Section 8: Operating Instructions; Fuel Size, Material & Storage - Quadra-Fire CASTILE-MBK-B Owner's Manual Installation And Operation

8
Operating Instructions
A. Fuel Size, Material and Storage
1. Wood Pellets
Fuel pellets are made from sawdust or wood by-products. If the
source material is hardwood, they can have a higher mineral
content, creating more ash. Fuels containing bark will also
have higher ash content. Minerals and other noncombustible
materials such as sand will turn into a hard, glass-like substance
called a clinker when heated to the extreme temperatures
our fi repot reaches. This is what forms clinkers in the bottom
of the fi repot. Trees from different areas will vary in mineral
content. That is why some fuels produce more clinkers than
others. Pellets are manufactured in either 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch
(6-8mm) diameter and should be no more than 1-1/2 inches
(38mm) in length. Pellet lengths may even vary by lot from the
same manufacturer which is why the feed rate may need to be
adjusted occasionally. If you burn pellets longer than 1-1/2
inches (38mm) you may have an inconsistent fuel feed rate
and/or missed ignitions.
Pellet fuel quality can greatly fl uctuate. We recommend using
premium grade fuel with ash content less than 1%. Even in
some fuel labeled "premium" ash content can vary from bag
to bag and possibly exceed 1%. High ash fuel, or lack of
maintenance, can cause the fi repot to fi ll up and thus create a
potential for smoking, sooting and possible hopper fi res.
Always burn dry fuel. Burning fuel with high moisture content
takes heat from the fuel and tends to cool the appliance, robbing
heat from your home. Damp pellet fuel can clog the feed system.
We recommend that you buy fuel in multi-ton lots whenever
possible. Buying large quantities of fuel at once will greatly
reduce the number of times the feed adjustments will need to
be made. However, we do recommend trying various brands
before purchasing multi-ton lots to ensure your satisfaction.
Fire Risk
• High ash fuels, or lack of maintenance, can cuase the
fi repot to overfi ll. Follow proper shutdown procedure if ash
buildup exceeds half way point in fi repot.
• Failure to do so could result in smoking, sooting and possible hop-
per fi res. ll void your warranty
2. Shelled Field Corn
Extensive factory and fi eld testing has demonstrated shelled
fi eld corn to be an effi cient and very economical fuel. We
recommend the use of a 50-50 blend of corn and wood pellets.
The only change in operation is that the feed rate may require
a slight adjustment. The BTU output of the appliance varies
slightly compared to pellets, depending on the quality of the
Page 22
WARNING
Shelled Field Corn (Cont'd)
corn used. In cases where it is acceptable for the appliance
to run full time, 100% corn will work after the fi re has been
started using wood pellets.
When purchasing corn to burn in your appliance, read the
ingredient label very carefully. Do NOT purchase fuel that
contains any additives such as oils (i.e. soybean oil) and
meals as it will result in poor unit performance.
buying corn the only ingredient that should be listed is corn.
Shelled fi eld corn must be 15% or less moisture content. The
corn must be clean and free from debris. Never burn corn
straight from the fi eld. Stalk parts, excessive fi nes and cob
remnants, etc. will clog the auger mechanism. Corn with
excessive grain dust must be screened by sifting with 3/16
(4.76mm) inch mesh screening.
Do not burn treated seed corn in your appliance. Seed corn
is treated with chemical pesticides that are harmful or fatal
if swallowed; therefore, seed corn is dangerous to have in
the house, expecially where children can reach it. Burning
treated seed corn in your appliane will void your warranty and
will destroy the exhaust system on the unit.
When changing to a different fuel, be sure to empty the hopper
of the previous fuel and vacuum the hopper before you fi ll it
with the new fuel.
Risk of Chemical Poisoning.
• Do Not burn treated seed corn
• Chemical pesticides are harmful or fatal if
swallowed
• Burning treated seed corn will void your
warranty
3. Storage
Wood pellets should be left in their original sealed bag until
using. This will prevent moisture absorption.
Shelled corn should be stored in a tight container where it will
not absorb moisture from damp or wet fl oors. This will also
prevent rodents from becoming a problem.
Do not store any pellet fuel within the clearance requirements
or in an area that would hinder routine cleaning and
maintenance.
7021-130F
Castile-B FS Pellet Stove
WARNING
May 12, 2014
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