By: Berlin On: Thu Feb 19, 2009 3:17 am
how about a simple feature that would cost very little, yet add a measure of convenience; where the sides slope to the ashpan, put a lip in so that the edges of the ash pan are about 1/2" under this lip, thus preventing ash from continually being deposited around the ashpan, ash going on the floor everytime one removes the ashpan etc.
as far as bit coal goes, as long as it has an easy access door or port to any fire passages within the boiler to periodically brush soot it should be fine. bit coal won't hurt the firebrick etc. any more than anthracite, any additional sulfur content is insignificant; all coal has sulfur, a few extra percentage points won't make a bit of difference as far as corrosion goes.
Burning Kentucky/Ohio Bituminous in WNY. BITUMINOUS equiptment: 2 hand fired stoves of my own design, Three Combustioneer Model 77 stokers, stokermatic furnace, Will-Burt model 30 stoker, & and Two Iron firemen.