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Astra P-10 USER MANUAL
Inspect the holes frequently and make sure that the holes on the bottom as well as those on the sides of the pot are clear and fully
open (Fig. 13). Failure to keep these holes clear leads to clogging, reducing the air supply and finally to automatic shut-off of the
stove.
Timely and scrupulous cleaning of the fire pot prevents problems that in the longer
term could require the intervention of a technician to repair the stove.
• VERMICULITE PLATES CLEANING
The combustion chamber of the Astra pellet stove is lined with five vermiculite
plates (Fig. 15). Vermiculite has high resistance to heat, is lightweight and has
excellent insulation properties. All these features ensure good combustion and
effective performance of the stove.
During the combustion process, the vermiculite plates turn white giving the flame
clear and shining look. When combustion is regulated properly, the surface of these
plates remains clean and white. Thus, the plates act as indicator – a light colour
indicates that the combustion quality is high, a dark colour signals that combustion
quality is poor.
• Vermiculite plates do not require any specific maintenance. Gentle cleaning with a
brush to remove any ash residue is all that is necessary.
• Do not use any abrasive sponges to clean the most resistant spots – they could diminish the thickness of the vermiculite plates thus
creating critical points that may result in cracking.
• Do not use any wet cloths to clean the plates.
• Do not use the tube of a vacuum cleaner in direct contact with the vermiculite plates. Work keeping the tube’s head withdrawn at
a safe distance from the plates.
Vermiculite is resistant to heat. However, it is fragile and not resistant to knocks. Please, do not exercise
strength; handle it with care when moving.
Slight abrasion can appear on the vermiculite plates after a few hours of firing. This is absolutely normal as the flame creates microgrooves in
the surface of the plates without imposing considerable damage. The lifetime length of the vermiculite plates depends only on how carefully
their maintenance is performed.
Clean the vermiculite plates only after they
have cooled down. Use a vacuum cleaner to
remove the ashes.
• FLAME TRAP CLEANING
The flame trap must be taken out and cleaned every 2 days.
Perform this procedure after the stove cools down completely.
Fig. 16 presents the sequence of the flame trap removal.
The flame trap is located inside the combustion chamber, in
its top part. It rests on two supports – the front and the rear
one. Grasp the flame trap; pull it towards yourself until the
lower part of the trap gets loose. Then, pull down it, remove
the flame trap from the chamber and clean. When done,
work in the opposite sequence to place it back.
• FLUE CHANNELS CLEANING
The flue channels must be cleaned from combustion
approximately once every three months. This period strongly
depends upon the quality of wood pellets. For this type of
cleaning, it is recommended to consult with the technician
Fig. 15
Vermiculite plates kit.
Fig. 16
Removing the flame trap.
1. Rear support; 2. Front support.
2
1
