Classic fireplace - a construction bulky and require regular maintenance. But modern developments allow to equip a compact center with limited space of an apartment house or apartment. To a large extent this contributes to quality biofuels fireplace obtained from various raw materials.
We offer to find out what are the fuels of biological origin, what are the characteristics of their production, use and storage. Wishing to organize a home would be useful to learn about the work and the rules ekokaminov service.
And for fans of DIY, we have prepared instructions for the production of biofuels from alcohol.
The content of the article:
- What happens biofuels
- Useful information ekokaminam
- How to make biofuels for ekokamina
- How to produce biogas
- Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
What happens biofuels
This term refers to various materials which are produced from raw materials of biological origin, plant or animal.
There are several types of such fuels, among which it is worth noting:
- Biogas. For the production of such fuels using literally organic debris which decomposes bacterial cultures.
- biodiesel. For the manufacture of biodiesel using vegetable oils as well as certain products of animal origin. As a production resource suitable rapeseed oil, coconut, palm, soybean, etc. Many plant and animal components are obtained from waste food. This product is typically used for transport.
- bioethanol. It is regarded as an environmentally friendly fuel analogue. The product is obtained in the fermentation of carbohydrate, a source of which is the raw material with high content of starch, sugar or cellulose.
In ekokaminah use denatured ethanol. It is produced by the fermentation of wheat, sugar cane, sugar beet, potatoes, etc. Ethanol is also produced by the hydrolysis of wood, straw and other resources with a high content cellulose.
The combustion process of such essentially pure alcohol is not accompanied by the release of soot, smoke and other products.
In the manufacture of biodiesel oils are most commonly used variety of vegetable crops, such compositions are generally used for vehicles
It allows you to burn this biofuel in the outdoor unit, the chimney is not necessary for him. Therefore ekokamin - convenient small building - can be installed directly in the middle of the room. Then you need to fill it with biofuels, to enjoy the warmth and comfort.
It should be noted that pure ethanol burns bluish, almost colorless flame. It gives a lot of heat, but not interesting to watch him. Therefore, manufacturers of such fuel introduced into its composition specific additives, which impart flame pleasing yellowish tint.
In addition to the ethanol in the fuel composition can include about 4% water and a small amount of additives such as Bitrex and metiletikleton.
To biofuel combustion was bright enough in its composition is administered special additives. There is also an additive for imparting flame pleasant odor
In addition, the mixture was complementary substances, giving it an unpleasant bitter taste. Denatured ethanol is harmful to health, if it is taken orally. Bitter additives serve as protection against accidental administration of the composition, although in any case it is necessary to observe this rule storing hazardous composition.
Some types of biofuel fireplace complemented another useful component - sea salt. This component gives the burning structure not only a nice color, but also a characteristic crackling.
The biofuels for ekokaminov can be administered as various flavoring. Very popular compositions, complemented by pine aromas. Are popular options with sea salt smell.
Ethanol product is considered to be neutral with respect to the nature, i.e., its production, storage and incineration is not harmful. In the process of burning substance is decomposed into carbon dioxide and water, but no unpleasant odor not emit.
When combustion of biofuels, of course, a certain number of products of combustion, but it is insignificant. The device, which is used for combustion, sometimes you just need to wipe.
The industrial process of producing bioethanol is composed of a plurality of stages, to repeat it in the home would be difficult and costly (+)
Denatured ethanol is produced as a liquid or gel. Liquid biofuels supplied in cans, it is necessary to fill in the available capacity ekokamina. The gel is available in banks, which prior to use simply open, set ekokamin and burn.
Sometimes used at the same time two or three banks biogel to get a beautiful flame. The contents of one container can burn about three hours.
To extinguish the flame, just close the lid on the jar. The liquid ethanol is poured into canisters capacity from one to twenty liters. On the container it is usually a convenient fuel consumption range.
Such industrial formulations sourced from Brazil, which is considered a leader in the manufacture of this product, as well as from Europe, Canada, USA, South Africa, etc. Successfully master this technology in India and China.
Liquid biofuels supplied in plastic or glass cans volume of one liter or more. Store such containers should be away from heat and exposure to open fire
Choosing to ekokamina biofuels, it is necessary to pay attention to its quality and safety. An important parameter - the amount of heat released in the combustion process. Quality fuel is usually provided with a certificate confirming its safety and efficacy.
Different compositions yield different flame color and sharpness. This point must also be taken into account, especially if the fireplace will be used as decorations for the interior.
Bioethanol and its analogs are successfully used for lighting streets, gardens, etc. The mixture does not bloat, subject to the rules it is completely safe
This type of biofuels are successfully used for the organization of street lighting. In this case it is necessary to select a composition which gives the bright flame. Do not hurt to pay attention to the amount of combustion products, it should be minimal.
For storage of biofuels is necessary to choose the place, located away from fire and heat. Firing should be used special metal lighters. The use of conventional paper matches, and other similar materials can be dangerous.
Additional information about the types and choice of biofuels is presented in the articles:
- Biofuels: comparing solid, liquid and gaseous fuels characteristics
- How to choose a fuel for bio fireplaces: a comparative review of fuels + analysis of popular brands
Useful information ekokaminam
The apparatus is an enlarged version of a conventional design with a spectacular spirit lamp. It has a capacity to load combustible material, as well as the damper to adjust the flame intensity. For ekokamina design using ceramic elements, metal components and heat-resistant glass.
Bioethanol burns without smoke and soot, so ekokaminam not need chimney design, this makes them easier to operate and gives them mobility
Glass panels not only decorate such a device, but also serve as a protection from the heat. Not all devices have this protection, but the glass screens of different modifications are sold separately.
It makes sense to buy a security element, especially if you intend to use the mobile model, which will be installed in different places. Often a fireplace decorated with artificial wood, to give the design a traditional look, but it's not the only option.
