American Energy Systems O2 Catalytic - Manual (Page 53)

53
FIRST FIRE, STEP 1
Please read and understand this manual before installing, operating, or attempting to maintain a Country Flame Catalytic
Stove. Failure to follow instructions, warnings, or understand safety issues may result in property damage, bodily injury
or even loss of life.
FIRST FIRE, STEP 2
All Country Flame catalytic stoves are approved to burn natural untreated properly seasoned wood fuel. Any other fuel,
such as coal, synthetic logs, plywood, paint, particleboard, chemical lighters, or chemically treated fuel may produce
poison gas and will ruin the catalyst combustor inside the Country Flame stove. The catalyst is designed for burning dry
seasoned wood. When operated properly, the catalyst will ignite gases whose temperatures can approach 2,000
O
F and the
catalyst will turn cherry red with heat. If any parts of the steel stove or chimney system turn red, immediate action is
required in order to slow down the burn rate and prevent over firing. As temperatures drop, the catalyst will continue to
function properly long after the red glow is gone.
FIRST FIRE, STEP 3
Before a fire is started in the stove, become knowledgeable with all stove controls associated with a specific catalytic
model. Different catalytic models operate differently. On some stoves, pushing in on the catalyst rod may disable the
catalyst while on other models pulling out on the catalyst rod may disable the catalyst. Whether you have experience with
a catalytic stove or this is a new experience, it is imperative that the operator know how to control the stove in all
situations and be prepared to react to any situation.
KNOWING WHERE THE STOVE CONTROLS ARE, WHAT THEY DO, AND HOW TO OPERATE THESE
CONTROLS IS CRITICAL TO SAFE AND PROPER STOVE OPERATION. REFER TO THE SPECIFIC
STOVE SECTIONS AND ENSURE THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF EACH CONTROL BEFORE
CONTINUING TO START THE FIRST FIRE.
FIRST FIRE, STEP 4
In preparing for the first fire, ensure that the controls are set as follows:
1
Set the combustion air controls wide open. This allows for maximum airflow into the firebox to create maximum
draft as a fire starts.
2
Ensure that the catalyst bypass rod is set such that the catalyst is bypassed during fire startup. Once the stove has
reached around 500
O
F to 700
O
F, the catalyst will be engaged to ensure a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn occurs in
the stove. Ensure that the 8” probe thermometer has been installed and is visible on the front of the stove. This
thermometer provides critical information during stove operation.
3
Once a fire is started, the stove will warm quickly and controls may become warm if not hot to the touch. It is
important to have a hot pad or insulated gloves available at all times so that controls can be adjusted regardless of their
temperature.
FIRST FIRE, IGNITION
1 Open the front door of the unit and build a small fire as defined in the following steps. It is important to keep the
first couple fires small (less than ½ hour in duration) so that the stove and chimney system can be tested for any leaks,
proper operation, and proper draft.