Whole timber firelog impregnated with combustible material

Abstract

Disclosed is a new and improved firelog comprising whole timber to which highly combustible fuel is injected. The log further comprises a plurality of slits to enhance the combustion process. Various combustible fluids or combinations thereby may be used as fuel. Applicants further disclose a method of impregnating said combustible fuel into said firelog.

1 . A whole timber firelog comprising: 
 a. a log-shaped combustible body comprising: 
 i. timber and one or more fuel additives in a ratio of between 30:70 and 70:30 wherein said fuel additives are chosen from the group consisting of alcohols, short chain hydrocarbons, long chain hydrocarbons, natural waxes and tall oil pitch;  
 ii. a flat bottom-edge; and  
 iii. a plurality of longitudinal slits extending centripetally wherein one longitudinal slit has ramping ends;  
   b. wherein said log-shaped combustible body: 
 i. has at least 35 MJ/kg potential energy; and  
 ii. produces a crackling sound when burned.  
   
     
     
         2 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said fuel additives are in a ratio of between 40:60 and 60:40.  
     
     
         3 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said log-shaped combustible body is impregnated with said fuel additives.  
     
     
         4 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said fuel additives consists of tall oil pitch.  
     
     
         5 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said fuel additives consists of one or more fats.  
     
     
         6 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said fuel additives have an energy density of at least 56,000 BTUs per gallon.  
     
     
         7 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said timber is taken from a hybrid poplar.  
     
     
         8 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said log has a volume, and wherein said fuel additives impregnated occupy between 35% and 85% of said volume.  
     
     
         9 . The whole timber firelog of  claim 1  wherein said potential energy is at least 37 MJ/kg.  
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a whole timber firelog comprising: 
 a. cutting a log to a length of less than two feet wherein said log;    b. carving a plurality of longitudinal slits into said log;    c. removing moisture from said log;    d. pressure treating said log in a treatment chamber wherein one or more fuel additives are absorbed into said log;    e. removing said log from said treatment chamber; and    f. draining excess said fuel additives from said firelog.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein: 
 a. said fuel additives are absorbed while said log is submerged in said fuel additives; and    b. said chamber is maintained at ambient pressure and temperature.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said fuel additives are absorbed through pressure treatment.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said removing nearly all moisture is accomplished through use of a vacuum chamber at a maximum 1.5×10 −8  torr.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said fuel additives have an energy density of at least 56,000 BTUs per gallon.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the ratio of fuel additives absorbed into said log to moisture removed from said log is at least 7:10.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said removing nearly all moisture is accomplished through use of a vacuum chamber at a maximum 1.5×10 −8  torr.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said fuel additives have an energy density of at least 56,000 BTUs per gallon.  
     
     
         18 . A combustible fuel additive-impregnated wood chip comprising: 
 a. a wood chip comprising timber;    b. an amount of a plurality of fuel additives of at least 30% by weight of said wood chip; and    c. wherein said wood chip: 
 i. produces a crackling sound when burned; and  
 ii. has at least 35 MJ/kg potential energy;  
   
     
     
         19 . The combustible fuel additive-impregnated wood chip of  claim 18  wherein said amount of fuel additives is at least 50%.  
     
     
         20 . The combustible fuel additive-impregnated wood chip of  claim 18  wherein said fuel additives comprises a plurality of fats.  
     
     
         21 . A firelog package for containing and igniting a firelog comprising: 
 a. a substantially sealed paper-like bag having a bottom portion further comprising a fire-retardant portion.    
     
     
         22 . The firelog package of  claim 21  wherein said fire retardant portion comprises a metal strip.  
     
     
         23 . The firelog package of  claim 22  wherein said metal strip comprises foil.