What is an Orsat apparatus used for?

The Orsat apparatus is specifically designed for measuring the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) in flue gases. This analytical tool plays an essential role in combustion analysis, allowing engineers to evaluate the efficiency of a combustion process. By determining the ratios of these gases, operators can adjust the fuel-air mixture to ensure optimal combustion, improve energy efficiency, and reduce harmful emissions.

In the context of stationary engineering, understanding the composition of flue gases is vital for maintaining safety and environmental compliance, as well as for improving system performance.

The other options presented relate to different measurements: temperature in a boiler is typically assessed with thermometers or pyrometers, flue gas temperature would require a different type of measurement tool suitable for that purpose, and assessing fuel moisture content usually involves methodologies distinct from the gas concentration analysis provided by the Orsat apparatus.