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AdminAdmin- Posts : 38
Join date : 2018-11-22
Location : Banff, AB 
Handwarmer Issues, problem solving checklist
Fri Dec 13, 2019 11:09 am
1: Is the catalyst contaminated with fuel (do you get a flame when you try to light it)?
- Let it dry out for at least 24 hours before trying to ignite again, or replace catalyst. Always measure your liquid fuel before filling your handwarmer to avoid overfilling. Usually if you see flames coming from your catalyst material, it has been contaminated and performance will decrease, even after it has dried out.
2: Is the gap between the packing in the reservoir and the catalyst too wide (or too narrow)?
- The packing material should have no less than a 3mm gap between it and the catalyst, and no more than 5mm. (This is a general guideline. Each model is a bit different. Too narrow and the catalyst does not get enough air flow, too wide and it does not get enough of the fumes. Experiment with what works best for your unit.)
3: Is the packing material at the top of your reservoir charred and glazed?
- Remove the burnt cotton and replace with new cotton or carbon felt. (Charred cotton is glazed and prevents the fumes from moving into the catalyst),
4: Was the handwarmer reservoir cold when you tried to light it?
- You need to wait until the fumes can reach the catalyst, and evaporation cannot start if the liquid fuel is below its boiling point (the temperature at which is evaporates).
5: My reservoir was warm (room temp) but still would not light.
- You have to give the fumes time to permeate the catalyst material. Leave the handwarmer upright in a warm place for 10 minutes, or pre-heat the handwarmer reservoir with a hair dryer, heat gun, or some other suitable heat source.
6: My handwarmer lights up, but keeps going out!
- The reservoir may be getting 'cold shocked' (covered in our videos)
- The catalyst may be starved of oxygen
- It may be low on fuel
- Any of the issues identified above can cause this as well.
7: There are 14 videos in our Youtube channel that address many common issues (click on the playlist icon on the upper right hand corner of the window to see the list):
-
- Let it dry out for at least 24 hours before trying to ignite again, or replace catalyst. Always measure your liquid fuel before filling your handwarmer to avoid overfilling. Usually if you see flames coming from your catalyst material, it has been contaminated and performance will decrease, even after it has dried out.
2: Is the gap between the packing in the reservoir and the catalyst too wide (or too narrow)?
- The packing material should have no less than a 3mm gap between it and the catalyst, and no more than 5mm. (This is a general guideline. Each model is a bit different. Too narrow and the catalyst does not get enough air flow, too wide and it does not get enough of the fumes. Experiment with what works best for your unit.)
3: Is the packing material at the top of your reservoir charred and glazed?
- Remove the burnt cotton and replace with new cotton or carbon felt. (Charred cotton is glazed and prevents the fumes from moving into the catalyst),
4: Was the handwarmer reservoir cold when you tried to light it?
- You need to wait until the fumes can reach the catalyst, and evaporation cannot start if the liquid fuel is below its boiling point (the temperature at which is evaporates).
5: My reservoir was warm (room temp) but still would not light.
- You have to give the fumes time to permeate the catalyst material. Leave the handwarmer upright in a warm place for 10 minutes, or pre-heat the handwarmer reservoir with a hair dryer, heat gun, or some other suitable heat source.
6: My handwarmer lights up, but keeps going out!
- The reservoir may be getting 'cold shocked' (covered in our videos)
- The catalyst may be starved of oxygen
- It may be low on fuel
- Any of the issues identified above can cause this as well.
7: There are 14 videos in our Youtube channel that address many common issues (click on the playlist icon on the upper right hand corner of the window to see the list):
-
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