Pacific Energy FP16 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual - page 5
FP16 040515-28
5
©PACIFIC ENERGY FIREPLACE
PRODUCTS LTD.
Chimney Smoke and Creosote
Formation
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic
vapours, which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively
cool chimney fl ue of a slow burning fi re. As a result, creosote
residue accumulates on the fl ue lining. When ignited, this
creosote makes an extremely hot fi re. The chimney connector
and chimney should be inspected periodically (at least once
every two months) during the heating season to determine if
a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated
(3 mm. or more), it should be removed to reduce the risk of
a chimney fi re.
1. The highest smoke densities and emissions occur when
a large amount of wood is added to a bed of hot coals
and the air inlet is closed. The heated wood generates
smoke, but without ample air, the smoke cannot burn.
Smoke-free, clean burning requires smaller fuel loads,
two or three logs at a time or 1/4 to 1/2 of fuel load and
leaving the air inlet relatively wide open, especially during
the fi rst 10 to 30 minutes after each loading, when most
of the smoke generating reactions are occurring. After 30
minutes or so, the air inlet can be turned down substantially
without excessive smoke generation. Wood coals create
very little creosote-producing smoke.
2. The cooler the surface over which the wood smoke is
passing, the more creosote will be condensed. Wet or green
wood contributes signifi cantly to creosote formation as the
excess moisture that is boiled off cools the fi re, making
it difficult for the tars and gases to ignite, thus creating
dense smoke and poor combustion. This moisture-laden
smoke cools the chimney, compounding the problem by
offering the smoke the ideal place to condense.
In summary, a certain amount of creosote is inevitable
and must be lived with. Regular inspection and cleaning is
the solution. The use of dry, seasoned wood and ample
combustion air will help to minimize annoying smoke
meissions and creosote buildup.
Chimney Fires
The result of excessive creosote buildup is a chimney fi re.
Chimney fi res are dangerous. Temperatures inside the chim-
ney can exceed 2000° F(1093˚C). This causes much higher
than normal temperatures on its exterior surfaces. Thus
ignition of nearby or touching combustible material is more
likely during a chimney fi re. Proper clearances are critical
during such a fi re.
Chimney fi res are easy to detect; they usually involve one or
more of the following:
-Flames and sparks shooting out of the top of the
chimney
-A roaring sound
-Vibration of the chimney
In the event of a Chimney Fire
1. Prepare to evacuate to ensure everyone's safety. Have
a well understood plan of action for evacuation. Have a
place outside where everyone is to meet.
2. Close air inlet on fi replace.
3. Call local fi re department. Have a fi re extinguisher handy.
Contact your local municipal or provincial fi re authority for
further information on how to handle a chimney fi re. It is
most important that you have a clearly understood plan
on how to handle a chimney fi re.
4. After the chimney fi re is out, the chimney system must be
cleaned and checked for damage before starting another
fi re. Have the system inspected by a certifi ed installer
or chimney sweep. Also check combustibles around the
chimney and the roof.
Preventing a Chimney Fire
There are three things you can do to prevent chimney fi res:
1. Do not let creosote build up to a point where a chimney
fi re is possible.
2. Do not have fi res in the heater that may ignite chimney
fi res. These are very hot fi res, such as when burning
household trash, cardboard, Christmas tree limbs, or
even ordinary fuel wood; (e.g.. with a full load on a hot
bed of coals and with the air control open for long period
of time.)
3 Regular inspections and cleaning.
- The services of a competent or certifi ed installer, (certifi ed
by the Wood Energy Technical Training program (WETT) - in
Canada, Hearth Education Foundation (HEARTH) - in U.S.A.,)
are strongly recommended.
Wood Selection
This heater is designed to burn natural wood only. Higher
efficiency and lower emissions generally result when burning
air-dried seasoned hardwoods, as compared to softwoods or
to green or freshly cut hardwoods.
Wood should be properly air dried (seasoned) for six months
or more. Wet or undried wood will cause the fi re to smoulder
and produce large amounts of creosote. Wet wood also
produces very little heat and tends to go out often.
Do not burn anything but wood. Other fuels, eg. charcoal,
can produce large amounts of carbon monoxide, a tasteless,
odourless gas that can kill. Under no circumstances should
you attempt to barbecue in this heater.
How to Test Your Wood
Add a large piece of wood to the fi replace when it has a large
hot bed of coals. It is dry if it is burning on more than one
side within one minute. It is damp if it turns black and lights
within three minutes. If it sizzles, hisses and blackens without
igniting in fi ve minutes it is soaked and should not be burnt.