Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 8:35 am Post subject: First steps in charcoal burning
A failed first attempt at making charcoal
Having read a few articles on charcoal production, my cousin and I
decided to try our hands at it: Here follows an account of the adventure,
and how not to do it! A failed first attempt at making charcoal.
The principle is that in a confined space, you create a fire of around
1500 degrees core temperature, then restrict airflow so that it burns
at minimum oxygen input, and burns instead the volatile gases contained
in the wood to convert the timber to carbon, with minimum moisture
content remaining.
We therefore located a 50 gallon oil drum, chopped a huge pile of
mainly seasoned wood of all sizes, and proceeded to create a bonfire.
This was to burn off the varnish inside the drum, and paint outside.
This was to prevent hydrocarbons finding their way into the final
product which would be used to cook food.
We created airflow holes in the barrel base, using buckshot cartridges
as we had no suitable tools in the wood!!
The barrel was then positioned over a trench so we could earth up the
air intake at the critical moment. We built the fire up to the top of
the barrel, compacted the timber in, and allowed several hours to pass as
the heat intensity increased. Apparently when the smoke changes colour
from white to clear, you have boiled out all the moisture, and are now
running hot enough to clamp on the lid and restrict airflow.
The fire continued for two days, with regular restocking of timber.
Finally, when the fire was cool enough, the lid was removed and the barrel
emptied. The result was very disappointing: Enough charcoal remained
only to fill two sugar packets.
Additionally, I had packed two terra cotta drainage pipes with willow
wands, to see if I could produce artist's charcoal. One pipe exploded,
the other, sadly, permitted most of the willow to be burnt, with only a
few short bits remaining.
After this failed attempt, we shall experiment with a different design
on which we have already begun, which will keep the charcoal timber in
a separate container above the fire, to enable us to roast the wood
without it coming in direct contact with the flames. A future article will
follow!
You know, I'd never really given any thought to how charcoal was made. Now I look at the word properly it does say "CHAR COAL". I don't think it's something I would attempt but look forward to seeing your next attempt!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
