Catalytic Combustor (Part #166-543) - Regency Alterra Pro i3000A Owners & Installation Manual

Catalytic Combustor (Part # 166-543)
This wood heater contains a catalytic combustor,
which needs periodic inspection and replacement
for proper operation.
ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING CATALYST LIGHT-OFF:
There are some obvious signs of trouble that your inspection may reveal.
The temperature in the stove and the gases entering the combustor must be
o
raised to between 500 F to 700
initiated. During the start up of a cold stove a medium to high firing rate must
be maintained for about 30 minutes. This ensures that the stove, catalyst
and fuel are all stabilized at proper operating temperatures. Even though it
is possible to have temperatures at 600
has been started, if the fire is allowed to die down immediately it may go
out or the combustor may stop working. Once the combustor starts working,
heat generated in it by burning the smoke will keep it working. During re-
fueling and rekindling of the cool fire, or a fire that has burned down to the
charcoal phase, operate the stove at a medium to high firing rate for about
10 minutes to ensure that he catalyst reaches operating temperatures.
CATALYST MONITORING: It is important to periodically monitor the
operation of the catalytic combustor to ensure that it is functioning properly
and to determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning combustor
will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an increase in creosote and
emissions. Following is a list of items that should be checked on a periodic
basis.
• Combustors should be visually inspected at least three times during the
heating season to determine if physical degradation has occurred. Actual
removal of the combustor is not recommended unless more detailed
inspection is warranted because of decreased performance. If any of
these conditions exist, refer to Catalyst trouble shooting section of this
owner's manual.
• A good combustor is designed to withstand approximately 12,000 hours of
continuous use. This will translate into five to ten years of use, depending
on the length of your heating season and how often you use your stove.
Proper maintenance will increase the combustor's effectiveness and
prevent many problems. Inspect your combustor before each heating
season, and during the season if your stove's performance seems to
change.
• You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is working by comparing
the amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the smoke is going
through the combustor and catalyst light – off has been achieved, to the
amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the smoke is not routed (by-
pass open) through the combustor.
o o o
F (260 C to 371 C) for catalytic activity to be
o F (315 o C) within minutes after a fire
operating instructions
Step 1: Light the stove in accordance with instructions within
this manual.
Step 2: With smoke routed through the catalyst (by-pass
closed) go outside and observe the emissions leaving the
chimney.
Step 3: Engage the bypass mechanism and move to by-pass
open position. And again observe the emission leaving
the chimney. Significantly more smoke should be seen
when the smoke is not routed through the combustor
(by-pass open). Be careful not to confuse smoke with
steam.
ACHIEVING PROPER DRAFT: Draft is the force which moves air from
the appliance up through the chimney. The amount of draft in your chimney
depends on the length of the chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions
and other factors. Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures in the
appliance and may damage the catalytic combustor. Inadequate draft may
cause back puffing into the room and plugging of the chimney or catalyst.
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR CLEANING:
Method #1
A vacuum cleaner may be used, but never use high pressured air to
blow the cells free of any build-up. This can damage the cell walls. Any
cell blockage can be removed with the use of a pipe cleaner or a cotton
swab as well.
Method #2
Should the combustor's cells become covered with fly-ash, use a paintbrush
or soft-bristled brush and dust the combustor gently.
Never use anything abrasive to clean the combustor.
Method #3
Normally the catalytic combustor requires little or no maintenance, it gen-
erates such high temperatures and therefore is basically self-cleaning.
However, should the combustor become covered with soot or creosote, it
is possible to burn the accumulation off by opening the bypass and build-
ing a hot fire.
Once the hot fire is created, close the bypass halfway and burn for 30
to 60 minutes with the bypass left in this position. Never use cleaning
solvents to clean it.
Check and clean the combustor, if necessary, before each burning season
and inspect the flue system for any signs of creosote buildup.
A clean flue helps prevent chimney flue fires.
Catalyst Combustor
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Regency i3000A/i3000R
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