How Do Smokeless Fire Pits Work? Are you confused about choosing either a fire pit or a smokeless one? Some people are hesitant to choose a smokeless fire pit since they doubt it would really work.
Because of the combustion mechanism and unique design that results in a high-temperature output, smokeless fire pits work exceptionally well in minimizing the amount of odor and smoke that they produce.
However, note that no fire pit of any model is totally smoke-free. So, how do smokeless fire pits work? Keep reading to find out.
How Smokeless Fire Pits Work
The science behind a smokeless fire pit is based on the idea of fire triangle. Have you ever heard about it?
According to the manufacturers of smokeless fire pits, good fires combine 3 elements, which are quality fuel, ample heat, and sufficient oxygen.
Once these 3 factors are achieved, the fire can produce enough heat to be smokeless. So, how do smokeless fire pits work?
In order to understand why these fire pits are called smokeless, you need to deeply look at how functionality and design work together to generate smokeless fire.
Smokeless fire pits make it possible for you to enjoy a bonfire without having to deal with the smoke. However, do not get your hopes up. As it is said before, no fire pit is 100% smoke-free.
There is a bit of smoke generated when the fuel burns. But you will hardly notice the smoke and it will not make your hair smell musty. It is normal to smoke when you light up the fuel. But this will only occur in the beginning.
When the fuel is burning for around 10 minutes to 20 minutes, The flammable material is turned into heat energy via secondary combustion.
The design of a smokeless fire pit has a unique airflow system at the base of the pit. This makes sure there is sufficient oxygen for primary combustion.
At the same time, double-walled convection draws air up through the walls, burning the smoke when it goes out the fire pit. And this is what is called secondary combustion.
The output is a smokeless fire pit. Once you place the wood pellets or firewood in the pit and burn it, the air around the logs joins the heat from the expanding fire to generate primary combustion.
When woods burn, the fire builds up. This is different from conventional fire pits because of the increase in airflow.
Fires require oxygen for combustion. When it lacks air, the fuel fails to totally burn, turning into thick soot and smoke.
Then the secondary combustion happens. The walls heat up when the fire burns. The hot air trapped between the 2 walls becomes less dense, starting to go up.
Then, the hot hair goes out the wall cavity through a series of holes along the rim of the smokeless fire pit.
The compressed, heated oxygen reacts with the smoke generated during the primary combustion, causing it to reburn. This is how you can enjoy a smokeless fire pit.