Have you noticed underfired pellets in the ash pan of your boiler? Don't ignore the problem! This is a clear signal that something is not working as it should in your heating system. This can result in lower combustion efficiency, higher costs and safety hazards.
Check the quality of the pellets
The first step is to check the quality of the pellets you are using. Low-quality raw material may contain impurities, have too much moisture, or be poorly compressed. These all affect its combustion efficiency. Make sure you use pellets with the right certifications, such as ENplus or DINplus.
In addition, pellets should have low moisture content (preferably less than 10%). Material that is too moist will be harder to burn and may leave unburned residue. Also check that the pellets have a uniform texture and are free of impurities.
Verify boiler settings
Underfired pellets in the ash pan can also be the result of improper boiler settings. Check a few key parameters to rule out this possibility. First of all, make sure that the air supply to the combustion chamber is properly set. Too little air will result in pellets not burning completely.
Also verify the fuel feeding system. Feeding the pellets too quickly can lead to underburning. Check that the feeder is working properly and delivering the right amount of fuel. Also pay attention to air blowing - too much blowing can cause pellet particles to be thrown into the ash pan or ejected from the combustion chamber. Equally important is the correct combustion temperature - too low can also cause the pellets not to burn all the way through.
Regular maintenance of the boiler
Regular maintenance of a pellet boiler is crucial to its proper operation. Neglecting this aspect can lead to under-firing of pellets. What activities should you perform in this regard?
- Cleaning the combustion chamber - regularly remove accumulated ash and soot from the combustion chamber. A dirty chamber can restrict airflow and reduce combustion efficiency.
- Checking gaskets - make sure all gaskets are in good condition. Leaks can lead to improper combustion.
- Check mechanical components - periodically check the operation of the feeder, fan and other moving parts of the boiler.
What are the main causes of pellet underfiring?
Understanding the causes of pellet underburning will help you better prevent this problem in the future. First of all, low-quality raw material may contain impurities and have too high moisture content, making it difficult to burn.
Improper settings of boiler operating parameters, such as air supply and fuel feeding, can also lead to underburning. Neglecting regular boiler maintenance, including cleaning the combustion chamber and checking seals, also causes combustion problems. Leaks in the chimney, on the other hand, can cause draught disturbances, which affect pellet burning efficiency.
Underfired pellets in the ash pan is a signal that something is not working properly in your heating system. Identifying and resolving the causes of this problem will allow you to enjoy efficient and safe heating. Remember that the key to success lies in regular boiler maintenance, choosing quality pellets and monitoring the settings and operation of your heating system. With these simple steps, your pellet boiler will operate efficiently and economically, providing you with heat for many years to come!