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ensure stable operation of the Crossfire. Fortunately, there are simple, reliable, and cost effective power
backup solutions available. Today, a homeowner can choose from a variety of power conditioning systems
from a number of “big box” retail stores. For example, Home Depot, Circuit City, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or
other stores carry standard power conditioning equipment. Two good quality power conditioning equipment
manufacturers are APC and TrippLite. These uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) include the capability to
handle power failures, brown outs, power surges, line noise, and sell for around $35 to $150. UPS system
cost is largely defined by the features included and the amount of time (battery size) the UPS can operate
before recharging of the battery is required. UPS systems are sold by the number of electrical outlets, the
volt-amperes (watts), and the additional features included.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
The Crossfire Model CF04-CORN was designed to burn #2 shelled corn, or any mix of both corn and
Premium Hardwood Pellets. The corn’s moisture content should be limited to no more than 14% moisture
content.
Country Flame recommends
corn fuel moisture content be maintained somewhere in the
range of
10% to 12%.
USING SEED CORN AS FUEL IS DANGEROUS TO OCCUPANTS. BURNING SEED
CORN VOIDS THE COUNTRY FLAME WARRANTY.
If pellet fuel is added to the corn in the Crossfire, Country Flame recommends no more than 8% moisture
content. The American Pellet Fuel Institute establishes standards for pellet fuel manufacturer’s product.
Pellet Manufacturers voluntarily follow these standards but homeowners should know what to look for. The
following terms should be understood by the homeowner:
ASH:
Biomass
stoves produce two kinds of ash:
1) Solid ash residue in the firepot; and
2) Fly ash (un-burnt particles) and air born fly ash (sparklers) are created during the combustion process. The
Crossfire has an ash compartment which aids in cleaning the stove. Ash can also accumulate in "ash traps"
which need to be cleaned periodically. The remaining fly ash is blown into the flue system which will also
require periodic cleaning.
FINES:
(sawdust): Fines are caused by pellet disintegration that occurs during transport or storage of pellets.
Two potential problems – fines can create dust in the home and fines cause interference to the flow of pellets
in the fuel hopper.
BTU's:
(heat) PER POUND: The variation of BTU's per pound in pellet or corn fuel is usually not noticeable
to most users. Overall stove efficiency (combustion efficiency times heat transfer efficiency) has a greater
impact on the heat delivered to the home.
DENSITY:
Pellet density (measured in pounds per square foot) determines the maximum amount of energy
that can be delivered to the combustion chamber. Low density fuels may cause the fire to go out on low heat
settings without proper adjustments to the air-to-fuel ratio.
SALT:
Salt in pellets can cause stove deterioration (rust). The Pellet Fuels Institute is participating in tests to
determine the effects of salt and the most accurate methods of measurement. The APFI will publish standards
that will result in recommended standards for sodium in pellets.
CLINKERS:
Clinkers are the result of impurities in pellets or corn. Clinkers may also occur due to ash
fusion (ash melted together in the burn pot), and can be minimized by properly adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio.
DIRTY GLASS:
Glass becomes dirty during normal or faulty combustion. Some fuels produce a film on the
glass to which ash adheres, making a clean glass more difficult.
Pellet fuel manufacturers should be able to show test results for BTU's, ash content, and the amount of fines
in their product. Do not hesitate to contact the pellet manufacturer if you have questions or concerns.
If
questions remain about the Crossfire, please contact a local authorized Country Flame Dealer for assistance.
