alchemy FB18-MKII Instruction Manual

Installation & User Manual
Model: FB18-MKII
Version 001-NP- 2023

2
Please read this manual carefully for correct installation, use and maintenance of
the appliance.
Operate the fireplace in accordance with the instructions provided.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: BIO-ETHANOL FUEL
MUST BE BETWEEN 85% - 96.6% ALCOHOL

3
Contents
1. Supplied Parts............................................................................ 4
2. Safety Information...................................................................... 6
3. Installation............................................................................8
4. Operating the Appliance......................................................... 13
5. Safety Systems........................................................................ 16
6. Maintenance............................................................................. 17
7. Technical Information............................................................... 17
8. Troubleshooting........................................................................ 18
9. Appendices
Appendix 1 –Remote Control .................................................. 22
Appendix 2 –Dimensions and Spare Parts............................ 26
10. Installer Checklist....................................................................... 28
11. Warranty Registration ...............................................................29

4
1. Supplied Parts
A.Appliance
B.Remote Control
4. AC 220V -240V Mains Power Cable
C.RC Handset 4 x AAA Batteries
5. Fuel Filling Funnel

5
6. Log Plate and Ceramic Logs
Complete Log set
Individual Ceramic Log
Log Plate showing pin locations.
D
A
F
B
G
C
E

6
2. Safety Information
•To avoid injury do not touch the appliance while in operation or when it is hot.
•Keep children, animals and unauthorised persons away from the appliance. Never leave
children unsupervised while the appliance is in operation or when it is hot.
•No items are to be placed on the appliance.
•Keep appliance away from flames, ignition sources, and flammable materials.
•Do not attempt to move the appliance while in operation.
•Never pour bioethanol fuel over live flames.
•After turning off the appliance it will take a few minutes for the flames to extinguish.
•After turning off the appliance wait at least 5-10 minutes before attempting to re-ignite.
•Always ensure the flame is fully extinguished before refuelling as the flame may be difficult to
see in different environments.
•The appliance uses bioethanol fuel only, which is a flammable liquid. Store in original container
away from heat and sources of ignition. Follow container directions for useand safety.
•Bioethanol fuel is classified as a flammable liquid Class 1B (for flammability) and Class 3
PGII (for transportation) and is regulated by various standards around the world. You must
familiarise yourself and comply with these regulations in order to safely and legally store,
handle, decant and use this fuel.
•Use only approved bioethanol fuel that contains 85%-96.6% alcohol. Poor quality of fuel may
lead to undesirable results, reduction in reliability, incomplete and inefficient combustion,
smoke and odours, residues inside the burner.
•Alchemy Ltd is not liable for any damage caused by using the incorrect type of fuel.
•Do not refuel while the appliance is still hot. Allow atleast30 minutes before refuelling.
•Never smoke or have naked flamesnear the appliance while refuelling or starting the appliance.
•Clean bioethanol fuel spills immediately with a dry cloth followed by a cloth dampened with
water. Avoid any naked flames and allow to dry completely before using the appliance.
•Store fuel only inoriginal container. Store away from area where the appliance is located at
minimum distance of 200cm.Transport and/or store fuel only in a plastic or metal container that
is acceptable for use with the fuel and non-red in colour.
•Do not operate in a room with oxygen tanks in use or if flammable vapours are present.
•Do not place in areas where there might be a potentially explosive atmosphere of paint
vapours, industrial dusts, etc.
•For decorative purposes only. Not suitable for continuous operation. Do not use the appliance
to heat or boil water or as a cooking appliance. Do not put wood, charcoal, paper or other
combustible objects in the flames.
•Do not position the appliance near windows,doors, vents or fans that can create draughts as
thismaycause irregular operation.
•Do not place the appliance in close proximity to sources of humidity.
•For indoor use only, do not expose the appliance to external weather conditions.
•Do not install in a passive house.
•Bioethanol combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The combustion
requires oxygen, therefore the area where the appliance is placed should have adequate
ventilation to allow for fresh air circulation.
•To prevent the risk of indoor air pollution, the room in which the appliance is to be installed
must have sufficient ventilation to ensure air exchange in the room at least once per hour.
Improperventilation can cause serious injury or death.
•No heat sensitive and flammable items can be placed in direct contact or within a radius of
1m / 3.28ft from or above the appliance.
•Do not obstruct the ventilation slots/air inlet grilles of the appliance.
•You must have a carbon-dioxide (CO2)ordry powder extinguisher placed nearby the
appliance.
•In case of uncontrolled flames, please use a fire blanket or carbon-dioxide (CO2) or dry

7
chemical extinguisher.
•Do not use water to extinguish the fire.
•Use only authorised accessories supplied by Alchemy Ltd.
•NON-COMBUSTIBLE pebbles, logs or other refractory decorative fire accessories should not
be used.
•Donotuse fittings orspare parts, other than those available from or recommended byAlchemy
Ltd.
•Alwaysisolate the power to the appliance before moving, cleaning or servicing.

8
3. Installation
•While installing the appliance according to theinstruction manual ensure local and national
guidelines are observed.
•The appliance must be positioned on a flat and level surface.
•The elements of construction within a 1m radius of the appliance mustbe A1 classified non-
combustible materials.
•The appliance must be installedlevel within +/-1mm.
•A power supply is required.
•Installation must allow for easy removal of the appliance for servicing.
•Do not fill the fuel tank or use the appliance before the installation is complete.
Ensure heat sensitive devices and combustible materials are a minimum of 1000mm away from
the appliance. IMPORTANT DEFINITION:
Non-Combustible material: A material that does not react to heat.
•Any material which when tested to BS 476-11:1982 (2007) does not flame nor cause any rise
in temperature on the centre (specimen).
•Products classified as non-combustible in tests following the procedures in BS 476-4:1970
(2007).
•Any material classified as classA1inaccordance withBSEN 13501-1:2002 Fire classification
of construction products and building elements. Classification using data from reaction to fire
tests.
PLEASE NOTE THAT TIME RATED PLASTER BOARDS OF ANY TYPE ARE NOT SUITABLE
FOR THIS CONTSRUCTION, WE RECOMMEND ONLY CALCIUM SILILCATE & VERMICULITE
BASED BOARDS RATED TO A1.
Fig.1
Forreasons ofsafety, under no circumstances can there be any flammable material
within a 1m radius from the appliance. The manufacturer does not recommend
positioning any heat sensitive materials or devices above the appliance as it can
significantly limit the materials’ properties and lifetime. The manufacturer will not
bear any responsibility for damage to heat sensitive materials or devices installed
above the appliance.

9
VENTILATION
•Bioethanol combustion requires oxygen (O2) and releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and water
(H2O).
•It is important to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the area that the appliance is
installed to ensure there is a fresh air supply and a healthy level of oxygen to allow for one
room volume change of air per hour. This can be achieved with air bricks/vents or any
other means.
•The minimum room size that the appliance can be installed in is 25m3.
•To calculate the room size, measure the height, length and width and multiply all
measurements. e.g.(L) 6.6m x (W) 3.8m x (H) 2.4m = 60.192m3.
•For new build and renovated properties with a lower air permeability itisnecessary to
provide ventilation to the room of the appliance from an external space as per Document F
building regulations.

