2. THEORETICAL NOTIONS FOR INSTALLATION. MCZ KAIKA

PELLET STOVES

INSTALLATION AND USE MANUAL

2. THEORETICAL NOTIONS FOR INSTALLATION

2.1. PELLETS

Wood pellets are manufactured by hot-extruding compressed sawdust which is produced during the working of natural dried wood. The compactness of the material comes from the lignin which is contained in the wood itself, and allows the production of pellets without the use of glues or binders.

The market offers different types of pellet with characteristics which vary depending on what mixture of woods is used. The diameter varies between 6 mm and 8 mm, with a standard length in the range 5 mm to

30 mm. Good quality pellets have a density which varies between 600 kg/m3 and 750 kg/m3, with a moisture content which varies from 5% to 8% by weight.

Besides being an ecological fuel (exploiting timber residues to the maximum and achieving cleaner combustion than is possible with fossil fuels), pellets also have technical advantages. While good-quality timber has a calorific power of 4.4 kW/kg (with 15% moisture, therefore after about 18 months' seasoning), the equivalent figure for pellets is 4,9 kW/kg.

To ensure good combustion, the pellets must be stored in an area that is free of humidity and protected from dirt. The pellets are usually supplied in 15 kg. sacks, so storing them is very convenient.

Good quality pellets ensure good combustion, thus lowering the emission of harmful agents into the atmosphere.

The poorer the quality of the fuel, the more frequently will intervention be necessary for cleaning the internal parts, such as the grate and the combustion chamber.

The main certifications of quality for pellets in the European market are

DINplus and Ö-Norm M7135; these ensure respect of:

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Calorific power: 4.9 kW/kg

Water content: max 10% of weight

Percentage of ashes: max 0,5% of weight

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Diameter: 5 – 6mm

Length: max 30mm

Contents: 100% untreated wood, with no added bonding substances (bark percentage 5% max)

Packaging: in sacks made from ecologically compatible or biologically decomposing material

Fuel pellets

15 Kg sack of fuel

Chapter 2

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Theoretical notion for installation Technical service - Rights reserved MCZ GROUP S.p.A. - Reproduction prohibited