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6.0 Catalytic Combustor
6.1 How it works
The Rakaia ULEB uses a catalytic combustor to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. This combustor is fitted
in the front top portion of the firebox, above the front baffle. This combustor is made of thin high-grade stainless
steel sheets that are formed into triangular shapes to increase the contact and have a hi-tech coating. The
particles within the combustion gases burn off when they pass through this coated combustor.
6.2 Best practices to enhance the life of catalytic combustor
The catalytic combustor is the most critical part of the Rakaia burner. The following precautions must be taken
while operating the Rakaia burner.
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Always use well-seasoned natural firewood.
Read section 4.0 carefully for permitted wood fuels for the
Rakaia burner. Never ever use wet, painted, highly resinous or drift wood. Never burn garbage or plastic
material.
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Keep the damper open until the catalytic combustor becomes sufficiently hot
(approximately 20~25 mins).
During the start-up phase, the lower firebox temperature creates a larger volume of unburnt particles. These
particles will tend to adhere to the combustor’s surfaces due to insufficient temperature. If the damper is
closed during start up, these may block the combustor and make it less efficient.
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Avoid leaving the door open for a long period of time.
Too much air will cool the combustion process and the
flue which can result in the combustion gases spilling out of the door.
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Always make sure that the stainless steel flame arrestor plate is installed in front of the combustor.
Direct
exposure of flames to combustor can damage the overall integrity of the combustor.
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Regular monitoring and cleaning of the combustor are essential to maintain the combustor’s integrity and
effectiveness.
Read the following sections 6.3 & 6.4 for monitoring and cleaning of Rakaia catalytic
combustor.
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Handle your combustor with care
– Take care while handling the combuster so as not to damage the
combustor plates as this could reduce the flow through the combustor.
Summary of Contents for RAKAIA
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