The UK’s largest manufacturer of Chimney Systems, Schiedel Chimney Systems Ltd., has just launched the Absolut Chimney System with an Integrated Insulated Combustion Air Shaft.
Modern heating technologies place enormous demands on a chimney system. On the one hand, low flue gas temperatures from energy efficient appliances including Gasoil and Pellets lead to condensate forming within the chimney. On the other hand, Chimneys used on solid fuel applications must also be capable of withstanding a chimney fire.
Schiedel Absolut represents a comprehensive solution to the four main challenges raised by modern heating technology combined with the latest energy efficient building techniques. These are:
- Challenge 1 - Condensation forming on the chimney block: If external temperatures are very cold, then moisture from the surrounding air can turn to condensation on the surface of the block, leading to damp spots, mould and a possible risk to health ensues. The Absolut system employs a core of foam concrete as insulation in the blocks that form the shaft, ensuring that block surface temperatures remain above the critical dew point.
- Challenge 2 - Heat transmission to the outside of the building via the chimney block: The top and bottom of the chimney are the two most sensitive areas, when it comes to heat transmission between the warm interior of the house and the cold exterior. The Absolut system has specifically designed thermal insulation blocks to prevent this heat transmission.
- Challenge 3 - The supply of air to the appliance in an air tight house: The modern house is efficiently sealed against drafts, which means that combustion air has to be brought directly to the appliance. The Absolut system has an integrated air shaft which supplies the appliance with the right amount of air it needs for combustion, drawn directly from above the roof, minimising problems due to prevailing winds.
- Challenge 4 – How to cope with the extremes of temperature – resistance to condensate even after a chimney fire: The Absolut profiled liner has been tested and approved with a GW3 designation meaning that it is soot fire resistant, condensate resistant even after a chimney fire and is corrosion resistant on gas, oil and solid fuel applications.
