Low heat. House at 66*
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- Member
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Sun. Jan. 27, 2019 11:16 am
- Location: Salisbury ct.
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ 671SU w/Efm S-15 stoker
- Coal Size/Type: Rice anthracite lehigh
- Other Heating: Peerless oil boiler
I got up Sunday morning came downstairs to find the temperature at 66*. I checked the Gentleman Janitor boiler and it was at 152*. The EFM S-15 stoker was cranking away. The barrel 3/4 full of coal. Fire looked lazy but not terrible. Settings are 4 and 4. I raised the low limit to 160. This had little affect. Outside temp was about 26*. By 10 o’clock I realized things weren’t going to change so I better dig into the barrel. This system has been perfect with no problems. It easily kept the house at 71*. Near the bottom of the barrel around the worm were 2 potato sized chunks of coal. I also found several smaller chunks of wood there. I then checked the worm and pot. I pull the fines lever every day for 15 sec. With the lever open I could get my finger in and found fines caked inside the pot. I use bagged coal and dump it in a 5 gal bucket to try and dry it before it goes in the barrel. Today the morning outside temp was 3* and it was 71* inside. Thank you lord! The lesson is that this coal system works so well I got complacent. The excuse is that the barrel is in a dark corner and I didn’t see what I was doing. Scott in NwCt. thinking the hand fired guys are probably laughing , I’m going to hang a drop light in the corner.
- McGiever
- Member
- Posts: 10130
- Joined: Sun. May. 02, 2010 11:26 pm
- Location: Junction of PA-OH-WV
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AXEMAN-ANDERSON 130 "1959"
- Hand Fed Coal Boiler: BUCKET A DAY water heater
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Warm Morning 414A
- Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
- Other Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump and some Solar
Nice catch!!
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- Member
- Posts: 3555
- Joined: Tue. Sep. 04, 2007 10:14 pm
- Location: Dalton, MA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: H.B. Smith 350 Mills boiler/EFM 85R stoker
- Coal Size/Type: Buckwheat/anthracite
If the coal you get regularly has "potatoes", chunks of wood or anything bigger than buckwheat coal, you might consider pouring it through a piece of hardware cloth when filling the drum. Best to do with damp coal so you don't make dust.
Mike
Mike
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- Member
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sun. Nov. 17, 2019 2:17 pm
What about a screen or bbq grill on top of the barrel?
- Rob R.
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 18009
- Joined: Fri. Dec. 28, 2007 4:26 pm
- Location: Chazy, NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby Jr
Even chicken wire would be a lot better than nothing.
I have been burning damp coal for 10 years without issue, but I do try to stay a few days ahead with opening the bags.
I have been burning damp coal for 10 years without issue, but I do try to stay a few days ahead with opening the bags.
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- Member
- Posts: 67
- Joined: Sun. Jan. 23, 2022 9:34 am
- Location: Port Matilda, Pa. Area (Stormstown)
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Van Wert 600
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 30-95
- Coal Size/Type: chestnut , buck
Dang, I was thinking on feeding out of a large coal bin, tons. If that would happen that's a lot of digging ?
- Hambden Bob
- Member
- Posts: 8552
- Joined: Mon. Jan. 04, 2010 10:54 am
- Location: Hambden Twp. Geauga County,Ohio
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Harman 1998 Magnum Stoker
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Blower Model Coal Chubby 1982-Serial#0097
- Coal Size/Type: Rice-A-Roni ! / Nut
- Other Heating: Pro-Pain Forced Air
RON,That's The Dilemma! Whether you're operating out of bags,or a Triaxle Trailer full of bulk,the chances are always good that a "Trouble Maker" is in your Coal... It comes down to deciding if your going to do the work of screening your Supply,or do the work of chasing a jam and possible breakage to go with it!!