Troubleshooting guide

Page 13
St. Croix or any other pellet stove is not designed to run on just any pellet that is available. A
minimum pellet quality is required. The residential pellet heating industry is just developing in
some parts of the country. Pellets in these areas have been unavailable or may not meet the Pellet
Fuel Institute (PFI) standards. Fortunately most pellets in most parts of the country are
satisfactory. Dealers soon learn that the "Proof of pellet quality is in its consistent
performance, not on stated specifications"!
Pellets may vary from company to company, from load to load and even from bag to bag. The
range of pellet quality may become even greater as more pellet mills come on line.
Pellet characteristics that affect the ability of a unit to operate effective are identified by PFI and
are shown below. They are:
Pellet Fuel Institute (PFI) Pellet Standards
Characteristics PFI Standards
-Amount of fines Max. 1%
-Weight per cubic foot Min. 40#
-Moisture content Max. 8%
-Length (max.) Max. 1.5"
-Diameter .235"(¼") to .35" (
3
/
8
")
-Amount of ash
*Premium Max. .75%
* Standard Max. 2.50%
Additional Considerations
-Consistent size
-Flow characteristics
-Ash characteristics; light, heavy, sandy
-Clinkering characteristics
Pellets that are minimum in just one characteristic may prove to be unsatisfactory for some
residential uses.
NOTE: Owners in some parts of the country are "screening" pellets to eliminate the "fines" or
sawdust from the pellets. Screening results in a more uniform flow of pellets in the hopper, more
complete burning of the fuel, less ash on the heat exchange tubes, in the ash traps and in the
exhaust system and pipes.
Screening pellets that have visible sawdust in them will improve combustion efficiencies and
decrease maintenance.
Pellet screening equipment is available commercially or may be homemade.