Eco Logs FAQ's

What are Amgen Renewables Eco Logs made from?
Amgen Renewables Eco Logs are made from 100% kiln dried hard wood waste shavings and sawdust from sustainable sources. They are available in individually wrapped 10kg packages. Each package contains 6 logs where each log weighs 1.7kg. 

 

What is the typical heat output (calorific value) for Amgen Renewables Eco Logs?
The burn characteristics of our logs have been evaluated by an independent test laboratory.  In doing so the calorific value for our Eco Logs was found to be 33,694 kJ per log. This equates to approximately 9.4 kWh /log.

For the sake of comparison seasoned timber (with a low moisture content of 15%) has a quoted calorific value of ~ 16,000 kJ/kg or 4.4 kWh/kg and house coal has a quoted calorific value of 26,900 kJ/kg or 7.47 kWh/kg. This means that a single Amgen Renewables Eco Log has more than double the heat output of 1kg of seasoned timber and 36% more heat output than 1kg of coal!

Is any treated Pine (CCA) or MDF (Formaldehyde) impregnated timber used?
Absolutely not.

Are any rainforest timbers used?
Absolutely not.

Does Hardwood make a better log than Softwood?
Not at all. It is cellulose (or carbon) that is being burnt and cellulose is common in all timber species. The key issue is how densely the cellulose is packed (compressed) and the final moisture content.  Amgen Renewables Eco Logs have a moisture content of less than 8% and a density of approximately 1.3kg/m3 (this means they will sink in water!).

Are there any glues, chemicals or binders used to hold the logs together?
Absolutely none what so ever. Therefore, they are completely safe for BBQ's.

What holds the logs together?
Just pressure and temperature created by friction as the log is extruded (pressed) from the die. The friction causes a temperature increase, which heats the residual moisture in the timber. The heated moisture in turn softens the lignin & gums in the timber thus binding the material together. NB: Lignin is an organic substance naturally found in wood that acts as a binder for the cells, fibers and vessels.

What is the glaze on the outside of the log?
A combination of the gums in the timber being squeezed to the outer surface of the log which are then polished as the material is extruded through the die.

What pressure are the logs subject to during manufacture?
Approx. 80 tonnes/square inch- resulting in very dense logs.

How long will each log burn for?
Under normal circumstances, if burnt in a wood heater that has airflow adjustment controls the average burn time is 3 hours however; this can vary depending on the airflow control settings.

How dry are the logs?
Extremely dry. Each log has less than 8% moisture content. For comparison, split seasoned firewood may have in excess of 25% retained moisture.

Why is dryness important?
Dry timber results in a cleaner and hotter burn with lower particulate emissions. This means a cleaner wood burner and a cleaner chimney. Eco-Logs have approximately 1/3 of the moisture content of split Fir, even after the Fir has been air dried for over 1 year. Therefore, in comparison Eco Logs provide a much cleaner and hotter fuel for your fire.

Are the logs easy to light?
Because of their very low moisture content Amgen Renewables Eco Logs are easy to light. The logs can be easily broken up into smaller sections or used in conjunction with, either kindling or a firelighter.

How do they burn?
Very hot and very clean. Therefore lower particulate emissions. Note: The logs will actually expand slightly when burning and this aids combustion.

Do they leave much ash?
No. They burn away to produce less than 1% ash! Therefore very little cleaning up.

Do they produce coals?
Yes. Very nice hot coals.

Do they produce flames?
Yes. They burn with flames as any other timber would burn.

Do they spark?
No. Therefore the logs are very safe to use in open fireplaces where polished floors and carpets may be in close proximity.

Can they be used in BBQ's?
Yes, the logs can be used in any fireplace, wood heater, combustion stove, chiminea or BBQ.

How are they sold?
They are generally sold as either a full pallet (104 x 10 kg packs), half pallets (50 x 10kg packs) or quarter pallets (25 x 10kg packs). However, we will meet any request you have and can even sell you single 10kg sample packs if desired. This is useful if you are new to Eco Logs and want to test them prior to committing to a large quantity. Please note that the more you purchase the better the price.

What storage space is required?
The uniform nature of our logs/packs allows them to be neatly stacked on top of one another therefore reducing the amount of storage space required. For example a full pallet (1040kg – 104 packs) requires a floor space of only 1m x 1m. Similarly, several weeks worth of individual 10kg packs can be stacked neatly on top of another next to your wood burner requiring no more than a  30cm x 60cm (1’x2’) area of floor space.

How should they be stored?
As with conventional logs it is advised that Amgen Renewables Eco Logs be stored indoors or under cover. The logs must never be exposed to moisture or allowed to get wet as they contain no additives or chemicals to prevent moisture ingress. Each individual 10kg pack is plastic wrapped to help prevent moisture ingress.