GB 9
4.3 STARTING A FIRE FOR PROFESSIONALS
Principle: This lighting method is a simple and effective way to reduce
emissions from fireplaces. In this process, the woodpile burns from top to
bottom. Through this combustion method, all the gasses pass through the
hot combustion zone (flame) above the stack, allowing complete combustion
to be achieved. The wood lying below is gradually heated, and the gas flows
out and burns in the hot combustion zone. The result is combustion which is
significantly more uniform and which proceeds from below, as when starting
a fire.
Note: In this process, it is important that too rapid a burnout downwards
is prevented. This requires a certain amount of experience on the part of
the operator regarding the burning of logs in fireplaces, as well as the
correct stacking of the logs and at least an initial observation to adjust the
combustion air.
Procedure:
Open the fire insert completely (see „4.2.1 Starting a fire for beginners“)
4.2.2 BURNING
• Depending on the weather conditions, move the control lever more or less
to the middle position or slightly above it (closing the air supply). This
always depends on experience and the current conditions on site.
• Do not open the door forcefully; otherwise, gases may escape into your
living room through a suddenly produced negative pressure. At first,
open the door slowly and only a crack.
• Putting fresh firewood onto hot embers prevents smoke from being
released when the door is opened.
• Never cover the glowing embers completely.
• After each addition of wood, turn the control lever all the way to the left
for a few minutes until the added wood is inflamed.
• Do not repeatedly put more than the recommended amount of wood
onto the fire.
• The end of the burning process is achieved when the wood has burned
completely, and no smoldering or incomplete combustion can occur. Now
the lever can be closed. (right position)
• This applies even if the system is not in operation.
• Never close the air control lever completely during combustion
(deflagration)!
Begin by stacking the logs crosswise (on the ashes,
if necessary) in the middle of the firebox. Place
the thicker pieces of wood on the bottom and add
increasingly thinner logs on top of them. Note the
amount of added wood according to the operating
instructions for fuel cells.
As a top layer, add enough thin kindling. Softwood
is recommended for this purpose (for example,
fir wood). Two or three firelighters (e.g. wax-im-
pregnated wood shavings) are placed between
the kindling. The amount of kindling should be
selected so that high temperatures are reached
as soon as possible, in order to quickly develop a
draught in the chimney.
