[Stoves] Living with and minimizing CO

[crispinpigott at gmail.com]

Dear Friends as categorized by Dr Tom

I have been reviewing the CO in stove stacks that were burning semi-coked coal. After 2 hrs the concentration (diluted) exceeded 30,000 mg/m^3 and was still rising fast. 

In that condition small leaks from the stove would quickly be dangerous. It occurred to me that concentrations like that with 800% EA would also pose a danger to people standing outside the house. Further, there is a danger that the fumes may be drawn into the house with replacement air.

I tried some calculations to see if a whole neighbourhood could be contaminated in a no-wind situation and it seems possible.

Sharpen your pencil:

10,000 stoves burning 1 kg of coal per hour with an average of 500% excess air with a CO/CO2 ratio of 50%. Run the stove 24/7, without wind, in a valley. What is the CO level?

So... Hoods are not as helpful as good combustion.

Regards
Crispin looking at the pristine air of Mississauga and liking it.
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