New Buck Corporation 20 Room Heater Combustor-Relatedproblems, Problem, Possible Cause, Solution

COMBUSTOR-RELATED PROBLEMS

Problem	Possible Cause
1. Plugging	1. Burning materials that
	produce a lot of char and fly
	ash
	2. Burning wet, pitchy wood or
	burning large loads of small
	diameter wood with the com-
	bustor in the operating
	position without light-off
	taking place

3. Combustor not functioning. If proper burning procedures have been followed to no avail, the combustor is not functioning.

Solution

1.Do not burn materials such as garbage, gift wrap or cardboard

2.Burn dry, seasoned wood. Don’t place the combustor in the operating position until temperatures are high enough to initiate light-off. It may be possible to burn the accumulated soot or creosote off by putting the combustor in a partially open-partially closed position after a “hot” fire has been started.

3.Replace combustor

2. Catalyst Peeling	1. Extreme temperatures (above
	1800o F or 1000o C) at
	combustor surface can cause
	the catalyst to peel. Over-
	firing and flame
	impingement are primary
	causes

1.If peeling is severe, remove and replace combustor. Avoid extreme temperatures

3. Chemical Deactivation	1. Burning large quantities of
	trash, pressure treated
	lumber or painted wood.

1.Burn quality wood available in your area. If you decide the catalyst has been deactivated, replace combustor.

4.Catalyst Masking—a catalyst with a layer of fly ash or soot which prevents catalytic activity

1.Not maintaining light-off temperatures

2.Burning coal causes a sulfur based compound to coat the catalyst

1.Place combustor in a partially closed position after a “hot” fire has been started to burn soot off.

2.Revert to burning wood and fire the combustor at elevated temperatures for a period of 1 hour. (Five 20 minute high-fire startups would do it)

5. Substrate Cracking-Thermal	1. Normal operation, as long as
	combustor remains intact.

1.If cracking causes blockage of exhaust gases, replace combustor