Can I use hot weater heater tank or toilet tank as the barrel replacement?

Jan 10, 2017 08:25:01

I have spent so many hours on researching, like many others, on how to build the best Rocket Mass Heater. I am also interested in building one without welding. I was wondering if a hot water heater tank or a toilet tank can be used as the barrel replacement? I know that the RMH gets up to 1200 to 1800F with possible 2200F.

I am also interested in building the burn chamber with ceramic fiber blanket. what is the best way to make it hold up?

I am planning to buy a Steel Stock Tank and fill it with cob, use ceramic fiber blanket to build the entire J tube; Over it up with either a hot water heater tank or toilet tank. Cover the base with more cob.

Reference:
https://permies.com/t/10293/Mini-Rocket-stove-mass-space
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ANMXGrxgnE

Jan 10, 2017 10:00:54

Yes to the water heater tank, no to the toilet tank.
Water heaters metal walls are plenty thick.
Toilet tanks are fired at high temperatures,but are not built to warrant the stresses of rapid,uneven heating and cooling.

Jan 10, 2017 11:35:11

Ceramic fiber blanket is not likely to be able to stand the abuse of the actual burn tunnel, and definitely not the feed tube. It would work fine for the heat riser.

Water glass (sodium silicate) is a liquid that can be brushed onto the face of the blanket to give it some rigidity when heated. I would still not use it where wood pieces or cleaning tools can scrape it. Make those parts from firebrick splits (1 1/4" thick), and back them up with the good insulating blanket.

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