continue with: 

ecom-B Page 13
5.6. After Measuring

Please make sure to let the probe cool

down before storing!

Stow probe and sample line in the device as follows:

1. Attach the probe to the designated fixation.

2. Slide the sample line, starting at the probe, into the space between
the analyzer and the case. Coil the sample line here alternately from
right to left and left to right.

Probe storage Probe

Storage space for Sample line

sample line

Page 14 ecom-B
6. Mean Value Function

The mean value measurement function allows sampling within an

adjustable time frame, and averaging the results. If the results need to
be saved, simply follow the directions in Chapter 4.
Comb.measure.
Once the fresh air calibration is completed, select
<Mean values>. Before starting, make sure the Mean value
<Measurement time> and <Scanning> are modi- Data processing
fied accordingly.
Adjustment

Control

- Measurement time = How long the mean values

will be sampled

- Scanning = Time interval between the

measurements for average value calculation

In order to adjust the <Measurement Time> and

<Scanning> values:
- Select the value you wish to change using the arrow
keys and press <ENTER>
- Set the desired time using the arrow keys

After adjustment, the measurement can be started by pressing

<Start> / <Enter>. With the <up/down> arrow keys, you can switch
between current and average readings. The measurement can be
interrupted by pressing <Standby> (press <Standby> to resume the
measurement). Mean value

Start

Meas. time

Scanning

Continue with : 

ecom-B Page 15
7. Adjustment
In addition to the features previously mentioned, there Set clock
are also other various settings that can be adjusted as Display contrast
needed. Select <Adjustment> from the main menu
and confirm with <Enter>. A list of the possible set- Type of fuel
Unit
tings is displayed and can be changed accordingly. O2 refer.
Scroll the cursor to the corresponding line and press Air press.
<Enter>: Keyboard beep
AUX(COM)
Bluetooth
Set clock Eta(C)
-Press <Enter> Printout
-Scroll to the value that needs to be changed with the (up / down) ar-
row keys
-Confirm by pressing <Enter>
-Set the time with the <up / down> arrow keys.
-Confirm the setting by pressing <Enter>
-After finishing, leave the menu with <ESC>

Display contrast
-Confirm with <Enter>
-Set display contrast with the (up / down) arrow keys.
-Reset with <CAL>

Type of fuel
-Select after pressing <Enter>
-Change the fuel type
-Unit (change with the (up / down) arrow keys)
-Calculation of gas concentration in:

-Ppm = Volume concentration (parts per million)

-Mg/m3 = Mass concentration unit
-Mg/kWh 0.0 % = Mass concentration per capacity unit calculated
with reference O2
-Ppm 0.0 % = Volume concentration (parts per million) calculated with
reference O2
Page 16 ecom-B
-Mg/m3 0,0 % = =Mass concentration per capacity unit calculated with
reference O2

-Calculated with reference O2 – formula for the calculation:

21 - O2ref
Eref = Emeas *
21 - O2meas

O2 Reference
-Confirm by pressing <Enter>
-Set reference oxygen value O2ref
-Reset by pressing <CAL>

Air pressure
-Set by pressing <Enter>
-Input barometric pressure for calculation of the dew point
-Reset by pressing <CAL>

Keyboard beep
-Set with <up / down> arrow keys.
-Select the sound when hitting the keys
-Reset by pressing <CAL>

Baud rate (adjustment via <CAL.>):

-Adjustment of transfer speed by data transfer via RS 232
(1200 -38400 Baud)

Online data (adjustment via arrow keys):

-Adjustment of what kind of data should be sent:
-No protocol: Data for program <MiniDV>
-Remote: Only for special applications
-DAS (rbr): Data for program <DASNT> (1200 Baud)
The programs <MiniDV> and <DASNT> are available free of charge
from the rbr website.

ecom-B Page 17
Bluetooth
-Adjustment of what kind of data should be sent:
- No protocol: Data for program <MiniDV>
-Remote: Only for special applications
-DAS (rbr): Data for program <DASNT> (1200 Baud)
The programs <MiniDV> and <DASNT> are available free of charge
from the rbr website.
When connecting Bluetooth to a PC

for the first time, the default password

is <0000> or <1234>.

