Re: OT(?) Catalytic converters re: N.A. heating stoves

[Harmon Seaver <hseaver@cybershamanix.com>]

   You might want to ask this question as well on the woodheat list at 
http://groups.yahoo.com/woodheat  
  Be forewarned, however, that unlike this group, the list manager there is
totally opposed to people building their own, or modifying commercial
stoves. But there is a fairly good amount of info on commercial stoves.


On Fri, Sep 27, 2002 at 10:27:29AM -0500, Scott Willing wrote:
> Gentle stovers,
> 
> Please forgive the somewhat off topic questions, but I can't think of 
> a better-qualified group.
> 
> I'm contemplating replacing the (aging, airtight) wood stove that 
> provides all space heating for our small (800 sq ft) rural home.
> 
> We are home almost all the time, so tending the stove isn't a big 
> problem. If we end up with something that requires less attention 
> (i.e. is more automated), that would be a bonus, but the goals for 
> upgrading are quite simply to burn less fuel and to burn it as 
> cleanly as possible. From deadfall and beaver kill alone, the 
> property can supply us indefinitely with (primarily) aspen cordwood, 
> so we're not keen to look at pellet stoves et al.
> 
> A major purchase decision is whether/not to go for a model with a 
> catalytic converter. I'm getting a lot of conflicting information.
> 
> 1. I have read that "cat's" create, as well as mitigate, air 
> pollution problems. I'm not in any way endorsing this particular 
> site, but a quick search provided this representative article:
> 
> 	http://www.junkscience.com/news2/catalyt.htm
> 
> Does anyone on the list know what the current wisdom is in this 
> regard?
> 
> 2. Third-hand information from a local suggested that much more 
> stovepipe / chimney cleaning was necessary with a cat. This is the 
> opposite of what I would have expected; I was immediately suspicious 
> that the culprit was the operating mode (seriously damped intake) not 
> the cat per se. Again, any informed comment is welcome.
> 
> 3. The cat must be replaced from time to time. There's an associated 
> cost (not inconsequential), but I don't care so much about that as 
> the disposal issues associated with the spent converter. Any 
> particular concerns here?
> 
> There is nothing "wrong" with my current stove; I do not "need" to 
> replace it. What I'm trying to avoid is the irony of upgrading only 
> to worsen rather than improve the situation, particularly with 
> respect to air pollution.
> 
> BTW, If this house was suitable for a masonry stove retrofit, that 
> would be my prefered choice, but it's simply not practical here.
> 
> Hoping the intrusion is not too unwelcome, and very best regards,
> Scott Willing
> 
> -
> Stoves List Archives and Website:
> http://www.crest.org/discussion/stoves/200209/
> http://crest.org/discussiongroups/resources/stoves/
> >
> Stoves List Moderators:
> Ron Larson, ronallarson@qwest.net
> Elsen L. Karstad, elk@wananchi.com www.chardust.com
> 
> Other Biomass Stoves Events and Information:
> http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1010424940_7.html Bioenergy
> http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1011975339_7.html Gasification
> http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1011975672_7.html Carbon
> 
> List-Post: <mailto:stoves@crest.org>
> List-Help: <mailto:stoves-help@crest.org>
> List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:stoves-unsubscribe@crest.org>
> List-Subscribe: <mailto:stoves-subscribe@crest.org>
> >
> For information about CHAMBERS STOVES
> >http://www.repp.org/discussiongroups/resources/stoves/Chambers/Chambers.htm

-- 
Harmon Seaver	
CyberShamanix
http://www.cybershamanix.com

-
Stoves List Archives and Website:
http://www.crest.org/discussion/stoves/200209/
http://crest.org/discussiongroups/resources/stoves/
>
Stoves List Moderators:
Ron Larson, ronallarson@qwest.net
Elsen L. Karstad, elk@wananchi.com www.chardust.com

Other Biomass Stoves Events and Information:
http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1010424940_7.html Bioenergy
http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1011975339_7.html Gasification
http://www.crest.org/articles/static/1/1011975672_7.html Carbon

List-Post: <mailto:stoves@crest.org>
List-Help: <mailto:stoves-help@crest.org>
List-Unsubscribe: <mailto:stoves-unsubscribe@crest.org>
List-Subscribe: <mailto:stoves-subscribe@crest.org>
>
For information about CHAMBERS STOVES
>http://www.repp.org/discussiongroups/resources/stoves/Chambers/Chambers.htm