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Open the air wash control and the primary air control fully. Place some tightly rolled
paper on top of some crumpled paper on the base towards the back of the stove. On top
of this, place some small pieces of wood and on top of that a few small pieces of mineral
fuel. Light the crumpled paper and close the door. Once the fire becomes established
and the fuel is burning, more fuel can be added. When the stove is hot and the fuel is no
longer producing smoke, the air wash control can be reduced. The burning rate of the
fire can now be controlled with bottom air slider. As air from the primary air slider flows
up through the grate it will cool the grate preventing it from overheating and becoming
damaged. Reducing the air inlet and introducing air only from the air wash will allow the
fuel to burn but the grate will not be cooled resulting in damage to the grate. When
controlling the fire, the air inlet should be altered gradually. Reducing the primary air
dramatically and all at once on a hot stove will cause the fuel to clinker and will result in
a build-up of gases and smoke which could ignite with a bang the moment air is
reintroduced.
EXTENDED BURNING
Before adding a large amount of fuel, the grate should be de-ashed and the ash pan
emptied. Add the fuel sloping it from the front coal bar up to the back of the stove to
the level of the top of the back brick. Open the primary air inlet and let the fire burn for
a period on high rate in order to hit the stove back up to temperature and drive off the
moisture and gases in the fuel. If a lot of smoke is produced on reloading, the air wash
control can be opened further to keep the smoke back from the glass. As the fire gets
back up to the temperature, reduce the air wash control and reduce the primary air inlet
to suit the burning rate. The exact setting of the air controls depends on a number of
variables including: the flue draught, the fuel used and the installation and so the best
setting for your stove can only be learned by experience.
ASH REMOVAL
The level of ash should not be allowed to build up to the level of the grate. If the level of
ash becomes too high the air through the grate will become restricted causing the grate
to overheat and preventing the fuel from burning efficiently.
MINERAL FUELS
Ordinary bituminous house coal is not recommended and must not be burned in smoke
control areas. Burning bituminous house coal will result in a sooty stove and chimney,
and the stove glass will require cleaning regularly. There are numerous natural
anthracites and manufactured smokeless fuels that will burn cleanly and have more
reliable burning characteristics. A list of these fuels and their suitability is produced by
HETAS (www.hetas.co.uk). Consult your local fuel merchant to find out what is available
in your area. Petro coke should not be used as it burns very hot and may damage the
stove casting.
The above text should be used as a guide only. The ideal operation of
your stove depends on a number of factors, which vary with each
installation, and so gaining experience operating your stove is the only
way to learn its best operation.