Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: d conover on September 13, 2012, 12:58:07 PM

Title: |Backdraft
Post by: d conover on September 13, 2012, 12:58:07 PM
Do boilers other than Hardy shoot impressive flames out the door if you open it at just the right time? On mine you have to leave the ash door closed and the fire been starved for oxygen for a while.

After initially scorching my eyebrows and hair on my arms, I learned to stand back and  enjoy it.I really kind of get a kick out of it.

It must be the little kid or pyromaniac coming out in me. 
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: AirForcePOL on September 13, 2012, 01:10:19 PM
I'm thinking that the reason you are getting a flash out of the door is because you are leaving the ash door closed when you open the loading door.  That will cause a large amount of oxygen to enter at once, causing the flames to shoot out.  You should open the ash door first then wait about 5-10 seconds before you open the loading door.  It will also cut back on the amount of smoke that blows in your face.
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: d conover on September 13, 2012, 01:50:01 PM
Oh, I do it on purpose, it started out as a fear that I would forget and leave the ash door open and melt the boiler down.

I did that about 12 years ago, the first winter we had the H2, we were at the in laws eating thanksgiving dinner and I realized I had left the ash door open, I jumped in my truck went home and it sounded like a train.  Did not seem to hurt it though.

I just like seeing the flames shoot out..
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: HandyMark on September 13, 2012, 02:07:47 PM
They sure do. I always stand back from my Cb5036 unless the damper is already open. I prefer to fuel mine during a burn cycle anyway. No smoke. No ash door to worry about on mine either. I have come close to melting my old indoor furnace by leaving the ash door open.
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: Roger2561 on September 13, 2012, 06:06:53 PM
The first time I experienced the flash on my CB Eclassic 1400, it scared the begeezums out of me and scorched my hair.  I now am sure to keep the by-pass door open at least 15 to 20 seconds before opening the fire box door but I generally stand back and behind it in the event it wants to flash again.  It has happened at 3 or 4 times every month.  I'm kinda used to it now but it still wakes you up at 5:00am when you're trying to tend it through foggy eyes.  Roger
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: MattyNH on September 13, 2012, 08:06:40 PM
 Reason why it happens..Is cause the boiler just shut off and you unaware that the boiler just shut off and then you open the door..Well you gave those hot gases, oxygen..More flammable than gasoline..Def gotta be carful opening the door when you know if the boiler just shut down..The flame out the door has happened to me a few times....I would have to agree with handymark though no smoke, but i would have to add the fire can/will be hot while reloading..( i have forced air draft)
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: d conover on September 14, 2012, 10:01:35 AM
So I am the only one who does it for entertainment purposes.   My son in law says I have a warped sense of humor......
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: fireboss on September 15, 2012, 06:03:19 AM
no I do it to and Iam a fireman!!!!!!!
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: Bull on September 16, 2012, 06:17:50 AM
no I do it to and Iam a fireman!!!!!!!

IN your case it is "flash over training" LOL
Title: Re: |Backdraft
Post by: muffin on September 17, 2012, 11:25:00 AM
So I am the only one who does it for entertainment purposes.   My son in law says I have a warped sense of humor......

I like to watch it too.  Usually has some really cool colors.  Just don't get caught in it.  Got caught in a real flash fire from gas on a bonfire.  Was not fun.  Growing new skin is no picnic.  Luckily only 2nd degree burns so no grafting required; got lucky.