Facts
Clean, complete combustion in a wood-burning stove therefore depends on
- A sufficient amount of oxygen
- A sufficiently high temperature (min. 750°C)
- A sufficient amount of firewood
The combustion reaction takes place when the right mix is achieved.
The combustion process
Combustion of wood triggers the following 4 processes:
- Drying, evaporation of water
- Gasification (pyrolysis)
- Burning of gasses
- Burning of solid (carbon)
The 4 processes do not happen one after the other, but more or less concurrently.
80% of the wood burns by gasification (pyrolysis).
20% of the wood burns by solid combustion (charcoal).
Combustion
Optimal combustion in 3 phases
Phase 1
Heating
Primary and secondary air is supplied to the fire. Primary air from below acts as the combustion accelerator, rapidly contributing to a high temperature.
Phase 2
Burning of gasses
Air is supplied over the fire (secondary and tertiary air) to burn gasses released from the wood.
Phase 3
Burning of carbon
The air supply is limited, and the embers are supplied with primary and secondary air to maintain a high temperature for as long as possible.
HWAM® Autopilot™
Did you know...
All HWAM wood-burning stoves are equipped with HWAM® Autopilot™ as standard.
Watch the film and learn more about what HWAM® Autopilot™ can do for you.