The best designs for wood-burning devices are not only efficient. They're also safe. In fact, safety should be your prime consideration, the one factor to which even performance will be sacrificed. This being the case, you should be aware of four safety considerations when you're designing a catalytic wood burning device: the potential for plugging the combustor; extreme temperatures given off during certain periods of catalytic combustion; flow restriction caused by the combustor, which could result in smoke and fire spillage when the fuel door is opened; creosote buildup.

Plugging Potential. As you set out to design a wood-burning device, you must take into consideration a critical fact a wood stove combustor can be plugged if positioned or operated improperly. True, it's a rare occurrence; but it can happen. And according to a recent study, it usually happens when a combustor is located in an area such as the flue pipe, where the temperatures needed to initiate catalytic activity are rarely reached. To avoid plugging and its associated dangers: Locate the combustor close to the wood fire so that the catalyst consistently lights off and remains active during the full burn cycle. (However, avoid direct flame impingement.) Provide a bypass so that even if the combustor does become plugged, the smoke will still have access to the chimney.

Another cause of plugging is improper operation of a wood-burning device equipped with a combustor. This usually happens when an operator attempts to burn materials that produce large flakes or char, such as Christmas wrapping paper and cardboard. This can plug enough cells to cause a smoke spillage problem although you can't eliminate this problem through design, you should make sure that your product literature emphatically warns operators to avoid burning materials that will contribute to plugging.

Extreme Temperatures. A combustor is capable of generating, substantial flue gas temperatures. This means that iron and steel Stove parts located closer than two inches from the combustor outlet face are prone to metal oxidation. If space requirements are such that stove parts must be located closer than two inches, we recommend the use of stainless steel or refractory materials.

Release of high temperature gases directly into the flue can result in an overheated chimney or, if creosote is present, to chimney fires. To avoid this, use heat exchange devices that are designed to extract the heat generated by the combustor gases. This will establish reasonable flue temperatures and at the same time increase stove heating efficiency. Product literature should warn customers about any parts of the stove that might become unexpectedly hot.

Flow Restriction. Because the combustor sits in the gas flow stream, it does offer resistance to draft. This restriction or resistance presents two problems: Some type of bypass must be incorporated into the stove so smoke rollout will not occur when the fuel loading door is opened. Chimneys that produce marginal draft will prevent the proper operation of a catalytic stove. For example, a chimney that provides .O2 inches of water draft in a low fire operation would probably not operate with a catalytic combustor stove. In such a case, the combustor would consume the remaining draft, resulting in' a system that will not vent.

Creosote Buildup. Even though reduction of creosote is one of the primary advantages of a combustor, some creosote will escape during normal operation. In the event the combustor ceases to function, creosote can be expected to accumulate at the usual, fast rate. Consequently, product literature must advise consumers to inspect flues and chimneys on a regular basis and to remove any creosote build ups. Failure to provide such warnings can create a risk of chimney fires.

As a manufacturer you should advise your customers to: 1. Check combustor regular1y to see that it is functioning and not plugged. A non-functioning combustor will not reduce creosote, and rapid creosote buildup can create a fire hazard.

2. Check chimney and flues for creosote whether or not the combustor is working. The combustor will not eliminate all creosote, and accumulation can create a fire hazard.

3. Make sure safety by properly open and functioning. Blockage can result in smoke and gas leakage into the home.

4. Locate stove and combustor a safe distance from surrounding walls, furniture and any combustible.

5. Do not bum materials other than natural wood. They may contain chemicals that will poison the catalyst. .

6. Do not allow high flame to impinge directly on the combustor. This may cause it to crack or crumble.

For more information contact us!