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Post by Karl L on Jan 18, 2021 0:48:23 GMT -8
Following the discussion about the dangers of particulates produced by stoves, I am trying to find out if there are any dangers from wood ash. Looking at Wikipedia ( Wood Ash) it seems that if a fire burns at over 750°C then quick lime is produced. Quick lime is quite dangerous if breathed in -- it was even used a weapon. Given the temperatures in rocket stoves, is there any danger from quick lime, e.g. in the fly ash that settles in the 'down stream' parts of the stove - i.e. not the firebox?
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Post by satamax on Jan 20, 2021 5:07:58 GMT -8
How much calcium is there in wood?
I would say that's bullshit. Lye can be made with wood ash, and even fly ash could react with moist exhaust gases downstream. But that's negligible i would say.
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Post by Karl L on Jan 20, 2021 15:00:40 GMT -8
Thanks for your answer, Max, but I don't understand. Maybe it will help if I say more?
You ask How much calcium is there in wood? This is what the Wikipedia article says:
"Many studies have been conducted regarding the chemical composition of wood ash, with widely varying results. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is the major constituent at temperatures below 750°C(small fireplace).[1] At temperatures above 750°C (big furnance) calcium oxide (CaO) is the major constituent."
So, perhaps there is quite a lot of calcium, and if some of it was roasted at over 750C (e.g. in the top box of my DRS2) then perhaps some would convert to Calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime.
If quicklime is breathed in then it can be very dangerous, causing lung damage.
There are very few DSR2s in existance, so there haven't been many opportunities to find out if this is a danger in some situations. Hence my question.
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Post by pianomark on Jan 20, 2021 16:37:54 GMT -8
If the quicklime is inside your stove, I don't think it will hurt you. For those who are concerned, wear a mask when cleaning out your stove; probably a good idea when cleaning out any stove.
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Post by pigbuttons on Jan 21, 2021 6:12:37 GMT -8
Half of the world's population still cooks with wood, many more still heat with wood, and we as humans have since ..., well a long time. Let's say just one tenth managed to exceed 750c during combustion and were therefore exposed to the quick lime danger as you propose. Where are the mass die-outs? Would it not have needed addressing by some culture where such heating of the combustion products was prevalent? Most folks don't want to inhale wood ash, I know I don't, and therefore avoid making a cloud of dust when cleaning their device.
Net take away: Don't believe every scary story you read on the internet.
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