Ask about application experience on streams like yours, what the analyser cannot take, how the sample is handled, what certificates and documents come with it, how calibration works, what spares and service you can count on, and what the supplier does not claim. A supplier who states what they do not offer, such as no SIL claim, is easier to trust than one who agrees with everything.
- List questions on application, sample, certification, calibration, support and limits
- Recognise good and bad answers
- Use the list in a supplier review
Application and experience
- Have you supplied this measurement on a stream like mine? Can I speak to the engineer who would support it?
- What did you have to change on the last similar job?
- Will you review my sample composition before quoting?
A good answer gives specifics. A bad one is a brochure.
The sample and the system
- What is the analyser's sample envelope, and is my sample inside it: What samples an analyser cannot take: know the limits?
- Who designs and supplies the sample system?
- How does the system deal with moisture, dust and my interferences?
Performance and limits
- What is the accuracy basis and the drift, and under what conditions: Accuracy, precision, repeatability and drift in gas analysers?
- What is the response time at my flow?
- What do you not claim: SIL, statutory approval, response time for a given model? Why?
Our limits are on the record: we make no SIL claim and no statutory stack approval claim, and field calibration is not possible on our dew point model M015. Everything we do not offer is listed on our claims and limits page.
Certification and documents
- What area certification does it hold, for which zone, group and T-class: Hazardous area classification: zones, gas groups, T-Classes?
- Which documents come with it: datasheet, drawings, manuals, register map, calibration certificates: Records, audit trails and qualification for regulated plants?
Calibration, spares and service
- What gas and procedure does calibration need on site: How gas analyser calibration works: zero and span?
- What spares and sensor life should I plan for: Maintenance schedule and spares for gas analysers?
- Who answers the phone, and how fast: sales support +91 94 2300 4178?
- Can you train my technicians?
Red flags
- Agreement with every requirement, including ones that look impossible.
- No questions about your sample.
- A price with no scope.
- Vague answers on service.
- Ask about experience on similar streams, sample limits, certification, calibration and service.
- Prefer specific answers to brochure answers.
- A supplier who states what it does not claim is easier to trust.
- Watch for no questions about your sample.
Check your understanding
Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the answer. Recalling an answer teaches more than rereading.
Name two red flags in a supplier's response.
Agreeing with every requirement, and asking nothing about your sample.
Why ask what the supplier does not claim?
It shows where the offer ends, so you do not rely on a promise that was never made.
Which documents should come with an analyser?
Datasheet, drawings, manuals, register map and calibration certificates.
Key terms
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask an analyser supplier?
About experience on similar streams, sample limits, certification, calibration, spares and service.
How do I judge whether a supplier's claims hold?
Ask what they cannot do, and check that the answer is specific.
Do you provide training?
Ask us about training and service for your site.
Who do I call for support?
Sales +91 94 2300 4179 and support +91 94 2300 4178.
