Q: How does wood burn?
A: As wood is heated it first gives up
its moisture. After the water boils off and its temperature is increased
to 450°F. the wood particles begin evolving volatiles. Thereafter the
volatiles and fixed carbon mix with oxygen and burn separately. All of
the visible flames in wood fire are from combustion of the volatiles.
Q: Does that mean that ignition occurs
at
A: No….Wood is composed of 79% combustibles
and 21% water and ash. First the water boils off then at 450°F
the wood particles begin evolving volatiles. Carbon ignites between 765°F
and 1115°F the volatiles, which include hydrogen, Methane, Ethylene,
Ethane, Benzene and Carbon Monoxide ignite within a range of 1000°F
to 1300°F. The EcoFire™ Super-Grate burns from 1600°F to 2000°F
in the combustion zone. The volatiles burn ten to one thousand times as
fast as with a normal fire. Burning at higher temperatures is a major
factor in reducing pollution.
Q: What temperature does a normal
A: Measurements made in several oak log
fires indicated that the maximum temperature of the fire (in the
crevice between the logs) was 900°F to 1200°F and that the gas
just outside the flame envelope was 200°F to 400°F. A temperature
of 900°-1200°F is barely the ignition temperature of the
volatiles and results in their slowest reaction rates. Temperatures of
200°-400°F are cool enough to stop any combustion reaction.
Q: Do you use more wood with the EcoFire™
Super-Grate?
A: Not really…..Per piece the wood will
burn minimally faster. However, with the EcoFire™ Super-Grate you are getting
the maximum energy and heat out of each log. In order to achieve a roaring
fire with a regular grate, you actually end up using more wood.
Q: Does the EcoFire use much electricity?
A: No….because the EcoFire™ Super-Grate
runs on a small 25 watt motor. You can burn it all evening for a few pennies.
Q: When would you not suggest the Ecofire
Super Grate?
A: I wouldn't suggest it for old masonry
fireplaces & chimneys that have not been brought up to code. We strongly
suggest that you have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a certified
professional, particularly if you are in doubt of it's condition.
Q: What causes chimney fires?
A: Creosote is the residue which coats
the inside your chimney. It is primarily caused by smoldering fires, burning
unseasoned wood, and/or burning with inadequate ventilation. It is highly
combustible. When you have a chimney fire, it is the creosote which ignites
and burns at extremely high temperatures -- sometimes hot enough
to melt the mortar, metal and crack tile, & bricks. When this happens
the frame of the house may be exposed to flames & conductive heat,
quickly spreading the fire to the attached walls or roof. The first chimney
fire may not burn the house... However, it may do enough damage that the
second chimney fire may burn the house down.
Again, we want to stress, if you are uncertain as
to the condition of your fireplace or chimney, or if you think that you
might have had a chimney fire it is well worth the effort to call in a
professional. Having a qualified chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace
& chimney is it's own insurance policy.
Some ways to prevent chimney fires include: