Smoke or steam during curing?

[mtalone]

I finished my dome approximately a week and a half ago. I have started the curingprocess and have noticed very small areas of smoke or steam exiting the outside of the dome. Is this normal? What should I do if its smoke? Thanks. Mike

[chidding]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Pretty simple solution, if it smells like smoke.. it is..

Most likely you will have to patch up the gaps with mortar if you have leaks.. and give it time before curing again.

Steam is very common when curing, as there is lots of water in your mortar, it has to come out sometime.

[cynon767]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Mine steamed for days, all through the curing process. Little wisps from all over the dome. It's probably normal... the water coming out of the mortar.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

If it is smoke is that a concern? People mention it is normal to get cracks and not to worry about them. I would assume if there is a crack in the oven then smoke can escape. Am I safe to not worry about it in either case? Thanks for your help. Mike

[david s]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

If steam is visible, back off with the fire, you risk damaging the refractory.
If it's smoke then the best you can do is to plug the gaps with mortar.

[SCChris]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

The smoke will leave soot and the steam will not.

Chris

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Ok, I need some help deciding what to do next. Today I lit another curing fire. The steam or smoke came out of the same area. There is no blackening of the area like in the dome. Probably steam??? My biggest concern is this, I took tomorrow off of work because I wanted to insulate the oven and close up the enclosure and face it with stone. I think I can get that done over the weekend since I have my steel studs up for the dome enclosure. Is it safe to close everything up or should I wait until the curing process is done. Thanks, Mike

[Lburou]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Pictures would improve the advice you get about this

I patched my cracks and insulated it. I'm sure the dome is not air tight even now but it doesn't affect the operation of the oven. You may be in the same boat.

Ok, I need some help deciding what to do next. Today I lit another curing fire. The steam or smoke came out of the same area. There is no blackening of the area like in the dome. Probably steam??? My biggest concern is this, I took tomorrow off of work because I wanted to insulate the oven and close up the enclosure and face it with stone. I think I can get that done over the weekend since I have my steel studs up for the dome enclosure. Is it safe to close everything up or should I wait until the curing process is done. Thanks, Mike

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I will try to post some pictures of the smoke if I can get a good enough image. In the meantime, here are some pictures of my oven so far.... Thanks for all your help. Mike

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

For some reason I am having trouble posting more than one picture at a time.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

One last one...

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I know these are out of order but I thought maybe it would be helpful to see the dome construction in more detail....

[Les]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Mike,

I assume you are going to cover this with a blanket. It doesn't matter if it is steam or smoke. You are doing an enclosure so you are safe to keep building (it won't be air tight). Keep the fire going to purge any vapor - no worries.

[Neil2]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I agree with David S. If you are getting a large amount of steam, slow off a bit with your curing fires. Use a smaller fire for a longer time. You have to be patient, there is no need to rush this stage and there is a real danger of damaging your oven if you heat it too hot and fast while there is a lot of water in the brick.

Many have assisted the curing by keeping a small electric fan/heater at low heat in the oven between curing fires.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Thanks to all, I will keep you posted. It is great to have some help to lean on. Mike