Did I Get Buckwheat Coal, and Will It Matter in My AHS S130?

I picked up 2 tons of Stockton Pea yesterday, and today I was comparing it with my Blaschak Pea, only to discover that the overall nugget size of the Stockton coal appears to be roughly about 75% that of the Blaschak by eye-balling them. Should the noticeably smaller size of the Stockton concern me in my AHS S130 Coal Gun?

Sizing can vary slightly from one breaker to another. Your boiler can burn either one; burn it and enjoy the heat.

The funny thing is that the Stockton coal is pronouncedly more deeply jet black and uniform than the rather black/gray of the Blaschak. The nugget size is also far more uniform for the far less expensive Stockton. Being a newbie to anthracite I don't really have a clue, but to me the Stockton looks like it should actually be the better product. So far I have been adding it to my boilers hopper in a mix of about 3 parts Blaschak to one part Stockton. It may be a few more days before any of the Stockton actually works its way down to the fire.

Can you make any valid determination of the quality of anthracite merely by looking at it? And if so, what qualities do you look for?

lsayre wrote:Can you make any valid determination of the quality of anthracite merely by looking at it? And if so, what qualities do you look for?

You can judge how well it is processed by the size uniformity, and lack of fines/foreign material...but you really need to burn it to judge the BTU and ash content. One thing I have noticed, anthracite that has a really glossy appearance tends to be harder, and may require an air adjustment to burn properly in an underfed or inclined bed stoker.

Why don't you just switch to the Stockton coal to see if you notice any difference in the boiler operation?

Perhaps it is blended somewhat. Remember, don't sweat the small stuff................and it is All SMALL STUFF! It will burn just fine and I have several friends burning it as we speak.....and have been for several years. They have AHS 130's and AA 130's and also burn in Keystoker hot air units. While not "the perfect blend' it works just fine. Take a chance in life.....it won't kill ya! Be BOLD.....run with scissors in your hand.....embrace a Black Cat on a dark night. Boldly go where a million people before you have gone. Sell the damned Volvo, Claude.....most all cars are VERY safe today. Swear a couple times a day.....Strand up when you need to pee! It worked for Thelma and Louise...................................Man-UP!

I'm running buckwheat in my AA and don't see a difference between it and pea for what it's worth.

The Coal Gun will burn both Pea and Buckwheat.

PatrickAHS wrote:The Coal Gun will burn both Pea and Buckwheat.

Thank you much PatrickAHS!

Any chance that you have been following the thread about the puff-backs, and could you please comment as to some recommended means of reducing to eliminating them (within that thread)?