Date:         Sat, 22 Dec 2001 22:08:06 +0000
Reply-To:     Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Let's make vented catalytic heaters
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Marshall said -

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Volks:

I have one of those Coleman BlackCat catalytic heaters - and it works great.

However, like we've discussed on this list before, it's not vented, so it
deposits moisture and CO plus Co2 in the cabin. I haven't mentioned O2
depletion (but that's not a deposit, it's a withdrawl!)

So, we also know about the PlatCat heaters, which are vented. Quiterare and
expensive, and not too portable.

If somebody on the list would describe how the PlatCat seals the combustion,
  but manages to transfer the heat, it'd be great.

Then, perhaps we can use that as an example, figure out how to make our
BlackCats vented, and use it without the above mentioned "deposits".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I just installed a PlatCat.  The burner pad is rectangular, taller than it
is wide, and it has a hood across the top, something like a range hood, but
it only sticks out an inch or so from the surface of the pad.

When it's running, a vent fan is pulling air through that hood, through a
blower assembly, up through a tube in the back of the unit, and from there
through whatever vent you have it connected to.

There is a circuit board in the unit which checks for back-pressure in the
vent.  If it's plugged it shuts down the unit.  I believe it also shuts gas
flow down if the pad doesn't light.

You will lose some heat out the vent, just like you do with a range hood,
but the pad is producing mostly radiant heat, rather than hot air, so it
isn't too bad.

Hopes that helps.  If you have any other questions, let me know.


Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho
mike_l_f@hotmail.com


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