IQ Design Joule Manual
Multifuel Stove
Installation & Operating
Instructions for the Joule Inset Model
Important
This product MUST be installed by a suitably qualied installer .
Combustion fumes entering a home from an incorrectly installed or operated appliance
are DANGEROUS. For safety reasons, it is essential that the stove is correctly
installed and operated and that the chimney is regularly swept.
IQ Design cannot accept responsibility for any fault or consequential
problems arising through incorrect installation or operation
Date of installation: Serial No.
IQ Design Limited,
Whilst in operation, this appliance will be hot. For the safety and the protection of the
young, elderly and infirm, it is recommended that a suitable guard be placed around the
stove.
This appliance is NOT an incinerator - DO NOT BURN RUBBISH IN IT!
Only burn wood, processed peat or smokeless mineral fuels. DO NOT Burn Bituminous
Coal or Petroleum Coke. Use of incorrect fuels will invalidate the guarantee.
Please read this handbook prior to installation and operation.
Please ensure that the commissioning sheet on Page 15 is completed by your
installer and returned for registration and guarantee records.
Conditional on correct installation and use, Joule Stoves are Guaranteed for a period of two years
from date of purchase. An additional three year warranty is available subject to the form at the back
of this hand book being fully completed and returned to IQ Design.
The Guarantee and Warranty does not cover consumable spare parts. This Guarantee does not
aect your statutory rights.
Unit 20, Millennium Business Park,
Cappagh Road, Dublin 11, Ireland.
Contents
1. List of Components 3
2. Component Identification and Assembly 3
3. General Information and Instructions 4
Warnings and important safety information
Chimney Sweeping
Ventilation - Combustion Air
Health & Safety
Maintenance
4 Installation Information 5 & 6
Fixing and Sealing
Flue & Chimney
Flue Draught Requirement
Connection to the Chimney
Clearances from Combustibles
Hearths
Commissioning & Handover
Useful Information
5. Operating Instructions 7 & 8
Air controls
Multifuel Grate
Door
Ash Pan
Baffle
Fuels
Notes on Wood Burning
Lighting the Stove
Re-fuelling
Shutting Down
6. Safety Notes 9
7. Carbon Monoxide Information 10
8. Wood as a Fuel 11
9. Chimney Draught 12
10. Spare Parts & Accessories 13
11. Commissioning Check list & Guarantee Registration 14
Section Page No.
Page 2
1. List of Components
Assembled Stove
Ash Pan Handle
Ash Pan
Ash Pan
2. Component Identification and Assembly
The Joule Inset Stove is packed in a re-useable wooden box which may be suitable as a
fuel store. Carefully remove the Stove from the box and check contents carefully.
The Stove is supplied in a fully assembled state. The stove features a collar on the flue outlet. If
any connection is made to the collar, it should be fitted so that the connection sits INSIDE the
collar so as to ensure that any by-products of combustion can only enter, and not fall around the
outside of the appliance.
Some of the components identified in the drawing above are considered “consumables”, and as
such will require replacement from time to time. These would include: Glass, Ash Pan, Grate,
Baffle Plate and Back and Side Plates. Page 3
See page 13 for a
comprehensive list of
spare parts & accessories
Assembly & Controls
Grate
Back Plate
Side Plates
Baffle Plate
Fixing &
Securing
Bracket
Flue Collar
Secondary
Air Control
Door
Fuel Catcher
or Fret
Door Handle
Primary Air
Control
A
ASection A - A
Door Glass
Convected Air
Outlet
Stove Operating Glove
Adhesive Backed Fibre Rope
Manual / Hand Book
484mm
600mm
385mm
Stove
Dimensions
Page 4
3. General Information and Instructions
These instructions are intended to provide for a safe and satisfactory installation of the
Stove. In all cases the installation must comply with current local regulations including
Building Regulations, Local Authority Bye Laws and other specifications or regulations
including Ireland, UK or EU Standards. Approved Document J is particularly important for
England and Wales and can be downloaded for no cost at:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/4000000000503.html
Important Chimney Warning
This stove must not be installed into a chimney that serves any other heating appliance.
Extractor Fan Warning
There must not be an extractor fan fitted in the same room as the Stove. As extractor fans create
a negative pressure in any room; it would have the effect of sucking fumes down the chimney and
into the room.
Cleaning and Chimney Sweeping
The appliance, flue & chimney must be regularly cleaned and checked internally and
externally whilst the stove is in use and especially after a period of disuse (e.g. after
summer).
Lift down the baffle at least weekly to check for build up of soot, fly ash or debris on the top. Also
check that the flue spigot and connector is fully clear while the Baffle is removed. The chimney
and flue connector must be swept at least annually, more often when used with sooty fuels or
damp wood.Any loose, broken or leaking joints or flue ways MUST be repaired immediately.
Ventilation
ALL combustion processes need an air supply and whilst the requirement for combustion air can
be met within the dictates of Building Regulations, it should not be assumed that because this
appliance is rated at just 5kW, no combustion air opening requirements are needed. Adequate
ventilation is ESSENTIAL for the safe and efficient operation of any solid fuel or wood burning
appliance and the initial installation process of checking operation and draught readings may well
result in the need for the provision of a permanent combustion air opening into the room.
Ventilation in the form of fixed non-adjustable and non-mechanical grills should be provided.
Keep all ventilation clear and free of blockage.
Health And Safety Precautions
Fire Cement
Some types of fire cement are caustic and should not be allowed to come into contact with the
skin. In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water. We recommend the use of
SmartCare FlueSeal.
Asbestos
This Stove contains no asbestos. If there is a possibility of disturbing any asbestos in the course
of installation then please seek specialist guidance and use appropriate protective equipment.
Maintenance
Glass: Despite the advanced air wash system provided, the glass will still occasionally need to be
cleaned. Frequency will depend on the fuel quality and rate of burning. Never clean glass when
the Stove is hot. We recommend the use of SmartCare Stove and Boiler Glass Cleaner.
Outer body: The outer body simply needs to be dusted from time to time. DO NOT use any kind of
furniture polish or cleaning agent. For touching up purposes, we recommend the use of
SmartCare Heat Resistant Paint.
Inner firebox: Brush or vacuum the inside of the firebox from time to time and check the integrity
of the cast iron firebox components. If replacement items become needed, contact IQDesign.
Page 5
4. Installation Information
Flue and Chimney
The chimney height and the position of the chimney terminal should conform to Building
Regulations. Minimum chimney height is 4.5m. Check that the chimney is in good condition, dry,
free from cracks and obstructions. Whilst the flue pipe connecting collar on the appliance accepts
a 5" (125mm) flue pipe, the diameter of the chimney flue should never be less than 150mm and
not more than 200mm. If any of these requirements are not met, the chimney should be lined
using a suitable method. In any case we recommend that the chimney is lined with a 6" (150mm)
twin ply stainless steel flexible liner which will ensure that the chimney will heat up quickly and
provide the optimum draught for good appliance operation. It is imperative to use a robust
stainless steel angled connecting adaptor between the appliance and the
chimney liner. Where the chimney has previously served an open fire, it
must be thoroughly swept before connection to the Stove and the
installation of a chimney liner.
The retention of a high flue gas temperature is more beneficial for some
combustion equipment than others. Heating appliances burning solid fuel
or wood produce flue gas temperature levels depending on combustion
rate, which are in turn dictated by draught.
Flue Draught Requirement
A flue draught of minimum 1.2mm to a maximum 2.5mm water gauge (12
to 25 Pascals) is required for satisfactory appliance performance.
Connection to the Chimney
This appliance must not be used in a shared flue. It is essential that all
connections between the Stove, the adaptor and flue liner are sealed with
fire cement, (FlueSeal recommended). The chimney must be accessible
for cleaning which can normally be achieved through the appliance when
the Baffle Plate is removed.
It will be noticed that the illustration to the right does not feature a fire back
in the builders opening. It might be possible on occasion to use the
existing opening with a fire back in situ; individual circumstances will
dictate the actual installation requirements.
