Firebelly FB2 Operating Instructions Manual page 3

combustion air and the gases that are released from the wood as it heats up. The heat of the
fire ignites and burns these gases. In contrast, the dense smoke from a slow, smouldering fire
is potential heat energy that escapes up the chimney and either clings to the chimney flue
as creosote or pollutes the outdoor air. Therefore, to gain the most heat from each load of
firewood, the wood should be flaming throughout the burn cycle until it is reduced to ash.
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If you do a fair bit of slow woodburning, it is good practice to burn a good, hot stove at regular
intervals to keep your chimney dry and prevent the build up of tar.
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When refueling, place wood towards the back of the stove where it will burn hotter and more
efficiently. Try to place logs length ways so that any spitting from the end grain does not go
onto the glass window. The fuel should not be stacked higher than the top of the back fire
brick. Once the stove is hot and running steady, it should be possible to maintain the nominal
output by refuelling aproximately once an hour.
Notes on woodburning
Wood burns most efficiently when the air for combustion is supplied from above the fire bed
rather than below. The air supplied above the fire bed provides the oxygen necessary for the
volatile gases (smoke), given off by the wood as it heats, to combust. This ensures that the
gases are burnt and used to heat the appliance instead of being wasted up the chimney or
condensing and forming tarry deposits inside the stove, the flue pipe or on the door glass.
Running the stove with only the bottom air control open will provide oxygen for the wood
to burn on the fire base but will not provide air for the volatile gases above the fire bed to
combust, resulting in a smoky inefficient fire. With the above in mind the stove should be run
with the bottom air control closed and the top air control open.
Slow burning
To slow the burning rate and output from the stove reduce the air entering the stove via the air
controls. The fire must be well established and the stove hot before a minimum combustion
rate is atempted. Note that if the air supply is restricted too much the fire will burn dirty and
inefficiently. Slow overnight burning is not advised.
Ventillation
The stove requires an adequate air supply for successful operation (see Installation section of
these instructions for more details). Ensure that air bricks or grilles supplied for this purpose
are not blocked. Be aware that the operation of exhaust fans or other appliances that compete
for ventilation in the vecinity may affect the performance of the stove.
BURNING
Running temperature
To get the best results from your stove it is recommended that a wood stove thermometer be
fitted to the flue pipe just above the stove. Most thermometers are magnetic and if attached
to the single wall flue pipe just above your stove will give a good indication of the flue gas
temperatures.
150 °C - 300°C
The flue gases should be in this temperature band for the safest, most efficient and most
economical operation of your stove.
Below 150°C
This is below the condensation point of wood gases and may cause the build up of tar in the
chimney, dirty the stove glass and result in the inefficient burning of fuel.
Above 300 °C
Too hot. Heat will be wasted up the chimney. Excess heat may damage the stove or ignite an
existing accumulation of tar resulting in a chimney fire.
Over heating
If the stove is allowed to get too hot and is over heating, close both of the air controls fully
using the tool, keep the fire door closed and let the fire burn down.
Chimney Fire
In the event of a chimney fire dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. Fully close the air controls on the
stove and keep the fire door shut. Move any combustibles away from the stove and the chimney
breast. Also check other rooms that the chimney passes through and move furniture
combustibles away from the chimney here too.
Before using the stove again after a chimney fire have the chimney cleaned and inspected
by a qualified person.
OR WOOD
and other
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