Eta(C) (adjustment via arrow keys):

- Efficiency calculation with or without condensation gain

Printout (set by pressing <Enter>)

-create a protocol feet (8 x 24 digits)
-Put in the text for line one as follows:
1. Confirm symbol selection with <Standby>

2. Select keyboard with <CAL.> (5 keyboards are available)

3. Choose a symbol with <store> (left), <Print> (right) and

the <up / down> arrow keys.

4. Choose the symbol with <Enter>

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until line 1 is finished

6. Stop choosing symbols with <Standby> and change with the <up>
arrow key to line 2.

7. After finishing the input for all lines, leave the menu with <ESC>
Page 18 ecom-B
8. Control

The accuracy of the electrochemical sensors may decrease as they

are subjected to normal wear and tear and aging. The analyzer auto-
matically controls the sensors and corrects drifts in measurement. If
drifts and errors with the correlated measurements increase, an error
message is displayed. In this case, the corresponding sensors must
be changed by one of our authorized service centers. The actual sta-
tus of the sensors is displayed in the control menu. Additionally, the
following information will be displayed as well, and can be viewed by
using the arrow keys. O2 1034 mV

CO -10 mV

-The battery voltage (charging status) Batt 6.42 Volt

Displayed in all menus as symbol:

Tel.No. 02371/945-5
Battery full Battery ½ full Battery empty Ins.No. B-0009 V1.1

Further info with 

-The phone number of nearest service center Oper. hours 7.39

-The serial number Service date 23.06.04

-The software version CO-Überläufe 0

-The operation hours Error counter 00

Tel.No. 02371/945-5
-The last date the unit was serviced Ins.No. B-0009 V1.1
-The number of CO switch offs Further info with 

-The number of errors that have occurred

Last service
26.06.12 103 hrs

10.06.11 073 hrs

-Information about the last maintenance 31.05.10 035 hrs
-- . -- . --

-- . -- . --

Further info with 

ecom-B Page 19
9. Data processing
Data processing

The <Data processing> function allows for the selec- Select

tion of the following options: Look at

Load data
Select: Send data
This sub-menu allows you to search for or create a Format memory
data record for the measurement results (see chapter Continue with : 
4.).

Look at:
The recorded values of the selected data record can be viewed (see
chapter 4.).

Load data:
Allows data importation (from rbr software available at www.rbr.de)
To check the transfer options of your software:

1. Connect instrument and PC with a current RS232 cable.

2. Select <Load data> and confirm with <OK>.

3. Answer following question with Yes (select with the arrow keys).

4. Start the data transfer from the PC.

Transmit data:
The date record and measurement results can be transferred to the
PC program using this function (procedure identical to <Load data>).

Format memory:
This function is normally only needed for the initial adjustment of the
instrument by the manufacturer. Caution: All recorded values will
be deleted!

Page 20 ecom-B
10. Maintenance Tips

To ensure the accuracy of your analyzer, we recommend an annual

check by an authorized ECOM service center. If your analyzer is used
regularly, you may want to have it serviced on a more frequent basis.
All ECOM service centers can be found at www.rbr.de. Do not use
any sensor other than the ones supplied by ECOM. Any service done
by non-authorized parties will lead to expiration of any existing war-
ranty.

Below are some regular maintenance tips to help keep your analyzer
at its best:

Condensate pad

Condensate pad

Regularly check the condition of the condensate pad. It should be

changed:
- If it is darker than no. 3 on the soot scale
- If it has expanded past the "MAX" marking
Replace the condensate pad as follows:
1. Remove hose from the cap and unscrew the cap
2. Unscrew the retaining bolt with spring
3. Replace old condensate pad with the new
4. Screw on the retaining bolt with spring again
5. Screw on cap and replace the hose to the cap

ecom-B Page 21
Sensors
Each time the instrument is switched on, the sensors are calibrated
with fresh air. The instrument constantly monitors the condition of the
sensors. New sensors wear out from use over time due to reaction
(O2-sensor) and due to soiled gases, especially gases in concentra-
tions beyond the nominal range (toxic sensors). The output values of
the sensors are (see menu “Control”):

O2 approx. 1500 mV NO +/- 100 mV

CO 0 mV (+/- 30)

If an error message is displayed during calibration cycle and does not

disappear after repeated calibrations, the instrument needs to be sent
to a service center. The O2 sensor should show > 200 mV, otherwise
it should be changed.
The CO-sensor is protected against overload by the internal program.
If the limit of 4000 ppm is exceeded, the gas pump is switched off.