Typical
Application
Fixing and Sealing
1. Before offering the appliance into the fireplace opening, apply the self adhesive ceramic rope
to the rear face of the three surfaces of the appliance edges which locate against the fire
surround.
2. Locate the appliance in the builder’s opening so that the
surround seal is a good tight fit. Use the concrete anchor bolt
supplied to firmly secure the Stove to the hearth.
3. It will normally be necessary to provide an opening in the
chimney breast over the surround in order to locate and fit the
appliance flue adaptor and subsequently the flue liner, lowered
from above. Circumstances will vary, and in any event it is
important that all flue joints are adequately made with fire
cement.
4. An optional fixing and securing bracket is located on top of the appliance which can be
accessed from above and be used to provided additional fixing security if required. It is intended
to bear against the back of the fire surround and no drilling or additional fixings are required.
Page 6
Material Clearances and Safety Distances from Combustible Surfaces:
Distances from NON-combustible materials:
The stove can be recessed in a suitable sized non-combustible builders opening and to conform
with building regulations, the fireplace recess walls should be at least 200mm thick or each rear
leaf at least 100mm thick in the case of a cavity wall at the rear. If these dimensions are not met, it
may be necessary to construct a 100mm thick non combustible wall at the rear of the fireplace
opening. The walls of the fireplace recess and the hearth must be made of non-combustible
material. In addition, it is strongly recommended that any furniture or other combustible materials
are kept at least 900mm clear from the front of the Stove.
Hearths
Building Regulations dictate that the stove requires a 125mm thick non-combustible
constructional hearth beneath it. This can include any solid non-combustible floor. A non-
combustible superimposed hearth forming a projection of at least 225mm at the front of the stove
and 150mm on either side must also be provided. The superimposed hearth must not be less
than 12mm thick and must have a clearly defined edge (change of level) to discourage placing of
any combustible materials on or partially over it. The appliance should be installed on a floor with
adequate load-bearing capacity. If the existing construction does not meet this requirement,
suitable measures (e.g. load distributing plate) should be provided to achieve it.
Commissioning and Handover
Upon completion of the installation, allow a suitable period of time for any fire cement and mortar
to dry out. Fire cement will normally have been used to seal the liner into the appliance adaptor
and spigot and any opening made in the chimney breast over the fireplace will require associated
cement mortar to dry out. A small fire may then be lit and checked to ensure the smoke and fumes
are taken from the Stove up the chimney and emitted safely to atmosphere. Installer Note.
Advise the customer not to run the stove at full output for at least 3 – 4 days. Also explain that the
Stove output can vary depending upon how it is used and operated. In addition, the output will be
greatly influenced by the type and volume of fuel burned.
On completion of the installation and commissioning, (which may require a return visit from the
installer), ensure that the operating instructions and operating tools (including glove) for the stove
are left with the customer. Be sure to advise the customer on the correct use of the appliance and
warn them to use only the recommended fuels for the stove.
Advise the user on what to do should smoke or fumes be emitted into the room from the stove –
see Safety Notes section. The user should be warned that they MUST use a suitable fireguard in
the presence of children, aged and/or infirm persons.
Useful Information
The Stove glass window may become thoroughly covered in soot. There are various reasons
why this may happen and include fuel that is too wet to be burnt, fuel which is too thick to be burnt,
operating temperature of the stove set too low, excessive air flow through the primary air inlet and
poor chimney draught.
Some parts of the stove may prematurely wear out. These principally include the Grate, Baffle
Plate, Ash Pan, Back and Side Plates. This may happen for a number or reason; the stove being
excessively over fired, too little air passing though the bottom grate (insufficient ash removal),
use of excessively dry wood and inadequate cleaning.
This appliance is designed to operated with the door
CLOSED. When first lighting the appliance, it can be useful to leave the door ajar, (2 - 3 cm), for a
few minutes until the fire is established, when at the same time the primary air control is fully
open. Don’t forget to close the door and adjust the air controls once the fire is established. It is
essential that the stove has an adequate air supply for combustion and ventilation. The primary
and secondary air inlets must be kept clear from obstruction.
