12 NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE
22.0 CATALYSTS
WARNING
Do not block the catalysts or the appliance outlet grill.
Blockage may cause high carbon monoxide levels
and/or breakage of the glass facia panel.
It is recommended that the catalysts are inspected for signs of damage
and dirt during routine servicing procedures. The expected life of the
catalysts is in excess of 11,000 hours (10 years of normal use). After
this time the catalyst should be replaced.
If there are any deposits of dirt or soot on the catalysts they should be
cleaned with a soft brush and a vacuum cleaner. If removed for cleaning
ensure the seals are in good condition before replacing the catalyst. New
seals will usually be required.
The performance of the catalyst may be checked using a combustion
gas analyzer as follows.
Important: The temperature of the gases emitted by the catalytic
converters reach very high temperatures (up to 700° F). Measuring
gas of this temperature may damage some types of gas analyzers. If
in doubt consult the equipment manufacturer.
Turn on the fireplace as per the operating instructions, and run at maximum
setting for 15 minutes. Position gas sample probe directly over a catalyst
via the outlet grill, on top of the appliance. Record the carbon dioxide
(CO2) concentration and then the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration
as displayed by the analyzer - also noting the units in which the values
are expressed. Most analyzers display carbon dioxide (CO2) concentra-
tions in percentage (%) terms and carbon monoxide concentration in
parts per million (ppm) terms.
In order to calculate the combustion ratio for the appliance (CO/CO2)
it is first necessary to express both gas concentrations in terms of per-
centage. To convert from parts per million (ppm) to a percentage (%)
divide the ppm figure by 10,000. Examples : 35ppm = 0.0035%, 15ppm
= 0.0015%, 5ppm = 0.0005%.
Now divide the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) expressed in
percent by the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) to obtain the
appliance combustion ratio.
CO (%)
CO2 (%) = ratio
The combustion ratio of the gasses emitted by the catalytic convertor
should not exceed 0.0015.
If replacing, firstly, remove the glass facia as described in Section 17.0.
The catalysts are located on the top of the internal firebox and can be
removed be unscrewing the retaining nuts securing the clamping plate.
Remove the catalysts and seals and discard.
Refit a new catalysts and seals in reverse order, ensure the catalysts
and door have good seals.
23.0 TESTING FOR FIREBOX LEAKAGE
Appliances that are several years old or have been extensively dismantled
should be checked for soundness. It is important that all the products
of combustion pass through the catalytic converters at the top of the
firebox before leaving the appliance.
The firebox is heated by lighting for a few minutes to provide a flow
through the firebox. The burner is then shut off and a smoke pellet or
match introduced at the base of the fire underneath the burner tray. Large
quantities of smoke will emerge from the top of the appliance, but none
should emerge from the joints or gasket faces, especially around the
door. It is important to note that the appliance can never be expected
to be 100% smoke tight and small quantities of smoke may be seen in
corners of joints and gasket faces etc without affecting safety when the
appliance is in operation.
24.0 CLEANING
GLASS PANEL -This can be cleaned with a suitable glass cleaner. The
following solutions are approved for use to clean glass.
• Non-ammonia based household cleaner
• 50% -50% mix of white vinegar and water
• Gas fireplace/stove glass cleaner
PAINTED AREAS - These can be cleaned using a dry cloth.
FINISHED METAL AREAS - These can either be cleaned using a proprietary
metal cleaner or baby oil. Test on a small hidden part before cleaning.
Always clean in the direction of the grain.
WARNING
Do not operate the appliance with the catalyst units
removed.
DO NOT BLOCK THESE AREAS
Figure 8 - Catalysts and Outlet Grill