The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Firewood and Wood Heating => Topic started by: DR_Buck on November 12, 2008, 10:44:42 PM

Title: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: DR_Buck on November 12, 2008, 10:44:42 PM
Is anyone using the "Ash-trol" product Central Boiler sells?  I got a container from the dealer (it wasn't free) when I received my CL-6048.   The stuff is quite expensive and is a "secret" company recipe.

I haven't used it everyday as recommended and haven't figured out if it's effective.  Does it really work to keep the furnace clean and is it worth the money ?   Is there a generic product that is cheaper and works?
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: beenthere on November 12, 2008, 10:53:37 PM
I've heard it is lime, and changes the PH of the ash, to be less caustic I guess.

My boiler unit is going on 25 years, and have never used anything...not saying that I shouldn't.  ::)

Does CB say what it is suposed to do? The name implies it might "control the ash".
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: antos_ketcham on November 13, 2008, 07:03:34 AM
Quote from: beenthere on November 12, 2008, 10:53:37 PM
I've heard it is lime, and changes the PH of the ash, to be less caustic I guess.

My boiler unit is going on 25 years, and have never used anything...not saying that I shouldn't.  ::)

Does CB say what it is suposed to do? The name implies it might "control the ash".

What type of boiler do you have? I'd really like a straight answer on this as it seems like it is simply a way for CB to make more money. Anyone?
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: OneWithWood on November 13, 2008, 10:03:14 AM
We have always used it.  Of course I am particular in the maintenance of my stuff.  I even coat the walls of the boiler with oil after removing all ash and as much creosote as possible when we shut it down for the summer.  Lee applies some once a week in the corners.  It probably is mostly lime and lowers the acidity of the ash.
Is it worth the money?  I view it as an investment.  The boiler and setup was not cheap so why skimp on the maintenance? 
We also test the water a couple of times a year and add the additive as required (not often).
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: beenthere on November 13, 2008, 10:54:12 AM
OWW
How much do you use at a time? and how long does a container last? and how expensive is a container?

A check for MSDS sheet came up with this chat in Mother Earth News about it. Says $25 worth lasts all winter, and a tbsn per day is all that is used. Also implies it is soda ash. Take it for what it is worth.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/forums/forum.aspx?boardid=1202&g=posts&t=101854

Also, some implication it is to neutralize the hydrochloric acid from burning green wood. Not heard that before, but again, for what it is worth.  :) :)

On my indoor boiler, I haven't done any cleaning inside the the burn area. Knock on wood, but may look into stirring some soda ash into the ashes, now that Ash-trol has come to my attention (thanks to the Forum). 8)
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: antos_ketcham on November 13, 2008, 07:52:11 PM
Speaking of testing the water - I tested mine the other week and at 25 drops got a purplish brownish cloud that didn't dissipate with swirling (though I didn't swirl that hard). This doesn't sound like the faint pink that lasts for more than a minute. Any CB owners have any input or ideas on this?

Pete
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: tonto on November 13, 2008, 08:50:18 PM
I have a CB 5036 and when I do my water test it also turns purple after about 27-28 drops, no pink.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: DR_Buck on November 13, 2008, 09:55:54 PM
The CB Ash-trol came with a scoop like used for scooping coffee into the filter  and it is about 1/8 cup.  The directions are add to firebox once a day.     The container is 6.6 lbs and cost $24.15.   

One of the web sites I found a guy claims it is mostly lime and that's what he uses in his CB.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: antos_ketcham on November 15, 2008, 06:14:46 AM
Quote from: OneWithWood on November 13, 2008, 10:03:14 AM
We have always used it.  Of course I am particular in the maintenance of my stuff.  I even coat the walls of the boiler with oil after removing all ash and as much creosote as possible when we shut it down for the summer.  Lee applies some once a week in the corners.  It probably is mostly lime and lowers the acidity of the ash.
Is it worth the money?  I view it as an investment.  The boiler and setup was not cheap so why skimp on the maintenance? 
We also test the water a couple of times a year and add the additive as required (not often).

Can you answer the question I had regarding the water test? You seem to be the CB guy here on the forum. Thanks.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: OneWithWood on November 18, 2008, 12:20:03 PM
Antos, sorry I haven't been on the forum for a few days.  My wife actually does the testing so let me consult with her.  I will get back to you.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: waorgany on November 18, 2008, 10:07:18 PM
Quote from: DR_Buck on November 13, 2008, 09:55:54 PM
The CB Ash-trol came with a scoop like used for scooping coffee into the filter  and it is about 1/8 cup.  The directions are add to firebox once a day.     The container is 6.6 lbs and cost $24.15.   

One of the web sites I found a guy claims it is mostly lime and that's what he uses in his CB.

When the dealer installed my CB eClassic 2300 they gave me a jug of Ash-Trol, he said when it runs out just go to the farm store and get lime, it will do the same thing and is way cheaper... and he is the owner of the company's son. I will save my $$ and just use lime once I run out of the Ash-Trol...not sure it does alot anyways?
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: antos_ketcham on November 19, 2008, 06:24:07 AM
Quote from: OneWithWood on November 18, 2008, 12:20:03 PM
Antos, sorry I haven't been on the forum for a few days.  My wife actually does the testing so let me consult with her.  I will get back to you.

Thanks - If I have to change anything I'd like to do it before the winter really sets in.

Thanks.

Pete Antos-Ketcham
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: renegadecj on November 19, 2008, 11:18:38 AM
Would hydrated mason's lime work?-you can buy that at the local building supply store!
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: OneWithWood on November 22, 2008, 06:13:08 PM
Antos, I finally got a few minutes to test my water.

I draw the water through the site guage, filling to the 25ml mark
add 25-30 drops of the sulfuric acid solution, swirl to mix
add the reagent one drop at a time swirling until the purple disappears - you should see a vortex that dissipates
continue adding one drop at a time and swirling until the solution turns pink and persists for one minute

It took 52 drops for the solution to turn and persist
I'm plenty good on nitrite  8)

The trick is to swirl each drop until the color disappears, it is easy to overload with reagent.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: antos_ketcham on November 22, 2008, 07:02:16 PM
Thanks One with Wood.

52 drops? I thought that the max you should have is 30?

Pete
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: OneWithWood on November 24, 2008, 10:51:29 AM
Probably is, but it doesn;t appear to hurt anything and I am too lazy to drain some and add fresh water - at least during winter.  I will be putting up another building this spring so I will adjust it then.
Title: Re: Central Boiler "Ash-trol"
Post by: al77 on December 21, 2008, 09:11:47 PM
I am using the ash-trol in my 4030 and it seems to help dry out the creosote a little and make it burn out of the firebox a little better. I notice it makes the creosote turn brown immediatley after application. Other than that I think it is to help adjust the ashes so they won't corrode your ash pan. I believe it is more than "just" lime in the formula.

Honestly as much as the furnace cost and all the time I spent installing it, I think it is a very small expense to pay to use what the manufacturer reccomends. Maybe they are using it as a way to make more money, but maybe they know a thing or two about their own product at the same time. One container of ashtrol will last months and costs only a fraction of what my furnace saves me in electricity each month.