20
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:
The cataly c combustor elements are held
fi
rmly in the Combustor Housing with gaskets that expand
when exposed to heat. Unless the combustors are worn out or severely damaged there is no need to remove them. The
gaskets lose
fl
exibility a er they have expanded and are not reusable. It is not normally necessary to clean the bo om of the
cataly c combustors. Vacuum or brush out any ash residue in the bo om of the Combustor Housing. Resist inser ng any-
thing into the individual holes in the honeycomb. Even so tools can damage or remove the catalyst coa ng. If a few holes
are plugged with spent ash that resists vacuuming, clear the holes very carefully with a pipe cleaner as necessary.
Never
insert
hard tools, probes, or brushes into the holes in the cataly c combustor. Do not blow out the combustors with compressed
air. A powerful stream of air can remove the catalyst coa ng. In addi on, most air compressors are oil lubricated and create
condensa on in the air tank. Air from a shop air compressor can contaminate the catalyst with oil and/or water. Once the
cataly c combustors are cleaned sa sfactorily of excess ash and soot, replace the Combustor Housing in the
fi
rebox.
Cataly c Combustor Housing Loca on
The Combustor Housing is held in place with four (4) nuts and studs.
Two of the nuts are visible on the front edge of the housing; the other
two (2) nuts are in the same rela ve posi ons on the back of the
housing, but are not readily visible. The Combustor Housing is fairly
large (4” W x 20” L X 2½” H) and quite heavy. Have a helper support
the housing, or cut temporary supports to length from short pieces of
2 x 4, 4 x 4, or similar material. The supports should
fi
t loosely under
the housing. Do not wedge the housing ghtly.
A ratchet, a 9/16" socket, and an extension are recommended for re-
moving the nuts. Loosen the four (4) nuts evenly, but do not remove
them un l the housing is supported. With the Combustor Housing
supported, remove the four (4) nuts. Do not a empt to remove the
studs. Lower the housing and remove it from the Firebox. Be aware
that the Combustor Housing may contain ashes, soot, and creosote.
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:
Handle the Combustor Housing carefully. Remove the housing to a convenient work surface that has been pro-
tected with plas c shee ng, newspaper, or the like. Con nue to wear a good dust mask and gloves. The top surfaces of the
cataly c combustors are now exposed in the housing. Do not p the housing up-side-down. Do not a empt to remove the
combustors from the housing at this stage. Make a careful visual inspec on of the cataly c combustors. Ash and soot residue
on the combustors is normal and it can be gently removed with a so paint brush and/or a vacuum cleaner with a so brush
a achment. With the loose ash removed, con nue to inspect the cataly c combustor elements. If only normal ash and soot
accumula on are observed,
fi
nish cleaning the combustors following the instruc ons below, and replace the Cataly c Hous-
ing in the
fi
rebox. If any condi on other than a normal accumula on of ash residue is observed, refer to the chart below, and
addi onal informa on on
Page 21
, to help iden fy and correct the cause of the abnormal condi on.
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:
Two cataly c combustor elements are
fi
ed into individual cavi es in the top
of the Combustor Housing. The Combustor Housing is located just inside the Loading Door, secured to the top of the Firebox.
The housing assembly is heavy and it is likely to be dusty and/or dirty. Wear a good dust mask and gloves. Handle the Com-
bustor Housing with care. Rough handling or impact can easily damage the cataly c combustor elements.
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A
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Some ash & soot are normal
by-products of combus on.
Gently remove ash and soot residue with a so brush or a
vacuum with a brush a achment and reinstall the combustors.
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Engaging the Bypass Damper
before ashes have se led.
Close the Start-up Air Control and wait for disturbed ashes to
se le before closing the By-pass Damper.
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The Bypass Damper is closed
before the combustors are
ac vated fully.
Always monitor the temperature of the combustors to ensure
that the temperature con nues to rise a er the bypass is closed.
Do not try to scrape o
ff
creosote. Reinstall the combustors and
build a ho er than normal
fi
re. Try engaging the combustors. If
the temperature rises, operate at @1400° to burn o
ff
deposits.
Wet or unseasoned wood.
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Thermal shock caused by
moisture in fresh wood.
Allow enough me for moisture to be driven o
ff
of wet or un-
seasoned wood before engaging a hot ac vated catalyst.
Flame impingement on the
cataly c elements.
Do not over
fi
ll the
fi
rebox or build a roaring
fi
re up close to the
Cataly c Combustor Housing.
P
Aggressive cleaning.
Do not use hard tools, s
ff
brushes, or compressed air to clean
the catalyst and do not insert tools into the honeycomb.
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:
Cataly c combustors should be inspected and cleaned at least annually, when-
ever the chimney is cleaned, and/or whenever decreased performance is suspected. Whether you perform rou ne mainte-
nance yourself or rely on a cer
fi
ed professional, regular maintenance ensures maximum e
ffi
ciency from your wood heater.