[Stoves] Feed Chamber Opening, was Re: Stoves Digest, Vol 8, Issue 11

[Andrew C. Parker]

If I remember correctly, the feed chamber opening for a rocket stove is a  
function of the desired output, not the size of the fuel wood.  One of the  
stated benefits of the rocket stoves need for small diameter fuel is that  
there is no need to cut down the entire tree for firewood.  As Xavier  
mentioned, another hospital was supplied with smaller diameter wood that  
fit the stove.  I suppose that this underscores the need to thoroughly  
examine the existing behavior, politics and infrastructure of the client,  
and, if it is obvious that there will be no willing changes, to choose an  
improved stove that will be a more appropriate fit.  The rocket stove is  
not the only solution available.

Having said that, based on this study from Aprovecho, ROCKET STOVES –  
CONTROLLING DRAFT (Variations in chimney height and air flow openings in a  
modified “rocket stove”.), by Damon Ogle, August 17, 2002, I have wondered  
if a rocket stove could be designed that controlled flue gas velocity with  
a choke at the top of the chimney (perhaps introducing preheated secondary  
air at that point, as with some gasifying stoves).  The sizing of the feed  
chamber opening may then not be such a critical factor.  Was there  
follow-up to that study at Aprovecho?


Andrew Parker (Not AJH)



On Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:54:51 -0600, <rajan_jiby at dataone.in> wrote:

> Dear All,
>
> My question is :
>
> What would be an optimum size range for the feed chamber opening -  
> rather how small it can go upto ?
>
> Best Regards,
>
>
> Rajan