Magic Heat Reclaimers?

Anyone using a Magic Heat Reclaimer on their boiler vent pipe? Since I have removed the restrictor plate on my combustion fan, my flue temperature has gone up. I was thinking this might be a way to recover some of that otherwise lost heat.

coalkirk wrote:Anyone using a Magic Heat Reclaimer on their boiler vent pipe? Since I have removed the restrictor plate on my combustion fan, my flue temperature has gone up. I was thinking this might be a way to recover some of that otherwise lost heat.

...coalkirk
..ive wondered about these also (or fabricating something similiar)
Questions tho...
-have you also noticed higher stove temps?
-have you noticed increase of coal usage? (or shorter burns?)

...i I think there is a lot of merit 2 recapturing exhaust heat going up the chimney while not compromising draft...i mean once it goes up that chimney.. it's not doig us any good!!
...thanks

How much heat are we talking? That VF-3000 runs pretty efficient.

Internal flue temp went from about 275 to 300. That's above the baro.

As long as you kept it free of flyash and it didn't compromise the draft due to lower flue temperatures...it would be fine.

Did removing the restrictor plate allow you to feed more coal?

Rigar wrote:

coalkirk wrote:Anyone using a Magic Heat Reclaimer on their boiler vent pipe? Since I have removed the restrictor plate on my combustion fan, my flue temperature has gone up. I was thinking this might be a way to recover some of that otherwise lost heat.

...coalkirk
..ive wondered about these also (or fabricating something similiar)
Questions tho...
-have you also noticed higher stove temps?
-have you noticed increase of coal usage? (or shorter burns?)

...i I think there is a lot of merit 2 recapturing exhaust heat going up the chimney while not compromising draft...i mean once it goes up that chimney.. it's not doig us any good!!
...thanks

In my case it's a boiler not a stove. The boiler is performing better for sure. Holding temperature better under the extreme weather we've been having.

Rob R. wrote:As long as you kept it free of flyash and it didn't compromise the draft due to lower flue temperatures...it would be fine.

Did removing the restrictor plate allow you to feed more coal?

The magic heat reclaimer has a cleaning handle that drags a plate over the heat exchanger tubes so I think keeping it clean would not be a problem. I did slightly increase the amount of coal being pushed. Went from about 3 1/2 dots to 4.

I do wonder about the effect it may have on my draft. Was also wondering whether to put it before or after the baro. I think I remember Matthaus with one installed before his baro.

If you have a good drafting chimney and flue temps at about 300 or higher, I'd do it. Almost no moisture in coal flue gas so, other than loss of draft on a mediocre chimney, there's not really any downside like you would have with other fuels such as creosote and/or condensation.

Berlin wrote:If you have a good drafting chimney and flue temps at about 300 or higher, I'd do it. Almost no moisture in coal flue gas so, other than loss of draft on a mediocre chimney, there's not really any downside like you would have with other fuels such as creosote and/or condensation.

I agree...
I draft well at 80-90 degrees (measured before baro)
...but in this cold snap I have seen stack temps reach over 200 degrees
but I don't know if they make one for 8 inch pipe ?

Rigar wrote:but I don't know if they make one for 8 inch pipe ?

Yep, they do

don't know if you read this older post already Heat Reclaimer

Two problems I see with the heat reclaimer. A) you have a fan running $$$ and B)if you are only using it half the year how long before the corrosion kills it?

I have to wonder if something like this would be more effective, It's passive and the corrosion issue goes away.

**Broken Link(s) Removed**

" Heat Bandit $69.95 works on a standard 6 inch pipe
extension straps for 7 or 8 inch pipe $2.95 per pair"

looks cool if the space allows...... not sure if the output is worth it with coal and somewhat low stack temps?

Poconoeagle wrote: looks cool if the space allows...... not sure if the output is worth it with coal and somewhat low stack temps?

That's the million dollar question, the other issue is how well the heat will transfer between the ring and the flue pipe. You're going to need as much direct contact as possible for the most efficient transfer.

On a side note it wouldn't be hard to build one yourself, I may actually do it.

I also! always jump at the chance to use the spool gun and 100% argon....