Questions Regarding the Oiling of Coal to Knock Down Dust

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sat. Nov. 03, 2012 4:29 pm

What method do you use to oil your coal before it goes into your bin(s)? If the coal is already in your bin(s) and it was not oiled beforehand, what method would you use to oil the coal that is already in your bin(s)? What kind of oil do you use? How much oil do you apply per ton of coal? Does oiling coal affect its performance or the safety of burning it in any way? For example: Can oiled coal be used in hopper equipped hand fired stoves, or will the oil cause the fire to burn back up into the hopper?

Wiz · Post by **Wiz** » Sat. Nov. 03, 2012 5:56 pm

Friend has been using used motor oil, approx 4 gals on 5 ton. He spreads it with a water garden bucket. I don't smell anything in his house but outside in the bin, smells like a jiffy lube shop. Never had issue with fire in hopper that was related to the oil, using in a stoker. Found older post on this subject How Do You Oil Coal in Your Bin as You Fill the Bin?

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sat. Nov. 03, 2012 6:22 pm

Thanks for the link! I read every post in it. Now it has me concerned over harm to the lungs from fine mist spraying oil. Would a simple garden watering can with a sprinkle head be better in this regard than pressure spray misting? Each full compartment of my bin has about 2 tons of pea coal in it. Would one gallon of mineral oil sprinkled over each compartment from above permeate down through the entire mass of coal? My bin has bottom discharge compartments. I'm noticing this seasons Harmony to be noticeably more dusty than the Blasckak I burned last season.

Robby · Post by **Robby** » Sat. Nov. 03, 2012 11:38 pm

The coal I purchase has a pipe with holes that dribbles oil over coal(on a belt) as it loads my truck. Wonderfull, no dust, no smell.
Some type of vegtable oil.
I had 5 or 6 ton at home that was not oiled so I poured at least 5 gallon of used motor oil, a bit at a time, over it. Made a complete mess, did not flow down very well, smelly, way to much oil on top and very little from middle down. Won,t try that again.

SMITTY · Post by **SMITTY** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 12:15 am

lsayre wrote: .... Now it has me concerned over harm to the lungs from fine mist spraying oil. ...

Just don't stick your face in it & you'll be fine.

I spray my cars & trailers with it all the time. Not much mist hangs around - used oil is very attracted to gravity - doesn't stay airborne long. I had 50 psi going into a paint sprayer too.

mattcoalburner · Post by **mattcoalburner** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 12:59 am

vegetable oil is what to use about 1/2 gallon per ton

Keepaeyeonit · Post by **Keepaeyeonit** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:19 am

Isayre,I used motor oil one time and will never do it again(but I keep 350# in a drum near the stove)so it's in my family room the smell wasn't that good then I switch to canola oil it was better but it has a build up over time now I use mineral oil

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,it's light enough that it works it's way down(I fill 5 gal buckets once a week and spray the top of the coal and let it sit for a week before I bring it in and fill up my drum

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) and has no oder but it cost $15.00/gal at TSC but for me it's worth the cost.How the hell did you get Bob to bring coal that far?I live 19 miles North of him and I don't think he likes to come here even with a 5 ton load.Keepaeyeonit

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:30 am

What are you using to spray the 5 gal. pails, and can you quantify how much is being used per pail? I'm guessing not more than an ounce.

Bob Bosler had never to my knowledge purchased Harmony pea before I inspired him to do so (having only stocked Harmony Nut in the past). Part of the inspiration was that I pre-paid him for 5 tons. I also paid dearly per ton for the extra miles he had to drive to my house. At this juncture I'm not sure if I'll be able to convince him to do it again next season. He is a super guy to talk to. If everyone in America shared his values this would be a far better nation.

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:40 am

Has anyone ever used oiled coal in their AA or AHS boiler? Did it cause any problems?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:48 am

Larry, use the mineral oil & quit worryin so much---NO to all your questions--even if you just spray it w/ water, (lightly) it should keep the dust down for the season.

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:57 am

Fred, I like your positive attitude! I wish I had your confidence.

Post by **Rob R.** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 7:36 am

I think someone should sneak over to Larry's house and oil the coal, the anticipation is killing me.

Keepaeyeonit · Post by **Keepaeyeonit** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 7:40 am

Isayre,I use a 1 gal pump sprayer and a I would say at the most 2 tons per one gal of oil but 1 1/2 tons per gal is more of a realistic number, it's too late now but putting the oil on as it's coming down the shoot is the best way to do it(using the least amount of oil).Keepaeyeonit

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 2:30 pm

lsayre wrote:Has anyone ever used oiled coal in their AA or AHS boiler? Did it cause any problems?

I have been running my AHS 130 with oiled coal from day one--more than 6 years now--with no adverse effects and no dust!

lsayre · Post by **lsayre** » Sun. Nov. 04, 2012 6:53 pm

Bob wrote:
lsayre wrote:Has anyone ever used oiled coal in their AA or AHS boiler? Did it cause any problems?
I have been running my AHS 130 with oiled coal from day one--more than 6 years now--with no adverse effects and no dust!

Thanks! That's what I needed to hear! What kind of oil are you using, and how much?