• 888-502-4766
  • [email protected]
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Services
    • Forensic Engineering and Failure Analysis
    • Gas Explosion Investigations
    • Carbon Monoxide Investigations
    • Forensic Electrical Experts
    • Structural Failure Analysis
    • Mechanical Failure
  • Specialized Service & Testing
    • Forensic Lab Testing
    • Metallurgy Exam
    • Soil Gas Migration Services
  • 3D Computer Graphics
carbon_monoxide_testing
Carbon Monoxide and Valuable Testing
October 13, 2017
Published by Dawn Moore at April 19, 2017
Categories
  • Carbon Monoxide
Tags
  • Carbon Monoxide Investigation
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  • Forensic Engineering
Bison Engineers are equipped to handle carbon monoxide assessments in the best way possible.

Forensic Engineering & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Forensic Engineering Vs. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

The job of a forensic engineer in a carbon monoxide poisoning case is to find the cause of the carbon monoxide since appliances do not normally produce toxic concentrations of the lethal gas.  At Bison Engineering, we have examined all types of appliances including boilers, water heaters, furnaces, high-efficiency appliances as well as their associated flues, chimneys, and Type B or stainless steel vents. A carbon monoxide poisoning investigation is much more complex than simply claiming that ‘the venting was bad’ or ‘the water heater malfunctioned.’ Figure 1 shows carbon monoxide levels can quickly become fatal, so it is extremely important to take carbon monoxide production seriously.

Figure 1 Carbon Monoxide Levels

Fortunately for carbon monoxide investigators, the equipment available for analyzing carbon monoxide air concentration has become more sophisticated, more precise, and (most importantly) REMOTE! Older techniques such as Draeger tubes required the investigator to be in the room with the carbon monoxide and wait several minutes for the test to provide sufficient results.  Equipment used today is controlled from another, well-ventilated area. Bison Engineering, Inc. developed a sophisticated data acquisition system designed to determine the source of the carbon monoxide, the concentration and distribution pattern of the gas. Bison uses a combustion analyzer that can read up to 80,000 ppm to tell how much carbon monoxide the appliance in question is producing, and using multiple sensors to show how the carbon monoxide permeates the surrounding space.  80,000 ppm may seem like overkill; however, a water heater recently tested maxed out the combustion analyzer because of a small piece of tape in the air supply line. Though the water heater was built to all of the safety standards in place today, it still produced an astounding amount of carbon monoxide.

 

Figure 2 Carbon Monoxide Investigation

This graph shows data from a carbon monoxide investigation that Bison Engineering, Inc. performed. In addition to analyzing an appliance for carbon monoxide production, we determine if the installation met with applicable codes, standards and manufacturers recommendations.

Figure 3 Pinpointing the CO Source

With specialized equipment, Bison is able to pinpoint the carbon monoxide source, measure the concentrations throughout the area of interest, then create diagrams and videos showing how the carbon monoxide fills the space in an easy-to-understand way.

Call today to see how we can help you!

Interested in more information on Carbon Monoxide? Visit our Carbon Monoxide Testing page.

Share
84
Dawn Moore
Dawn Moore

Related posts

carbon_monoxide_testing
October 13, 2017

Carbon Monoxide and Valuable Testing


Read more

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BISON ENGINEERING INFORMATION

Bison Engineering, Inc.
3423 Rivers Edge Trail
Kingwood TX 77339
281-359-2476
888-502-4766
[email protected]
281.359.2591
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm

ABOUT BISON ENGINEERING

In 1996, after working to build a solid foundation for a career, David Heldenbrand formed Bison Engineering, Inc. He handpicked several skilled and talented engineers to join him in developing a nationally recognized company. Bison’s mission is to provide each client with a clear concise understanding of the cause for each incident investigated.

QUICK LINKS

  • Home
  • Our Team
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

OUR LOCATION

Copyright © 2018 Bison Engineering, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. | Design & Marketing by Visibly Connected.