Vermont Casting 1945 Catalytic Element, Inspection and Cleaning, Inspecting the Combustor

Defiant Woodburning Stove

The Catalytic Element

This wood heater contains a catalytic combustor, which needs periodic inspection and replacement for proper operation. In the United States it is against the law to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with the operating instructions in this manual, or if the cata- lytic element is deactivated or removed.

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic com- bustor should remain active for two to six years (de- pending on the amount of wood burned). However, it is important to monitor the combustor periodically to ensure that it is functioning properly, as well as to de- termine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning combustor will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an increase in creosote and emissions.

Inspection and Cleaning

Inspect the combustor “in place” for fly ash accumula- tion and physical damage three times per year. Clean the combustor as needed. Do not remove the com- bustor unless a more detailed inspection is warranted because of diminished performance as outlined in the next section.

The refractory package that houses the catalytic com- bustor should be inspected annually for a buildup of fly ash and cleaned if necessary. This may be done when you examine the combustor.

When to Suspect a Combustor Problem

The best way to evaluate the performance of your Defiant’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke leaving the chimney — both when the combustor has “lighted-off” and when it has not. Follow these steps:

•With a fire going and the combustor properly activat- ed, with the damper closed to route smoke through it as described in the Operation Section, go outside and observe the smoke leaving the chimney.

•Then, open the stove damper and once again check the smoke leaving the chimney.

You should see significantly more smoke when the stove damper is open and exhaust does not pass through the combustor. However, be careful not to confuse smoke with steam from wet wood. Steam dis- sipates in the air quickly; smoke does not.

If this test indicates a problem, consider other possible factors as well, such as the weather or a change in the quality of your fuel. In warm weather, draft is weaker than it is in colder winter weather, and fires can burn sluggishly. Small, hot fires are a good solution under these conditions.

Burning “green” (insufficiently seasoned) wood will result in poorer performance than burning properly seasoned fuel. You may have to run your stove hotter (more air) to achieve acceptable performance using green or wet wood.

Also, consider any changes in your operating routine.

Once you have ruled out any other possible causes for a decline in performance, inspect and clean the com- bustor if necessary. Be sure to protect any surface you use for setting the stove parts aside.

Inspecting the Combustor

1.Lift the throat off its support brackets, and then remove it from the stove and place it on a protected surface. (Fig. 42)

2.Use a flashlight, and a mirror if necessary, to exam- ine the combustor. If no fly ash or damage is visible, the inspection is complete and you may replace the baffle. If closer examination or cleaning is needed, go to the next section.

	Baffle Support
	Brackets
Catalytic
Element
ST555
Fig. 42	Lift the baffle off its supports to inspect the catlyst.

Removing and Cleaning the Combustor

1.Remove the firebricks. Lift off the steel clip and remove the bricks individually. (Fig. 43)

2.Tap the left and right wedges upward, and remove the lower fireback by pulling it forward. You can either let it lie face down on the firebox floor, or re- move it from the stove, through the front door open- ing. (Fig. 44)

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