10
INSTALLATION IN A CHAMBER
•The minimum chamber dimensions are 750mm wide x 750mm high x 350mm deep (see
Figure 1). This is to ensure sufficient free flowing air to prevent excessive heat build-up and
damage to the appliance.
•Ensure the chamber is constructed from non-combustible materials. Any stud work
introduced must be non-combustible materials. Any voids within the chimney breast or above
the appliance are recommended to be ventilated to prevent heat build-up with continuous
use.
•If installing where there is an existing flue, ensure the flue is completely sealed from both
above and below the appliance to prevent draughts causing an adverse effect on the
appliance. When sealing the flue steps should be taken to avoid the possibility of damp and
condensation build up in the flue by means of ventilation in another area from where the
appliance is installed.
•It is recommended that a front hearth is installed with a minimum thickness of 12mm and a
minimum depth of 300mm as per Figure 1.
•If installing with a timber surround the opening of the surround must be a minimum of
915mm wide x 915mm high, and the use of slips in a non-combustible material with a
maximum width of 165mm for the top slip and 82.5mm for the side slips is required.
•The air inlet holes around the appliance must not be obstructed.
Figure 1

11
INSTALLING THE APPLIANCE
•A 13A switched mains socket is required to power the appliance.
•The socket must be accessible at all times.
•If the socket is to be located in the chamber it must be below the highest point of the appliance.
•If there are access issues to the socket an external switched spur can be introduced, which must
be accessible at all times.
•It must always be possible to isolate the power to the appliance.
•Do notconnect to the mains powersupply until after the appliance is safely installed in the final
position.
•When in position check the appliance is level. (See Figure 2)
•Once the unit is safely installed turn on the power supply. There should be two audible beeps to
signify there is power to the unit.
LEVELLING THE APPLIANCE
•The appliance must be level within +/-1mm to ensure an even flame spread.
•If the flame is weaker on one side or does not cover the full width of the burner channel while on
the high setting, it will be necessary to level the appliance by using the levelling feet –See Figure
2.
•A 4mm hex screwdriver or long allen key and a spirit level is required for adjustment of grub
screws.
Figure 2

12
CERAMIC LOG LAYOUT
•The front and rear top plates must be removed when the log set is used.
•Please handle the logs with care as they are fragile.
•Please ensure the logs are only placed on the correct pins on the top plate.
•The logs must not cover orinterfere with the burning area or flames in any way as otherwise it
could cause the appliance to overheat causing damage.
•Do not put bio-ethanol fuel on the ceramic logs.
First layer of ceramic logs: A, C, F, G.
Place second layer of ceramic logs: B, E.
Last ceramic log making up third layer: D.

13
4. Operating the appliance
FUELLING THE TANK
Always ensure the appliance is cold before fuelling the tank and usethe correct fuel.
1. Remove the top plate and unscrew the fuel tank cap.
2. Insert the funnel into the fuel tank neck and carefully pour bioethanol fuelinto the tank
until the indicator ball level reaches the top of the tank window.
3. Replace the fuel tank cap ensuring it is firmly closed and replace the top plate.

14
OPERATING THEREMOTE CONTROL
A. Touch power button to awaken handset.
B. To turn on, hold power button until green bar fills.
The screen will display PRIMING for about 45
seconds.
C. When the flame has established the screen will display the
level of heating.
D. To increase flame intensity touch power button to
awaken handset and rotate touch dial clockwise.
E. To reduce flame intensity touch power button to
awaken handset and rotate touch dial anti-clockwise.
F. To turn off, touch power button to awaken handset. Hold
power button until red bar fills. The appliance will take
around 2 minutes to burn off any residual fuel.
Burner is priming when the glow
plug is heating up and the fuel starts
pumping out, as shown in the image.
Once the glow plug reaches required
temperature and reached by the fuel,
the flame will ignite.

15
FUEL NOTIFICATION
When the tank is empty or does not have enough fuel,
there will be an audible beep and a message of NO FUEL will
appear on the display screen.
A minimum of 0.5L bio-ethanol fuel is required to operate the appliance.
When there is sufficient fuel in the
tank for the appliance to operate,
the fuel indicator will show a green
bar.

