Regency Classic F5100 Extra Large Wood Stove - Manual (Page 25)

F5100 Regency Freestanding Woodstove
25
MAINTENANCE
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR
ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING CATALYST LIGHT-OFF:
The temperature in the stove and the gases entering the combustor must
be raised to between 500F to 700F for catalytic activity to be initiated.
During the start up of a cold stove a medium to high fi ring rate must be
maintained for about 30 minutes. This ensures that the stove, catalyst and
fuel are all stabilized at proper operating temperatures. Even though it is
possible to have temperatures at 600F within minutes after a fi re has been
started, if the fi re is allowed to die down immediately it may go out or the
combustor may stop working. Once the combustor starts working, heat
generated in it by burning the smoke will keep it working. During re-fueling
and rekindling of the cool fi re, or a fi re that has burned down to the char-
coal phase, operate the stove at a medium to high fi ring rate for about 10
minutes to ensure that he catalyst reaches operating temperatures.
There are some obvious signs of trouble that your inspection may reveal.
The temperature in the stove and the gases entering the combustor must
be raised to between 500F to 700F for catalytic activity to be initiated.
During the start up of a cold stove a medium to high fi ring rate must be
maintained for about 30 minutes. This ensures that the stove, catalyst and
fuel are all stabilized at proper operating temperatures. Even though hit is
possible to have temperatures at 600F within minutes after a fi re has been
started, if the fi re is allowed to die down immediately it may go out or the
combustor may stop working. Once the combustor starts working, heat
generated in it by burning the smoke will keep it working. During re-fueling
and rekindling of the cool fi re, or a fi re that has burned down to the char-
coal phase, operate the stove at a medium to high fi ring rate for about 10
minutes to ensure that he catalyst reaches operating temperatures.
CATALYST MONITORING: It is important to periodically monitor the
operation of the catalytic combustor to ensure that it is functioning properly
and to determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning combus-
tor will result in a loss of heating effi ciency, and an increase in creosote
and emissions. Following is a list of items that should be checked on a
periodic basis.
• Combustors should be visually inspected at least three times during the
heating season to determine if physical degradation has occurred. Actual
removal of the combustor is not recommended unless more detailed
inspection is warranted because of decreased performance. If any of
these conditions exist, refer to Catalyst trouble shooting section of this
owner’s manual.
• A good combustor is designed to withstand approximately 12,000 hours
of continuous use. This will translate into fi ve to ten years of use, depend-
ing on the length of your heating season and how often you use your
stove. Proper maintenance will increase the combustor’s effectiveness
and prevent many problems. Inspect your combustor before each heating
season, and during the season if your stove’s performance seems to
change.
• This catalytic heater is equipped with a temperature probe to monitor
catalyst operation. Properly functioning combustors typically maintain
temperatures in excess of 500F and often reach temperatures in excess
of 1000F. If catalyst temperatures are not in within, refer to Catalyst
trouble shooting section of this manual.
• You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is working by compar-
ing the amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the smoke is going
through the combustor and catalyst light – off has been achieved, to the
amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the smoke is not routed (by-
pass open) through the combustor.
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR CLEANING:
Method #1
A vacuum cleaner may be used, but never use high pressured air to
blow the cells free of any build-up. This can damage the cell walls. Any
cell blockage can be removed with the use of a pipe cleaner or a cotton
swab as well.
Method #2
Should the combustor’s cells become covered with fl y-ash, use a paint-
brush or soft-bristled brush and dust the combustor gently.
Never use anything abrasive to clean the combustor.
Method #3
Normally the catalytic combustor requires little or no maintenance, it
generates such high temperatures and therefore is basically self-cleaning.
However, should the combustor become covered with soot or creosote, it
is possible to burn the accumulation off by opening the bypass and build-
ing a hot fi re.
Once the hot fi re is created, close the bypass halfway and burn for 30
to 60 minutes with the bypass left in this position. Never use cleaning
solvents to clean it.
Check and clean the combustor, if necessary, before each burning sea-
son and inspect the fl ue system for any signs of creosote buildup.
A clean fl ue helps prevent chimney fl ue fi res.
Step 1: Light the stove in accordance with instructions within this
manual.
Step 2: With smoke routed through the catalyst (by-pass closed)
go outside and observe the emissions leaving the chimney.
Step 3: Engage the bypass mechanism and move to by-pass
open position. And again observe the emission leaving the
chimney. Signifi cantly more smoke should be seen when
the smoke is not routed through the combustor (by-pass
open). Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam.
ACHIEVING PROPER DRAFT: Draft is the force which moves air from the
appliance up through the chimney. The amount of draft in your chimney
depends on the length of the chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions
and other factors. Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures in the
appliance and may damage the catalytic combustor. Inadequate draft may
cause back puffi ng into the room and plugging of the chimney or catalyst.
F5100 Flamegaurd & Catalyst