Ecolink Solutions Tools for energy sustainability 
- Where does ABCAT stand for?
- What is a catalytic convertor?
- How does the ABCAT work?
- For which capacities can the ABCAT be used?
- For which types of fuel can the ABCAT be used?
- Can I order the ABCAT directly from Ecolink Solutions?
- What is the delivery time of the ABCAT?
- Is the ABCAT available in different pipes and lengths?
- Is the ABCAT available in different colors?
- What is the warranty on the ABCAT?
- What is the price of an ABCAT?
- Is the ABCAT safe to use?
- Does the ABCAT have a certificate?
- How hot does the flue gas need to be in order for the ABCAT to function properly?
- The temperature of the flue gas after my stove does not exceed 200°C, can I too install an ABCAT?
- How warm will the ABCAT get?
- What is the maximum temperature the ABCAT may get?
- My wood-burning stove burns poorly, does the ABCAT solve this problem?
- Are there legal issues to burning wood and installing an ABCAT?
- Is a construction permit needed to install the ABCAT?
- How long does the ABCAT last?
- Why do I need to clean the ABCAT temporarily, even when the flue gas reaches 350°C regularly?
- How should I clean the ABCAT?
- How often do I need to clean the ABCAT?
- Is the ash from the ABCAT hazardous?
- There are red-brown spots on the modules, is this rust?
- Can I burn any type of wood when I have installed an ABCAT?
- Can I burn fresh and/or wet wood when I have installed an ABCAT?
- How do I know what the diameter of my stovepipe is?
- My stovepipe is built-in, can I too install an ABCAT?
- Can the ABCAT only be installed vertically?
- How do I know if I need to replace my ABCAT?
- Do I need to buy a complete ABCAT-system when I have to replace my old ABCAT?
- Will the ABCAT block my stovepipe?
- Can I improve the performance of the ABCAT myself?
- Is the ABCAT suited for a hearth which cannot be closed with panels or doors?
- Is the ABCAT suited for a hearth where an insert with doors or glass is installed?
- Can the ABCAT be applied in an open fire?
- Can the ABCAT be used with an heat-accumulating stove (for example a soapstone stove)?
- How do I know if my stovepipe produces enough draught?
- When it gets too warm in the room, I close the stove's air slides, does that matter to the ABCAT?
- Are there other options to filter the flue gas and/or prevent nuisance?
“ABCAT” is an abbreviation which can be used in several languages. In English, ABCAT stands for After Burning CATalyst.
The word 'catalytic convertor' means: a substance which starts or accelerates a reaction without being used up itself. Catalytic convertors may be most well-known as part of the exhaust system of a car. Here it takes care of the final bits of unburned petrol or diesel before it can exit the exhaust into the atmosphere. The ABCAT is located in the 'exhaust' of a wood-burning device and takes care of unburned and harmful components before they exit the stovepipe and enter the atmosphere.
The ABCAT works because of a clever design and a special catalytic convertor based on stainless steel and precious metals. Because of the design, flue gas can easily flow through the ABCAT without much pressure loss (loss of draught). The catalytic convertor burns (oxidizes) components like soot, tar and other odorous components.
This means that the stovepipe will remain clean longer and that the wood-burning stove cannot be smelled outside anymore.
More: Background and application ABCAT (PDF)
The ABCAT can be used for wood-burning devices with capacities from 4 to 999 kW and with stovepipe diameters from Ø125mm. The ABCAT is available with different numbers of modules and in different set-ups. The modular build of the ABCAT means it can be adjusted according to the capacity of the device, the stovepipe, the type of fuel and the purpose of the ABCAT (remove odor and/or carbon-monoxide).
The ABCAT is suitable for fuel from biomass such as wood, wood pellets, wood chips, wood briquettes, straw and reed. Furthermore, the ABCAT is suitable for biogenic fuel such as peat, lignite, coal and oil. Installing an ABCAT on a gas fired device will not improve much since the emission of these units is generally already very low.
Yes, you can order your ABCAT directly. When you would like to have your ABCAT installed, you can ask your installer or supplier about the ABCAT.
The delivery time for the ABCAT is generally less than two weeks. The delivery time depends on the season, possible adaptions to the standard system and the shipping of the product.
