This page answers the question "SHOULD I USE A CATALYTIC OR NON CATALYTIC
WOOD STOVE?"
SHOULD I USE A CATALYTIC OR NON CATALYTIC WOOD STOVE?
EPA TESTING!
It is true that in most EPA testing, catalytic stoves are about 10% more
efficient than the non cat stoves, but this does not necessarily give an
entirely accurate picture. The EPA emissions tests and efficiency listings are
based on the average of several different test burns at low, medium, and high.
Also, a special crib of wood is used: 2"x4" wood for small stoves; mixed "2X4"
and 4"x4" for larger stoves; and all 4"x4" for the largest stoves. This is done
for consistency in burning between the different stoves. If you always burn the
stove on a very high burn the difference in efficiency between catalytic and non
catalytic stoves will be less than 10%. If you usually burn the stove on medium
or low the difference will be more than 10%.
WHY THE DIFFERENCE
At high burns the catalytic stoves and non cat stoves are relatively close in
efficiency, but as they are burnt at lower and lower rates the catalytic stoves
performance improves. At a very low burn the catalytic stoves are much more than
10% more efficient, and at high burns they are close to the same efficiency. The
overall efficiency difference is based on the average of the test burns, and is
usually about 10%. On the very high burns most of the volatile material is burnt
in the primary combustion chamber so there is not much for the catalyst to burn.
Also because we have higher flow rates through the catalyst at the high burn it
is less effective.
AT THE LOW BURN
At the other extreme, during the low burn we do not have sufficient
temperature to burn the gasses in the primary and secondary combustion chambers
in the non cat stoves -- a lot of the potential heat of the wood goes up the
chimney as unburned hydrocarbons in non cat stoves. In the pre EPA stoves it was
possible for half of the heat of the wood to go up the chimney as unburned
hydrocarbons. This means if you did not let any of the heat go up the chimney,
by venting the stove directly into the house ( of course you would damage the
house and kill any body who chose to stay in the house ) the stove would still
only be 50% efficient. In this case, 50% of the heat value of the wood is never
released as heat, but is discharged as unburned hydrocarbons -- this is creosote
if condensed in the chimney, or pollution if condensed in the air after leaving
the chimney.
The Myth about burning a Catalytic stove Hot!
For years many people have criticized catalytic stoves saying such thing as:
They must be burnt hot to keep the catalyst active. This is entirely false. It
is true that a catalyst does not become active (lit off) until it reached 400f
to 450f. However, in a properly designed stove it is almost impossible to build
a fire without this condition occurring. After the catalyst is lit off (reaches
a temperature of around 450f) it can burn room temperature smoke if there is a
sufficient amount of smoke and 02. The catalyst temperature remains over 450,
even if the fire box temperature drops very low because it is creating its own
heat by burning the unburned gasses in the catalyst. It will continue to operate
as long as the smoldering wood continues to smoke and there is sufficient 02 to
burn all the hydrocarbons.
So what stove should I buy?
In summery, if your primary use for a stove is aesthetic, and you do not plan
to keep the fire going over night, you will probably want a smaller not
catalytic stove. If you want the stove as primary or supplemental heat, and plan
to keep the fire burning for days or weeks on end, you will probably be happier
with a large catalytic stove.
What about maintenance of the catalytic stove?
It is true that a catalyst must be replaced about every six years depending
on how many hours the stove is burnt each year. Replacement catalyst are between
$50.00 and $200.00 Also all catalytic manufacturer offer a 6 year pro rated
warranty. So in the worst case it may cost you about $35.00 per year more to
operate a catalytic stove. The increased efficiency will more than offset this
cost if the stove is used for heating. Maintenance involves taking the catalyst
out in the spring of the year, vacuuming the cells with a vacuum cleaner, (NEVER
AN AIR HOSE) and storing it in a dry place until the next year. In the Sierra
stoves, the catalyst can be easily removed by removing two or 4 nuts. It is
about a 5 minute operation. The catalyst I am now using was purchased in March
of 1987 and it is still fully operational. The catalyst will work equally on any
wood, green, aged, or rotten. The only caution is never burn painted or treated
wood in a stove with a catalyst. The chemicals in treated wood (Arsenic) or the
chemicals in paint will damage the catalyst. Also if the stove you are using can
burn coal, the catalyst should be removed before burning coal -- the sulfur in
coal will coat the catalyst and shorten its life.
Give Lou a call to learn how to get the most efficiency and least emissions (creosote), out of your catalytic stove or appliance. Learn how to monitor your catalyst. Get tips on burning coal etc.
Lou's advise is available by phone. With 20 years of experience in the
Wood Heating, and Wood Stove Design industry, Lou can answer your specific
questions. As an independent, and working for industry leaders such as Riteway
Manufacturing in association with Corning Glass, Lou was involved in the early
experimentation and development of Palladium coated catalytic Wood Stove
designs. His background includes assisting Sierra Manufacturing with designing,
and testing models. Louis did most of the design and pre-testing of the "Sierra
8000". In the first stage of the EPA teating in 1987 the Sierra 8000 and the
"Blaze King" were tied for second place as the cleanest stove tested at the
time. The "Sierra 8000" had a particulate emission of 1.4 grams per hour
compared with 100 grams per hour in many non-catalytic stoves. Lou traveled
throughout the country assisting industry dealers with technical problem solving
and innovations to maximize consumer use and customer service. Lou also has
extensive experience with residential Coal Burning applications; both Anthracite
and Bituminous. You may be suprised to learn that biomass (Fresh Horse Poop) can
be effectivly burnt in some catalytic appliances.
Louis is available for telephone consultations for $10 for a 20 minute phone call. This is sufficient to address most inquiries.
Start by calling Louis at (724)954-3558. If we are not avaliable, leave your name, number and time to call. We will try to return your call as you direct. You can also email us giving us your number and a time to call.
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To
see a short video of Uno de Mingo play his guitar, click on this text or
the picture of Uno and his brother Cody at play. To order a CD with several training videos of Uno, click on the Buy Now Button. You can call us at (724) 954-3558.
The CDs are $7.95 + $2.25 shipping, 6% PA sales tax is added to all orders. Mail a check or money order to Dime Software, 302 Holly Road, Adrian PA 16210. Be sure to include your shipping address and phone
number. This CD makes a perfect gift for children and horse lovers.
There is not any computer editing to the videos -- Uno really plays the guitar
and appears to enjoy playing for the sound (I do not honestly think we
can call it music). He has been playing his guitar for about 7 years and
likes to have an audience when he plays.