Primary Air Control
Primary air is controlled via the rotating air control at the bottom of the stove. This provides a
conventional air under draught to the bed of the fire. The primary air is used when lighting the
stove or when the fuel bed goes very low. The primary air inlet will usually be closed when burning
wood and open when burning coal type mineral fuels. Note that the Primary Air control knob is
rotated fully clockwise to a fully closed position if required.
Secondary Air Control
This Joule Stove is provided with a powerful “air wash” system. This secondary air supply to the
Stove is controlled via a sliding air control located at the top of the stove just above the door.
Leave this control open as required unless the stove is being shut right down for a long period.
Warning! This appliance will be very hot when in operation and due care should be taken when
operating the controls. A heat resistant glove is provided to assist safe operation. Do not use an
aerosol spray on or near the Stove when it is alight.
Multifuel Grate
The stove is fitted with a cast iron flat grate with suitable air slots that assist the burning of most
fuels. As a build-up of ash can damage the grate, it is important that the grate is clear of
excessive ash and that the ash pan is regularly emptied.
Door
The Stove door should NEVER be opened if the fire is burning fiercely. Take care to open the
door slowly. This will ensure that the least volume of combustion products can spill into the room.
Initially, open the door a few centimetres and then, fully. From time to time it is important to check
the ceramic rope seal gasket to ensure that it is not worn. Gaskets which are worn may facilitate
leakage in either direction. When the gasket needs to be replaced, we recommend the use of
SmartCare Glass Fibre Rope which may be glued in position using SmartCare High Temp. Glue.
Ash Pan
It is essential that, if you are burning coal or peat, you empty the ash pan every day. Use the end of
tool to hook onto and lift the ash pan out of the stove. DO NOT allow ash to build up underneath
the bed as this may cause damage to the grate. Note. Wood ash is not a beneficial gardening
fertilizer.
Baffle: Apart from protecting the top metal casing of the stove, the Baffle is designed to retain the
combustion gases and flames in the firebox as long as possible so as to maximise the
combustion efficiency of the Stove. As such it will become a prime area on which fly ash and
unburnt combustion solids will settle. For this reason it is essential to check the top of the baffle
for build up of soot and ash regularly when in use and after long periods of not being in use. Heavy
accumulation of deposits on the Baffle plate can also contribute to it becoming excessively over
heated resulting in distortion. From time to time remove the baffle if necessary to ensure that the
flue way entrance is clear. Take note of the baffle orientation when removing and ensure it is
refitted the same way.
burn cleanly with high efficiency and
5. Operating Instructions
Page 7
Page 8
Fuels
The appliance is fitted with a versatile multifuel grate and is suitable for burning Well Seasoned
Wood, Processed Peat or Smokeless Mineral Fuels. These are the recommended fuels.
Incidentally, a reminder NOT to use Liquid Fuels, Bituminous Coal or Petroleum Coke in
this appliance.
Notes on Wood Burning
With a full load of wood, the Stove will need to be refuelled approximately every 1.5 hours. Wood
can be stacked higher in the stove than solid mineral fuel but care must be taken that logs do not
touch the baffle. Wood burns most efficiently with the primary air control closed and the
secondary control partially open. Moving the secondary control will control the burn rate of the
stove. Note – primary and secondary air is needed to light the stove, see section entitled
“Lighting the Stove”.
Wood burns best on a bed of ash and it is therefore only necessary to remove surplus ash from
the stove occasionally. Burn only dry and well-seasoned wood which should have been cut, split
and stacked for at least 12 months. The seasoning process should allow free air movement
around the sides of the stack to enable it to dry out. Burning wet or unseasoned wood will create
tar deposits in the stove and chimney and will significantly reduce the stove’s heat output. Please
also see page 11 which provides much more information on wood burning chemistry and explains
why the use of well seasoned wood is so important if you wish to get the best performance from
your stove.
Lighting the Stove
We recommend that you light two or three small fires before operating the stove to its maximum
heat output. This is to allow the paint to cure and harden steadily. Whilst the stove is new you may
notice an unpleasant smell whilst the finish finally cures. It is non-toxic, but for your comfort we
would suggest that during this period you leave all doors and windows open.