Yes, the standard ABCAT comes in a 2mm steel stovepipe with length 500mm, but is also available in stainless steel or blued steel. Available lengths are 250mm, 500mm, 750mm and 1000mm or any other desired length.
The ABCAT is available from € 369 incl. 19% VAT.
Yes. The ABCAT has been thoroughly tested on both effectiveness and safety. The ABCAT has a build-in safety bypass which ensures that, even when the ABCAT is entirely
blocked, the flue gas can still pass the ABCAT and exit the stovepipe.
More: A test result of the performance of the ABCAT (PDF)
The ABCAT has been tested and found to be safe but does not need a certificate in Holland since there are no specific Dutch test requirements applicable to this system. In Germany however, there are strict regulations and test requirements through which a certificate can be obtained. For this reason many other European countries adopt this German certificate. Ecolink Solutions has applied for the German certificate for the ABCAT. We expect the ABCAT to be certified by the German authorities in summer 2012.
The ABCAT starts to work from approx. 250°C but in order to effectively process soot, tar and odorous components, a temperature of at least 350°C is needed. From this temperature the ABCAT will clean itself and it will be sufficient to inspect and clean the ABCAT regularly. You can order a low priced thermometer with us to determine the temperature of the flue gasses in your stovepipe in a simple and effective way.
No, unfortunately not. Although the ABCAT starts to function from approx. 250°C, it is not until 350°C that the ABCAT works self-cleaning. From 350°C upwards the ABCAT is able to catalytically oxidize (burn without flames or fire) soot, tar and odorous components adequately. When this temperature is not reached, the ABCAT will clog with soot, tar and ash and have to be cleaned manually. Furthermore, odorous components cannot be neutralized sufficiently so the flue gas will still smell (slightly).
The ABCAT works as a flameless afterburner. This means that the ABCAT will heat up reaching temperatures in the core of the modules of up to 500˚C. The outside of the stovepipe barely becomes warmer than it would without ABCAT.
The ABCAT can briefly tollerate temperatures of approx. 900°C. At temperatures of maximum 800°C, the ABCAT functions normally and there is no danger of permanently damaging the ABCAT or the catalytic material. When the ABCAT does get too warm it will not melt or fall apart. The stainless steel construction can endure temperatures of more than 1.000°C. The temperature of the flue gas will generally not exceed 500°C. With such high flue gas temperatures comes a loss in efficiency as a lot of heat leaves the stovepipe. You can order a low priced flue gas thermometer from us with which you can determine the flue gas temperature in your stovepipe quick and simple.
No, the ABCAT is a so called 'end-of-pipe' measure. This means that everything before the AABCAT needs to be in order for the ABCAT to function optimally. Therefore, installing an ABCAT will not solve the problem of a poorly burning stove. A poor burn can have several causes, but they all occur before the ABCAT. This is then also the point where something has to change to solve the problem of a poor burn.
This issue is comparable to a car: When the engine of a car runs poorly because of the wrong sort of fuel or an obstructed air intake, this is not solved by installing a (new) catalytic convertor in the exhaust. What does happen is that the gasses leave the exhaust cleaner than without catalytic convertor; this is also what happens with the ABCAT.
More: Remains with and without ABCAT (PDF)
Firing wood can cause health issues for the operator of the wood-burning device as well as for the neighborhood. Firing wood irresponsibly can lead to serious nuisance and complaints. The neighborhood, the municipality or other parties can address the person responsible for the nuisance and possibly take legal steps. The installation of the ABCAT can be a solution to reduce emissions and prevent nuisance. Please note that the legal framework in case of nuisance will vary with country and sometimes even with municipality.
No, in general a construction or building permit is not needed, however this strongly depends on the rules and regulations applicable to your situation and in your country. If you have any doubts, please inquire at your municipality or local government.
The durability of the active catalytic material inside the ABCAT strongly depends on the type of fire wood used, the operation of the wood-burning device while firing, the wood-burning device itself, the stovepipe and the temperature at the ABCAT. With normal use the ABCAT will last at least two heating seasons.
The ABCAT breaks down soot and tar when it reaches its operational temperature but mineral ashes cannot be converted. Mineral ashes will remain in the catalyst and need to be removed from time to time for the ABCAT to function optimally.
