I am ready for the next level. I realize I don't know if I am adjusting the secondary air flow to get things to a higher level. I am still happy with my wood consumption. Here is what I see and do. Any suggestions?
Typically with an established fire going, when I have the secondary air (lever pulled out almost all the way) set at it's minimum, I see a short flame, with some blue. This flame does not give the bricks any kind of red glow, and maybe extends into the combustion chamber 1 inch if that.
As I push the lever in, I start to see a longer flame. At some point it splits and curls up and fills the hemisphere. The curling flame is what I am looking for because I believe that means I have gasification. It fills the chamber with the dual curls and the bricks glow. The edge of the hemisphere is clearly defined. I am hard pressed to notice any blue flame.
The next level is when things are really cooking. The flame fills up the hemisphere, such that it is hard to observe the curl, or even the outline of the hemisphere. I think the flames spilling out of the hemisphere towards the peep hole. I consider this excessive and reduce the secondary air until I see a strong curl. I have only seen this last kind of flame recently, usually with a good supply of coals in the firebox and 8 inch deep of 3-4"" split ash pieces in the firebox.
When I first started using the Solo, I would refill the lite firebox no secondary air, then after 5 minutes give it full secondary air and forget about it for the rest of the burn. I think most of my wood is around 4 to 6 inches, I do have some 8 inch pieces which I have started to split after reading this forum.
The only creosote issue I can see at the moment, takes place in the firebox. The combustion chamber produces a fine powdered ash. I have not looked at my chimney, but did clean the tubes last week after 3 mil BTUs of wood.
Suggestions?
Typically with an established fire going, when I have the secondary air (lever pulled out almost all the way) set at it's minimum, I see a short flame, with some blue. This flame does not give the bricks any kind of red glow, and maybe extends into the combustion chamber 1 inch if that.
As I push the lever in, I start to see a longer flame. At some point it splits and curls up and fills the hemisphere. The curling flame is what I am looking for because I believe that means I have gasification. It fills the chamber with the dual curls and the bricks glow. The edge of the hemisphere is clearly defined. I am hard pressed to notice any blue flame.
The next level is when things are really cooking. The flame fills up the hemisphere, such that it is hard to observe the curl, or even the outline of the hemisphere. I think the flames spilling out of the hemisphere towards the peep hole. I consider this excessive and reduce the secondary air until I see a strong curl. I have only seen this last kind of flame recently, usually with a good supply of coals in the firebox and 8 inch deep of 3-4"" split ash pieces in the firebox.
When I first started using the Solo, I would refill the lite firebox no secondary air, then after 5 minutes give it full secondary air and forget about it for the rest of the burn. I think most of my wood is around 4 to 6 inches, I do have some 8 inch pieces which I have started to split after reading this forum.
The only creosote issue I can see at the moment, takes place in the firebox. The combustion chamber produces a fine powdered ash. I have not looked at my chimney, but did clean the tubes last week after 3 mil BTUs of wood.
Suggestions?