Solo Plus Instructions 1-800-782-9927 Version 12-13
Tarm Biomass · 4 Britton Lane · Lyme, NH 03768
2.3 Fuels
The Solo Plus is made to burn natural
firewood
. Both hardwood and softwood are suitable, but oak
should not be burned as the only source of wood for long periods because of its high acid content.
Do not burn other fuels in this boiler!
Wood is an environmentally desirable fuel as it is locally produced, renewable, and CO
2
neutral. The
boiler will burn natural cord wood with high efficiency and low emissions. To fully realize the best
operation and clean burning potential of the boiler, wood should be dry and properly split. With wet
wood, above 20% moisture, the boiler will be much less efficient, produce less heat and may result in
problematic operation. Burning wet wood uses a substantial amount of the wood energy to evaporate
the water present in the wood, reducing the available energy for heat
(Fig 2.2)
.
Dry wood gives big
returns!
Log length should be approximately 18 to 20‖ (460-510 mm).
Pieces over 5 to 6‖ (130-150 mm) in diameter should be split.
Moisture content should be 15-25% for best operation.
To promote faster drying of firewood, it should be cut to length, split and stacked loosely off the
ground with maximum exposure to the sun and wind circulation through the stack. Cover only the top
of the stack (at an angle to allow moisture to run off) to keep out rain and snow. If during the heating
season wood is stacked in the basement, using a fan to circulate air around it will facilitate faster wood
drying.
Product Description and Requirements for Safe Operation > Fuels
Page 6
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
100
Moisture %
Btu
/Lb
Fig 2.2
This chart shows how many Btu’s are lost by burning fuel with higher moisture content. We recommend
fuel with a moisture content of 20% or less.
WARNING
If a fan is used in the fuel storage area, they should be installed so as not to create negative
pressures in the room where the solid-fuel burning appliance is located.
