Rule of thumb for starting a cold woodburning stove

As a rule of thumb, when starting a fire in a cold stove, the combustor must have 500 o F. of temperature focused on it for 20 to 30 minutes to achieve proper light-off.
The by-pass should be in the open position during this period of time.
This will allow the stove, the catalytic combustor and the fuel to stabilize at a proper operating temperature.

Even though temperature can reach 600 o F. within a few minutes after the fire has started, if the fire is turned down too soon to a low burning condition, it will result in the fire and/or the catalytic combustor going out.

At the end of a burn cycle, it’s possible that the amount of burning charcoal remaining might not provide sufficient temperature or fuel for the catalyst to stay lit.

During the refueling stage, if the stove’s firebox has an internal temperature below 500 o F., it is best to fire the stove up for 10 to 15 minutes.
This will provide increased temperature and proper amounts of volatile gases for the catalyst to operate efficiently.

However, when refueling a hot stove that has an internal temperature above 500 o F., no re-firing is necessary.

Refer to the manufacturer's stove operating manual for complete details.

Where is the combustor in my stove?

Let’s take a look at the inside of a typical catalytic wood burning appliance and see how the combustor might be positioned along with other stove components.

You will notice the combustor is protected from flame impingement by a flame shield.























It is important to remember, catalytic stoves are designed to burn natural season dried wood only.

Season dried wood is best defined as,
-natural wood that has been split to size,
-well stacked for ventilation
-and kept under cover for 10 to 12 months.

Burning materials, other than natural season dried wood, could shorten the life of the catalytic combustor.

Best operating temperature of the combustor in your stove

Catalytic combustor temperatures can become extremely hot during operation.

Temperatures above 1800 o F. will damage the catalyst.
Temperatures between 1400 o F. and 1600 o F. are normal.
However, temperatures between 1200 o F. and 1400 o F. are recommended.

How does the combustor work in the stove?

Normally, smoke will burn or oxidize, at a temperature of 1000o F or higher.
Burning a stove this hot would require a continuous intense fire and would require a higher wood consumption.

However, wood smoke gases coming in contact with the catalyst will cause chemical changes to take place.

This will then allow the smoke to ignite at temperatures around 500o F. or (260o C.) once the catalytic combustor has lit-off.

This temperature is easily achieved in the firebox of a catalytic wood burning stove.

As the wood gases ignite and burn within the catalytic combustor, clean by-products of water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted.