What Are Compressed Wood Logs?
An alternative to traditional split wood, fireplace logs compressed from biomass, the sawdust and chip waste of sawmills, are becoming popular. They burn hot and clean, store easily, contain no insects and require no seasoning. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Hardwood Logs
-
Compressed from mill waste of natural hardwood such as birch and larch, these logs seem to burn longer than softwood logs. They are usually compressed without paraffin or resin adhesives. The moisture content of the logs is 3 to 6 percent, compared with over 30 percent for natural firewood.
Lumbermill Logs
-
Made with lumber mill waste from pine and fir, these compressed logs burn hotter and faster than the hardwood logs. As with all manufactured firewood, they are formed by compression in hydraulic machines, and most contain no adhesives.
-
Manufacturing Process
-
The kiln-dried chips and sawdust are conveyed into a hopper that feeds a powerful hydraulic machine. Using only compression, the waste fiber is formed into a cylinder or brick shape. Finished logs are cut to a convenient length, and weigh 5 to 8 pounds each. Most producers pack the logs in cardboard boxes for shipping and storage.
Benefits
-
The manufacturers of compressed log products tout the ecological benefits: less carbon pollution, sensible use of waste products, preservation of forests. The sales information suggests these products have a longer burn time, produce more BTUs and are easier to handle than an equal weight of conventional split firewood.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
