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[Roger2561]

Hello again,

The simple question is, can one safely burn coal in an E-Classic 1400 to augment the wood supply?  If I can make my wood supply last longer into the season I'd probably consider it, but I need to know if it's safe for me the operator and the OWB.  I'd like to hear your thoughts and concerns.

Thanks so much.

Roger

[beeman]

i dont know  sorry .  but in mine if it will fit through the door and burn

[oldchenowth]

Never tried it, but there has been discussion of coal and wood on here.  Some have said the coal burns longer than the wood when the damper is closed and may cause a boilover.  I would say in smaller amounts it wouldn't hurt.  Probably have to experiment a little bit.   Wish I had access to some here in Michigan, I'd love to try it.

[Scott7m]

I would not put coal in a gassifier.  No

[Roger2561]

I would not put coal in a gassifier.  No

Hi Scott7m,

Please elaborate as to why you wouldn't put coal in a gassifier?  This is for my benefit as well as for those who may be contemplating the same thing.

Thanks,

Roger

[Scott7m]

Coal puts on a fine dry powder that sticks to everything, I would think maintenance of keeping the dust out of the heat exchanger tubes would be a major issue.

Also gassifiers simply aren't designed for coal, just seasoned wood.  Coal needs air coming in from below the fire to give a good burn, that's why coal units have shaker grates and a way to get air under the coal. 

Another reason is th fan and secondary burn chamber is designed to be able to burn a certain % of wood gas and if this balance is disrupted I'm not sure what the results would be.

[MattyNH]

 Ive notice that theres been a lot of coal posts lately.. And how much cheaper that coal is than wood.. They do make OWB's  that are designed to just burn coal..Not sure after spending 10K  on a E- Classic Id be throwing coal in it.. Might void warranty...I get the point of making the "burn" last longer ....If coal is cheaper.. Why not buy a coal OWB?

[Scott7m]

Coal prices vary greatly, 95 a ton here in most cases

[Roger2561]

Scott, Matty,

Thanks for you input.  Generally not a good idea.  I'll stick with wood.  It'll be safer for me and the OWB plus I don't want to void the warranty.

Enjoy the warm weather here in NH.  Another day of temps hitting the 60's.  Very unusual if you ask me, but I'm not complaining.

Have a great week.

Roger

[R W Ohio]

Roger,
Why don't you call CB and ask them? They should be able to answer your question.
RW

[Scott7m]

Roger,
Why don't you call CB and ask them? They should be able to answer your question.
RW

There answer would be because it voids the warranty.  Says right on it wood fuel only

[R W Ohio]

That sounds like a good answer.Short and to the point. I don't have a CB and I didn't know that . Thank you for the info.
RW