Bruce’s Newsletter Welcome November 2017

As with last year there will be newspaper stories about smoke and in particular about emissions from wood burning across the UK, with a particular focus on London. Some customers may be nervous about these issues but this is an innovative industry and we have good reason to say that we are part of the air quality solution not the problem.

The next HETAS Technical Bulletin will be shared between HETAS and Woodsure and will give more in-depth information about the technical aspects of reducing particulate emissions through the right choice of appliances and fuel. We already know that using the right “Ready to Burn” dry fuel in great clean burning appliances can reduce particulate emissions by 80% over the emissions from burning wet wood in old open fires and stoves. The scientists working at Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle Universities have been studying emissions from wood and their data  has helped Woodsure in making a decision that logs for domestic fuel must have a moisture content no greater than 20% (wet basis) for the Ready to Burn firewood scheme. High quality wood pellets and clean wood briquettes have moisture contents of 8% to 12% and the European standard for stove manufacturer requires appliance testing at 16% plus or minus 4% (so 12% to 20%). The science confirms these moisture contents as clean and efficient as well as being effective in reducing particulate emissions. There is interesting work asking if logs can be too dry for effective, efficient and clean combustion and we hope to have the results ready for the technical document that we are writing.

Keep a close eye on your inbox for the next HETAS Technical Bulletin or give the team a call to discuss further.

In this edition we also update you on a new guidance document for solid fuel fired catering equipment, the approaching deadline date for the Energy Labelling Directive for roomheater stoves and much more. You can access this newsletter along with all our archives in the HETAS Technical Area.