Groundbreaking energy saving invention in line for prestigious award

Published by Mat Danks for Danks Cockburn Public Relations Ltd in Housing and also in Environment

A groundbreaking invention which enables coal to burn for up to 33 per cent longer and could save hundreds of pounds on fuel bills each year has been shortlisted for a prestigious innovation award.

The Coalmiser was developed by Nottingham-based stainless steal fibre manufacturer Fibretech in partnership with the Environmental Technology Centre (ETC) at the University of Nottingham.

The Coalmiser is a metal mesh mat which is placed on the grate of a coal fire. By retaining unburnt fragments of coal by stopping them slipping into the grate and by improving air flow, it has been shown that coal burns for up to 33 per cent longer.

This could provide savings of up to £40 in coal costs per month with a £10 Coalmiser lasting for up to 500 hours before it needs to be replaced.

Fibretech and the ETC have now been shortlisted in the Innovation for Environmental Sustainability category of the Lord Stafford Awards for innovation.

The awards recognise, showcase and celebrate the best in collaboration between business and academia across the Midlands.

It is estimated that there are almost a quarter-of-a-million homes in the UK using coal fires to provide heating, primarily the elderly and low-income families.

The Coalmiser is now commercially available and already a similar product for wood fuel is being developed.

Lee Martson, Technology Manager at Fibretech, said: “The Coalmiser represents a new direction for us as our focus has traditionally been on automotive, aerospace, defence and marine applications.

“The beauty of the Coalmiser is that it is manufactured using existing equipment so we can produce it at large volume in a cost effective manner.

“It is also a major benefit to households who are feeling the squeeze with rising costs of coal and could also see a reduction in the amount of coal needing to be mined in the long term.

“The role of the University has been key as the ETC has helped us to test and measure the impact of the mat.”

Lord Stafford, Patron of the Awards, said: “Many families and individuals have serious concerns about the cost of fuel and heating homes during winter.

“The Coalmiser – as a result of the excellent collaboration between Fibretech and the ETC at the University – has a tangible benefit and, encouragingly, is already commercially available.

“I wish everybody involved in the Coalmiser the very best for the future and good luck at the awards finals.”

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony being held at the University of Birmingham Great Hall on Thursday November 17.