Description, principle of operation, fuel
What is a biofireplace?
Bio fireplace - This is a modern and safe interpretation of a fireplace without a chimney, which can be used in almost any room, which, undoubtedly, is a plus.
How does it work? Biofireplace works on biofuels, which consists of biological raw materials, and combustion products are not more harmful than from a paraffin candle. Externally, a biofireplace can resemble the classic version or rearrange a modern design that will adorn a fashionable interior.
Operating principle
The principle of operation is quite simple. Fuel is poured into the fuel tank and burned with a lighter. To get fire, these two actions are enough. For safety and slow evaporation of fuel, ceramic wool is used.
Fuel for a biofireplace
Fuel is a technical alcohol. The consistency may be different, for example, gel or liquid. To obtain a biogel, alcohol, water, a thickener and salt are added to the composition. The liquid form of fuel is obtained by processing crops.
Fuel consumption is quite economical, on average it is 0.5 liters per hour and a half of work. But the flow rate may vary depending on the features of the selected model. The burning temperature of the flame itself depends on the selected fuel, on average it is 400-600 degrees.
Does the biofireplace heat?
Biofireplaces, in addition to aesthetic pleasure, also give warmth. The heat dissipation of different models differs, starting from 1 kW and can reach 10 kW. By generating heat, a biofireplace can be compared with an electric heater. Small fireplaces are most often without a heating function.
Do I need a power outlet?
There is no need for electricity to ensure operation. Natural flame is formed during the combustion of fuel.
Requirements for the room in which the biofireplace is installed
A biofireplace does not have any special placement requirements, but basic precautions should still be followed.
- The room in which the biofireplace is installed should be well ventilated, but not have strong drafts, as well as fans and air conditioners.
- The distance from any interior items should be at least a meter, and from flammable objects such as paper or textile, at least one and a half meters.
Traditional, automatic and semi-automatic
The difference between traditional, automatic and semi-automatic biofireplaces in control technology.
- Traditional, or in other words, a mechanical fireplace is ignited manually, with the help of matches or a lighter.
- Auto The fireplace is remotely controlled by a telephone, tablet or remote control.
- Semi-automatic the model begins and ends its work after a command given through the control panel located on the fireplace itself.
Outdoor and indoor
The difference between open and closed type in the fuel tank device. An open view allows you to see the amount of liquid inside, while the closed type “hides” the firebox inside the construction box.
Design
How is the fireplace arranged? The design of the case can be almost any, depending on personal preference. The main requirement is compliance with safety rules, or rather the required minimum distance from the flame. The top of the flame should be at least 80 cm from the surface of the body, and the distance from the side should be at least 20-25 cm.
Types and schemes of burners
As for the description of the burners, they can be of several types and have different characteristics, but all operate according to the general principle, evaporative atmospheric. That is, the fuel evaporates in the chamber under heating, provided there is no air, and the vapors released into the atmosphere burn out in the air.
For this principle of operation, three types of burners are distinguished:
- capillary
- wick
- self-flowing.
Capillary burner It has a simple design, but there are a number of disadvantages. When starting up, the smell of ethanol can be felt, the filler of the burner tank becomes clogged over time and needs to be replaced, and it is also necessary to provide for the presence of a barrier and adjustment of the flame height, since the fire burns harder at the beginning of operation.
Wick burner easier to handle. Filling the container with fuel is performed "by eye". The flame of this kind of burner is stable, without sudden changes, therefore, a screen is not required, except for various effects of the flame, but it is worth considering the presence of a grid-divider.
Gravity burner during operation it forms a stable flame, during heating it does not emit vapors, since their supply is formed in the evaporator and this is enough to start. In addition, this type of burner can be produced in a round form, provides long-term operation, up to 4 hours, and is also suitable for a fireplace of any power.
Advantages and disadvantages
Biofireplace, like any other device, has its advantages and disadvantages. It is worth noting the most significant of them.
Pros:
- Biofireplace is easy to install and operate;
- In addition to the decorative function in the interior, biofireplace is an additional source of heat;
- Economical fuel consumption and its low cost;
- A wide selection of models;
- Combustion products are not harmful to health.
Minuses:
- High cost, especially on models with automatic control;
- Open flame requires careful handling.
Kinds
Desktop (portable)
A mobile design that can easily be moved to another room. Such a model generates a minimum of heat and more carries a decorative function in the interior of the room. Mini-biofireplaces work on replaceable cartridges.
Built-in niche in the wall
An interesting model can be embedded in one or two vertical planes, that is, an angular bio-fireplace. Visually, the structure looks like a part of the wall.
Built in furniture
A fireplace built into the furniture takes up little space, but creates a feeling of cosiness in the interior. A mini-biofireplace can be built into a coffee table. As a rule, it is installed in a flat horizontal surface. The table is easy to move and it will give uniqueness to the interior. Another design option is a fireplace built into the countertop or the center of the cabinet.
Wall
The narrow design does not take up much space and, depending on the design, will decorate the interior in a modern style. The mounted model is fixed to the wall with 2 screws.
