SUSTAINABLE CERAMICS
The naturally occurring and inorganic material clay is the main component of ceramics. Thus, the natural product has many properties and advantages that are nowadays gladly used.
In the colder zones of our planet, humans have been dependent on sources of heat in their homes since time immemorial. How can houses and apartments be heated safely, reliably and as efficiently as possible today and in the future without harming health and the environment? Decisive for reliable heat and good indoor air quality is, in addition to the selection of suitable energy sources, above all the installation of contemporary heating systems and controlled residential ventilation systems. In this complex interaction, the choice of the right chimney plays a central role, as it is virtually the infrastructure for independent heating and allows a high degree of flexibility in the choice of heating system.
In the colder zones of our planet, humans have been dependent on sources of heat in their homes since time immemorial. How can houses and apartments be heated safely, reliably and as efficiently as possible today and in the future without harming health and the environment? Decisive for reliable heat and good indoor air quality is, in addition to the selection of suitable energy sources, above all the installation of contemporary heating systems and controlled residential ventilation systems. In this complex interaction, the choice of the right chimney plays a central role, as it is virtually the infrastructure for independent heating and allows a high degree of flexibility in the choice of heating system.
Already 10,000 years ago, people used household items made of ceramics. Its main component is clay, in contrast to porcelain, which is classically made of kaolin, feldspar and quartz. In the history of the earth, clay (like kaolin) was formed by the weathering of primary rocks containing feldspar. What remained were very fine-grained, hydrous clay minerals. The good malleability of the mass and its drying and firing behavior meant that clay quickly became the preferred material for roof tiles, flower pots and tableware.
Already 10,000 years ago, people used household items made of ceramics. Its main component is clay, in contrast to porcelain, which is classically made of kaolin, feldspar and quartz. In the history of the earth, clay (like kaolin) was formed by the weathering of primary rocks containing feldspar. What remained were very fine-grained, hydrous clay minerals. The good malleability of the mass and its drying and firing behavior meant that clay quickly became the preferred material for roof tiles, flower pots and tableware.
Its truly unique combination of special properties still makes mankind's oldest material the perfect material for modern technical applications: Ceramics is heat-resistant to well over 1000°C and therefore ideal for modern heating systems. It offers excellent electrical insulation as well as high resistance to wear, heat, pressure and the chemical effects of gases and liquids. At the same time, ceramics are highly scratch-resistant.
Its truly unique combination of special properties still makes mankind's oldest material the perfect material for modern technical applications: Ceramics is heat-resistant to well over 1000°C and therefore ideal for modern heating systems. It offers excellent electrical insulation as well as high resistance to wear, heat, pressure and the chemical effects of gases and liquids. At the same time, ceramics are highly scratch-resistant.
As the only element that penetrates the building envelope vertically, it is exposed to enormous thermal and chemical stresses on a daily basis. At the same time, it has to meet the strict requirements for the components of modern buildings. Experience shows that ceramics are the optimal, natural material for chimneys in terms of load-bearing capacity, safety and sustainability.
Nowadays, ceramics are encountered in many areas as an absolute high-performance material. Not only the spark plugs in cars and the insulators on high-voltage pylons are made of ceramics. Heat protection tiles for space travel also have to meet many requirements, in particular withstand extreme temperatures and at the same time provide good thermal insulation; they also have to be lightweight. They are made of very low-density ceramic composites. Ceramic dental inlays and artificial hip bones give many people a new quality of life again.
Nowadays, ceramics are encountered in many areas as an absolute high-performance material. Not only the spark plugs in cars and the insulators on high-voltage pylons are made of ceramics. Heat protection tiles for space travel also have to meet many requirements, in particular withstand extreme temperatures and at the same time provide good thermal insulation; they also have to be lightweight. They are made of very low-density ceramic composites. Ceramic dental inlays and artificial hip bones give many people a new quality of life again.
Modern city dwellers take an average of 20,000 breaths a day not in the "fresh air" but indoors. That's where we spend 80-90% of our lives. The problem: In order to save energy, our buildings are being built ever more airtight and well insulated.
Modern city dwellers take an average of 20,000 breaths a day not in the "fresh air" but indoors. That's where we spend 80-90% of our lives. The problem: In order to save energy, our buildings are being built ever more airtight and well insulated. Therefore, pollutants can accumulate indoors, especially since only about 28% of the inhabitants ventilate sufficiently in winter. Evidence shows that unhealthy indoor air can increase the risk of respiratory diseases.
This also includes a chimney that does not emit any vapors into the environment. The universal Schiedel ABSOLUT chimney system has been tested for harmful substances by the Sentinel Haus Institut (SHI) and recommended as healthy for living. A house tested according to the Sentinel criteria enables healthy living. More information at www.sentinel-haus.de
Since one third of all Europeans already suffer from asthma and allergies, it is all the more important that building materials, walls, floors or even furniture do not become a source of pollutants or vapors. Indoor pollutants cannot be seen, but they can be measured. Sensitive selection of building materials influences the health quality of indoor air. It can be technically planned and realized at a manageable cost.
