7
Don’t leave the appliance running and
unattended.
Don’t leave the appliance running overnight.
It is obvious that on a boat the first and second
requirements are in short supply, we normally have
low flues which are small in diameter and generally
not very well insulated, coupled with all these
problems we have the other one which is the boat
moves across constantly changing surroundings and
through locks, into headwinds and crosswinds and
also moors up in constantly changing locations which
create major possibility’s for downdraughting to
occur.
Any bend in any part of the chimney roughness on
the internal chimney wall will slow down the velocity
of rising gasses and reduce the effectiveness of
the chimney.
Any slight reduction in the flue gas temperature
will reduce the chimney vacuum or pull, hence when
the stove is slowed down for all night burning, as
the flue gas cools down the chimney vacuum
reduces and the chimney could develop so little pull
that the stove may well go out. This problem is
highlighted even more during very cold weather
when the chimney can cool down even faster.
On a boat this is obviously not possible, therefore
we have to take great care to make sure that we
get the chimney to work as well as possible given all
the limitations that Narrow Boats impose upon us.
Here are the rules.
1.
Always use top outlet for flue pipe take off.
2.
Never put any bends in the flue. (To
maintain a concentric fit, we will allow a
slight kick off the stove and a similar kick
into the deck flange).
3.
Always try to get the stove as low as
possible in the boat as this will allow
installation of maximum length flue pipe.
4.
Always have two double wall above deck
extensions, short for cruising and long (28”
minimum) for mooring. Insulated extensions
are a thing of the future but it is possible
to fill the space using a vermiculite and
cement mix sealed off with flexible fire
putty.
5.
If you have to moor in a position near to
high buildings, high trees or higher
surrounding land.
Don’t leave the appliance running and
unattended.
Don’t leave the appliance running
overnight.
Note that this illustration does not comply with
current requirements.
5.
Fit a rotary swinging cowl to each extension
or make one interchangeable.
6.
Clean or have the chimney cleaned regularly.
(Frequency depends upon type of fuel and
length of time used).
7.
Make sure that the boat ventilators are
always open when the appliance is in use.
8.
Before lighting the appliance make sure
that the weather cap has been removed and
any chimney extensions are fitted.
Don’t phone in and ask for dispensations.
5. OPERATING PRINCIPLES.
The output generated from a solid fuel stove
depends upon several factors.
1.
The ability of the chimney to pull air
through the stove.
2.
The size and capacity of the firebox.
3.
The grate design.
4.
The control and direction of combustion air
allowed to go into and through the stove.
5.
The type of fuel.
6.
The calorific value (c.v.) of the fuel.