Floor
A biofireplace of this kind can not be considered part of the interior design, but its main object. Unlike wall-mounted and built-in models, the floor biofireplace gives a full overview of the hearth from any direction. Floor models are heavier, but also portable.
Suspension
Biofireplace is attached to the ceiling. A similar model will look good in rooms with high ceilings and decorate a modern interior.
In the portal
The bio fireplace in the portal imitates a fireplace in the classical sense. The portal itself can be made of various materials, refers to the wall type. The depth and width of the portal depends on the size of the fuel cartridge.
Angular
The angular model can be installed in the corner of the room, thereby involving empty space. Another type of corner fireplaces is installed on the walls, so it can decorate two rooms at once.
Round
Round or spherical bio-fireplace is suitable for modern interior design. The round fireplace will look good in the form of a suspended, floor and table model.
Materials, design
Glass
The stylish design with glass will harmoniously look in a modern interior. In addition, the glass gives a complete overview of the flame. The case uses reliable heat-resistant glass.
Ceramic case
This type is most often used in the manufacture of small structures, such as a desktop bio-fireplace. Ceramics blend beautifully with flame. Also, the design of the body can be made of ceramic tiles.
With a drywall portal
Gypsum plasterboard construction is a rather economical way of design. The design can be made independently or purchased ready-made. Size and shape and finish can be almost any.
Marble body
Marble biofireplace - a luxurious and expensive piece of furniture. Natural marble or high-quality imitation will look flawless in any interior.
Wooden case
Wood is a beautiful and noble material. The design can be in a classic, country or Provence style. Wood must be treated with a heat-resistant coating.
Accessories and decor
Accessories and decorative elements will add surroundings and create the necessary atmosphere in the interior. It is worth remembering that the decor should not overlap the flame, but should be located around the fuel block.
Ceramic firewood, burnt logs
Hot wood or stones can be considered an integral part of the fireplace; they enchant with their warmth and bewitching color. For a biofireplace it is necessary to exclude natural wood. It will be replaced by ceramic products, which are almost indistinguishable in color and texture with real wood. Ceramic firewood can imitate any breed, most often it is pine or birch.
Coal Imitation
Coals for a biofireplace are made of ceramics or glass ceramics. Visually, they do not differ from the real ones and exactly repeat the shape and color.
Stones, pebbles
Natural pebbles or stone is used. The material is sturdy and heat resistant. For a more attractive appearance, the stones are ground and covered with the desired color. Especially beautiful is the fire reflected on the varnished surface of the stone.
Photos in the interior of the apartment
Living room
A fireplace in the interior of the living room wraps the room in a special cosiness and fills the usual evening with charm. Different variations of location and design allow you to choose the perfect option for the interior of the living room. For example, a floor fireplace in a glass case for a modern style or in a portal with a marble frame for a classic.
The big advantage of a biofireplace can be considered the ability to use the space above the fireplace, for example, installing a television above it. This way of registration is safe and looks spectacular.
Bedroom
The fire in the bedroom interior will help to relax and give a romantic mood. For a spacious bedroom, you can use the built-in or floor fireplace. For a compact room, desktop or built-in furniture models are suitable.
Kitchen
The fireplace in the interior of the kitchen is an unusual and original solution. It can be built into the wall, the end of the island, or perform the function of dividing rooms. Another design option will be a small table fireplace that will decorate the dining area.
Loggia, balcony
The loggia or balcony will become a real lounge area even with a small bio-fireplace. The interior will complement a table and a pair of cozy chairs. On such a loggia it is pleasant to end the day under the warm glow of fire.
Photo in a country house
A country house or cottage is an ideal place for a fireplace. A large area allows you to choose unusual and voluminous models, while eliminating the unnecessary trouble when melting and leaving.
Also, an original solution would be to install a fireplace on the street, a couple of chairs opposite it and a cozy blanket will make the evening in the fresh air truly magical.
Presentation in various styles
Classical
The interior will be decorated with a biofireplace in the portal framed by a marble or plasterboard building. Symmetrical shapes and smooth lines will support the design concept.
Modern
For a modern interior, there are many ideas for decoration. Biofireplace will be an excellent solution for areas such as minimalism or hi-tech. Transparent glass, chrome or ceramic case emphasize the style in the interior.
Loft
The urban area will be decorated with a built-in wall or a suspended bio-fireplace. The fire will blend well with cold untreated concrete walls or masonry.
Provence
A gentle and romantic Provence will envelop the room with warmth with a bio-fireplace in a wooden, stone or plasterboard building. The interior will be supplemented with ceramic firewood “under the birch” and coals.
Photo gallery
An interesting interior solution will be a home biofireplace. Living flame completely changes the atmosphere in the house. Dimensions and design can be different, for example, a through fireplace with black facing on one side and white on the other will simultaneously support the design and color scheme in different rooms. Below are photos of examples of using a biofireplace in rooms for various functional purposes.