Why Corn Stoves Collect Particulate 1.
Combustion of fuels other than corn will deposit particulates that collect on heat exchanger surfaces and defeat proper heat transfer into the living space. a. Wood and wood pellets deposit cresole. Unfortunately, most starters are wood based and should be used sparingly. Keep corn fires aflame to minimize startups. b. Paper deposits large sheets of insulative carbon. One paper light off is too much. c. Calcium, sea shells, and lime deposit insulative and corrosive layers of alkaline on metal tubes. 2. Operating outside the efficiency range of the particular corn stove will deposit excess carbon on the heat exchanger tubes. Operating continuously at ten rather than one to five is outside the efficient range of most corn stoves. Clear blueish or light yellow flames with clear exhaust represent clean combustion. Dark orange flame, black streaky flame, or visual exhaust represents too high a setting for the available combustion air.