Power supply
The battery ensures independent operation. The battery is automati-
cally charged when the analyzer is connected to the main power sup-
ply. Please do not disrupt the charging process too soon, as this could
cause faulty operation of the charging circuitry. The battery should al-
so be recharged if the voltage display (menu “Control”) is less than
5.8 V (Instrument will stop working at 5.5 V).

Sampling probe and hose

Depending on the frequency of use, the probe and the hose must be
cleaned regularly to prevent particles from lodging inside them and
causing premature wear and tear due to corrosion. Before cleaning
the hose and probe, turn off all connections to the analyzer. Then use
warm water, and blow it out to dry.

Page 22 ecom-B
11. Technical Data

Parameter Range Measurement principles

O2 0 ... 21 vol-% electrochemical
CO 0 ...4000 ppm electrochemical
NO (Option) 0 ...5000 ppm electrochemical
CO2 0 ...CO2 max. calculated
T-G 0 ... 500 °C NiCr/Ni
T-R 0 ... 100 °C semiconductor
Pressure 0 ... +/- 100 hPa DMS-bridge
Efficiency 0 ... 120 % calculated
Losses 0 ... 99.9 % calculated
Lambda 1 ...  calculated
CO-undiluted
(reference-O2; adjustable) calculated
Dew point of combustion gases calculated
Op Temp: 40-122°F

Power Supply 110 - 230 V~ / 50 - 60 Hz;

Battery 6 V / 3,3 Ah
Display: graphic display, backlit
Size (W x H x D) 250 mm x 180 mm x 80 mm
Weight approx. 2,1 kg (complete with sampling system)

Subject to technical changes

V1.0/ 02.2014

ECOM America
1628 Oakbrook Drive
Gainesville, GA 30507
Tel. 770.532.3280
Fax 770.532.3620
Internet: www.ecomusa.com

ecom-B Page 23
12. FAQ

Where do I find important in- In the menu <Control>, all important instrument
strument information? information is shown (e.g. battery voltage, sensor
values, unit number, next service date, operation
hours etc.). You can switch to the second page
with the arrow keys.

How long is the life span of the The life span depends on the operating hours and
sensors? the instrument. The life span of the toxic sensors
(CO, NO, SO2, NO2) is affected by high gas con-
centrations and insufficient purging. The life span
for these sensors is, on the average, between 4
and 6 years. The life span of the O2 sensor is ap-
prox. 2 years, regardless of usage.

Which sensors can I ex- Please contact the nearest authorized service
change? center for sensor information.

The instrument shows the error The sensor must be replaced.

message <O2 sensor 0 mV>!

The instrument shows the This message appears automatically every 12

message <Check required>! months or after 250 operating hours. Note: This is
a recommendation to send in the analyzer for ser-
vice. The analyzer will still function normally.

The instrument shows the error Possible reasons could be:

message <T-Gas>< oder ><T- - Cable is broken (at the plug)
Air>! - T-Air sensor is broken
- Thermocouple is broken
- Cable is defective
Note: The error messages can be ignored by
pressing <Enter>. Calculations that depend on
these temperatures are not measured.

Possible reasons could be:

The instrument shows wrong or - O2 is defective (CO2 values are calculated from
inaccurate CO2 values! the O2 values)
- Pump is not working correctly
- Leakage in the gas pathway
- condensate trap / gas cooler is clogged

Page 24 ecom-B
Why won’t my analyzer turn - Please check the main cable
on? - Please check the fuse
- Please check main connection (Plug socket
switched on?)
- Please charge the battery min. 8 hours
(The battery may not be charged which would
prevent the unit from turning on)

Why won’t my analyzer print? Please check whether the printer paper is cor-
rectly inserted. The thermal printer writes only on
the thermally sensitive side. Please use the cor-
rect paper for the printer to prevent printer de-
fects. Please make sure that the printer is clean
(check for paper jams).

Can I change the printout? You can change the printout (Menu: “Adjust-
ments”).

Hint: If you have several instruments of the same type, you can locate
an error by exchanging the accessories (probe, hose, temperature
sensor etc.).

If further questions or problems should arise, please contact the near-

est authorized service center.

ecom-B Page 25