What is a catalytic combustor?
A catalytic combustor is a ceramic honeycombed device coated with a noble metal such as palladium. It causes the smoke from the fire to be burned rather than allowing it to go up the chimney unused. Although there are various sizes and shapes, the most common cataltyic combustor is circular in shape, measuring around 5-6 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick.
As long as a fire is burning at a temperature above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit the gases given off by the wood will burn too. However, if the fire is turned down and the temperature is below 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the gases will not burn. This is where the catalytic combustor comes in. When the gases pass through the combustor, the metal acts as a catalyst causing the gases to burn at temperatures as low as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
The catalytic combustor slows down the burning process in the stove so that the wood is slowly “Cooked” as opposed to being burnt which results in total combustion with virtually no waste. Coals and ash are reduced to a fine white powder. The increased heat output while using less wood to heat your home creates a huge savings in time and money.
This increases the efficiency of the stove or insert by 10 percent, reduces creosote production by 20-90% and decreases air pollution by as much as 75%.
Catalytic Combustor Maintainence
By keeping your catalytic combustor operating properly you can add to the wood stoves efficiency. To maintain your catalytic combustor remove and clean it periodically using a shop vacuum to get the light coating of ashes that can accumulate on the surface. If the ceramic cells are clogged you can clear them using a pipe cleaner.
Just like your cars catalytic converter, a catalytic combustor has to be replaced periodically. Once is starts to crumble it should be replaced. Used properly they will last 10,000 to 12,000 operating hours. If a combuster is contaminated with foreign materials the operating capabilities will be reduced. To avoid contaminating the catalytic combuster you should burn only natural seasoned wood. Avoid burning trash, colored magazines, coal, paper logs, treated wood, painted wood and lighter fluid.
