How Do I Remove Ashes on a Bituminous Coal Stoker Stove?
At the current rate of consumption, the U.S. has enough coal to last approximately 250 years so coal is relatively inexpensive. A coal stoker stove is a stove with a coal hopper that is filled with coal and the coal is automatically loaded into the stove as it is needed. A stoker stove requires less hands-on work than other coal-burning stoves. Burning coal creates a considerable amount of ash and removing ashes must be done correctly and safely. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Shut off the hopper connected to your stove so no new coal is added to the burner.
-
2
Open the burner and use a small metal rake or metal spatula to rake the coal and knock any ash into the ash tray below. Close the burner.
-
-
3
Place a metal ash bucket with a tightly-fitting lid on the stone hearth just beneath or beside the ash tray for the stove. Open the ash tray and pull it out towards you part way if it pulls out.
-
4
Remove the lid from your ash bucket and then use your metal scraper or spatula (spoon) to scoop the ashes into the ash bucket. Wear gloves and be extremely careful with the ashes as they often contain bits of still-turning coal.
-
5
Use tongs to pick up any small pieces of coal that might spill as you are transferring ashes into the ash bucket. Do not pick up pieces of coal with your bare hands even if they do not appear to be burning; always use metal tongs.
-
6
Reinsert the ash tray into the stove and close the ash tray door. Open the coal hopper once again.
-
7
Put the lid on the ash bucket securely so it is air-tight and carry the ash bucket by its handle to a place outdoors where it can sit on a rock or bare soil and will remain undisturbed for at least 48 hours.
-
8
Discard of the contents of the ash bucket after they have been in the air-tight ash bucket for a minimum of 48 hours.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always assume that the ash you are taking out of your stove contains bits of still-burning coal.
It is a good idea to have a spray bottle of water handy whenever emptying the ash tray of your stove.
Do not spread coal ashes on a garden; this type of ash is not beneficial to plants.
Do not set a coal ash bucket on a wood deck or floor if it is filled with potentially hot ash.
Burning bituminous coal can potentially release sulfur dioxide gas into your home. Whenever possible burn the cleaner anthracite coal.
Homes with coal stoves should have a carbon monoxide detector.
References
- Photo Credit Old Stove and Antique Chair image by bawinner from Fotolia.com
