Archive for September, 2009

I swapped out my EKO 60 for the Vedolux UB 50 (170K BTU) wood gasification boiler from Varmebaronen.  The Eko 60 worked well but I wanted to run the Vedolux natural draft model thru the paces. We have already established the effectiveness of Varmebaronen’s suction fan models. The coolest thing about the Vedolux 50 (other than the fact it is so easy to start and clean) is that it doesn’t need a draft fan for normal running and gasifying.  That’s right  - Natural Draft!!!  It’s a feat of engineering, but leave it up to the Swedes.

For this model you are supposed to have .096 inches of H20 water column.   It was a bit hard to get draft started at first as it was about the same temp inside as out at 75 deg F. I started a wad of cardboard near boiler tubes then surprisingly though it took off without too much effort.  After a few minutes there was .07 ” of water column and that held steady thru the burn till the wood was burned out.  My guess is that during the winter the draft won’t be an issue because of the temperature difference in my flue and outside. I plan to run it in the summer for domestic water every few days and will hook up a draft inducer for starting or for times when draft is bad. I’m at the bottom side of a hill and draft  isn’t always so good.

The first fire was small just to get the ceramics warmed up.  Still have some connections to be made till the system is all finished. The boiler is directly connected to an insulated vertical 250 gallon tank which had been a propane tank and can thermal siphon. The system is also connected to another 500 gal. tank in the residence. After all connections are made I’ll get more pictures of the install.

This unit will be tested for UL and CSA within a month.

Here’s a video of my first fire about after hour into the burn.  Check it out.