[Greenbuilding] woodstove efficiency: ashes/dryweight?

[Norbert Senf]

At 02:13 PM 2/5/2008 -0800, Reuben Deumling wrote:
>I'm curious if the amount of ashes generated over a season permits one to
>say anything about the efficiency of combustion? I get about 2 lbs of ashes
>for every 100 lbs of (Oak & Cherry & Fir) firewood (dry weight). I have no
>idea if this is a lot or a little. Or maybe there is absolutely no
>correlation? But I suspect someone on this list (Norbert?) might have
>thoughts on the subject.

Hi Reuben:

The ash is the mineral content of the wood, which 
is around 1.5% - 2.5% depending on species.
It is fixed, and doesn't change with how you burn 
the wood (except that you might get some
charcoal mixed in, which is unburned fuel).

Has no relation with efficiency or how you burn the wood. If you have a
very fast fire, some of the ash might blow out your stack ( = "flyash" ).

Best ....... Norbert

-------------------------------------------
Norbert Senf---------- mheat(at)heatkit.com
Masonry Stove Builders
25 Brouse Rd.
RR 5, Shawville------- www.heatkit.com
Québec J0X 2Y0-------- fax:-----819.647.6082
---------------------- voice:---819.647.5092