It's hard to control how long the cat stays in pure cat mode, at least on my stove. If the stovetop hits around 500ºF in cat mode the firebox always self ignites, ending pure cat mode. If I wanted to get firebox flames a little earlier, I could open up the air when the stovetop hits maybe 400ºF and get an earlier flame in the firebox, which would be "hybrid" cat mode.
Tom would certainly know the likely failure mechanism of current combustor technology but I'm doubtful that decreasing the transition time to firebox flames would meaningfully impact combustor life. I think combustor longevity has to do with maintaining the integrity of the aluminum oxide coating which is applied to the foil substrate. Using WS's words: "The aluminum oxide on the surface of the foil protects the metal substrate from oxidation that would otherwise occur to the metal substrate at the operating temperatures of the wood stove. It increases the longevity and durability of the catalyst."
How this impacts combustor life expectancy is debatable at least with my level of understanding.
Tom would certainly know the likely failure mechanism of current combustor technology but I'm doubtful that decreasing the transition time to firebox flames would meaningfully impact combustor life. I think combustor longevity has to do with maintaining the integrity of the aluminum oxide coating which is applied to the foil substrate. Using WS's words: "The aluminum oxide on the surface of the foil protects the metal substrate from oxidation that would otherwise occur to the metal substrate at the operating temperatures of the wood stove. It increases the longevity and durability of the catalyst."
How this impacts combustor life expectancy is debatable at least with my level of understanding.
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