Grainstoves from J. A. Mitchell Marketing
Main menu:
- Home Page
- About Us
- Burn Unmarketable Grain
- Harman Grain Stove
- Burning Grain 101
- Introduction
- Ch. 1: Grain Burning Basics
- Ch. 2: The Elements of Grain
- Ch. 3: The First Half of the Grain Burning Process
- Ch. 4: The Second Half of the Grain Burning Process
- Ch. 5: Grain Burning Summary
- Ch.: 6 Auger Operation & Feed Rate Adjuster
- Ch. 7: Setting the Feed Rate Adjuster
- Ch. 8 Fuzzy Logic Processor
- Ch. 9 The Combustion Fan
- Ch. 10: Dip Switches
- Ch. 11: Starting the Fire
- Ch. 12: Stove Cleaning
- Fuel Calculator
- Startup/Burning Presentations
- Links
- FAQ's
- Ash Vacuum Orders
- Dial-Up Tips
- Dealer Locator
Introduction
Burning Grain 101
A Step-By-Step Tutorial
Burning grain is similar to burning wood pellets. Grain and pellet stoves feed grain/pellets from a hopper into a burn pot where the fuel meets an open flame and a controlled supply of air. Because the amount of fuel and air reaching the flame can be adjusted, burning grain or pellets is much more efficient than burning wood in a traditional manner. However, even though grain and pellets are burned using similar mechanisms, burning grain is much more difficult. The physical characteristics of grain simply make it hard to burn. Grain is more dense and has a higher moisture content than pellets. Instead of burning light and dry wood pellets, we are trying to burn dense, heavy grain. As you can imagine, this takes a little more effort. This inherent difficulty in burning grain is compounded by the fact that the characteristics of grains vary widely; whereas, pellets are manufactured to precise specifications. Not only does an effective grain stove have to burn a denser, tougher fuel than a pellet stove, but it must also be able to adapt to burning different types of grain. Therefore, it is imperative that grain stoves have precise controls and mechanisms designed to burn grains with many different characteristics.
The relevant characteristics of grain for purposes of combustion are moisture content, ash content and BTU output (how hot and easily the grain burns). These characteristics will determine everything from how fast the grain needs to be fed into burn pot, to how often your stove will need to be cleaned. Therefore, as you burn grain, it is important to understand the stove’s settings and the characteristics of the grain you are attempting to burn. Different batches of grain will require different settings.
If this sounds confusing, do not panic, with a little practice, you will master the art of grain-burning and be able to heat your home for next to nothing. With regard to burning a wide variety of grain in the PC-45, the bottom line is that we have not come across a grain we have not been able burn. In some of the worst-case scenarios, we have had to mix in some higher BTU grains such as canola/flax or drier grains such as oats to sustain the fire, but in the end we have been able to burn pretty much anything, including moldy peas.
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.