The Chimney
• Basically, the diameter of the
chimney should be equal to the
length of the second finger in the
case of household stoves. This is
equal to about four inches. But it
may be widened if it is for an
institutional stove. The diameter of
the chimney is determined by the
size of the stove; it should not be
bigger than the width of the stove
door.
• The chimney should be built
against the wall, preferably at the
Figure 3.15 Ensuring the chimney diameter is correct
corner. This is to avoid damage
since it is made from mud
reinforced with grass.
• The height of a metal chimney
should extend above the roof of
the house if it is roofed with iron
sheets. The height above the roof
should be at least equal to the
length of the arm from the fingers
to the elbow. In cases where the
house is grass thatched, the
chimney should be directed out
from the highest point of the wall.
If the chimney is not high enough
it will not create enough draught
so smoke will be emitted from the
pot holes, making the kitchen
smoky. If the chimney is too high,
Figure 3.16 The chimney height above the roof
the draught will be very strong and hot flue will be pulled out of the chimney instead of heating
the pot. This makes the stove inefficient. The rule of thumb for many promoters is that a
chimney passing through the wall should be at least three feet high and four inches in
diameter. The length inside the house should be equal to the length of the arm.
Figure 3.17 The chimney may be directed at the
highest point of the wall
Figure 3.18 The recommended height of the chimney in the
house
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