Initially open the primary and secondary air controls fully. Load the firebox with plenty of starting
fuel, i.e. paper, dry sticks and/or firelighters. Light the fire at the base leaving the primary and
secondary air controls fully open. Leave the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes to enhance initial
starting and reduce smoke emission – DO NOT leave the Stove unattended if the door is left ajar.
Allow the fuel to reach a steady glow and build the fire up gradually by adding a few small sticks or
well split logs at a time. Once you have a good fire bed established across the grate, further fuel
can be added step by step as required. Don’t be tempted to overload the fire bed with fuel all at
once or close down the air controls too much until the fire is well established for some time. Once
the ignition period is well under way, close the primary air and gradually reduce the secondary air
control opening to establish the burning intensity you require.
Refuelling
It is best to refuel little and often, rather than in large pieces. When possible, refuel the Stove
before the bed has gone too low. Open the secondary air control fully and add the fuel. Allow the
fuel to burn for a few minutes until the fire is well established before closing the secondary air
control once again. This refuelling procedure will ensure that smoke emission from the chimney
terminal is kept to a minimum.
Shutting Down
The Stove will normally shut down by itself as the fuel is consumed. In order to shut it down for
other reasons, close the primary air control (if open), then close the secondary air control. If the
controls are left in this position, the fire will eventually burn out. If you want to revive the fire, open
the secondary air control fully.
Warning! - Owing to the quality and thickness of the cast iron used in the Stove’s construction, it
will remain very hot for a considerable time after the fire has died down or been extinguished.
Page 9
6. Safety Notes
Fires are dangerous – Use a fireguard in the presence of children, the elderly or the infirm.
Warning – fume emission
Properly installed and operated, this appliance will not emit fumes. Occasional fumes from de-
ashing and refuelling may occur which is not normally of serious concern. However, persistent
fume emission is potentially dangerous and must not be tolerated.
If fume emission does persist, then the following immediate action should be taken: -
1. Open doors and windows to ventilate room
2. Let the fire go out, or remove and safely dispose of fuel from the appliance.
3. Check for flue chimney blockage and clean if required.
4. Do not attempt to re-light the fire until the cause has been identified and corrected.
If necessary, seek professional advice from Chimney or Stove specialists.
Important! – Do not fit an extractor fan in the same room as this appliance; it WILL interfere with
combustion air provision and can cause products of combustion to be drawn into the room.
In the event of a chimney fire
5. Raise the alarm to let others in the house know.
6. Call the Fire Brigade
7. Reduce the appliance-burning rate by closing all air controls fully.
8. Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments.
9. Place a fireguard or spark guard in front of the Stove.
10. Feel the chimney breast for sign of excessive heat.
If the wall is becoming hot, move the furniture away. Ensure that the Fire Brigade can gain access
to your roof space in order to check this area for signs of fire spread.
If it is thought that a chimney fire has occurred and the symptoms are not always obvious, it is
important that the chimney and flue structure is examined by a competent person to ensure that
the integrity of the flues within the chimney or any flue liners have not been compromised.
Severe damage can seriously impede the safe evacuation of combustion gases from the
appliance. An important clue to the likely presence of a chimney fire could well be a loud
resonating and pulsing noise emanating from the direction of the appliance.
Do not excessively load the firebox. – it is possible to over fire the Stove beyond its design
capacity, this could damage the Stove, so watch for signs of over firing – if any part of the Stove
starts to glow red, the fire is in an over fire situation and the controls should be adjusted
accordingly. Never leave the Stove unattended for long periods without first adjusting the controls
to a reduced and safe setting – careful air supply control should be exercised at all times.
The external surface temperature should never be
o
allowed to exceed 300 C. For optimum performance
the external surfaces of the stove would normally be
o o
in the region of 200 C - 250 C. To assist in determining
external surface temperatures, we recommend the
use of the SmartTemp which is an infrared digital
remote sensing thermometer which provides a very
accurate temperature reading. It is operated by
simply pointing the “gun” at the stove surface and
pulling the trigger. The temperature is then displayed
on an LCD screen.
