Are fines a hazard in any way? Being a recent arrival to the pellet world I thought I should ask. Any danger of fines causing a fire in the hopper?
Fines (pellet dust)
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jtakeman
Minister of Fire
Not had a problem in my many season. Hopper fires are a whole other story(dirty stove-clogged burnpot-chitty pellets). Many of the members built simple pellet cleaners to remove the fines-dust-small bits.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/i-made-my-own-pellet-vac-for-less-than-20-00-video.21107/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/i-made-my-own-pellet-vac-for-less-than-20-00-video.21107/
I never had a problem, but then my stove sends the fines to the burner to make sparkly shower show.
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
Now, now you are supposed to help the new burner and explain how some stoves can't handle fines very well because enough fines can stop pellets from feeding.
This condition while not a hazard can cause much dental trouble due to the gnashing of teeth when it is discovered that your stove isn't producing any heat because the fire went out and it turns out that the pellets aren't making it to the auger due to a pile of fines that keeps the auger covered.
This condition while not a hazard can cause much dental trouble due to the gnashing of teeth when it is discovered that your stove isn't producing any heat because the fire went out and it turns out that the pellets aren't making it to the auger due to a pile of fines that keeps the auger covered.
awww ok I will try and remember that for the next time.
I have heard some people vacume out the dust from the hopper,To stop auger jams. but I didnt nor sifted either 
That how we doood it?????????
I have heard some people vacume out the dust from the hopper,To stop auger jams. but I didnt nor sifted either That how we doood it?????????
thedude110
Feeling the Heat
Fines are sort of like not backing up your computer -- it's not a hazard, it can just screw you.
I think most people follow common sense and try to limit the number of fines that get in their hopper. Some people are hard core about it, as J points out. Me, I pour some pellets in, shake the bag to try to shake fines downward, pour more pellets in, etc.
I think most people follow common sense and try to limit the number of fines that get in their hopper. Some people are hard core about it, as J points out. Me, I pour some pellets in, shake the bag to try to shake fines downward, pour more pellets in, etc.
tbear853
Feeling the Heat
What are these "fines" y'all speak of? Do you mean the powdered pellet dust at the bottom of the bag? If so, they have never caused my Vermont Castings any problem in 21 years. It has just one auger that runs horizontal into burn pot.
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
Ayuh, that be them.
Get yourself one of those spring augers and forget to vacuum the hooper out on a regular basis and you'll know what we are taking about.
Also some diagonal solid screw auger systems can get plugged in that the auger flight can fill with fines and very small amounts get pushed out into the burn pot. The auger just tunnels in the fines.
tbear853
Feeling the Heat
I didn't know that some use spring augers .... yes, I can see where the problem would be. I have a buddy who has a stove with a uphill auger that feeds stuff up hill into a second tube that falls into the burn pot, I can see how that would also be a problem. Not sure of make.
Mine is a solid auger blade wrapped around center rod fitted in a horizontal tube from pellet hopper to burn pot rear.
Mine is a solid auger blade wrapped around center rod fitted in a horizontal tube from pellet hopper to burn pot rear.
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
After thinking about it there has to be some fines that are created just by the action of the auger. I can understand how moisture can play a major roll in blockages but that shouldn't be an issue. All my pellets are stored indoors.
kcellwood
Member
jtakeman
Minister of Fire
It has a corkscrew type auger. It will convey most of the fines to the burnpot. I usually just let my stove run real low on pellets once every few weeks. Carefully Pick/scoop out the precious pellets and vacuum up any fines. Throw the pellets back in, Then add more and hit the go button.
Normal conveying of the fuel by the auger does create fines a small amout. Very minimal.
Wet pellets turn to mush. As the auger tries to lift them it actually compresses the mush in the chute. This will usually cause a blockage or jam you will need to clean out. Major PITA as you have to remove the auger cover and start removing the mess. It can break the coupling and even break off the kickers on the top of the auger itself. If you see a bag with a football in the corners, Carefull pour off the good pellets into a bucket. Disgaurd the mush in the compost pile/garden. Great fiber to the soil is about all its good for. I burn it in my wood eater to get all the BTU's I can from them.
CT Pellet
Minister of Fire
Fines are like chocolate. If you just...errr, this is going to be too tough. Actually fines are nothing like chocolate.
But, as long as you do your maintenance, and you do not have "excessive" fines, then it should not be an issue. What is "excessive?".....well the PFI defines excessive as anything greater than 1/2 % of the overall weight of the pellets. You can either rely on the lethargically dismal PFI's definition or you can just use your common sense. Look at the pellets as you pour them in and is it looks like someone threw in a cup of flour in the bag of pellets, then you may want to consider changing brands. Burning pellets is an awesome way to heat. Do not let yourself become so concerned about every possible problem that could arise that you lose the enjoyment of burning pellets.
Auger jams could be a result of excessive fines, and auger jams do happen....that's why they make those bumper stickers! But more often than not, it is because of wet pellets, not fines. If your pellets do have too many fines, you will most likely be able to tell just by looking at them. Good question and good post, but the mere laws of statistics say thay you are safe from excessive fines. Happy burning!
But, as long as you do your maintenance, and you do not have "excessive" fines, then it should not be an issue. What is "excessive?".....well the PFI defines excessive as anything greater than 1/2 % of the overall weight of the pellets. You can either rely on the lethargically dismal PFI's definition or you can just use your common sense. Look at the pellets as you pour them in and is it looks like someone threw in a cup of flour in the bag of pellets, then you may want to consider changing brands. Burning pellets is an awesome way to heat. Do not let yourself become so concerned about every possible problem that could arise that you lose the enjoyment of burning pellets.
Auger jams could be a result of excessive fines, and auger jams do happen....that's why they make those bumper stickers! But more often than not, it is because of wet pellets, not fines. If your pellets do have too many fines, you will most likely be able to tell just by looking at them. Good question and good post, but the mere laws of statistics say thay you are safe from excessive fines. Happy burning!
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