Would someone be willing to pay a picture of "normal" efficient burned coal Ash so I can compare to mine? My camera is broken so I can't post but my ash seems very chunky and it looks to me that it has unburned coal. The fire seems perfect with about 2 inches of ash 4-6 inches of fire and 1-2 inches of coal coming in.
I was expecting a finer Ash and wonder if I am not getting a complete burn or if this is normal.
Thanks
Normal ash
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- Location: Chardon, Ohio
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Circulator #1500 W/ blower modification
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Mine has chunks in it also, however I am burning nut size in a hand fed.
- 2001Sierra
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From my Keystoker 90. This is typical more like granola, than fine powder.
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- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker Econo 90
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ok mine looks similar to this... however i see what looks to me like coal bits in it.
I will try to get a close up picture tonight if i can get my camera to work. Thanks!
I will try to get a close up picture tonight if i can get my camera to work. Thanks!
- nepacoal
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Might just be slate that was mixed in with the coal... You'll typically have unburnt coal in the ash during long idle periods but if you are burning full out with just 2" of ash, it's probably slate. Try to break a few pieces to see if it's shiny inside. Have you been able to check the draft over the fire yet?
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The efficiency of the burn should be assessed based on the width of the ash band after a long burn, not the appearance of the ash. As discussed in a number of other threads, it is normal for efficient operation to leave a small amount of unburned coal in the ash, the same way it is efficient for an internal combustion engine to leave a small amount of unburned fuel in the exhaust. If you introduce excess air you probably can reduce the amount of unburned coal, but in the process you will reduce overall efficiency.
Mike
Mike