Modern city dwellers take an average of 20,000 breaths a day not in the "fresh air" but indoors. That's where we spend 80-90% of our lives. The problem: In order to save energy, our buildings are being built ever more airtight and well insulated.
Chimneys don't have it easy. They have to meet today's requirements as well as those of the future. To ensure long-term operational reliability, they should be suitable for all fuels. It is also essential that they are acid-resistant, burnout-proof and insensitive to moisture, and optionally have a separate combustion air supply.
Chimneys don't have it easy. They have to meet today's requirements as well as those of the future. To ensure long-term operational reliability, they should be suitable for all fuels. It is also essential that they are acid-resistant, burnout-proof and insensitive to moisture, and optionally have a separate combustion air supply.
The Viennese institute "Denkstatt - sustainable thinking" compared the CO₂ footprint of the Schiedel SIH and ABSOLUT systems with that of traditional brick chimneys years ago. Even then, the two Schiedel solutions scored best.
The Viennese institute "Denkstatt - sustainable thinking" compared the CO₂ footprint of the Schiedel SIH and ABSOLUT systems with that of traditional brick chimneys years ago. Even then, the two Schiedel solutions scored best.
The European Commission is aligning the economy of the future with the new "Circular Economy Action Plan", which aims to increasingly replace the old linear model of "produce, use, end up in waste". Schiedel supports this change through innovative production processes and sustainable products. In this context, the physical-chemical transformation of clay to ceramics allows an almost 100% closed loop.
The European Commission is aligning the economy of the future with the new "Circular Economy Action Plan", which aims to increasingly replace the old linear model of "produce, use, end up in waste". Schiedel supports this change through innovative production processes and sustainable products. In this context, the physical-chemical transformation of clay to ceramics allows an almost 100% closed loop.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about using less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic tubes are second to none in terms of durability. They are actually made of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% alumina.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about using less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic tubes are second to none in terms of durability. They actually consist of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% alumina.Then there are the remaining earth oxides.
These raw materials are available in almost unlimited quantities. The recycled content of ABSOLUT pipe is approx. 15-20%. Any production aids that arise are returned to the production process at 100%. In addition, waste products from related ceramic productions are used as valuable raw material components - a significant contribution to the conservation of our primary raw material resources.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about using less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic tubes are second to none in terms of durability. They are actually made of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% alumina.
Quality assurance at Schiedel is a two-pronged process. On the one hand, there are test procedures required by CE certification, and on the other, test procedures to safeguard our standards. These are also measurement and monitoring procedures developed and introduced specifically for our processes.
Quality assurance at Schiedel is a two-pronged process. On the one hand, there are test procedures required by CE certification, and on the other, test procedures to safeguard our standard. These are also measurement and monitoring procedures developed and introduced specifically for our processes. For the measurement of the capillary and diffuse resistance of our pipes, a test procedure for ongoing production using ultrasound was developed and introduced.
In other industries, this method is used to detect defects. All Schiedel systems meet the legal requirements. These are tested and documented rigorously by national approvals, e.g. from the German Institute for Building Technology in Berlin, and now increasingly with European approvals, e.g. ETA (European Technical Assessments) from the OIB Austrian Institute for Building Technology in Vienna).
Of course, further consistent optimization of the CO₂ footprint as well as cost optimization will remain at the top of our agenda for the coming years. We are currently working with selected partners on innovative filter solutions to reduce up to 95% of the particulate matter in wood-burning stoves. We intend to offer these in several countries in the near future. One of the most exciting and currently most visionary topics in research and development is the search for alternative, renewable materials for our products.
As Europe's market leader in chimney and flue systems, we continue to set benchmarks in functional design. For example, with the innovative KINGFIRE stove/flue systems. These consist of a room-air-independent fireplace insert and a directly attached ABSOLUT chimney: Stove and chimney = One!
As Europe's market leader in chimney and flue systems, we continue to set benchmarks in functional design. For example, with the innovative KINGFIRE stove/flue systems. These consist of a room-air-independent fireplace insert and a directly attached ABSOLUT chimney: stove and chimney = one! The optional Schiedel combustion control system automatically regulates the combustion process of the KINGFIRE GRANDE SC, LINEARE SC or RONDO SC models based on the combustion temperature.
This ensures optimal combustion air supply in every combustion phase and offers a noticeable plus in environmental protection and efficiency, with optimal fuel utilization and maximum efficiency. A Schiedel KINGFIRE stove system creates added value in the new home: more space in the living room and at the same time more comfort and safety in an attractive design.