More: Residuals of wood burning (PDF)
The ABCAT can simply be removed from the stovepipe and be cleaned. Cleaning can be done either by vibration (shaking by hand) or with the use of water (rinse with tap water). The ABCAT may not be installed after cleaning when it is still wet so it needs to dry before re-installing.
^Back to the questions^
How often the ABCAT needs to be cleaned depends strongly on the wood used to fire, the operation of the wood-burning device while firing, the wood-burning device itself, the stovepipe and the temperature at the ABCAT. On average it is sufficient to clean the ABCAT when removing the ashes from the stove. However, this strongly varies between users and has be determined for each application of the ABCAT by the user.
No, not when the ABCAT is regularly reaches its operational temperature of 350°C and proper wood is fired in the proper way with the proper device. What stays behind in the ABCAT in the case largely consists of mineral ashes. This mineral ash can be shaken or rinsed with water and is not harmful to the environment. In fact, the minerals are the same minerals a tree absorbs from the ground when growing.
No,
the red-brown spots you can see in or on the ABCAT are not rust but iron oxide. This iron oxide originates from the wood and is filtered by the ABCAT from the flue gas. Wood contains a small quantity of iron which is absorbed from the ground during the growth of the tree. When this iron is released from the wood again in the wood-burning device, iron oxide forms which partly remains in the ABCAT. Iron oxide has, like rust, a red-brown color and this is the red-brown you can see in and on the ABCAT.
The ABCAT is entirely constructed from stainless steel and the iron oxide has no negative influence on the functioning of the ABCAT. Especially when a lot of beech is burned you will be able to observe these spots and red-brown powder will fall out of the ABCAT when cleaned. This is due to the fact that, when growing on sufficiently iron-rich grounds, beech typically can contain a relative high quantity of iron.
^Back to the questions^
No. Treated, glued, preserved and laminated wood, wood containing binders and wood with non-wood finishes (painted wood, MDF/HDF, plywood, plasticized wood, impregnated wood, etc) cannot be used as firewood. When this wood is fired, a lot of harmful and potentially hazardous, strongly polluting substances are emitted. You should not burn these materials, regardless if you have installed an ABCAT or not. Furthermore, the odds are that the flue gasses from these materials contain toxins which can damage the ABCAT irreparably.
Tropical (hard)wood, when burned, produces an odor that is considered as unpleasant in the Western world. The odor of the burn of beech is considered to be least unpleasant since it reminds many of smoked products such as salmon or eel. In countries where tropical (hard)wood is a native wood, the odor of the burn of tropical (hard)wood is not considered unpleasant whereas the odor of the burn of beech is likely to be perceived as unpleasant . The ABCAT is developed to strongly reduce the odor of woodsmoke making it possible to burn tropical (hard)wood.
Softwood and some other native and foreign woods contain relatively much resins. In addition, softwood gasifies rapidly in the wood-burning device resulting in large quantities of wood gas that need to be burned in a short period of time. Incomplete combusted wood gas and gas originating from resin-rich woods contain many soot- and tar-forming components as well as odorous components. The soot- and tar-forming components are the source for black stove-windows and soot, tar and creosote in the stovepipe. When the ABCAT is installed, these components can lead to problems such as the clogging of the ABCAT with soot and tar. The wood-burning stove will not stop functioning or smother and there is no danger of flue gasses leaving the stove into the room. The wood will start to burn worse as a signal that the ABCAT needs to be cleaned.
More: Energy from native woods (PDF)
Please look into the document below for a comparison between the burn and flue gasses of the burn of dry (approx. 15% moisture), proper firewood and the burn of fresh and/or wet wood.
More: Comparison of the burn of dry and wet wood (PDF)
When the diameter of your single-walled stovepipe is unknown you can easily calculate this yourself. First you measure the circumference of the stovepipe. Second you have to divide the measured value by 3,14. Now you know the diameter of your stovepipe.
Example: You measure a circumference of 47 cm. This means that the diameter of your stovepipe is 47 / 3,14 = 14,97 cm.
In the document 'Design specifications ABCAT 4-30 kW' you can now look up a 15 cm (150 mm) version of the ABCAT.
