So, in my quest to achieve a reliable overnight burn, have a couple of questions about burning catalytic. FYI, bought our new place in 11/2020, and the Encore 2040 was installed in 2014.
In progressively working to more serious and longer burns, I took a step back and took out the catalyst. My observation is it was dirty but whole, i.e. no cracking or missing chunks or fractures that I could see. The secondary chamber needed a little cleaning, and there was a bit of ash on top of the catalytic itself.
So, questions:
Is there any way to tell when a catalyst has lost its mojo, aside from the obvious telltale signs of cracking or missing pieces? Keep in mind, I have no observational history with this stove and/or catalyst.
When a catalyst is engaged and in its catalytic burning phase, should I see a discernible jump in temperature output (or any other telltale sign) assuming everything else is static, e.g. air control lever left in same position? NOTE: No catalytic temperature probe so just working off the stove top and stovepipe thermometer readings.
Does the secondary burn at the top of the back, secondary chamber imply the catalyst should also be engaged? NOTE: There is a small gap in the backplate that from just the right angle I can see a sliver of flame rising through the back chamber and/or a red glow, depending on how hot the secondary chamber has gotten.
A back heat shield is installed. Is that normal for Encore owners, and is it keeping secondary chamber heat from releasing into the house (and, instead, simply going up the chimney)?
Big One - When burning in catalytic mode, how much flame should I see in the primary chamber (soft but steady flame wisps, some steady but not aggressive flame, or just burning coal, or something else)? Again, no cat temperature gauge. Also, when burning in catalytic mode, what target temp do other Encore owners have for their stovetop?
My targets are a stovetop in the 400-600 range and stovepipe in the 300-400 range, but as lower as possible on the stovepipe in an effort to keep heat within the stove itself for the house, not going up the chimney. Because we moved in in November and got a late season load of not-so-great wood, burns have been random. Good when I'm lucky to get loaded with dryer wood and obviously struggling when pieces aren't seasoned enough. Trying to get another load of dried wood to take that factor out of the equation.
Any help or perspective helpful!
In progressively working to more serious and longer burns, I took a step back and took out the catalyst. My observation is it was dirty but whole, i.e. no cracking or missing chunks or fractures that I could see. The secondary chamber needed a little cleaning, and there was a bit of ash on top of the catalytic itself.
So, questions:
Is there any way to tell when a catalyst has lost its mojo, aside from the obvious telltale signs of cracking or missing pieces? Keep in mind, I have no observational history with this stove and/or catalyst.
When a catalyst is engaged and in its catalytic burning phase, should I see a discernible jump in temperature output (or any other telltale sign) assuming everything else is static, e.g. air control lever left in same position? NOTE: No catalytic temperature probe so just working off the stove top and stovepipe thermometer readings.
Does the secondary burn at the top of the back, secondary chamber imply the catalyst should also be engaged? NOTE: There is a small gap in the backplate that from just the right angle I can see a sliver of flame rising through the back chamber and/or a red glow, depending on how hot the secondary chamber has gotten.
A back heat shield is installed. Is that normal for Encore owners, and is it keeping secondary chamber heat from releasing into the house (and, instead, simply going up the chimney)?
Big One - When burning in catalytic mode, how much flame should I see in the primary chamber (soft but steady flame wisps, some steady but not aggressive flame, or just burning coal, or something else)? Again, no cat temperature gauge. Also, when burning in catalytic mode, what target temp do other Encore owners have for their stovetop?
My targets are a stovetop in the 400-600 range and stovepipe in the 300-400 range, but as lower as possible on the stovepipe in an effort to keep heat within the stove itself for the house, not going up the chimney. Because we moved in in November and got a late season load of not-so-great wood, burns have been random. Good when I'm lucky to get loaded with dryer wood and obviously struggling when pieces aren't seasoned enough. Trying to get another load of dried wood to take that factor out of the equation.
Any help or perspective helpful!