ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD - wood gasification boiler

Product detailed description

ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD – wood gasification boiler with an output of 30 kW

ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD is a modern gasification (pyrolysis) wood boiler with a nominal output of 30 kW, designed for heating family houses, cottages, commercial premises and smaller industrial buildings where quality firewood is available. The DPX Standard boiler range combines the proven cast-iron and steel construction of the ATTACK brand with controlled two-stage combustion technology, which achieves significantly higher efficiency and lower emissions than classic wood boilers with bottom or top combustion. The ATTACK DPX range is a compact gasification boiler designed for common family houses and smaller premises, where the emphasis is placed on a balanced price, easy operation and the reliability of a proven cast-iron and steel construction.

The 30 DPX STANDARD boiler belongs to energy class A+ and meets the current emission requirements (ecodesign) placed on solid fuel boilers in the European Union. Due to the gasification principle, firewood in the boiler is not burned all at once, but gradually – first, it is gasified (pyrolyzed) in the upper loading chamber under insufficient air supply, and the resulting combustible gas (a mixture of CO, H2 and hydrocarbons) together with the supplied secondary air is then perfectly burned in the ceramic combustion nozzle and lower combustion chamber at temperatures exceeding 900 °C. The result is a longer burning time per load of wood, higher efficiency (typically above 88 %) and substantially lower firewood consumption per kilowatt-hour of heat produced compared to a classic boiler.

How wood gasification works and why it is more efficient

A common wood boiler with bottom combustion burns fuel all at once with insufficiently controlled air supply, producing a large amount of unburned combustion products (tar, soot, CO), which escape through the chimney and clog the flue. The ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD gasification boiler, on the other hand, splits combustion into two separate phases taking place in two chambers, one above the other. In the upper loading chamber, wood gasifies at high temperature and under insufficient oxygen (it is not directly burned), while the resulting combustible wood gas is forced by the combustion air fan through a ceramic (fireclay) nozzle into the lower combustion chamber. There, the gas mixes with secondary air and burns completely at a very high temperature. This process brings three main advantages: significantly higher combustion efficiency, minimal tar and soot formation (less cleaning, longer flue and chimney service life), and the possibility of smooth output regulation according to current heat demand, as the fan regulates the combustion intensity instead of manually throttling the chimney damper.

Key features of the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler

• Gasification wood combustion with two-stage combustion and high efficiency above 88 %, energy class A+.
• Large loading space with a volume of approximately 90 l, allowing a larger amount of wood to be loaded and a longer interval between refills.
• Turbulators in the heat exchanger – rotary turbulators increase the turbulence of flue gases in the heat exchange area, improve heat transfer to the heating water and reduce the temperature of flue gases leaving towards the chimney, thereby increasing the boiler's efficiency.
• Mechanical cleaning of the heat exchanger by means of an external lever/handle – the operator simply removes ash and soot deposits from the heat exchange surfaces with a few movements of the lever, without needing to disassemble the boiler.
• Robust cast-iron/steel construction of the boiler body with increased wall thickness resistant to operational wear and thermal stress.
• Ceramic combustion nozzle and combustion chamber lining made of high-quality fireclay resistant to the high temperatures generated when burning wood gas.
• Combustion air fan with output control ensuring an optimal air-to-fuel ratio at various boiler loads.
• Electronic fan control ensuring stable combustion in the simpler Standard range design.
• Large service door for convenient access to the combustion chamber, nozzle and heat exchanger during cleaning and maintenance.
• Safety heat exchanger / possibility of connecting a cooling circuit against boiler overheating (we recommend adding a thermal safety valve in accordance with applicable Slovak legislation).
• Ready for conversion to automatic operation using the DPD30900 kit for burning wood pellets (COMBI Pellet), giving the boiler the ability to be fed fully automatically.
• Low emissions and compliance with ecodesign requirements for solid fuel boilers applicable in the EU.