More: Design specifications ABCAT 4-30 kW (PDF)
Yes, but not unconditional. When the first part of the stovepipe from your wood-burning stove is free and accessible, the installation of the ABCAT is no problem. When your entire stovepipe is built in however, you will need to make sure that you can easily reach the ABCAT for inspection and regular maintenance. This could be done via an inspection hatch for example.
No, the ABCAT can be installed in flue gas pipes vertically, horizontally, diagonally or in any other angle. When the ABCAT is not installed directly before or after a bend the flow of flue gas through the modules is optimal.
No, you can buy a new ABCAT without stovepipe to replace your old ABCAT.
No, the ABCAT has been designed to have a minimum impact on the draught in a chimney. The resistance or pressure loss of the standard ABCAT is just 2 Pa (approx. 0,02 mbar). The natural draught in a warm, well-constructed chimney easily reaches 20 Pa (0,2 mbar). This means that in general it should not be a problem to install the ABCAT in a chimney with a decent draught since enough draught will remain for a good burn.
Yes, you can. When you use proper wood which is well suited for firing, the wood-burning device and the ABCAT will reach operational temperature faster. This means that the ABCAT will be able to convert soot, tar and harmful components faster. Also, less harmful components are formed in the wood-burning device in the first place. Furthermore, you should never (almost) close the air supply. Whenever the air supply is insufficient, a lot of harmful components are formed and the ABCAT will not be able to function optimally.
More: Energy from native woods (PDF)
No, in principle the ABCAT cannot be used in a hearth, fire basket, chiminea or open fire. These types of fire attract large quantities of ambient air from the room or surroundings causing a significant drop in flue gas temperature. This means the ABCAT will not reach the operational temperature of 350°C. Furthermore, the ABCAT has to remain accessible for regular inspection and cleaning. Finally, the draught of a hearth is generally quite low which means that it might not even be enough to overcome the resistance (loss of draught) of the ABCAT.
More: The ABCAT and a hearth (PDF)
Yes, it is. With an insert there is a closed combustion chamber with a clever design. This mean that most of the objections regarding a hearth are no longer applicable. However, it should be accounted for that the ABCAT needs to remain accessible for regular inspection and maintenance.
Please see question: Is the ABCAT suited for a hearth which cannot be closed with panels or doors?
Yes, the ABCAT can also be used with an heat-accumulating stove. However, just like for all other wood-burning devices, the temperature of the flue gas is important. The ABCAT needs a temperature of approx. 350°C to process and convert soot, tar and odorous components. Because of the specific design, this temperature is generally less easily obtained with a heat-accumulating stove. When the temperature is no problem in your case, the ABCAT can also be used in your heat-accumulating stove.
There are different indications for a good or poor draught. When the window of your wood-burning stove turns black with soot and tar shortly after cleaning it and the fire does not seem to burn easy or it is hard to get a good fire started, you might have insufficient draught. Another indication could be smoke entering the room when you open the door to add wood.
Reminder: The indications described above can have different causes and do not have to be related to insufficient draught. Some of these indications can also be caused by the use of fresh or wet wood, or when the air supply to your wood-burning stove is insufficient.
Yes, reducing the air supply to the wood-burning device has a negative impact on the performance of both the wood-burning stove and the ABCAT. Whenever you (further) close the air slides, several things happen that cause the emission of the wood-burning device to increase rapidly. The fire does not get the amount of air it needs for a proper burn and will start to burn worse and incomplete. This leads to the formation of more soot, tar and odorous components and the emission of harmful and incomplete combusted components. Besides the negative effects on the combustion, the ABCAT is also hindered since it, like the fire, needs oxygen to function properly. Concluding, by reducing the air supply to the wood-burning device, it produces more pollution and at the same time the ABCAT is hindered in converting this pollution.
Yes, there are different methods and techniques to use a wood-burning device responsibly, increase the efficiency of the device and to limit the emission. In 2010, we have written an extensive report on behalf of the Hotline Health and Environment (Meldpunt Gezondheid en Milieu), in which we have listed primary and secondary measures to limit the emission of wood-burning devices. The report is only available in Dutch.
More: Rapportage maatregelen tegen de uitstoot van houtgestookte kachels en ketels (PDF)