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4.0 Permitted Fuels
The quality of the firewood you burn can have a considerable effect on the performance of the RAKAIA burner.
Moisture content, tree species, and log size are the main factors that affect the emissions that are produced by
any wood burner. We recommend that firewood with less than 25% moisture content be used.
If you are cutting your own firewood, only wood that has been air-dried in a sheltered, well-ventilated stack,
preferably for at least 12 months may be burned in the RAKAIA. To ensure that the wood has a moisture content
of 25% or less, store it under a roof or protected against heavy rain. If you purchase firewood, buy firewood that
is well seasoned and having moisture level below 25%. We recommend “Good Wood” merchants approved by
your local council.
Under any circumstances do not burn coal, driftwood, treated or painted wood, highly resinous wood, like
“Old Man’s Pine”, laminated plastics, plywood, chipboard, garbage, flammable fluids such as gasoline,
naphtha, engine oil, refuse, milk cartons, colored or printed paper. The use of such materials will
invalidate your warranty, as this may emit toxic, corrosive, and hazardous fumes when burned. They may
also cause a build-up of the toxic gas dioxin, which is damaging to the burner and the environment. Most
importantly, the use of such materials will invalidate your warranty.
4.1 Testing Your Wood Moisture
There are a number of ways to confirm if the wood is dry enough.
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The wood moisture meter is the best way to check the moisture content of the wood fuel. Split a piece of
wood and then press the metering prongs firmly into the long side of a split piece to test moisture
content. 15-20% percent of moister content is ideal.
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If you are purchasing firewood, ask for dry seasoned wood and get it tested from your wood merchant.
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Dry wood weighs much less than wet wood.
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Wet wood is hard to light and will emit moisture from the ends while burning.
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Two dry pieces banged together sound hollow, wet pieces sound solid and dull.
4.2 Recommended Log Sizes & Fire Starters
- A packet of matches or lighter
- A packet of firelighters. We recommend green firelighters made of wood waste
- Seasoned firewood about 300~330mm long in various sizes
o
(3.2A) For kindling - 15-16 finely split, dry softwood (total 1.5 kg approximately)
o
(3.2B) For intermediate 1 load – 4 pieces (total 1.5 kg, 375 g each approximately)
o
(3.2C) For intermediate 2 loads – 4 pieces (total 3.0 kg, 750 g each approximately)
o
(2D) For main load – 3 or more pieces (Total 4.0 kg, 1.3 kg each approximately)
3.2A
3.2B
3.2C
3.2D
Using well-seasoned firewood is key to maintain and improve the life of
catalytic combustor.
Summary of Contents for RAKAIA
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