Solo Plus Instructions 1-800-782-9927 Version 12-13
Tarm Biomass · 4 Britton Lane · Lyme, NH 03768
Keep in mind that the refractory bricks are hardest when they are new. The refractory bricks will sof-
ten with age. When loading wood into the boiler and using tools around the refractory areas keep this
in mind.
Do not break the refractory by:
1. Throwing wood directly onto the refractory (place the first few pieces into the boiler gently).
2. Digging or prying at the refractory in the areas of the slot or the tunnel.
4.6 Shutting Down the Boiler
Switch off the boiler by turning off the fan switch on the control panel. The circulating pump will
shut off when the boiler is cool. Take care not to shut off power to the boiler circulator if there is any
chance that the boiler may heat up again.
4.7 Operation with Thermal Storage System
Tarm Biomass recommends the use of a Thermal Storage Tank System with the Solo Plus boiler. The
boiler will always be able to discharge its heat resulting in better combustion, less depositing of soot
and tar, and longer boiler life. Operation is simplified as the filling chamber can be completely filled.
The boiler can be fired when you have time and the house can be supplied with heat as required from
the thermal storage system. An added benefit is that domestic hot water can also be created in the res-
ervoir. Keep in mind that the amount of wood placed in the boiler’s filling chamber depends on the
size and the temperature of the thermal storage reservoir. The boiler should not be fired beyond the
reservoir’s heat storage capacity. Do not add wood until the temperature in the thermal storage system
has fallen to 140-160 °F (60-72 ºC), so that the reservoir will again be able to absorb heat. Set the
boiler temperature to a maximum temperature of 180 °F (82 ºC).
4.8 Creosote
Tar deposits are not normally a problem in a Solo Plus boiler when it is fired as directed. Your firebox
will form creosote on the walls. During combustion, when the draft fan is running, gasses and smoke
are created which make up the main part of the wood’s heat value. Formic and acetic acids and other
gasses are mixed with the right quantity of combustion air at very high temperatures producing boiler
efficiency of around 80%. This highly efficient combustion process produces virtually no smoke or
creosote.
If soft or tar like creosote is found in the firebox it can be a symptom that the boiler is being filled with
more wood than is necessary. Glazed, crunchy and scaly creosote in the main firebox is common and
expected. Glazed, crunchy, or scaly creosote should never be found in the lower combustion chamber,
heat exchange tubes, or in the chimney. When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and organic va-
pors, which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the
flue lining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney and chimney con-
nector should be inspected daily for creosote buildup until experience shows how often cleaning is
necessary. If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Boiler Operation, Maintenance, and Service > Daily Firing
Page 40
WARNING
It is important to keep the load and ash doors closed during operation and to maintain the
door seals in good condition.
