Quadra-Fire 810-03201 8Operating Instructions, A. Fuel Size, Material and Storage, Wood Pellets

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Castile Pellet Insert

8Operating Instructions

A. Fuel Size, Material and Storage

1. Wood Pellets

Fuel pellets are made from sawdust or wood by-products. If the source material is hardwood, they can have a higher mineral content, creating more ash. Fuels containing bark will also have higher ash content. Minerals and other noncombustible materials such as sand will turn into a hard, glass-like substance called a clinker when heated to the extreme temperatures our

firepot reaches. This is what forms clinkers in the bottom of the

firepot. Trees from different areas will vary in mineral content. That is why some fuels produce more clinkers than others. Pellets are manufactured in either 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch (6-8mm) diameter and should be no more than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) in length. Pellet lengths may even vary by lot from the same manufacturer which is why the feed rate may need to be adjusted occasionally. If you burn pellets longer than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) you may have an inconsistent fuel feed rate and/or missed ignitions.

Pellet fuel quality can greatly fl uctuate. We recommend using premium grade fuel with ash content less than 1%. Even in some fuel labeled “premium” ash content can vary from bag to bag and possibly exceed 1%. High ash fuel, or lack of maintenance, can cause the fi repot to fi ll up and thus create a potential for smoking, sooting and possible hopper fi res.

Always burn dry fuel. Burning fuel with high moisture content takes heat from the fuel and tends to cool the appliance, robbing heat from your home. Damp pellet fuel can clog the feed system.

2. Shelled Field Corn (Cont’d)

corn used. In cases where it is acceptable for the appliance to run full time, 100% corn will work after the fi re has been started using wood pellets.

When purchasing corn to burn in your appliance, read the ingredient label very carefully. Do NOT purchase fuel

that contains any additives such as oils (i.e. soybean oil) and meals as it will result in poor unit performance. If you are buying corn the only ingredient that should be listed is corn.

Shelled fi eld corn must be 15% or less moisture content. The corn must be clean and free from debris. Never burn corn straight from the fi eld. Stalk parts, excessive fi nes and cob remnants, etc. will clog the auger mechanism. Corn with excessive grain dust must be screened by sifting with 3/16 (4.76mm) inch mesh screening.

Do not burn treated seed corn in your appliance. Seed corn is treated with chemical pesticides that are harmful or fatal if swallowed; therefore, seed corn is dangerous to have in the house, expecially where children can reach it. Burning treated seed corn in your appliane will void your warranty and will destroy the exhaust system on the unit.

When changing to a different fuel, be sure to empty the hopper of the previous fuel and vacuum the hopper before you fi ll it with the new fuel.

We recommend that you buy fuel in multi-ton lots whenever possible. Buying large quantities of fuel at once will greatly reduce the number of times the feed adjustments will need to be made. However, we do recommend trying various brands before purchasing multi-ton lots to ensure your satisfaction.

WARNING

FIRE RISK.

•High ash fuels, or lack of maintenance, can cause the firepot to overfill. Follow proper shutdown procedure if ash buildup exceeds half way point in firepot.

•Failure to do so could result in smoking, sooting and possible hopper fires.

2.Shelled Field Corn

Extensive factory and fi eld testing has demonstrated shelled

field corn to be an effi cient and very economical fuel. We recommend the use of a 50-50 blend of corn and wood pellets. The only change in operation is that the feed rate may require a slight adjustment. The BTU output of the appliance varies slightly compared to pellets, depending on the quality of the

WARNING

Risk of Chemical Poisoning.

•Do Not burn treated seed corn

•Chemical pesticides are harmful or fatal if swallowed

•Burning treated seed corn will void your warranty

3. Storage

Wood pellets should be left in their original sealed bag until using. This will prevent moisture absorption.

Shelled corn should be stored in a tight container where it will not absorb moisture from damp or wet fl oors. This will also prevent rodents from becoming a problem.

Do not store any pellet fuel within the clearance requirements or in an area that would hinder routine cleaning and maintenance.

Page 24 250-7251G August 20, 2009