What Is Creosote?
While most people associated the use of creosote as a treatment used in the preparation of telephone poles, there are a few long-term health applications associated with the compound as well. There are actually a couple of different types of creosote that are used in different applications. Both wood creosote and coal tar creosote have been historically used in tinctures and home remedies for different ailments, although the usage is largely discouraged today. Wood creosote is a greasy liquid that has a clear to yellow tint. The liquid usually has a burned taste and flavor that is not considered to be appealing. However, wood creosote was used for a number of years as an effective laxative, as well as treatment for coughs associated with a cold. This type of creosote has also been used as a disinfecting agent. Coal tar creosote tends to have different properties altogether. Distinguished by a color that is amber to black in hue, and is thick in texture. This form of creosote was someti
Q: Am contemplating getting a wood stove to reduce my heating bills (I currently have an oil furnace, if you get my drift). I have enjoyed the information found on your website, especially your informative Sweep’s Library, where I learned I should avoid the dreaded Creosote or pay the price in the form of even-more-dreaded Chimney Fires.
Creosote is a yellowish, poisonous, oily liquid obtained from the distillation of coal tar. (Distillation is the process in which the components of a substance are separated by boiling and subsequent condensation.) Coal tar is a by-product of the process of “dry” distillation, or carbonization, of coal into the solid fuel product coke. Crude creosote oil, also called dead oil or pitch oil, is used as a wood preservative. Railroad ties, poles, fence posts, marine pilings, and lumber for outdoor use are all soaked in creosote. This treatment can greatly extend the life of wood that is exposed to the weather. Sources: Brady, George S. Materials Handbook, 13th ed., p. 256-57; Van Nostrand Reinhold Encyclopedia of Chemistry, 4th ed., pp. 264-65.
By definition creosote is a combustible deposit that originates from condensed wood smoke. It also includes tar, vapors, and other organic compounds. Its a natural by-product of burning wood. Once inside the chimney, creosote usually under goes pyrolysis, a chemical alteration of the fuel molecules as a result of the application of heat. The by-products of pyrolysis are gases and solid compounds. It takes on many different appearances. It can be sooty or ash like, sticky, tacky and runny tar glaze, dry honeycombs or curly flakes. It can also be dense, hard and shiny black tar glaze. Several variables that affect the amount of build-up deposited in the wood heating system are smoke density, flue gas temperature, and residence time. The smokiest fires and the coolest chimneys produce the greatest amount of build-up. In addition over-sized equipment usually causes more build-up. Contrary to popular belief, burning seasoned hardwood does not eliminate build-up. Wood can actually be too dry
Wood is never burned completely. The smoke contains some unburned gases and a vapor like fog of unburned tar-like liquids. These condense along the sides of the stove pipes or chimney and become a flammable, crusty build-up called creosote. Creosote presents at least three major problems to the wood burner: 1) Creosote is corrosive to many surfaces, including steel and mortar which are common chimney materials; 2) Creosote build-up acts as an insulating material and reduces the efficiency of your wood stove or fireplace; and 3) Most critical, creosote is highly flammable and presents a potential fire hazard. Many factors affect the rate and amount of creosote build-up. These include: the type of wood burned, the amount of moisture in the wood, the type of fire burned, the efficiency of stove, the location of flue, the type of stove or fireplace, and the amount of use.
