Süd-Chemie Wood Stove Combustor

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The catalytic activity and effectiveness of a two to threee year old Süd-Chemie Wood Stove Combustor can be improved by following this "Major Cleaning Procedure", For normal maintanence, refer to your stove manufaturer's operation manual. Major cleaning should not be required more than once a year for heavy-use stoves and every two years for light-use stoves. This procedure should be followed only if the owner feels comfortable with performing this procedure. If not, a trained chimney sweep should be contacted.

Before attempting this cleaning procedure familiarize yourself with your stove manufacturer's opertion manual. Improper removal, handling, or reinstallation of the catalytic combustor can damage it or your stove.

!!!This cleaning procedure is for the catalytic combustor ONLY, and does not reduce or eliminate the need for regular chimney inspection and cleaning.

Prior To Cleaning:

Please read the following material to ensure that you are properly operating your catalytic wood stove.

Important Tips for Maximum Combustor Effectiveness

Inspection - Prior to Major Cleaning

Caution: Do Not remove the combustor while it or any portion of the stove is hot!

Carefully remove the combustor from the stove (see your Use & Care Manual). Do not remove the stainless steel band or manufacturer's combustor holder from around the outside of the combustor. It is very important that the unit is handled CAREFULLY. The combustor is brittle ceramic and could break if it is handled roughly or dropped. Replace the combustor with a new part is it is damaged or worn out. Consult the Süd-Chemie's Wood Stove Combustor Manual.

Necessary Equipment

❶ Combustor removal instructions from the Use & Care Manual for your stove

❷ Distilled water - 2 to 3 gallons, enough to completely cover the combustor by at least ½", threee seperate times. Do not use tap water, it may contain minerals that will reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning

❸ White Vinegar - 2 to 3 quarts, enough to make a 50/50 solution with the distilled water to cover the combustor once

❹ A Pot - Large enough to preheat the cleaning solution

❺ An old pot or roasting pan - large enough for the combustor to be covered with at least ½" of cleaning solution. The top surface of the combustor must be covered with cleaning solution at all times. DO NOT reuse the pot for cooking purposes

❻ Plastic-Coated wire, 16 gauge multi-strand works well, for use as a grab handle. Do not scrape the inside walls of the combustor.

❼ Tools and materials required to remove and reinstall the combustor

❽ Vacuum Cleaner (one used in the home)

CLEANING STEPS

Step 1

GENTLY REMOVE ANY LOOSE ASH FROM THE COMBUSTOR
A home vacuum cleaner is effective, using either suction or exhaust. USE CAUTION - high air velocities can strip the catalyst off the ceramic. Never use a high pressure air hose!! Any cells that are still plugged should be gently cleared using a cotton swab or pipe cleaner. Never scrub or abrade any part of the catalytic combustor, since this may remove the catalyst or damage cells.

Step 2

PREPARE THE CLEANING SOLUTION Make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and distilled water in the large pot. Heatmixture

Step 3

THREAD THE WIRE THROUGH THE COMBUSTOR TO MAKE A GRAB HANDLE FOR LIFTING THE COMBUSTOR IN AND OUT OF THE HOT CLEANING SOLUTION The wire will evelate the combustor off the bottom of the large pot, allowing the cleaning solution to flow freely through the cells. Be carefule not to damage the cells!

Step 4

GENTLY PLACE THE COMBUSTOR INTO THE CLEANING SOLUTION The cleaning solution will evaporate slightly. Keep the combustor covered with at least a ½ inch of solution. Reduce the heat to just below boiling. It is not nenecessary to boil the cleaning solution once the combustor has been placed into the pot. Allow the combustor to remain in the hot cleaning solution for thirty (30) minutes.

NOTE: While the combustor is in the cleaning solution, heat to a boil enough distilled water for the two rinses (STEP 6 & STEP 7)

Step 5

After THIRTY MINUTES, remove the combustor from the cleaning solution Place it on a towel. Discard the used cleaning solution and rinse out the pot.

Step 6

Fill the pot with the boiling rinse water and gently place the combustor in the rinse water.

Allow the combustor to remain in the rinse water for 15 MINUTES. Keep the rinse water at just below boiling.
Meanwhile, preheat enough water for a second rinse cycle.

Step 7

After 15 MINUTES, remove the combustor from the rinse water and gently shake out the excess water.

Repeat Step 6

It is unlikely that you will notice a visible difference in the combustor after this cleaning procedure

Step 8

REINSTALL THE COMBUSTOR
After the cleaning procedure, follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing the combustor and reassembling the stove

Don't operate the stove for at least 24 hours. This will allow the combustor to dry and prevent steam from causing damage to the combustor. If the stove must be returned to operation immediately the combustor can be dried in an oven. PLace the combustor in a 300°F oven for sixty (60) minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the combustor to cool to room temperature before handling.

This procedure has been found to be effective for non-damaged and non-worn out catalytic combustors. It will not revitalize a catalytic combustor if the catalyst has been worn out or damaged by use with improper combustables or otherwise. Check the performance of your catalytic combustor regularly after cleaning. Reduced effectiveness as a result of age or damage may result in an increase rate of creosote accumilation in your chimney.

For more information, write or telephone:

Süd-Chemie Inc.