Masonry Magazine December 2010 Page. 26
CHIMNEYS & FIREPLACES
Product Watch
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Fired appliances, including low mass fireplaces (factory built), a technological solution for wood burning masonry fireplaces hasn't been created to meet the projected Phase 2 emissions limit of the EPA New Source Performance Standard, until now.
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Addressing the challenge
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CLEAR SKIES UNLIMITED began working on a solution to the problem of wood burning fireplace pollution more than 10 years ago. Knowing that the EPA would eventually regulate wood burning fireplaces nationwide, the company began a research-and-development effort that involved years of emissions testing on every conceivable fireplace type, design and configuration, with special emphasis on the open-hearth masonry fireplace.
The goal was to design, develop and test a totally passive emission control device for wood burning fireplaces that was easily installed, affordable to the consumer and acceptable to the EPA for wood burning fireplace retro-fit installations across the United States. The goal was accomplished and all expectations exceeded with the development of the HearthCAT Fireplace Technology.
The HearthCAT Emission Control Technology is a patented catalytic system designed especially for wood burning fireplaces. It is positioned directly above the fireplace grate and mechanically attached to the walls of the firebox. The HearthCAT Hood captures the smoke and particulates, while most of the dilution air bypasses the hood and travels up the primary flue system. The HearthCAT System provides secondary ignition for the combustibles before they leave the firebox as harmful pollution. The direct flame on the catalytic surface actually cleans the catalytic system. This is the only passive technology available for reducing wood burning fireplace emissions. No gas or power is required, and there are no moving parts.
For four consecutive years, Hearth & Home Magazine had issued the Vesta Challenge to hearth product manufacturers for the creation of a low-emission, wood burning fireplace retrofit technology. For the first three years, the challenge was not met. Again in 2009, Hearth & Home challenged the hearth industry to develop a retro-fit technology that would dramatically reduce particulate emissions in wood-burning fireplaces without creating any smoke spillage or adversely affecting indoor air quality. In March 2009, Clear Skies Unlimited met the Vesta Challenge with their HearthCAT Fireplace Technology. The technology was unanimously voted as the winner of the Vesta Challenge, and Clear Skies was presented with the Vesta Challenge Award by Gil Wood from the EPA.
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Fireplace Mortar
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QUIKRETE Fireplace Mortar is a silicate-based refractory cement caulk ideal for tuck pointing damaged firebox mortar joints, chips, cracks and spalls commonly found in fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Once cured, the mortar provides superior adhesion for a durable repair, while withstanding heats up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a caulk gun, the mortar is applied in strips no greater than 1/8-inch, with multiple 1/8-inch layers for larger joints as needed. Once dry, stoke a low fire, up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, for one to four hours to assure adequate drying and set time. Once the product is dry, stoke the firebox temperature to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional one to four hours before routine usage.
QUIKRETE Fireplace Mortar, sold in 10-ounce tubes, retails for about $5. For more information, visit www.quikrete.com.
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24 MASONRY December 2010 www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry