PI-1010A
Page 34
DATE PRINTED: 4/7/11
Version 1.05
The catalytic activity and effectiveness of a two to three
year old Süd-Chemie Prototech Catalytic Combustor
can be improved by following this “MAJOR CLEANING
PROCEDURE”.
For normal maintenance, refer to your
stove manufacturer’s operation manual.
Major cleaning
should not be required more than once a year for
heavy-use stoves and every two years for light-use
stoves. This procedure should be followed only if the
owner feels comfortable with performing this
procedure. If not, a trained chimney sweep should be
contacted.
Before attempting this cleaning procedure, familiarize
yourself with your stove manufacturer’s operation
manual. Improper removal, handling or reinstallation of
the catalytic combustor can damage it or your stove.
This cleaning procedure is for the catalytic combustor
only, and it does not reduce or eliminate the need for
regular chimney inspection and cleaning.
Important Tips for Maximum Combustor
Effectiveness:
1. Burn natural wood only. Do not burn trash, garbage,
artificial or paper logs, gift wrappings, coal, lighter
fluids, chemical starters, treated or painted wood,
driftwood or chemical cleaners. These may contain
chemicals that could de-activate the catalyst.
2. Catalytic combustor temperatures above 1800°F.
(1000°C.) will shorten the life of a combustor.
Combustor temperatures between 1400°F and
1600°F. (760°C-870°C) are common, but operating
temperatures between 700°F and 1400°F(371°C.-
760°C.) are recommended.
3. Full catalytic operation occurs at catalytic combustor
temperatures above 700°F. (371°C.). Combustor
glowing only occurs at temperatures above 1000°F.
(538°C.) With aged combustors, there will be less
glowing, but as long as the combustor reaches light-
off temperature of 500°F-700°F. (260°C-371°C.)
catalytic operation is very effective. THE
COMBUSTOR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE
GLOWING TO BE OPERATING EFFICIENTLY.
4. To prevent damage to your combustor,
do not
- drop the combustor
- run water through the combustor
- remove the metal band from the combustor
- scrape the inside walls of the combustor
- use compressed air to clean the combustor
Major Cleaning Procedure
■ Inspection
■ Necessary Equipment
■ Cleaning Steps
■ Inspection - Prior to Major Cleaning:
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE THE COMBUSTOR WHILE
IT OR ANY PORTION OF THE STOVE IS HOT.
Carefully remove the combustor from the stove (see your
Use & Care Manual).
Do not remove the stainless steel band
or manufacturer’s combustor holder from around the outside
of the combustor
. It is very important that the unit is handled
CAREFULLY. The combustor is a brittle ceramic and could
break if it is handled roughly or dropped. Replace the
combustor with a new part if it is damaged or worn out.
Consult your Use & Care Manual or Süd-Chemie Prototech’s
Trouble Shooting Guide.
For the major cleaning to be effective, the combustor must
not be coated with creosote, but should be light gray or beige
in color. If the combustor is coated with creosote (dark black
or dark brown), operate the stove with the combustor in place
at a higher than your normal burn rate to burn-off the
accumulated soot and creosote (see Süd-Chemie
Prototech’s Troubleshooting Guide). USE CAUTION - do not
overheat the stove or chimney. Allow the stove and ash bed
to cool completely before proceeding. Re-inspect the
combustor. If the creosote build-up remains. repeat the burn-
off procedure.
■ Necessary Equipment:
- Combustor removal instructions from the Use & Care
Manual for your stove.
- Distilled water - 2 to 3 gallons, enough to completely cover
the combustor by at least ½”, three separate times. Do not
use tap water - it may contain minerals that will reduce the
effectiveness of the cleaning.
- White vinegar - 2 to 3 quarts, enough to make a 50/50
solution with the distilled water to cover the combustor
once.
- A pot - large enough to preheat the cleaning solution and
the rinse water.
- An old pot or roasting pan - large enough for the combustor
to be covered with at least ½” of cleaning solution. The top
surface of the combustor must be covered with cleaning
solution at all times. Do not reuse the pot for cooking
purposes.
- Plastic-coated wire (16 gauge multi-strand works well) - for
use as a grab handle. Do not scrape the inside walls of the
combustor.
- Tools and materials required to remove and reinstall the
combustor.
- Vacuum cleaner (one used in the home).
Major Cleaning Procedure
for Süd-Chemie Prototech’s Catalytic Combustors
