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and other factors such as the fuel type, the system
set-up and the pump flow speed. Finding the right
setting(s) will be a matter of trial and error as well as
personal preference. For example the Thermostat
Control, can sometimes be used for simultaneous
control of both the water temperature and the burn
rate of a mineral fuel load by shutting off both the
Secondary Air and the Primary Air.
It is worth noting that this control does not 'turn off'
the hot water production completely and that your
system design must therefore include a means to
dissipate any surplus heat. See page 19
Thermostat Control
BURNING WOOD LOGS
Important: Try not to exceed the recommended
log length. This size allows approximately 25mm
(1") of space at either end of the log to prevent
cold water spots in the boiler.
Remember, these instructions are an initial guideline
to help you get started. As you begin to gain
experience of your stove and choice of fuel(s), as well
as your flue system, you will be able to adjust these
procedures and control settings to your personal
preference.
As previously stated wood burns best on a bed of its
own embers which also forms a barrier to reflect heat
and protect the fire grate from being damaged. You
can therefore leave a bed of ash in place to create a
layer of approximately 25mm (1"), only occasionally
removing the surplus ash from the grate. Ash should
still be regularly removed from the ash pan – never let
Avoid abutting the logs against the
boiler sides which creates cold water spots
Alpha III Boiler Handbook.indd 12
the ash pan get over-filled. Once you have lived with
your stove for a while you'll soon get to know how
often you should empty this.
Ensure that there is a gap of approximately 25mm
(1") between both ends of the logs and the boiler
sides. Log ends placed against the boiler sides restrict
combustion and can create unwanted cold spots in
both the log and the water. As the end grain of the
wood produces more of the remaining moisture and
gases, whenever possible point the log ends away
from the glass to help keep the glass clean.
Fuel Load Ideally the logs should be approximately
375mm (15") long. A typical fuel load should weigh
approximately 4kg (8lb 12oz) with a maximum load of
4.8kg (10lb 8oz).
To get the best out of your stove, ideally you will need
three different thicknesses of wood log as you build
the fire through each lighting phase:
1 Kindling This is generally finely chopped wood,
approximately 5 to 10mm thick (1/4" to 1/2") from
your supply of logs. Alternatively use dried twigs or
small branches which have also been fully seasoned
2 Lighting Logs These are slightly bigger diameter
logs, approximately 25 to 50mm (1" to 2")
3 Refuelling Logs These should be approximately 75
to 100mm thick (3" to 4"). Bigger logs should be split
down to this size
LIGHTING A WOOD FIRE
The main difference between smoke and flame is
temperature, so when lighting a fire you need to get
the temperature in the fire chamber as high as
possible as quickly as possible. This is also critical in
creating a good 'draw' within the flue system,
especially when it is particularly cold outside.
When flue gas temperatures are below 120°C,
creosote tars form within the gases and the fire will
be smoky and burn with a dull orange flame. Burning
the stove like this for a sustained period will create
unnecessary smoke and not be good for the chimney
or flue system.
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16/7/13 10:59:09
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