Fireplace manufacturer Uunisepät from Finland has introduced their new test laboratory for fireplace testing. The laboratory, which was opened in June 2010, has measuring devices for testing burning processes and fireplace safety.

 

In the opening ceremony of the new laboratory the founder of Uunisepät, Mr. Raittio, gave a speech on the history of manufacturing storing fireplaces in Finland. The history dates back to the 16^th century, when Juhana Herttua, the upcoming king of Sweden known as Juhana III, was the ruler of Finland. Juhana’s wife, Catherine Jagellon, wanted to have a new storing fireplace in their castle – and so the industry of storing fireplaces was born in Finland.

 

The laboratory was officially opened by the EC parliament member, Mr. Hannu Takkula. In his speech Mr. Takkula emphasized the importance of European-wide co-operation in environmental issues. He also pointed out that we all have the responsibility to make decisions that will contribute to a better future.

 

Since the founding of the company, Uunisepät has been testing their fireplaces thoroughly. The new test laboratory will offer even more possibilities for fireplace testing. The next research subject in the study is to find the optimal way to burn wood in a fireplace. The subject of the test might seem trivial, but the upcoming directive of the European Commission puts great emphasis on this.

 

The new European Commission’s directive will standardize the emission levels released from fireplaces, as well as set the limits for the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide. Under this regulation is also the coefficient of efficiency for fireplace heating capacities. Currently country based measurement standards and methods for emission level control exist – this new directive makes the emission levels comparable from country to country and, consequently, more manageable.

 

It is not only a company level nor a national level matter to control the limits of particle emission and other substances under the regulation: it is an international issue that everyone should be aware of. These decisions, along with conducted research, will carry weight far into the future.