Ekokaminy are floor, table, wall and even the desktop, they vary in size, but they work the same way.
Do not add fuel to the ekokamin during operation. If ethanol was spilled, the contaminated area should be immediately clear
Such devices can be used for heating or as an interior decoration. The device does not need wires, so it can be easily moved. For example, a cool summer evening ekokamin can be installed on the outdoor veranda. There are devices of various shapes.
An interesting embodiment for the stylish office can be a miniature model of the camera which is inserted into the table top, lid only protrudes above the surface. There are interesting options in the form of a basket, an elongated cylinder, etc.
Since ekokamina, which burn a biofuel, it is not necessary to equip the exhaust system Products of combustion heat produced during combustion is not lost in the additional heating structures.
Ekokamina basic design is not very different from the ordinary spirit lamp, so such a device is not difficult to make your own hands
Therefore it is considered that the efficiency of such a device is about 95%, quite high for any system. For normal operation ekokamina for one hour is usually sufficient half liters of ethanol. Thus liters of fuel can be obtained 6-7 kW / h energy.
It is believed that the standard ekokamin can successfully replace the electric heater for about three kilowatts.
Wall ekokaminov model can simulate the traditional devices, they are varied and offer a lot of options for the interior design of an apartment or office
The advantage of using Biofireplaces compared with other heaters lies in the fact that this device somewhat increases humidity in the room. Virtually any conventional method of heating on the other hand, removes moisture that can be bad for people's health.
And ekokamin and ethanol are very simple to use, and that fuel is not dangerous other combustible substances used in everyday life. Burning ethanol can be adjusted, if the design ekokaminov provide such an opportunity.
The apparatus may produce more or less heat and light, respectively, will change the time and fuel consumption.
There are in this process of heating, and some disadvantages. For example, with all the convenience of using bioethanol can not refill the tank fire. We should not only wait to bankrupt the composition, but also to give the appliance to cool. This point will have to be taken into account when planning when using the fireplace.
Although fireplaces for bioethanol and do not require a chimney, still can not use these devices without control.
Open flame is always the danger of fire, so it is better to hide the screen of heat-resistant glass. This item can be purchased separately
The room is heated in this way, it is necessary regularly ventilate to balance the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide. If in the process of filling the fireplace has been spilled some fuel, it must be immediately erased, even if it is a couple of drops of the flammable substance.
To do this at your fingertips is better to keep a cloth with good absorbing properties. Firing is allowed to use special long matches, but more often used long metal lighters. Some fireplaces biofuel equipped with electrical ignition function, which is very convenient, but it increases the cost model.
How to make biofuels for ekokamina
Independently make the composition of this type is not difficult. To do this, you can simply buy pure alcohol, for example, in the pharmacy. If the pour it in a pure form, the flame is virtually colorless. To give it a yellow color, you need to add a little gasoline to alcohol.
Ratio is about 20: 1 or 20: 2, i.e. per liter of alcohol need to take 50-100 ml of gasoline.
Fuel for improvised ekokamina can be made of pharmacy alcohol or purified strong brew. The flame was beautiful, add a little gasoline
Instead some use alcohol brew, but it must be very well cleaned. Mixing alcohol with gasoline to be performed immediately before pouring the composition into the fireplace.
Long term storage of the mixture is useless and dangerous, since at rest the elements break into separate liquid. Stir ingredients should be very careful.
Homemade ekotoplivo can burn with a characteristic odor of alcohol, which gives unpleasant feeling. To remedy the situation, you can add a fireplace (but not in part) a few drops of essential oil with a pleasant smell. Typically suitable for this purpose needles aromas that give the illusion of burning these wood.
The same mixture can be used for oil lamps, instead of kerosene. The composition does not smoke and smells much better than kerosene.
How to produce biogas
This variant differs substantially from the fuel bioethanol composition, method of production and application as described above. a combustible substance can be produced if desired for its own station. For ekokamina this gas will not work, but it is quite successfully used for conventional fireplaces, equipped with special burners.
Installation for the production of biogas - a sealed container, which is loaded raw material is converted into a combustible mixture for housing heating and outbuildings
Therethrough into the combustion chamber is supplied not only biogas, but additional flow of oxygen. So it is possible to provide efficient combustion of biofuel. Fireplace for use of biogas, should have the chimney. This allows to use it not only for the combustion gas, but also for more traditional fuels: wood, coal, etc.
If the house has a fireplace, a converted it would not be particularly difficult for biogas. If there is sufficient amount of wood you can make charcoal yourself to save a little. Can produce biogas from manure.
It must mix with the products of vegetable origin: straw, peat, tree leaves, tops vegetable cultures, sawdust, etc. This mixture was placed in a tightly closed container, where she wanders exposed bacterial cultures.
The result is a combustible gas, which consists mainly of methane. It can be burned for home heating, greenhouses, outbuildings.
One of the mandatory requirements biogas plant - absolute tightness. Since the process is accompanied by the characteristic malodour, the fermentation vessel is set in the ground.
Out output hose, which supplies the resulting gas. We need another hose, to feed into the material for processing. Biogas generator can be done independently, but there are industrial models, safer and more productive.
Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
Useful information for the production of bioethanol contained in this video:
Here you can see the process of creating the simplest model ekokamina:
It looks like an industrial ekokamin in the interior of the living room:
Biofuels - a pretty broad concept. composition option is chosen, depending on what type of fireplace to be used. But it is always a combustible substance, the use of which should strictly adhere to safety requirements.
Consider options for the use of biofuels should be, if only because it is made from renewable resources.
Got something to complement, or any questions about the selection and use of biofuels for the fireplace? You can leave comments and participate in the publication of the discussions. Unit for communication is in below.
