Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers WITH EPA-Certified Models => HeatMaster => Topic started by: hondaracer2oo4 on January 15, 2016, 09:50:57 AM

Title: Wood gas explosion
Post by: hondaracer2oo4 on January 15, 2016, 09:50:57 AM
I think I had my first expierence in the g200 with a wood gas explosion. I went out to load the boiler before work. The boiler was in a burn cycle and had reached 172. There was coals and a couple pieces of wood that I was able to breakdown and spread out. I raked the bed even and loaded the splits for the day. I closed the damper bypass and door. I went into my shed to grab something and came back out about a min later. I heard a bang like some hitting metal with a hammer. I thought I was wierd but maybe a log fell down the pile and hit the side of the boiler. 30 seconds later a much louder bang and the bottom ash door was pushed so hard that sparks and ash blew around the gasket. Then again bang, ash and sparks came out around the gasket. Know it had my attention. I went and looked through the glass at the reaction chamber and there was a strong gas flame. The damper was at 80 % or something close I that. All I could think was that the damper was closed down creating a lean condition with a strong new load if wood gas hitting the super hot ceramic was causing the wood gas to suddenly ignite with explosive force.
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: mlappin on January 15, 2016, 01:31:04 PM
Could very well be, can’t say I’ve experienced that yet, but I also have the pleasure of working from home and usually wait till it’s just ready to start another cycle before loading. Not near as much as heat in the firebox at 161-162 as compared to when it’s been running awhile.
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: slimjim on January 15, 2016, 06:33:57 PM
I'm thinking that breaking the wood down to charcoal and spreading it about creates more surface area quickly that then gasses off faster than fresh air is introduced, I think I would refrain from that practice in the future, use caution and enjoy! I'm coming home from northern Vermont tomorrow, would you like for me to stop by?
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: mlappin on January 15, 2016, 09:02:31 PM
I'm thinking that breaking the wood down to charcoal and spreading it about creates more surface area quickly that then gasses off faster than fresh air is introduced, I think I would refrain from that practice in the future, use caution and enjoy! I'm coming home from northern Vermont tomorrow, would you like for me to stop by?

 :post:
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: mlappin on January 16, 2016, 07:46:48 AM
When I refill mine I just barely give the coals and ash a stir then move the charred pieces to the outside of the firebox and don’t try to break em down.

I tried moving them to the center a few times and since they are mostly burnt up, it seems you shortly will get a void over the nozzle as it breaks down so fast with fresh wood in the stove.
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: hondaracer2oo4 on January 16, 2016, 07:08:04 PM
Thanks guys. Slim if you are in the area and would like to swing in by all means do. Any idea what time it would be around? I am not sure what my plans are. Don't want you to waste a stop if I'm not around. Atleast you could listen to te funky sounding fan motor.
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: slimjim on January 17, 2016, 04:20:07 AM
Sheet, you still don't have a new fan motor, I'll be sending you one on monday!
Sorry I couldn't stop, I came through Concord at about 4 PM with no clearance lights or tail lights and had to  rush to get her home, 4 way flashers from Rochester to my place. I think it's the headlight switch, I'll be checking it today.
Title: Re: Wood gas explosion
Post by: hondaracer2oo4 on January 17, 2016, 08:30:05 AM
No issues Richard, I haven't been out your way lately to stop by and grab it either. Obviously it is still spinning, just doesn't sound healthy.