Startup and refueling your stove.

During the startup of a cold catalytic stove, a medium to high firing rate must be maintained for 20 to 30 minutes to insure that the stove, combustor and fuel are all stabilized at proper operating temperatures. Even though it's possible to have gas temperatures reach 600° F. (320° C.) within two or three minutes after a fire is started, if the fire is turned down immediately to low-fire conditions, it will result in either the fire or the combustor going out.

At the end of a burning cycle, it's possible that the amount of burning charcoal might not provide sufficient temperatures or fuel for the catalyst.

During the refueling of a hot stove that has an internal firebox temperature below 500° F. (260° C.), it is our recommendation that the stove be fired for about 10 minutes to ensure that the catalyst reaches 600° F. (320° C.). Doing this will ensure sufficient temperatures and proper amounts of volatiles for the catalyst operation.

When refueling a hot stove that has an internal firebox temperature above 500° F. (260° C.), no re-firing step is necessary.

Just open the bypass damper and load your fuel. The bypass damper can be closed immediately, as long as the fuel is free from any form of moisture.

What assurance do I have the catalytic combustor will last in my E.P.A. certified stove?

You are given a limited lifetime warranty from Applied Ceramics which states, Applied Ceramics warrants to the consumer who purchases a Versagrid catalytic converter as a component in an E.P.A. certified solid fuel appliance, to replace at no charge to the consumer the Versagrid catalytic converter that ceases to function within three (3) years from the date of purchase by the original consumer, providing we receive a dated copy of the original bill of sale for the stove, along with the original Versagrid catalytic converter. Applied Ceramics also offers special prorated prices on the converter for the 4th, 5th and 6th years of the stove's life if ever needed.

We couldn't make this offer, if we had doubts about the longevity of the unit.

What advantages are provided by a Firecat™ combustor?

90% LESS POLLUTION* - Gases and particles in smoke cause air pollution. The combustor eliminates 90% of this pollution by burning these gases and particles before they exit the stove.

90% LESS CREOSOTE* - Condensation of smoke in chimneys and flues creates creosote build up which is the primary cause of chimney fires. The combustor reduces this danger because it burns most of the smoke and reduces creosote accumulation as much as 90%.

However, you should continue to inspect your chimney regularly for safety. * Performance may vary depending on stove design, operation and combustor age.

How will I know the combustor is working?

The best way is to have temperature monitors or thermocouplings to monitor the exhaust temperatures of the combustor.
When monitors are installed properly and the combustor has had ample time to reach light-off , the exhaust temperatures will rise immediately when the bypass damper is closed. This will indicate the catalyst is operating.
Exhaust temperatures are important to monitor.
Temperatures above 1800° F. (1000° C.) will damage the combustor.
Temperatures between 1400 and 1600° F. (760-870° C.) are common, but operating temperatures between 1200 and 1400° F. (650-760° C.) are recommended.
Most of this heat is transmitted to surrounding stove parts via thermal radiation.