Technical parameters of ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD

Differences between the Standard and Profi range

The 30 DPX STANDARD boiler in the Standard version is controlled by a simpler electronic regulation of the combustion air fan, which ensures stable combustion and good efficiency at a lower purchase cost compared to the Profi range. It is a proven and undemanding solution suitable especially for smaller and medium-sized households, where full automation or weather-compensated control is not required. If you later require more precise output control based on outdoor temperature, we recommend considering the related DPX Profi model of the same output.

Installation and commissioning

ATTACK DPX gasification boilers operate with a high flue gas temperature in the combustion chamber and are therefore sensitive to so-called low-temperature corrosion, which occurs if heating water that is too cold returns to the boiler (lower than approx. 60 °C). During long-term operation with a low return temperature, acidic combustion products condense on the walls of the heat exchanger, significantly shortening the service life of the boiler body. Therefore, we always recommend installing a mixing (three-way) circuit with a thermostatic head – for example ATTACK / Oventrop or ESBE LTC361 – into the heating system, which maintains the temperature of the water returning to the boiler at a minimum of 60 °C until the boiler heats up to operating temperature. This mixing circuit is also a condition for recognizing the extended warranty on the boiler body (see the Warranty chapter below).

Due to the nature of gasification combustion (the boiler works best at output close to nominal), we strongly recommend supplementing the heating system with a buffer tank (e.g. the ATTACK AK or AS range, with a suitable volume according to boiler output and the heated area of the building). The buffer tank allows a loaded batch of wood to be burned at once at optimal output, "storing" the heat for later use, which is then gradually drawn into the heating circuit during the day. Without a buffer tank, the boiler output is frequently throttled, which increases tar formation, reduces efficiency and shortens the service life of both the boiler and the flue. Installation, connection to the flue, connection to the electrical network and commissioning should always be carried out by an authorized heating technician/service technician in accordance with project documentation, applicable legislation (particularly relevant standards and regulations on boiler rooms) and the manufacturer's installation manual. First commissioning should be performed by an authorized ATTACK service technician, which is also one of the conditions for claiming the warranty.

Fuel and its preparation

The recommended fuel for the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler is dry firewood (preferably hard deciduous wood – beech, oak, hornbeam) with a moisture content of up to 20 %. The moisture content of wood significantly affects the output and service life of the boiler – wet or freshly cut wood (moisture content of 40 % or more) significantly reduces the calorific value, causes incomplete gasification, increased tar and soot formation, and can even cause the fire to go out. Wood should therefore be stored for at least 1–2 heating seasons under a well-ventilated shelter. The length of logs should correspond to the dimensions of the boiler's loading chamber (usually up to approx. 50 cm), with a log thickness of approx. 8–15 cm for even and smooth gasification.

Possibility of conversion to automatic operation – COMBI Pellet

If you are considering more convenient, automatic operation in the future without the need for daily loading of wood, the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler can be additionally converted to burn wood pellets using the DPD30900 kit with a 30 kW pellet burner. This conversion kit is designed for ATTACK 25-35 DPX Standard/Profi boilers and includes a burner, a pellet hopper and the necessary control electronics, including connection to the existing boiler control system. When ordering the conversion kit, it is necessary to report the serial number of the specific boiler to which the kit will be fitted, so that the service technician can verify compatibility and prepare the correct components. After conversion, the boiler functions as a fully automatic pellet heat source, while the original wood-burning function can, depending on the design, be retained as a backup (combined wood/pellet operation).

Maintenance and cleaning

Regular maintenance is key to maintaining the high efficiency and long service life of the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler. We recommend emptying the ash pan and the space under the grate depending on heating intensity, usually several times a week. Mechanical cleaning of the heat exchanger using the external lever should be performed according to the operating manual, ideally once a day during intensive seasonal operation – this will extend the interval between larger service cleanings and maintain the boiler's declared efficiency. We recommend having a comprehensive service inspection of the boiler carried out at least once a year (before the start of the heating season), including checking the door seals, the condition of the ceramic nozzle, the combustion chamber lining, and the functionality of the fan and control system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a buffer tank needed with the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. The gasification boiler works most efficiently at output close to the nominal 30 kW, so a buffer tank allows a batch of wood to be burned at once under optimal conditions and the heat to be stored for later use. Without it, output throttling occurs, along with increased tar formation and a shorter boiler service life.

