Puff Back With Wood Stove?
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Has anyone ever had a puff back or violent explosion while burning wood? I have a hitzer 983 freestanding with double doors and spinner knobs, in addition to top sliders and the bottom ash pan slider that I don't use at all b cus I only burn wood not coal. But I have been experiencing some serious small explosions that scare the hell out of me and im worried the stove pipe is gonna blow off ! I know people get these with coal due to volatiles from the coal, but wood? and its not even after I stoke it, it seems slightly random. HELP!!!
- Carbon12
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Wood produces volatiles that can ignite. Look up wood gasification. Steam can also erupt from less than well seasoned wood.
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i would give it under fire air as well. Wood when it reaches the charcoal stage is much like coal. Wood has far more volatiles than coal. Half is gas. Normally if the air is restricted the gas goes up the chimney as smoke which is the carbon particles in the gas which have precipitated out because there is not enough air or heat to burn them. When conditions are right they can burn all at once or explode. Obviously you have to change how the fire is being managed. Under fire air will better burn the charcoal and also probably provide more velocity and better mixing of the air and fuel.
You will just have to experiment to get the cleanest fire with a reasonable burn time as well as eliminating those puff backs. Too low a draft could also be a problem.
You will just have to experiment to get the cleanest fire with a reasonable burn time as well as eliminating those puff backs. Too low a draft could also be a problem.
- freetown fred
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The only time I ever had BIG puff backs with my wood beast was if I forgot to close my MPD some after stuffing her full of new wood & there was a good wind????????????
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- freetown fred
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She's just a conversation piece in the far back of the house( kinda my personal museum) unless the kids & grandkids come up for ski-ing or boarding--then I fire her up--that used to heat the whole 2800 sq. It sat where the coal stove is now--7 full cord per season--she's a kick ass wood burner:)
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yea, lots of info on preventing puff backs w coal, not so much w wood.
I cant give it underfire air b cus I lined the bottom and sides with firebricks sooooo... not operational.
My wood is well seasoned, possibly too well according to one source ?
I have an exterior triple wall stainless chimney w 6" flue Flue on stove is 8" was told by many and hitzer people that would b a problem but I have never gotten great draft from it I suspect its b cus the prevailing wind blows from the west, hits the peak of my roof and blows "over" my chimney. wish I could draw a pic but less than ideal
I cant give it underfire air b cus I lined the bottom and sides with firebricks sooooo... not operational.
My wood is well seasoned, possibly too well according to one source ?
I have an exterior triple wall stainless chimney w 6" flue Flue on stove is 8" was told by many and hitzer people that would b a problem but I have never gotten great draft from it I suspect its b cus the prevailing wind blows from the west, hits the peak of my roof and blows "over" my chimney. wish I could draw a pic but less than ideal
- freetown fred
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How high over your roof peak is the chimney?
- freetown fred
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2 more questions--you have black pipe inside the house to ceiling??? do you have a MPD in that?? Do you have a cap on the top of the chimney?
- freetown fred
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PS--I don't believe reducing to 6" is a problem--I went from 8" t0 6" on my wood beast & have never had a problem--I'm on top of a VERY windy hill
- ONEDOLLAR
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I had a couple of puffbacks with wood in a Morso Squirrel in the early years with it. The stove had a very small firebox and when loaded with wood and not burning properly the smoke would have a hard time exiting. When enough air was introduced you could get a little "boom". Each time it happened it was my fault. As I didn't let the fire get established prior to dialing her back on the air. No damage ever resulted other than being forced to open a door or two and some windows to air the house out a bit.