Whole timber firelog impregnated with combustible material

Abstract

Disclosed is a new and improved firelog comprising whole timber to which highly combustible fuel is injected. The log further comprises a plurality of slits to enhance the combustion process. Various combustible fluids or combinations thereby may be used as fuel. Applicants further disclose a method of impregnating said combustible fuel into said firelog.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from the provisional application with Ser. No. 60 / 671,667, which was filed on Apr. 15, 2005. The disclosure of that provisional application is incorporated herein by reference as if set out in full.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to producing flammable compositions in the form of fireplace logs, designed to be used principally in household fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, chimneys etc. The invention utilizes whole timber logs impregnated with any suitable combustible material, to form a firelog for use either singly or in multiples. Also claimed are processes for producing said firelog. [0004] 2. General Background [0005] Fireplaces are a commonly occurring household fixture built into homes for centuries, generally for the sole purpose of providing heat but sometimes used for cooking and even aesthetics. Indeed, the use of wood as a fuel source for home heat is as old...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] A further object and advantage of the invention is that by the use of pieces of structurally strong whole timber, following impregnation with the additional combustible fuel material, the firelog remains whole and structurally sound during manufacture, packaging, transport, and even during the burn period of the product. In fact, during burning the firelog remains complete and does not spontaneously collapse or fall apart upon prodding. This avoids the possible safety problems of fire flare-up leading to chimney fire risk and / or excessive heat output should the log spontaneously collapse or be poked during the burn period, as is the case with conventional extruded synthetic firelogs based on sawdust and wax.

[0025] A further object of the invention is to produce energy enriched fireplace firelogs that are environmentally friendly by utilizing pieces of timber in combination with the optional use of non-fossil fuel-derived vegetable waxes or oils.

[0026] A still further object and advantage of the invention is a reduction in manufacturing cost by utilizing well-known and established technology such as is used in the impregnation of creosote preservative into fencing timber and utility poles.

[0027] A still further object of the invention is to provide a firelog that produces the crackling sound associated with the burning of natural timber.

[0028] A still further object and advantage of the invention is that through the use of highly porous timber types—such as but not restricted to, fast grown ‘Hem-fir’ it is possible to achieve impregnation levels greater than 50% by volume of combustible fuels such as molten vegetable waxes or oils.

[0029] Thus, the disclosed firelog provides all the advantages of traditional synthetic firelogs (that is, increased energy density above and beyond coal or wood alone, are easier to light, burn cleaner and for a known amount of time). Additional benefits above and beyond traditional synthetic firelogs include decreased cost of manufacturing and decreased maintenance and hence increased safety during burning.

Problems solved by technology

While each of the prior disclosed compositions would increase the energy density of the fireplace fuel beyond that of dried wood, the increased cost of mineral waxes and the decreasing availability of these waxes has led to an increased need to produce a high energy yield synthetic firelog not dependent upon wax.

An additional problem in the prior art is the high cost and complex production process currently involved in producing a synthetic firelog.

This manufacturing technique by definition restricts the choice of binder wax or blends of binder wax that are suitable to form and hold the form of extruded firelogs.

This manufacturing restriction therefore reduces the number of binder waxes that can be utilized and hence, restricts options for introducing cost reductions.

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