SMART
PTEM
Page10
7. Carbon Monoxide Information
Those involved in the installation or use of wood burning Stoves, should take the risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning seriously; otherwise the results can be dangerous.
All fuels used for heating or cooking consist primarily of hydro-carbons, that is they are predominantly made
up of trapped carbon and hydrogen atoms in either solid, liquid or gaseous form.
Air consists of about 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Nitrogen does nothing to aid combustion, in most cases
it just gets in the way, which is why a considerable amount of “excess” air is needed to make sure that
sufficient oxygen is supplied to enable the fuel to burn. For combustion to occur as completely as possible,
an abundant supply of oxygen has to be given sufficient time to be vigorously mixed with the combustible fuel
elements and at a temperature at which combustion can be maintained. This applies to any fuel, be it Wood,
Solid Fuel, Gas, Oil, and even rubbish!
Carbon Monoxide is a very poisonous gas. When inhaled, it seriously interferes with the process which
carries oxygen via the red blood cells to the body tissues, including the heart and brain. If affected, the
symptoms can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, sickness, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and feeling
generally unwell - symptoms which are often attributed to common ailments including influenza and food
poisoning. In cases where extremely high doses of carbon monoxide are inhaled, unconsciousness and
DEATH can follow in as little as 1 to 3 minutes. The maximum recommended exposure to CO is 35 parts per
million, (PPM), over an 8 hour period. When exposed to levels greater than 200 PPM for 2 to 3 hours, the
symptoms start. More information can be seen in the Table below.
It is therefore very important that users of wood burning and solid fuel burning appliances are aware of the
dangers to ensure that such equipment is correctly and safely used.
Particular attention should be given to the Building Regulations which relate to the correct application of all
flue and chimney products and in particular to the requirements which dictate the legally required permanent
provision of combustion air supply to the appliances served by the chimneys. Although, as mentioned in the
section on Ventilation on page 4, Building Regulations state that n
If insufficient
combustion air is unable to be obtained by the appliance, - and it is one of the chimney’s functions to provide
the draught to do just that where solid fuel or wood is burned, Carbon Monoxide, (and usually a lot of soot), will
be produced. For that reason, installers and customers should be aware of the potential dangers of closing
off or blocking combustion air openings into rooms where any type of combustion equipment is installed.
o purpose provided ventilation is required
for stoves rated under 5KW, it does not mean that combustion air is not needed and it may still be necessary to
provide a deliberate opening for combustion air provision if circumstances so demand.
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless
poisonous gas which has no smell,
which is why it is often referred to
as the “silent killer”. It is created
when any fuel is incompletely
burned. Incomplete combustion is
usually caused by an inadequate
supply of oxygen, or because the
released gases are not subjected
to a high enough temperature to
enable them to ignite.
CO is the abbreviated term
because one molecule of Carbon
Monoxide consists of one atom of
carbon (C) combined with one
atom of oxygen (O).
If an abundant supply of oxygen
(O) is supplied resulting in the
complete combustion of all the
carbon (C) in the fuel, a
substantial amount of the
combustion gases released will
be harmless Carbon Dioxide,
one molecule of which consists
of one atom of carbon (C) and
two atoms of oxygen (O). That
is why CO is the abbreviated
2
t e r m . W h i l s t c o m p l e t e
combustion is the target, it is
s e l d o m a c h i e v e d , a n d
particularly so with domestic
heating appliances.
The other predominant
compound released during
the combustion process is
H O, which is just a harmless
2
combination of two hydrogen
atoms and one oxygen atom,
otherwise known as water!
We recommend the installation of a SmartSense Carbon
Monoxide Alarm which may be wall or ceiling mounted
and which will provide an effective warning of the presence
of carbon monoxide. SMART
SENSE
Carbon Monoxide - CO Carbon Dioxide - CO2Water H O
2
Page11
Many of the problems relating to the build up of soot and “tar” in a chimney can be laid at the door of incorrect
wood-burning. Wood has been the prime source of energy provision for many thousands of years and over
this period, the most effective and economical way of burning it has been learnt and passed down through
generations. Countries which do not benefit from reserves of oil, coal or natural gas have traditionally relied
on wood for fuel and to some considerable extent, still do.
