NESTOR MARTIN STANFORD 9 Mode D'emploi page 51

Wood
Use dry wood which by definifion must be wood which has been dried under cover for more
than 18 months, in which case the logs contain less than 20% moisture.
Anthracite of a minimum size of 20x30 mm (3/4"x 1. 1/4"), lumps weighing at least 20 grames
(6-7 oz.) and coal briquettes (ovoids /eggs). There are many trade name fuels available most
of which are suitable. Do not use petroleum based fuels such as petro coke, this will cause
domage to the stove.
WOOD
WHAT IS THE BEST WOOD FOR THE FIRE?
Some woods are easier to light than others. Those which take the best are :
hornbeam, beech, oak. Whereas aspen, birch and lime burn easily but they do not last as
long. Then come the softwoods and conifers. However, this list is only given as a guide as
the best fire wood is only the driest wood.
WHAT ARE THE DRAW BACKS OF DAMP WOOD?
Damp wood has far Iess heating power, this lowers the combustion temperature of
the fire therefore, the output. It is difficult to light, burns badly and gives off smoke. Above all
the use of damp wood causes the formation of deposits (tarring and soot staining) in the
chimney flue and the glass door.
WHAT IS TARRING AND SOOT STAINING IN THE CHIMNEY?
When the smoke arrives in the chimney at low temperature, part of the water vapour which
they convey condenses. The heaviest constituants are deposited on the inside of the flue. this is
TARRING. the mixture oxidises in the air and forms brownish patches. That is SOOT STAINING. Four
essential points for avoiding these drawbacks, use dry wood, use a stove designed for wood, connect
it to a chimney with thick walls and of suitable cross-section (size and height), ensure the connecting
pipes are as short as possible. (Horizontal pipes should be no mort than 6" 150mm).
FLUE GAS TEMPERATURE
The most important aspect of stove operation is maintaining a high combustion
temperature. If the combustion of the fuel is at the correct temperature, most of the soots and
tars (hydrocarbons) are burned. These hydrocarbons when not burned can be seen as tar
and creosote deposits on the internal surfaces of the stove, glass and chimney surfaces. To
assist in maintaining these temperatures a surface maunted, stove thermometer is a must.
It is recommended that you heat your stove to at least 400°F before reducing the air
controls. After reloading this procedure should always be carried out. If the wood is not quite
as dry as it should be, to assist for a short period, smokeless coal can be added with the wood
to raise the combustion temperture.
STORAGE TIME FOR WOOD
Wood supplied in ready-cut lengths stored immediately under a ventilated shelter
dries quicker than wood stocked in high piles. Quarters (split wood) dry quicker than round
logs. Wood which is too small to split must be drained, by removing some of the bark. Round
logs left in the open for more than a year end up rotten. The drying time for the fire wood
must be at Ieast 18 months to 2 years. This period can be shortened (12 to 15 months) if the
wood is cut to the right length and immediately stored under a ventilated shelter.
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