Troubleshooting Steps
2 - 15
© 1998 Travis Industries, Inc.
93508201
011202
Pellet Quality
With the surge in popularity of pellet heaters came the tremendous increase in pellet demand. Because pellets are
made from wood by-products, pellet manufacturing is dependent upon the supply of these by-products and the
quality found therein. Unfortunately, this surge in pellet manufacturing has led to a decline in the quality of the raw
materials used to produce the pellets. Ideally, pellets should have a very low moisture, ash, dirt, and salt content.
Some pellets do not. Pellets should have a consistent diameter of 1/4", 5/16", or 7 mm. Pellets should also be no
longer than 1 1/2" long. Some pellets are longer. There is no real pellet monitoring agency, so you must monitor
pellet quality yourself. Pellets left outside in damp conditions may absorb water, decreasing performance. Poor
pellets may lead to the symptoms listed below.
Poor quality pellets may
lead to clinkers in the
firepot (look for dark
spots on the burn grate
while the stove is
burning)
Poor quality pellets may
lead to dirty glass,
especially if it is black
and sooty
Poor quality pellets
may lead to
excessive flyash,
making the stove
require more
frequent cleaning
Poor quality
pellets may
lead to the
auger jamming
frequently
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Recommendation:
Bring 3 bags of pellets that you have tested and are high quality. Let the customer burn the pellets and check for
these signs of bad pellets: clinkers develop in the air holes on the bottom of the firepot; the auger jams for no apparent
reason, and when the hopper is cleaned out, the auger runs again; there is more than one-half cup of sawdust in the
bottom of the bag of pellets; or, the pellets don't burn well on a low burn rate. It is best to check one brand of pellets
versus another to see the difference first-hand. The Association of Pellet Fuel Manufacturers has set the following
standards for pellets: density of at least 40 lbs. per cubic foot; 1/4" to 5/16" diameter; length no greater than 1 1/2";
8200 BTU's/lb.; moisture under 8% by weight; ash under 1% by weight; and, salt under 300 parts per million.
