Introduction - Bellfires BCC-28 Tall Installation Manual

Early fireplaces were very inefficient, drawing a good deal of
the heat up the chimney while admitting an unbearable amount
of smoke into the room. In the late 1700's, Benjamin
Thompson, Count of Rumford, recognizing that a fireplace
heats an area by radiation, began a series of experiments
aimed at improving its performance.
He discovered through observations and various constructions
that the exaggerated width of the chimney of his time, necessi-
tated by the need for room for a chimney sweep to climb
through the throat area into the flue, was a primary cause of
inefficiency and smokiness. He attributed the problem not only
to the chimney, but the width of the throat and also specific
fireplace dimensions and configurations. Using the knowledge
gained from his studies, Rumford modified the traditional fire-
place design into one that burned cleaner and hotter and,
most importantly, did not smoke. His efforts greatly improved
the performance of the fireplace.
Later, in the 1900's, a series of scientific experiments were
conducted by Professor Peter O. Rosin, Dr. Ing., under the
auspices of the British Coal Utilisation Research Association.
The results are documented in his report, "The Aerodynamics
of Domestic Open Fires". Through the use of laboratory equip-
ment, Dr. Rosin was able to observe air and smoke flow pat-
terns and thus developed the ideal firebox and chimney shape
for maximum efficiency. While expanding on Rumford's work,
some of Dr. Rosin's findings varied dramatically from
Rumford's earlier theories; perhaps the most notable being the
smoke shelf theory, shown diagrammatically at the left.
The important point of Dr. Rosin's work is that it was per-
formed in a scientific manner and pointed the way to a much
more efficient and functional fireplace. Bell of England took
this information and applied it to develop the Bellfire
Fireplace, providing the ideal firebox and throat shape to guar-
antee a smoke-free efficient fireplace capable of producing
maximum radiant heat with minimum fuel. It was commonly
used to heat the complete home until the second World War.
Since then it has been further developed by using more mod-
ern aerodynamic concepts and thermal insulation techniques

Introduction

to improve the design.
Sleepy Hollow Chimney Supply has optimized the Bellfires®
designs, and produced a superior radiant firebox combining
advanced casting techniques and high temperature, high alu-
mina ladle cast refractory. We feel confident that our
Bellfires® units are the finest heat- producing open fireplaces
to be found, whether used to upgrade old metal or masonry
fireboxes or in new construction.
The Bellfires® Close Clearance (BCC) Wood Floor Fireplace
makes available to homeowners, businesses, and restaurants
the possibility of having a super efficient, heating fireplace in
locations where a conventional masonry fireplace is not possi-
ble. Suitable for new construction or renovation, the BCC
requires no foundation or footings. The refractory firebox is
designed in a half-pear shape in order to give it the greatest
efficiency possible. The Bellfire® BCC refractory firebox,
hearth, side flares, and smoke chamber, are enclosed in a
heavy 20 gauge steel outer shell (ideal for installation in
seizmic areas). The BCC 28's pre-cast refractory firebox com-
ponents are wrapped with ceramic insulation and the area
between the firebox and outer steel cabinet is filled with perlite
beads at the building site.
Using a pear shaped firebox design, proprietary thermal insu-
lation technology, and meticulous metal fabrication found no
where else, the BCC can be installed on a wood floor and posi-
tioned within two (2) inches to combustible rear and side
walls. BCC-28 Fireplace Models have been tested and found to
be in compliance with UL 127-1988 and ULC S610-M93
"Standard for Factory-Built Fireplaces." The Rumford style
smoke chamber vents into any eight (8) inch diameter listed
Type HT factory-built chimney that meets UL 1482 or ULC S627
standards. A top mounted round damper with a control key at
the firebox level helps to prevent cold air from draining into
an unused fireplace and help ensure a warm flue for instant
draft. Super radiant heat output and thorough combustion pro-
vide ample warmth and fuel efficiency that sets new standards
for the open hearth. The refractory firebox stores heat and
warms the house long after the flames have died out.
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Bellfires® BCC