What is the recommended moisture content of wood?
The recommended moisture content of firewood is up to 20 %, which usually corresponds to wood dried for at least 1–2 years under a shelter. Wetter wood reduces efficiency and increases the risk of clogging the heat exchanger and chimney.

What is low-temperature corrosion and how can it be avoided?
This is damage to the boiler body caused by the condensation of acidic combustion products at too low a return water temperature. It is addressed by installing a mixing (three-way) circuit that maintains the temperature of the water returning to the boiler at a minimum of 60 °C.

Can the 30 DPX STANDARD boiler be converted to pellets later?
Yes, using the DPD30900 conversion kit designed for 25-35 DPX Standard/Profi boilers, which supplements the boiler with a pellet burner and the necessary control electronics for fully automatic operation.

What is the difference between the Standard and Profi range?
Compared to the Standard version, the Profi range offers more precise electronic control with a display, the possibility of weather-compensated control based on outdoor temperature, and generally thicker insulation of the boiler body, which brings higher operating comfort and slightly lower fuel consumption during long-term operation.

Who is allowed to carry out the first commissioning of the boiler?
The first commissioning, connection to the flue and electrical network should always be carried out by an authorized heating technician or authorized ATTACK service technician, in accordance with the installation manual and applicable legislation. This is also a condition for the warranty to be valid.

What flue diameter does the boiler require?
The ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler is standardly equipped with a chimney connection with a diameter of 180 mm; however, the exact chimney draught and diameter must be assessed individually according to the height and type of chimney (we recommend consulting a chimney sweep or designer).

Why choose the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD

ATTACK is a Slovak boiler manufacturer with a long tradition and an extensive service network throughout Slovakia, which is a great advantage when heating with solid fuel – spare parts (ceramic nozzles, seals, fans, control units) are readily available and service is not dependent on imports from abroad. The 30 DPX STANDARD boiler is designed to last decades of operation provided the recommended conditions are met (protection against low-temperature corrosion, quality dry wood, regular maintenance). The combination of cast-iron and steel components, ceramic combustion chamber lining and well-thought-out mechanical heat exchanger cleaning is among the proven solutions tested over years in practice, appreciated by both installation companies and end customers in daily operation.

When choosing the output of the 30 DPX STANDARD boiler, be guided primarily by the heat loss of the heated building calculated according to the applicable standard (EN 12831), not just approximately according to the house's floor area. An undersized boiler cannot cover the heat loss on the coldest days, while a significantly oversized boiler works more often at partial output, which, in the case of solid fuel boilers, reduces efficiency and increases tar formation. If in doubt about the correct choice of output, we recommend consulting a heating designer or directly an ATTACK sales representative.

Emissions and eco-friendly operation

Thanks to two-stage controlled combustion and a high operating temperature in the combustion chamber, the ATTACK 30 DPX STANDARD boiler achieves significantly lower emissions of particulate pollutants, CO and organic compounds compared to classic bottom-combustion wood boilers. The boiler meets the requirements of the Ecodesign Regulation (Directive 2009/125/EC and related implementing regulations) placed on solid fuel boilers placed on the market in the EU. Lower emissions also mean fewer deposits in the chimney and flue, reducing the risk of a chimney soot fire and extending the interval needed between chimney sweep cleanings.

Warranty

The manufacturer provides a standard warranty of 36 months from the date of commissioning for ATTACK DPX wood gasification boilers, but no more than 42 months from the date of dispatch of the boiler from the factory. If protection against low-temperature corrosion is installed (a mixing circuit maintaining a return temperature of at least 60 °C), an extended 7-year warranty on the boiler body can be claimed. For the warranty to be valid, the first commissioning must be carried out by an authorized ATTACK service technician and the prescribed operating method must be observed (particularly fuel moisture content and protection against low-temperature corrosion). Exact warranty conditions can be found in the warranty certificate supplied with the boiler.