It is these countries who have made the most advances with combustion equipment dedicated to the use of
wood, - Japan, Sweden, Canada, Norway, Italy, Denmark - to mention just a few. However, with the
advent of other more easily used fuels, the techniques for correctly burning wood has, in many countries
including significant parts of Europe, been overlooked or forgotten.
Against this background it might be useful to explain what happens when wood is burned and why it is so
important to correctly prepare the wood before it is used. The table overleaf illustrates the normal moisture
content of freshly cut wood by species, which will vary depending on whether the wood is soft or hard. It
should be borne in mind that timber from heavy oily woods will possess additional and unique compounds.
The most noticeable content is water and it is this constituent which creates most problems when the wood is
burned. When water is heated to boiling point, circa 100°C, it changes state to a vapour - watch the spout of a
boiling kettle. In order for the water to turn into water vapour or steam, (and you can't actually see steam), it
has to absorb a very large amount of heat. When the vapour condenses back into water, which it does at
about 60°C, it releases that heat. Most freshly cut timber will contain at least 60% of its weight as water and if
the wood is burned immediately, much of the heat energy content of the timber will be used by the combustion
process to turn that water into vapour or steam, and that goes straight up and out of the chimney! So not only
is most of the heat being wasted, when the vapour cools down to 60°C it condenses, and if it does that on the
flue/chimney walls, it creates a sticky mess, generically called wood tar. The heat released by the
condensing process is also vented up and out of the chimney, so even more heat is wasted. The actual
chemistry is a little more complex than described, as other acidic constituents will also “evaporate” during the
combustion process. These turn to vapour and also condense back to aggressive chemical compounds, but
at different temperatures to those of water and also contribute to the wood tars. Those same wood tars can
also spontaneously ignite within the flue under the right conditions, creating chimney fires of considerable
ferocity. Temperatures in excess of 1500°C have been recorded in such conditions, and considerable
damage can be sustained by the chimney materials; irrespective of what it is constructed from.
Hopefully from this it can be seen that the most important requirement when burning wood is to make sure that
it is as seasoned and dry as possible. Because wood-burning is in many cases a “fashionable” past time, it is
not unusual for a wood burning Stove to be installed on one day, half the local copse or forest to be subjected
to a chain saw massacre the next and then the timber burned on the third day! Admittedly these time scales
have been exaggerated, but hopefully you get the drift.
Problems with the flue, let alone the appliance, are inevitable given this scenario, which is why it is so
important that wood is correctly stacked, stored and seasoned before it is burned. The seasoning period will
depend on the wood. Normally, it should never be less than two years and be preferably at least three. Even
then it will be impossible to get the water content much below 18% by weight, but that is a significant
improvement on the original 60%.
8. Wood as a Fuel
Under these and even correct combustion conditions, it is not uncommon for a chimney
serving a wood-burning appliance to require thorough cleaning as often as 4 or 5 times a
year.
Incidentally, burning seawater driftwood is not a good idea, particularly if burned on an
appliance served with a prefabricated metal chimney or flue liner. Moisture content aside,
the salt decomposes to hydrochloric acid during the combustion process and is very
aggressive to stainless steel.
Hopefully this information will have explained why it is so important that wood is as dry as
possible when it used as a heating fuel. Well seasoned timber will not only provide a much
more efficient heat source, it will create less problems for both the heating appliance and
chimney.
Use of the SmartBurn Moisture Meter will hopefully enable you to utilise the most well
seasoned timber for your heating appliance, saving you energy as well as contributing to
less wear and tear on the appliance and chimney.
The temperature of the flue gases has the most impact on draught. However, other
factors will influence the way the chimney evacuates the combustion products. A
greater chimney height which retains the hot gases over a longer vertical distance, will
create a stronger draught.
