10
Disposal of Ashes
Ashesshould beplaced in ametal containerwith atight fitting
lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a non-
combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all
combustiblematerials, pending finaldisposal. If the ashesare
disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed,
theyshouldbe retainedin theclosedcontainer untilallcinders
have thoroughly cooled. Other waste should not be placed in
this container!
Creosote
Formation and Need for Removal
Whenwoodisburnedslowly,itproducestarandotherorganic
vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form creo-
sote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool
chimney flue of a slow burning fire. As a result, creosote
residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this
creosotemakes an extremelyhot fire. Thechimney connector
and chimney should be inspected at least once every two
months during the heating season to determine if a creosote
buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should
be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
1. Highest smoke densities occur when a large amount of
wood is added to a bed of hot coals and the air inlet is
closed. The heated wood generates smoke, but without
ample air, the smoke cannot burn. Smoke-free, clean
burning requires small fuel loads, two or three logs at a
time or 1/4 to 1/2 of a fuel load and leaving the air inlet
relatively wide open, especially during the first 10 to 30
minutes after each loading, when most of the smoke
generatingreactionsareoccurring. After30minutesorso,
the air inlet can be turned down substantially without
excessive smoke generation. Wood coals create very little
creosote-producing smoke.
2. Thecooler the surface over whichwood smokeis passing,
the more creosote will be condensed. Wet or green wood
contributes significantly to creosote formation as the ex-
cess moisture that is boiled off cools the fire, making it
difficult for the tars and gasses to ignite, thus creating
dense smoke and poor combustion. This moisture-laden
smoke cools the chimney, compounding the problem by
offering the smoke the ideal place to condense.
In summary, a certain amount of creosote is inevitable and
must be lived with. Regular inspection and cleaning is the
solution. The use of dry, seasoned wood and ample combus-
tion air will help to minimize the buildup.
5) Toachieve maximumfiring rate,set controlto "H"(high).
Donot usethis settingother thanfor startingor preheating
fresh fuel loads.
DONOTOVERFIRETHISHEATER: Attemptstoachieve
heat output rates that exceed heater design specifications
can result in permanent damage to the heater and chim-
ney.
WARNING: Noalterationormodificationofthecombus-
tionaircontrolassemblyispermitted. Anytamperingwill
void warranty and could be very hazardous.
More Wood, More Heat
Seasoned wood has approximately 7500 BTU’s per pound. If
youput10poundsofwoodinyourstoveforaneighthourburn
thewood will beproducing 9375BTU’sper hour. (7500BTU
x10lbs/8hrs.=9375BTU’sperhr.). Ifyouput20lbsofwood
inyourstove foraneight hourburnyou willget 18,750 BTU’s
per hr. (7500 BTU x 20 lbs / 8 hrs. = 18,750 BTU’s per hr.).
This is only an example and is based on 100% efficiency. In
reality,yourstoveshouldperforminthe70%efficiencyrange.
Experiencewill give youthe right settingsfor proper combus-
tion and efficient burning. Remember the air inlet setting is
affected by variables such as type of wood, outside tempera-
ture, chimney size and weather conditions. With practice, you
willbecomeproficientinoperatingyourheaterandwillobtain
the performance for which it was designed.
Proper Draft
1) Draft is the force which moves air from the appliance up
throughthechimney. Theamountofdraftinyourchimney
depends on the length of the chimney, local geography,
nearby obstructions and other factors.
2) Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures in the
appliance. An uncontrollable burn or a glowing red stove
part or chimney indicates excessive draft.
3) Inadequatedraftmay causebackpuffinginto the roomand
plugging of the chimney. Smoke leaking into the room
through appliance and chimney connector joints indicates
inadequate draft.
Ash Removal
Whenever ashes get 3 to 4 inches deep in your firebox, and
when fire has burned down and cooled, remove excess ashes.
Leave an ash bed approximately 1 inch deep on the firebox
bottom to help maintain a hot charcoal bed.
