FAQ - all you need to know about bioethanol


General

Q. What is the fuel?

A. Bioethanol is an environmentally clean product of plant origin. It has undergone rectification three times and constitutes a wholly renewable source of energy. It is made by fermentation from grains rich in sugar or starch, for example cereal crops, sugar beet and sorghum plants. In Sweden, it is produced locally from Biomass such as cereals, wine and sugar cane, and wood waste.

Q. How long does it burn?

A.Each litre burns for 4 hours on maximum setting, however most of the burners are adjustable and the burning time can be increased to 6 hours if the settings are reduced.

Q. Where can I buy the fuel?

A.High quality bioethanol fuel is always available in litre bottles (12L cases) from Biofires-Ireland in Warrenpoint, Newry. Alternatively, bioethanol is also widely available throughout the country from various eco shops, camping shops and also on-line from various websites, even E-bay.

Q. How much does it cost?

A.Our high quality bioethanol costs £2/€2.30 per litre on orders over 10L and we deliver next day throughout Ireland.

Q. Is smoke emitted during burning?

A. Neither odour or smoke is emitted during the burning process. During the burning process, steam and CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) remain in the air in proportions similar to those contained in the air exhaled by human breath. No undesired side-effects such as smoke, ash or solid remains after the burning process.

Q. Is there an odour from the burning bioethanol?

A.The bioethanol burning process does not produce any odour.

Q. Is room ventilation required?

A.As with all open fires, provision for room ventilation is required. However, unlike traditional fireplaces, a chimney or external wall exit is not required. In apartments with small cubic capacity a slightly opened window will suffice.

Q. What are the benefits in buying one of these stoves?

A. Bioethanol fires and stoves are easy to use, they are an instantaneous heat source, there is no mess or ash and they are a carbon neutral heat source. The biofires are transferable to any room and they are an elegant design feature for any room. Biofires create a cosy atmosphere without the need to install a chimney. With biofires all the heat generated from the stove is confined to one room therefore they are a very economical heat source that can be effortlessly activated on demand.


Biofire Safety Information

Q. What must I never do?

A.Do not spill any fuel when filling the fuel box. In the event that fuel spillage does occur, remove the fuel meticulously. The fire may not be lit as long as spilt fuel has not completely dried. Never top up the fuel box of a burning fire. If the fuel box has to be topped up, make sure that the flames have been properly extinguished. Fill it up, light it and enjoy!

Q. What about emissions?

A. Emissions are comprised almost completely of water vapour and CO2 (carbon dioxide). The level of CO2 emissions is comparable to that of two medium-sized burning candles. The level of other components emitted are well below the recommended limit values since the combustion temperature is so low. Other hazardous substances of the combustion process such as monoxide, stock oxide and aldehyde are not released until a combustion temperature of 700°C. The temperature of the decorative fireplace is under 400°C.


Warning! Safety with bioethanol fires

It is very important to read and follow these guidelines before using a burner or a Bio-fireplace on bioethanol. Like any source of flame, a bio-fireplace poses risks. Failure to observe the basic rules of security can cause severe burns and even fire.

1 - Fuel

For your comfort and safety, it is important to use only bioethanol heating fuel as it underwent a specific distillation, and does not smell or smoke (only water vapour and CO2). Do not use oil, gasoline, diesel, white spirit, turpentine, etc ... The release of these products may be toxic.

2 - Lighting

Bio-fireplace with cylindrical burners:

  • Bioethanol must be poured with caution into the burners
  • Burners can be completely filled

Bio-fireplace with slot burners:

  • Bioethanol must be poured with caution in the opening slot burner
  • Burners can be completely filled
  • Make sure not to spill bioethanol outside the slot burner

- The ignition must be done with a specific lighter (long size) or a long match. With a normal lighter, there is a risk of burns.
- Wait until the cooling of the burner (5 minutes) before adding bioethanol and relighting the flame.
- After combustion, if there is still bioethanol in the tank, please wait 5 minutes before relighting.

3 - Operation

- No Fuel may be added in the burners if the fire is still active!
- Exterior walls of Hearths heat during its operation, attention to children!

4 - Extinction

Bio-fireplace with cylindrical burners:

  • Turn off the flame, please use the dampers to close the opening burner
  • Never blow on the fire in order to turn it off, it would only flame more!

Bio-fireplace with slot burners:

  • The Bio-fireplaces have a closing trap. To turn off the flame, please close the door using the lever of metal closure, never close the door directly with the hand, there is a risk of burn!

5 - General

- Provide extinguishing devices near the Bio-fireplaces (extinguisher).
- Respect the municipal and prefectural regarding fires. It is forbidden to fire near coniferous trees and more generally in the forest during the summer.
- If injured by burn, call the nearest hospital. Do no put body fat on the burn. If it is superficial and not extended, you can proceed with cooling the burn with fresh water for several minutes. Consult a doctor at the slightest doubt about the seriousness of a burn.
- Do not use bio-fireplace in a room under 15 m2 without exterior openings or ventilation. Use Bio-fireplace only in places adequately ventilated. People with respiratory problems should consult a doctor before use.
- Do not use Bio-fireplaces near flammable objects: curtains, tissues, flammable furniture, etc ...
- Do not store bioethanol near the Bio-fireplace.
- Never remove the fuel in the water or in nature.

Failure to observe these regulations may result in severe burns as well as risk of fire.