In March 2014, HouseFuel visited the manufacturer of their Smokeless Fuel. Maxibrite, located in Llantrisant, South Wales, are a leading independent solid fuel manufacturer with over 50 years of experience in the solid fuel industry.
Over time they have built a reputation for continually producing excellent quality solid fuels for various appliances and needs.
The process of manufacturing smokeless fuel is a complex one, requiring years of experience and product knowledge. One of the most challenging stages in the production process is selecting the raw materials' correct feedstock input percentages. Due to the components being a natural product, variation in the material's composition can affect the final product's performance. Maxibrite can ensure a consistent, quality end product by carefully selecting raw material input percentages.
Once the raw materials have been carefully adjusted and selected, they are screened to ensure consistent size and remove any substances that could affect the end product. The raw materials are then mixed in large cylinders with an organic. natural starch binds the various components, forming the final fuel's base product. Using a natural starch provides further peace of mind compared to synthetic compounds some competitors use. Image of the plant and cylinder
The new mixture of the feedstock and organic starch is taken to the next stage in the process. At this point, the mixture is fed into a press and formed into the appropriate shape associated with the fuel type. Using specialised machinery, the set of two rollers is a custom metallic alloy with the appropriate release value to ensure that once formed, the fuel drops free. If the fuel does not release, a bouquet of briquettes can form pressed into each other, rendering a batch unusable and potentially damaging the machinery.
Now pressed and formed, the briquettes are taken through on conveyor belts to the next step. Placed into a large cylindrical oven, the briquettes are heat treated, and the binder is cured to ensure the fuel is not brittle. This process makes the fuel hard-wearing, reducing the fines and dust when handled. Uncured fuels are fragile and, when transported, create significant levels of damaged briquettes.
Once the baking process is complete, a cross-section example of the fuel produced goes through extensive testing. Maxibrite strives for excellent fuels and consistent product and performance time after time. Testing the fuels meticulously allows the manufacturer to be sure that the product they are producing meets not only their but also their customer's demands. This scrupulous attention to detail is why Maxibrite has established a world-renowned reputation for excellent quality fuels. Consistent, high-quality fuel is essential in an industry where customers make multiple purchases each year.
The meticulous approach from Maxibrite to each of the products is why HouseFuel can offer excellent quality smokeless fuels ideal for a wide range of appliances.HETAS approved and authorised for use in Smoke Control Areas, our excellent HouseFuel Smokeless Ovals provide great heat output for a consistent amount of time.
All orders with HouseFuel include complimentary firelighters, this ensures when the temperatures drop, you have everything you need to get your appliance going. These are automatically added to your order on our system after placing your order with them and put on the pallet with your other goods.