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rocket mass heaters

Can I build a stratification bench/bell out of rammed earth?

R Scott

pollinator

Posts: 4142

Location: Kansas Zone 6a

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posted 1 year ago

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I like the look and it seems to be the cheapest/fastest with the tools and materials on hand.

It would be two chambered bell, the first for the main room and the second for the bedroom. I will put a bypass for startup and some sort of adjustment between bells to regulate the heat in the smaller room.

The rammed earth would be 6-8 inches thick, with poured in place concrete “countertop” bench top.

What do I need to watch out for?

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thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

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Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

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posted 1 year ago

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Hi R;
You did not mention if you are building a J tube or a Batchbox RMH
The biggest concern would be the superhot air leaving the riser.
I do not know how well the rammed earth will work in that location, but it may be fine.
Clay sand mix is a tried and true material for high heat.

For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

R Scott

pollinator

Posts: 4142

Location: Kansas Zone 6a

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posted 1 year ago

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It will be a J tube.

I can scrounge enough clay to cob around the manifold, and I could line the initial portion of the bench. I want to do something to keep it from getting too hot anyway. I can’t find a source of cob friendly soil on property and buying clay is not easy or cheap. But my subsoil is PERFECT for stabilized rammed earth and that is what I’m doing for my floor so the process will be set up, all I will need is to build forms.

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6747

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3618

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posted 1 year ago

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Hi R;
With a J-Tube, If you use a barrel over your riser, you should be fine using rammed earth for your bench.

For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

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