Siheyuan: I am a trader in both worlds!

Chapter 403 Drinking the First Bite Again
Right!

Why not use a better coal stove or coal briquettes?

Isn't this better than a stove, which is inefficient in terms of energy use and is particularly prone to causing carbon monoxide poisoning?
After Ximen Lang's words, Bai Ling, who had learned some useful information about coal stoves and coal briquettes from her phone, belatedly realized that something was amiss.

"Yes, a coal stove is so convenient! Aren't coal briquettes much more effective at burning than coal blocks?"

"It's not just about burning coal. What is coal lump? Although it contains some impurities, it's still genuine coal!" (Natural coal lump contains up to 90% coal.)

"Looking back at the coal briquettes, wow, they've added soil and binders. The coal content is at most 60-70%, and that's considered pretty good!"

"It's much cheaper than natural coal, and it's also much easier to use. Unlike coal, which you have to move around with tongs after burning for a while to prevent incomplete combustion!"

"Just put the coal briquettes directly into the coal stove, block the vent at the bottom, and you won't have to worry about it all night. Isn't that convenient!"

Because Ximen Lang actually used a coal stove when he was a child. Before the more convenient gas stove completely replaced his family's coal stove, the coal stove really accompanied his family for a long time.

They got more and more carried away with each other, chatting away happily with Bai Ling.

"Speaking of its economic practicality, I must mention something else. Unlike coal, which has to be a bit larger to burn properly."

"You can just use coal dust, which is practically worthless these days! Nobody wants coal dust anyway, so how cheap do you think that would be?"

"And the combustion efficiency is even more incomparable! Don't be fooled by the fact that a coal stove may seem like nothing special compared to a wood-burning stove; they're both just stoves for burning firewood."

"But in reality, its structure is far more scientific and relatively complex than that of a stove! What is a stove? It has a firebox, a grate underneath for ash removal, and two openings on top, one for boiling water and cooking, and the other for smoking. That's it!"

"But what about a coal stove? A single damper that controls the airflow is enough to put a coal stove miles ahead."

Wow, they talked about everything from structural design to ventilation systems, and then from convenience to safety.

Especially this security aspect, that definitely deserves to be discussed in detail!
"Didn't I just tell you that one of the biggest advantages of a coal stove is that it burns more completely? Ling'er, you're a top student, so tell me, what exactly does 'burning more completely' mean?"

The sudden question startled Bai Ling, and she didn't understand it for a long time.

Seeing that Bai Ling, an outstanding graduate of Moscow Central University, didn't even know this, Ximen Lang curled his lip.

"A top student, huh? I already knew that more complete combustion can effectively reduce the production of harmful gases like carbon monoxide back in middle school! And you went abroad to study, how come you don't even know this?"

It's no exaggeration to say that Bai Ling's face instantly turned bright red after hearing Ximen Lang's rude and dismissive remarks.

In order to preserve her reputation as a top student, she quickly explained to Ximen Lang.

"Of course I know these concepts! I just... suddenly couldn't quite grasp it, that's why..."

However, Ximen Lang certainly wouldn't listen to these explanations.

Having finally managed to make Bai Ling suffer a bit, how could he possibly give her a chance to explain herself?

One sentence.
"You don't need to explain, you understand, everyone can understand."

It abruptly interrupted Bai Ling's long explanation, making Bai Ling feel extremely uncomfortable.

Without giving Bai Ling a chance to explain further, Ximen Lang continued, picking up where they left off.

"If harmful gases are reduced, won't tragedies like carbon monoxide poisoning also be effectively reduced?" "And the fire hazard is still due to incomplete combustion; stoves are particularly prone to producing open flames!"

"And the ashes under the stove—though they're called ashes, they actually contain a lot of unburned fuel!"

"With just the slightest movement, even a gentle breeze, sparks will fly everywhere."

"If this accidentally falls into an inappropriate place, and we don't discover it or extinguish it immediately, wouldn't a fire break out?"

After the introduction, Director Wang, who deals with several gas poisoning incidents and accidental fires almost every year, immediately took the issue seriously.

But soon, Director Wang lost his temper again.

There is no other reason.

The coal ball that Ximen Lang was talking about
Or more accurately, honeycomb briquettes—Director Wang actually knew about them long ago.

Even as early as last year, a preliminary prototype for producing honeycomb briquettes had already been manufactured.

But why hasn't it been widely adopted?
Besides the tight schedule and the need for further verification of the specific performance of honeycomb briquettes, there is another problem.
A coal stove that could truly bring out the advantages of honeycomb briquettes has not yet been invented.
Yes, you are not mistaken.

The prototype for producing honeycomb briquettes was manufactured in 1854, but the sleeve-shaped Lois, which could truly bring out the performance of honeycomb briquettes, was not developed until the 1860s!

It wasn't until the 80s that honeycomb briquettes truly shone, completely replacing traditional coal blocks and dominating the market.

Ladies and gentlemen, that was in the 80s, or more precisely, in 1988!
And now?

It's only been 55 here in Beijing!

There's a difference of more than 30 years in between!

In this situation, where do you expect Director Wang to find coal stoves and honeycomb briquettes?
In fact, if it weren't for the fact that the leader had briefly mentioned the advantages of honeycomb briquettes during a previous meeting, and said that they might be gradually rolled out, it would have been much better.

Director Wang doesn't even know what honeycomb briquettes are!
Director Wang didn't even know it, so of course he felt like he was listening to gibberish. He only realized it now!

Fortunately, it's not too late to realize it now.

Fortunately, there's still some time before winter arrives, giving us ample time to prepare.

While his brain was racing, he was considering whether this honeycomb briquette and coal stove could be set up in Nanluoguxiang first, just like the lighter factory, so that Nanluoguxiang could be the first to try it.

Meanwhile, Director Wang hurriedly explained to Ximen Lang, who had confused the experience from later generations.

Ximen Lang was completely dumbfounded and quickly took out his phone to search for information.

It's true, I really did mess things up.

Without hesitation, Ximen Lang immediately patted his chest and made a promise to Director Wang for his help.

"You just want to get some equipment for making honeycomb briquettes and some coal stoves, is that all? Perfect! These things are obsolete where we are, so you can use them right away! Leave it to me, I'll have them hurry up and find these things to replace them!"

(End of this chapter)