American Energy Systems O2 Catalytic - Manual (Page 18)

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CATALYTIC COMBUSTORS
Catalytic stoves contain catalytic combustors. Approximately 70% to 95% of the chemical energy contained in wood logs
turns into heat as they are burned in a conventional stove (assuming optimal operation.) If smoke (flue gas) does escape
up the chimney without being burnt, about 30% of the chemical energy is lost. This lost energy pollutes the chimney
system and the atmosphere. The catalytic combustor was designed to make use of this wasted chemical energy. The
combustor makes uses of more of the chemical energy by ensuring flue gases ignite at lower burn temperatures; therefore,
the catalytic stove has the potential to: a) reduce chimney creosote buildup, b) reduce air pollution, and c) reduce
operating costs when compared to a conventional stove.
The catalytic combustor consists of a durable temperature resistant ceramic composition, which is extruded into a
honeycomb shape. This ceramic material is then fired and covered with a noble-metal catalyst. As smoke from the fire
contacts the combustor, it ignites at temperatures as low as 500
O
F. Flue gases normally ignite at 1,000
O
F. Country Flame
recommends waiting until the probe thermometer reaches 700°F before engaging the catalytic combustor. (Catalytic
operation, called “light off,” will not occur until the stove and catalyst exceeds 500°F to 700°F.) The Catalytic Bypass
Rod must be disengaged to allow flue gases to bypass the catalytic combustors until the stove’s firebox reaches
approximately 700°F, the temperature necessary to sustain combustor light off.”
CATALYTIC BYPASS ROD
The catalytic bypass rod determines whether exhaust emissions travel up the chimney unimpeded or pass through the
catalytic combustor to be cleaned on the way to the chimney. On Country Flame models, the catalytic combustor should
be disengaged (pulled out on some models and pushed in on some models) when the fire is started. This allows
combustion gases to bypass the catalytic combustors. As the stove reaches approximately 700°F the catalytic bypass rod
should be engaged (pulled out on some models and pushed in on some models) thus closing off the flue and forcing all
combustion gas to pass through the combustor. The catalytic bypass rod should always be disengaged when loading or
reloading the stove with additional wood fuel.
BLOWER UNITS
Blowers circulate room air through and around the catalytic stove to provide additional heating capability to the home.
Refer to TABLE 5 and TABLE 6 to determine whether a blower is standard or optional on the unit purchased. The
blower is designed to pull cool room air into and through the hot stove and back out into the room to provide additional
heating value from the stove. Refer to blower specifications on a specific model for specific types and operation of each
blower. A stove’s firebox should reach proper operating temperature in order to minimize emissions and improve
operating efficiency; therefore, a room air blower system should not be operated for at least 30 minutes after starting a
fire. (This information is not applicable to catalytic stoves that do not include an optional blower system.)
8” PROBE THERMOMETER
A probe thermometer is provided with each catalytic stove. This
probe thermometer is used to measure the temperature at the
catalytic combustor. Replacement probe thermometers are
available from Country Flame or a local authorized dealer. The
probe thermometer is installed directly above the hood and
slightly to the left of the air bypass damper on the top left face of
the stove. Refer to FIGURE 15 for the proper location of the
probe on the face of the stove.
FIGURE 15: PROBE THERMOMETER