What are the Blocks made of?
Kiln dried wood waste (shavings & sawdust)from timber
processing & manufacturing operations
Any type of wood?
Yes any kiln dried hard or soft wood can be used. (in fact any
cellulose material can be used, cotton husks, rice hulls etc)
Does Hardwood make a better Blocks than
Softwood?
Not at all. It is cellulose that is being burnt and cellulose is common
in all timber species.
Are there any glues, chemicals or binders used
to hold the blocks together?
Absolutely None what so ever.
What holds the blocks together?
Just pressure and temperature created by friction as the log is
extruded (pressed) from the die. The friction causes a temperature
increase, which heats the residual moisture in the timber. The heated
moisture in turn softens the lignins & gums in the timber and
this aids the binding process
How dry are the blocks?
Extremely dry. Each log has approximate 6% moisture. Split firewood may
have in excess of 20% retained moisture
Why is dryness important?
The drier the timber, the cleaner and hotter the burn and the lower the
particulate emissions. Eco blocks have approximately > 1/2 of
the moisture content of split Firewood logs, even after the logs have
been air dried for over 1 year, therefore do not spit ar spark like
split firewood logs.
Are the blocks easy to light?
Yes. Because they are very dry. The blocks can be light with, paper,
kindling or a firelighter
How do they burn?
Very hot and very clean. Therefore lower particulate emissions. Note:
The blocks will actually expand slightly when burning and this aids
combustion
Why do they expand?
When they are placed in a fire, the heat acts to relieve the stress
that was imparted to them as they were being compacted in the die
Do they leave much ash?
No. They burn away to produce only 1% ash!. Therefore very little
cleaning up.
Do they produce coals?
Yes. Nice hot coals.
Do they produce flames?
Yes. They burn with flames as any other timber would burn.
Do they spark?
No. All the solid gums and knots that cause explosions have been
removed. Therefore the blocks are very safe to use in open fireplaces
where polished floors and carpets may be in close proximity.
Are there any special precautions that are
required when using them?
No. They are completely safe to use and handle and should be used and
handled as one would treat any other piece of firewood.
How should they be stored?
Inside or under cover. The blocks must never be exposed to moisture or
allowed to get wet as they contain no additives or chemicals moisture
uptake will lead to a return to sawdust.