Keystoker KA-6 Efficiency

danwesson623 · Post by **danwesson623** » Fri. Jan. 31, 2014 10:52 pm

Is it more efficient to have the pusher set to feed more coal and produce the more BTU's and heat the boiler faster or feed less coal and heat slower?

2001Sierra · Post by **2001Sierra** » Fri. Jan. 31, 2014 11:07 pm

If the ash is the same then it does not matter. Also stack temperature does come into play. I like low and slow, but that is my opinion and you know they are like a$$holes everyone has one

KLook · Post by **KLook** » Fri. Jan. 31, 2014 11:17 pm

I am a proponent of the law of physics that states that the greater the temperature differential the greater the transfer rate. So, running a hot fire for shorter periods should be the most efficient. I want mine up to max temp as soon as possible.

Kevin

danwesson623 · Post by **danwesson623** » Fri. Jan. 31, 2014 11:34 pm

I think you are right. I have been trying to cut back on the coal feed to save coal but I am beginning to think the hotter the fire the better

KLook · Post by **KLook** » Fri. Jan. 31, 2014 11:53 pm

Not sure where you are located but the guys in the more temperate areas(not so cold) can get away with things that others cannot. When it is cold, make heat. That is the only thing that works. I agree that pumping only enough heat to satisfy the demand for longer periods is better for comfort(shorter swings in temp from high to low) but to make the heat needed, getter done. Much is discussed about having oversized boilers that idle to much, and much is discussed about having undersized boilers that run to hard.

Kevin

Pacowy · Post by **Pacowy** » Sat. Feb. 01, 2014 1:02 am

If you have a hot water system my vote would be to run low and slow so the combustion gases are moving their slowest over the heat exchange surfaces. If you have a steam system my vote would be to run hard so the system spends the smallest possible amount of time making steam and the most possible time at rest.

Mike

oliver power · Post by **oliver power** » Sat. Feb. 01, 2014 7:27 am

KLook wrote:Not sure where you are located but the guys in the more temperate areas(not so cold) can get away with things that others cannot. When it is cold, make heat. That is the only thing that works. I agree that pumping only enough heat to satisfy the demand for longer periods is better for comfort(shorter swings in temp from high to low) but to make the heat needed, getter done. Much is discussed about having oversized boilers that idle to much, and much is discussed about having undersized boilers that run to hard.

Kevin

I don't know as if it matters but, I'm with KLook. If demand is big, and you are going to need heat, you had better be making heat. Get ready for the next call from thermostat. If outside temps are higher, and the boiler doesn't need to be cranking, it will idle back anyways. Then the long slow idle fire will continue to build / store heat. And that's my opinion.

Carbon12 · Post by **Carbon12** » Sat. Feb. 01, 2014 8:41 am

I adjust my feed rate to provide just enough burn to satisfy the current load. If it's "warmer" outside, I back the feed rate down a little. If it's friggin' cold out, I set the feed rate to give 1 inch of dead ash on the grate. HOWEVER,....I seem to burn about the same amount of coal on a per degree day basis regardless of feed rate so I'm not sure adjusting the feed rate really accomplishes anything meaningful. I have noticed that coal consumption is not entirely linear. On warmer days I burn about 2 pounds per degree day. On colder days it's 2.5 pounds per degree day. This may have to do with the heat loss with greater differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Wiz · Post by **Wiz** » Sat. Feb. 01, 2014 8:54 am

I spent countless time on the same question asked. I've got answers comparing apples to apples ( Ka-6). Running boiler with the aggressive burn leaving 2 inch of dead ash during run time will be the BEST performance for ka6. Boiler will always be ready for any demand it calls for, set it leave it period. doing this is less unburnt. others will argue this point.