The temperature of flue gases above solid fuel and wood burning appliances will vary
depending on the type of combustion arrangement. A solid fuel stove will normally
operate discharging flue gas temperatures between 250°and 300°C, but when
combusting at a faster rate, temperatures of more than 450°C are commonly
recorded. If the appliance accidentally “runs away”, flue gas temperatures
significantly greater than 700°C can quite easily be reached. By comparison, where
solid fuel or wood is burnt on an open fire, the combustion gases are much cooler as
they are mixed with the air which passes into the chimney over the fuel bed. The
dilution ratio is about 9 parts air to 1 part combustion gas, and reduces the temperature
of the gases entering the chimney to between 80° and 200°C. The actual temperature
will depend on the combustion rate and operating conditions. Chimney fires are able to
damage any chimney, irrespective of construction as the flue gas temperatures can
easily reach 1700°C - or more. Open fires are prone to the production of soot, which if
allowed to accumulate in the flue if not regularly cleaned, will cause chimney fires.
Similarly, if a flue liner serving a stove, if not regularly cleaned, will also be prone to
chimney fires. A chimney fire in a flexible flue liner will in all likelihood be severely
detrimental to the liner and will require inspection and possible replacement.
Moisture content of wood
Timber Moisture content Ideal content
Variety as cut After Drying
Beech 55% 18%
Oak 56% 18%
Ash 30% 18%
Yew 66% 18%
Pine Pitch 39% 18%
Teak 39% 18%
Elm 89% 18%
Mahogany 43% 18%
Fir 38% 18%
Whitewood, Baltic 59% 18%
Cedar 33% 18%
As can be seen, although the ideal
moisture content level is 18% or less,
the actual time to dry out some very
wet and dense timbers is going to take
an extremely long time and a
seasoning period of 12 months is no
way long enough for some species
and so these figures are intended as a
guide.
If the chimney is too tall the draught
can be so strong that it is sometimes
very difficult to control the combustion
rate of the stove.
If the chimney is too short the
draught will be incapable of
removing all the products of
combustion.
Page12
9. Chimney Draught
A
B
D
F
G
H
J
C
E
Page13
10. Spare Parts & Accessories
A Glass with Rope & Clips
B Door Handle
C Cheek Plate Set
D Front Fret
E Grate
Throughout this handbook references have been made to
SmartCare Products as illustrated here.
F Baffle Plate
J Stove Operating Glove
G Ash Pan
H Ash Pan Handle
11. Appliance Commissioning Check List & Guarantee Registration Form
Appliance
Dealer
Details
Essential information - MUST be completed
Customer
Details
Installation
Engineer
YES NO N/A
1 Has the flue system been determined as correct for the appliance?
2 Has the flue been swept and a soundness test been completed?
3 Has a smoke test been carried out and the results recorded?
4 Has a satisfactory draught test been undertaken and the results recorded?
5 Has a spillage test been carried out?
6 Has a Data Plate/Notice been correctly completed and fixed in position?
7 Has a carbon monoxide alarm been supplied and activated?
8 Have the appliance controls been demonstrated to the user?
9 Have instructions on correct fuels and storage been provided?
10 Has the importance of correct maintenance been provided?
11 Has the importance of regular chimney sweeping been stressed?
12 Has this manual and all operating tools been provided to the user?
13 Have ALL warranty documents been handed to the user for retention?
14 Has the HETAS Certificate of Compliance been completed and issued to
the user and a copy kept by the installing engineer?
Installation Date
Name:
Address 1
Email
Address 2
Town Post Code
Country
Telephone No
Serial Number
/ /
Name
Address
Telephone No.
Conditional on correct installation and use, Joule Stoves are Guaranteed for a period of two years from date of purchase.
An additional three year warranty is available subject to this form being fully completed and returned to IQ Design.
The Guarantee and Warranty does not cover consumable spare parts. This Guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
DO NOT make or carry out any
modications to the stove as
t h i s c o u l d s e r i o u s l y
c o m p r o m i s e s a f e t y i n
operation and invalidate the
Guarantee.
P leas e have you ins taller
complete this form. When all
sections are lled in, post, fax
or email it to IQ Design Ltd at:
Page14
Unit 20, Millennium Business Park,
Cappagh Road, Dublin 11, Ireland.
Email: [email protected]
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