Grainstoves from J. A. Mitchell Marketing

Chapter Two: The Elements of Grain

For purposes of grain-burning, it is best to think of grain as being composed of four elements. These elements are:
(1) volatiles/smoke
(2) carbon
(3) ash/silica
(4) moisture.

Volatiles: The volatiles/smoke is the component of the grain that burns. When the moisture has been driven out and the grain reaches 1100º, the volatiles in the grain will ignite and give off enough energy to heat a home.

Carbon: The carbon is the element of grain that forms coals and is what glows in the fire.

Ash/Silica: The ash or silica is the refuse left after combustion. The ash content of the grain cannot be changed or helped. The amount of ash left after combustion is affected by the field in which the grain grew, when the grain was watered and what was used to fertilize the grain. The silica, in particular, is dirt which is drawn into the grain from the ground. There is no way around the fact that burning grain produces much more ash than burning pellets. The ash content in grain is generally around 3%; whereas, the ash content of pellets is generally around 0.35%. When you burn grain, you must be prepared to deal with more ash than you would with pellets. The high ash content should be of little concern as it is easily cleaned with a high quality ash vaccum.

Moisture: The moisture content should require little explanation other than mentioning that moisture content will vary much more in grain than it will in pellet fuel.

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Warning, J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. is not the manufacturer of the Harman PC-45 or any other product. J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by the Harman PC-45 or any other product. J.A. Mitchell Marketing Ltd. provides no representations or warranties. If you are confused or unsure at any point, contact your local Harman dealer.