Burning coal?

[silveradomaple]

Just wondering if anyone out there has tried burning coal in their units? I know that coal has more BTU's per lb than wood (almost double), I also know that coal lasts longer than wood. So it seems logical that you wouldn't be opening the door as often and letting the cold air reach the bottom of your syrup pan cooling it off. Any info or comments welcome.

[shane hickey]

Burning coal is a very hot fuel ive tried it it was like
Dumping gas on the fire. The only down fall, theres
No way to burn it clean unless its filtered first and
Blasted in the arch. If you burn coal for 2 hours you
Will spend a whole day trying to get the flue pan clean
After it crust over. I also tried mixing it with wood but it
Still doesnt burn very clean. I tried it with both evaporators
A 5x16 and a 6x20 i would not recommend using it but it
Sure is neat to watch it burn. You need to talk to someone
That works at a nuclear plant and ask how they filter it and how
To get it to burn it clean

[Thad Blaisdell]

That might be an interesting possibility for the new steam boilers....... they burn whatever type of fuel in a boiler, and then the steam is moved to the evaporator.

[silveradomaple]

Shane Hickey...I have burned coal in my coal stove in the house and found it to be VERY hot and VERY clean. Just some light fly ash that is easily brushed off. Does the fact that it's got boiling liquid on the opposite side of a piece of metal cause it to create more soot or something?

[maplefrank]

i have mixed coal in the 4x14, i would not recommend it w/out a force draft, i have air tight arch. i fired once w/ coal and then wood for a while, fire then next time rake it w/ the poker.

[shane hickey]

Shane Hickey...I have burned coal in my coal stove in the house and found it to be VERY hot and VERY clean. Just some light fly ash that is easily brushed off. Does the fact that it's got boiling liquid on the opposite side of a piece of metal cause it to create more soot or something?


I cant explain the scientific science of it. Just try it once
And you will see what i mean. Watch the boil at the beginning
after 2 hours notice there's no boil but the fire is still extremely
Hot. Your flue brush will have a real hard time brushing it iff.
So after you drain the flue pan take off the arch scrub, scrape,
And power wash your good to go again.