Condar Catalytic Combustor
How It Works

From 5 to 30 percent of the chemical energy contained in every log escapes up the chimney when wood is burned in a conventional stove. The catalytic combustor is designed to make use of this energy, converting it into useful heat as it lessens chimney creosote build-up and air pollution.

Catalytic combustors are similar to catalytic converters in automobiles. They are honeycomb-shaped bricks made of glass or ceramic with a rare-metal catalyst coating. They are usually located across the exhaust vent of stoves. As smoke passes through the combustor, the gases and particulates in the smoke react with the catalyst. Chemical changes occur that cause the smoke to ignite at temperatures around 500° F. Normally, smoke will ignite and burn only at temperatures around 1000° F.

Catalytic combustors decrease emissions and increase overall fuel efficiency by 25%-30%. New catalytic wood stoves and inserts advertise efficiencies of 70%-80%.

The more you know about your combustor, the more effective it will be and the longer it will last. Read our FREE Catalytic Combustor Cleaning and Care Guide. It'll tell you how to clean and care for a catalytic combustor and how to recognize signs combustor failure. Print or view the information easily by clicking here.

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