16
5. Safety Systems
LEAK DETECTION SENSOR
The appliance has a leak detection sensor
located underneath the burner on the lowest part
of the sump as per image showing the sensor
location. Thus, if there is a leak the appliance
will turn off. A loud beep will sound if the safety
is activated.
OVERFLOW DETECTION SENSOR
The appliance is equipped with an overflow
sensor which is designed to ensure user safety
when accidental damage occurs to the pump or
electronics. In case of excess fuel being
pumped into the burner the sensor will be
activated and will shut off the appliance. The
appliance will notlightuntil it isresetbyswitching
the mains power supply OFF, wait 10 seconds,
then switch ON.
BIOETHANOL FUELLING DETECTION
SWITCH
You will not be able to fill up the fuel tank while
the appliance is on due to the safety micro-
switch. Removing top access panel will trigger
the switch and extinguish the flames.A message
‘Lid Open’ will appear on your handset. In order
to light the appliance you must replace the top
plate in its position covering the fuel tank side.

17
6. Maintenance
ALWAYS UNPLUG OR ISOLATE FROM MAINS SUPPLY BEFORE CLEANING OR
UNDERTAKING ANY MAINTENANCE.
Turn the appliance off and isolate the mains supply. Ensure the appliance is cold before
attempting any maintenance of the appliance. No liability can be accepted by Alchemy Ltd for
injury caused by burning or scolding by a hot appliance.
It issuggested the follow procedures and checks are carried on a regular basis:
A. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the top of the burner and metal top plates.
B. Remove metal top plate and wipe with a dust cloth.
C. Check the burner channel is clear of any debris and no foreign objects are in contactwith the
safety sensors.
D. Check fuel system for any visible damage or leaks.
E. Replace metal top plates.
F. Check the safe operation of the appliance.
It is highly recommended that your appliance is turned on at least once a month for 10
minutes, even during summer months. This will ensure the appliance is in good working
order. Please check battery levels in the remote control and replace as required.
7. Technical Information
BIO-ETHANOL
FB18
GROSS INPUT on High (Hs) (kW)
3.5
Ethanol Consumption on High (L/Hr)
0.5
GROSS INPUT on Low (Hs) (kW)
2.5
Ethanol Consumption on Low (L/Hr)
0.35
Fuel Tank Volume Capacity (L)
3.2
These values are indicative only and may vary depending on the installation and
denatured ethanol used.

18
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 There is smoke or a foreign smell coming from the appliance when burning
•There may be waste burning that should not be in the burner channel.
•You are using the wrong fuel (it is essential that you ONLY use Bioethanol).
•You have placed something around/above the flame that has not been approved or
recommended.
•If the appliance has run out of fuel and the flame is burning out or you have just turned the
appliance OFF, this is normal.
•Poor quality fuel is being used.
SOLUTION
Turn the appliance OFF and wait until it cools down. Clean/service the appliance and remove
debris/waste. Contact your local distributor for fuel brand recommendation.
8.2 When I attempt to light the appliance it does not start
•You have not put enough fuel in the appliance.
•You have not used the correct fuel (it is imperative that you ONLY Bioethanol fuel).
•The appliance opening is obstructed, there needs to be adequate ventilation for the flame to
start.
•The appliance is cold and takes time to ignite.
SOLUTION
Check Stop Code –in the DEVICE menu on the handset for further guidance. Check fuel level by
inspecting through the fuel tank window, check type of fuel used. Repeat starting procedure until
the appliance warms up and remains ignited.
8.3 I have spilt some fuel, what do I do before lighting?
Use the isolation switch to prevent the fire turning ON. Keep people away from the area. Wipe
up spilt liquid thoroughly using a dry cloth, wipe again with a cloth dampened with water. Avoid
breathing vapours. Ventilate enclosed space by opening windows and doors. If fuel was spilled
on hands, wash thoroughly. Only use the appliance when the area is completely dry and you are
certain that all spilt fuel has been removed. Please refer to MSDS for Bioethanol.
8.4 The flame is unusually volatile and high
This is likely to be caused by a strong draught.
Turn OFF the appliance. Locate and remove the source of the draught (it may be that you have a
window/door open or fan operating that isdirectly pushing air towards the appliance).

