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Volcanic rock is made up of rapid cooling of molten lava during volcanic eruptions, and has unique combination of thermal properties that make it ideal for applications that require high temperatures, like fire pit or sauna heater. These quality features, its porosity, durability and amazing heat retention, are all direct result of its igneous roots. Our ISO 9001:2000 quality management system and 25 years of mineral processing experience ensure that we provide high-quality volcanic rock (lava rock/pumice), that has been specially processed for these highly specific applications.
Heat Retention and Storage Capacity
The main attraction of using volcanic rock in fire pits and saunas is that it has great heat absorbing, retaining and radiating properties. Dark-colored volcanic rocks rich in magnesium and iron exhibit relatively high heat capacity, allowing them to store heat effectively and release continuous, sustained amount of heat or steam over extended periods. The ability of rock to absorb energy from flames or heating elements and slowly and evenly release it into environment is often referred to as "heat sponge" effect. A fire pit's ambiance and therapeutic steam production in sauna depend on mineral makeup of these rocks, which provide gradual warming effect even after fire has been extinguished.
Influence of Porosity on Thermal Conductivity
The porosity has significant influence on thermal behavior of volcanic rock. Scientific studies have established that thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity decrease as porosity increases. This is because spaces within rock that contain air are insulators and retard passage of heat rock. This is an intrinsic insulation which prevents rock surface from getting too hot too fast, which helps to release stored energy in more controlled manner. This property enables rocks to burn steadily and radiate heat efficiently in fire pit. This controlled heat release is especially critical in saunas, where it creates gentle, steady "löyly", the soothing steam produced when water is poured over heated stones. The pore volume of volcanic rock may be more than 50% of total volume of rock and this is especially beneficial in these thermal applications.
Durability and Safety Under Extreme Heat
When choosing materials for fire pits or saunas, safety and longevity are key considerations. Volcanic rocks are known for their toughness and are able to withstand years of high heat without cracking, crumbling or breaking. It is important, however, to use proper type of volcanic rock. Dense, dark-colored volcanic rocks used for these applications are chemically and thermally stable, however some rocks, such as those with fibers, or pockets of water trapped in them can burst when heated. They should not have any harmful mineral deposits in them and they need to be totally dry before use to avoid thermal shock. Volcanic rock basalt, which is produced widely around world, is especially desirable as it is noted to be "crackle-free comfort" and withstand extremes of weather. Runhuabang has carried out strictest quality control and inspection of our volcanic stone products to prevent any contaminates and ensure uniformity and performance.
Runhuabang Volcanic Rock: Quality for Demanding Applications
Runhuabang supplies high-quality volcanic rock for wide range of applications, including fire pits and saunas. The main constituents of our product are silica, alumina and iron oxide and it has high resistance to compression, heat and chemical attack. We take our volcanic stone's durability and thermal stability seriously, and our rigorous quality control ensures our volcanic stone meets these standards, including full in-house testing. Whether you are enhancing ambiance of fire pit or improving steam quality of sauna, Runhuabang has perfect volcanic stone product you're looking for. Please give us call today for information on our products and services, and to discuss your thermal application requirements.