SUSTAINABLE CERAMICS
The naturally occurring and inorganic material clay is the main component of ceramics. This natural product has many properties and advantages that people like to make use of nowadays.
In the colder zones of our planet, humans have relied on heat sources 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? In addition to the selection of suitable energy sources, the installation of modern heating systems and controlled ventilation systems is crucial for reliable heat and good indoor air quality. The choice of the right chimney plays a central role in this complex interaction, 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 relied on heat sources 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? In addition to the selection of suitable energy sources, the installation of modern heating systems and controlled ventilation systems is crucial for reliable heat and good indoor air quality. The choice of the right chimney plays a central role in this complex interaction, as it is virtually the infrastructure for independent heating and allows a high degree of flexibility in the choice of heating system.
Household items made of ceramics were already being used 10,000 years ago. Its main component is clay, in contrast to porcelain, which is traditionally made from kaolin, feldspar and quartz. In geological terms, clay (like kaolin) was formed through the weathering of feldspathic primary rocks. What remained were very fine-grained, hydrous clay minerals. The good malleability of the mass and the drying and firing properties meant that clay quickly became the preferred material for roof tiles, flower pots and tableware.
Household items made of ceramics were already being used 10,000 years ago. Its main component is clay, in contrast to porcelain, which is traditionally made from kaolin, feldspar and quartz. In geological terms, clay (like kaolin) was formed through the weathering of feldspathic primary rocks. What remained were very fine-grained, hydrous clay minerals. The good malleability of the mass and the drying and firing properties meant that clay quickly became the preferred material for roof tiles, flower pots and tableware.
Its truly unique combination of special properties makes the oldest material known to mankind the perfect material for modern technical applications, even today: Ceramic is heat-resistant to well over 1000°C and is 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. Ceramic is also highly scratch-resistant.
Its truly unique combination of special properties makes the oldest material known to mankind the perfect material for modern technical applications, even today: Ceramic is heat-resistant to well over 1000°C and is 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. Ceramic is also 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 placed on the components of modern buildings. Experience shows that ceramic is the ideal, natural material for chimneys in terms of resilience, safety and sustainability.
Nowadays, ceramics can be found 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 ceramic. 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 need to be lightweight. They are made from very low-density ceramic composite materials. Ceramic dental inlays and artificial hip bones give many people a new quality of life.
Nowadays, ceramics can be found 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 ceramic. 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 need to be lightweight. They are made from very low-density ceramic composite materials. Ceramic dental inlays and artificial hip bones give many people a new quality of life.
The modern city dweller does not take an average of 20,000 breaths a day in the "fresh air", but indoors. This is where they spend 80-90% of their lives. The problem: in order to save energy, our buildings are becoming increasingly airtight and well insulated.
The modern city dweller does not take an average of 20,000 breaths a day in the "fresh air", but indoors. This is where they spend 80-90% of their lives. The problem: in order to save energy, our buildings are becoming increasingly airtight and well insulated. As a result, pollutants can accumulate indoors, especially as only around 28% of residents ventilate sufficiently in winter. It has been proven 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 chimney system Schiedel ABSOLUT 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
With a third of all Europeans already suffering from asthma and allergies, it is all the more important that building materials, walls, floors and even furniture do not become a source of pollutants or vapors. You can't see indoor pollutants, but you can measure them. A sensitive choice of building materials influences the health quality of indoor air. It can be planned technically and implemented at a reasonable cost.
The modern city dweller does not take an average of 20,000 breaths a day in the "fresh air", but indoors. This is where they spend 80-90% of their lives. The problem: in order to save energy, our buildings are becoming increasingly 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 safety, 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 safety, 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 carbon footprint of the Schiedel SIH and ABSOLUT systems with that of traditional brick chimneys years ago. Even back then, the two Schiedel solutions came out on top.
The Viennese institute "Denkstatt - sustainable thinking" compared the carbon footprint of the Schiedel SIH and ABSOLUT systems with that of traditional brick chimneys years ago. Even back then, the two Schiedel solutions came out on top.
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, throw away". Schiedel is supporting this change with innovative production processes and sustainable products. The physical-chemical transformation of clay into ceramics enables an almost 100% closed cycle.
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, throw away". Schiedel is supporting this change with innovative production processes and sustainable products. The physical-chemical transformation of clay into ceramics enables an almost 100% closed cycle.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about consuming less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic pipes are unparalleled in terms of durability. They actually consist of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% clay.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about consuming less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic pipes are unrivaled in terms of durability. They actually consist of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% clay, plus the remaining earth oxides.
These raw materials are available in virtually unlimited quantities. The recycled content of ABSOLUT pipe is around 15-20%. 100% of production resources are returned to the production process. In addition, waste products from related ceramic productions are used as valuable raw material components - a significant contribution to conserving our primary raw material resources.
When it comes to conserving resources, it's not just about consuming less, but using resources better. Thanks to their "infinite" service life, our ceramic pipes are unparalleled in terms of durability. They actually consist of the same parts as the earth's crust: 60% silica and 30% clay.
Schiedel has a two-pronged approach to quality assurance. On the one hand, there are test procedures that are 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.
Schiedel has a two-pronged approach to quality assurance. On the one hand, there are test procedures that are required by CE certification and, on the other, test procedures to safeguard our standards. These are also measuring and monitoring procedures developed and introduced specifically for our processes. To measure 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 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 Österreiches Institut für Bautechnik in Vienna.
Of course, further consistent optimization of the CO₂ footprint and cost optimization will also be at the top of our agenda in the coming years. We are currently working with selected partners on innovative filter solutions to reduce up to 95% of the fine dust particles produced by 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 gas flue systems, we are constantly setting benchmarks in functional design. For example with the innovative KINGFIRE stove/flue gas systems. These consist of an air-independent fireplace insert and a directly attached ABSOLUT chimney: stove and chimney = one!
As Europe's market leader in chimney and gas flue systems, we are constantly setting benchmarks in functional design. For example with the innovative KINGFIRE stove/flue gas systems. These consist of an air-independent fireplace insert and a directly attached ABSOLUT chimney: stove and chimney = one! The optional Schiedel combustion control automatically regulates the combustion process of the KINGFIRE models GRANDE SC, LINEARE SC or RONDO SC based on the combustion temperature.
This ensures the optimum supply of combustion air in every combustion phase and offers a noticeable plus in environmental protection and efficiency, with optimum 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.