19
8.5 RC Handset Fault Finding
The software installed will give an error/ stop coded if the bioethanol fire stopped or did not start
from any reason. If the appliance stops a code is generated, and can be read on the handset.
The code number will help to see at which stage in the ignition process or operating the fault has
happened.
To find the Stop Code: on the remote press both Menu buttons together until the MENU appears
with three options. Rotate the dial until DEVICE is highlighted in RED and press select. For further
information on Remote Control functions see Appendix 1.
The display will show the version number and the stop code as follow:
Display “Rxxx.Dxxx.SCx”
R = Receiver software version number.
D = Device software version number.
SC= stop code in hex format (as shown below).
1. Top plate not aligned –switch active
- Reason: Top plate not sitting on the fire box properly after being removed or being knocked.
- Solution: Align top plates, and make sure they are in correct position.
1 No fuel reaching tank sensor (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: Not enough fuel in tank.
- Solution: Put more fuel into the tank.
2 Thermocouple hot –Hot Tray (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: Appliance has recently been turned off or top plate safety switch activated.
- Solution: Wait 5 minutes to try turning on again
3 Two minutes safety break (IGNITION PROCESS)

20
- Reason: The thermocouple safety sequence (3 –Thermocouple hot) has not completed.
- Solution: Wait another 2 mins to try turning on again.
4 Low level sensor not reached, pump timed out
- Reason: The fuel has not reached the low level sensor in the burner during operation due to
fuel running out, blockage in the fuel lines, debris in the burner or faulty pump.
- Solution: Check for leaks, around fuel tank. Check fuel, refuel if no fuel. Check burner for
debris and clean if required as per section 6. Maintenance in manual. If leak found or still
doesn’t turn on after refuelling, call engineer/dealer to check fuel lines and pump.
5 High level sensor not reached, pump timed out
- Reason: The fuel has not reached the high level sensor in the burner during operation due to
fuel running out, blockage in the fuel lines or faulty pump.
- Solution: Check forleaks, around fuel tank. Check fuel, refuel ifno fuel.If leak found or still
doesn’t turn on after refuelling, call engineer/dealer to check fuel lines and pump.
6 Timed out wait for fuel low level (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: The fuel has not reached the low level sensor in the burner during ignition process
due to shortage of fuel, blockage in the fuel lines, debris in the burner or faulty pump.
- Solution: Check for leaks, around fuel tank. Check fuel, refuel if no fuel. Check burner for
debris and clean if required as per section 6. Maintenance in manual. If leak found or still
doesn’t turn on after refueling, call engineer/dealer to check fuel lines and pump.
7 Timed out wait for fuel high level (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: The fuel has not reached the high level sensor in the burner during ignition process
due to shortage of fuel, blockage in the fuel lines or faulty pump.
- Solution: Check forleaks, around fuel tank. Check fuel, refuel ifno fuel.If leak found or still
doesn’t turn on after refuelling, call engineer/dealer to check fuel lines and pump.
8 Timed out waiting for flame (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: Thermocouple did not get hot enough in required period as flame did not reach it
during ignition process, due to fuel running out, blockage in fuel lines, debris in the burner or
faulty pump.
- Solution: Check for leaks, around fuel tank. Check fuel, refuel if no fuel. Check burner for
debris and clean if required as per section 6. Maintenance in manual. If leak found or still
doesn’t turn on after refueling, call engineer/dealer to check fuel lines and pump
A. Timed out wait for high level after flame (IGNITION PROCESS)
- Reason: Fuel did not reach high sensor in the burner after flame on during the ignition
process, due to fuel running out, blockage in fuel lines, debris in the burner or faulty pump.
- Solution: Check fuel, refuel if no fuel. Check burner for debris and clean if required as per
section 6. Maintenance in manual. If still doesn’t turn on after refueling, call engineer/dealer