HearthStone Nestor Martin S31 Owner's Manual page 10

FUEL LINE AND TANK INSTALLATION
The Oil Storage Tank
An easily read level indicator installed on the oil storage tank will help the user monitor fuel consumption and
avoid running out of fuel. It is important that this level indicator is calibrated in volumetric units enabling the oil
delivery driver to ensure he does not overfill your tank.
Type of Tank
Contaminated fuel may do irreparable damage to the installation. It is impossible to determine whether or not
an oil tank is free from contaminates by visual inspection, and as such it is strongly advised not to install a used
oil tank. A steel tank will provide an annual opportunity to paint and treat any signs of rust with the knowledge
that even a well maintained steel tank will eventually develop rust holes - usually at the inaccessible areas of
the tank where it rests on its supporting piers. Polyethylene tanks will never rot or rust and are generally
maintenance free.
Position of Tank
Avoid installing the tank where it will be subjected to direct sunlight. Warm tanks invariably smell and sunlight
may also create problems by causing condensation within the tank. This condensate can eventually fall
through the oil (water being more dense than oil) to the bottom of the tank. Once on the bottom, this
condensate can flow into the stove (which may damage the metering valve) or during severe weather may
freeze and stop all flow from the tank.
The majority of delivery vehicles are equipped to deliver several yards beyond the limits of vehicle access, but
expecting the heavy and unwieldy delivery hose to be cleanly threaded through border plants and ornamental
hedges is unrealistic. Select a location that allows a straight and uncluttered path from delivery vehicle to
storage tank.
To provide the stove with fuel at the correct pressure, it will be necessary to have the tank outlet at the
maximum 3 meters (118 inches) above the stove's metering valve top. If this limit cannot be achieved, a
secondary reservoir with a lift pump or level control valve must be installed. Refer to the relevant building
regulations and local codes for any restrictions on tank position relative to buildings, hard structures and
property boundaries.
Whatever type of tank selected must be equipped with two outlets, one to supply the stove and one at the
opposite end to allow drain off any accumulated dirt or condensate from the tank. To facilitate this, the tank
must be mounted at a slight angle away from the stove outlet end and towards the drain (0.8 inches for every 1
meter of tank length).
Check local codes for additional fuel oil tank installation requirements. Never underestimate the weight of a full
oil tank and make every effort to meet or exceed code for all support structures. These requirements may vary
based on tank material.
Tank Fittings and Pipework
An isolation valve must be installed directly at the tank outlet to allow for maintenance of the fuel supply line.
These components should include a metal bowl oil filter installed such that adequate room for the removal of
the sediment bowl and filter element are possible. The filter element should be cleaned or replaced at least
annually. Plastic bowl oil filters are not recommended for outdoor unprotected situations as they can be fragile.
As mentioned, please refer to all applicable local codes when considering the supply line from the oil tank to the
stove carburator. Often, this type of line is either steel or copper. Both materials have unique installation
limitations and maintensnce concerns. The use of plastic covered copper pipe is recommended if it meets local
codes because it is easily installed and virtually maintenance free. The use of galvanised steel pipe is
prohibited as zinc reacts with the fuel oil.
It may be desirable to bury the supply line depending on the installation. While this is perfectly acceptable in
most areas it must be done with the utmost attention paid to the protection of the pipe itself. Once buried, it will
not be possible to inspect the line for leaks so extra care must be taken during installation.
Before the pipeline enters the building, a fire valve should be installed which will shut off the oil supply in the
unlikely event of the stove overheating. This valve is controlled by a remote sensing element situated within or
10