Destructive Distillation Research Articles

Understanding the Hazards of Hexane and Short-Term Exposure to Air Contaminated with Hexane Affects the Nervous System and can Cause Dizziness

Abstract: The term ‘hydrocarbon’ is self-explanatory which means compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons play a key role in our daily life. You must be familiar with the terms ‘LPG’ and ‘CNG’ used as fuels. LPG is the abbreviated form of liquified petroleum gas whereas CNG stands for compressed natural gas. Another term ‘LNG’ (liquified natural gas) is also in news these days. This is also a fuel and is obtained by liquifaction of natural gas. Petrol, diesel and kerosene oil are obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum found under the earth’s crust. Coal gas is obtained by the destructive distillation of coal. Natural gas is found in upper strata during drilling of oil wells. The gas after compression is known as compressed natural gas. LPG is used as a domestic fuel with the least pollution. Kerosene oil is also used as a domestic fuel but it causes some pollution. Automobiles need fuels like petrol, diesel and CNG. Petrol and CNG operated automobiles cause less pollution. All these fuels contain mixture of hydrocarbons, which are sources of energy. Hydrocarbons are also used for the manufacture of polymers like polythene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. Higher hydrocarbons are used as solvents for paints. They are also used as the starting materials for manufacture of many dyes and drugs. Thus, you can well understand the importance of hydrocarbons in your daily life. In this unit, you will learn more about hydrocarbons

Treatment of Common Wart Using a Classical Siddha Formulation Sirattai Thylam: A Case Report

Siddha system of medicine is the philosophy-based medicine that deals with holistic approach to health and soul basically it is a way of life that emphasizes positive mindfulness. The essential life style for healthy living has been instructed in Siddha system, according to the geographical and seasonal varieties. As per Siddha concept there is 32 internal and 32 external medicines. Thylam (medicated oil) was popularly used for various ailments us Mudi thylam, Kudi thylam, Pidi thylam, Thulai thylam, Silai thylam. Sirattai Thylam is prepared by Kuzhi thylam method (destructive distillation method). It can be used for Naatpatta thole noigal (chronic skin diseases), Sori (itches), Padar thaamarai (ring worm), Padaigal (eczema), Thole thadippu (thickening of skin), Useful in mosquito bite scars, sun tan, white heads, sensitive skin, fungal infections. This case study addresses the successful treatment “the wart" (It's a local outgrowth of the epidermal layer of the skin) using Sirattai Thylam.

Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Acidic Media Using Palmyra Palm Peduncle Extract: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Utilizing gravimetric and electrochemical measurement techniques, the effective performance of inhibitive and adsorption properties of aqueous extract obtained from destructive distillation of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) peduncle (BFP) for the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M HCl were investigated. From the experimental results, an aqueous extract of BFP was found to be a good adsorption inhibitor for the corrosion of MS in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M HCl solutions. The inhibition potentials of the aqueous extract of the palmyra palm peduncle are enhanced by its phytochemical constituents. The density functional theory was utilized to examine the BFP extract/mild steel surface mechanism's properties and to describe the inhibitor's structural nature on the corrosion process. The surface morphological alterations of metal specimens in both inhibited and uninhibited solutions were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to validate the presence of phenolic components in the BFP extract.

The Influence of Microstructured Charcoal Additive on ANFO’s Properties

The verification of the blasting parameters of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) with the addition of microstructured charcoal (MC) produced by destructive wood distillation was performed. Additional investigation of specific surface and pore distribution by the nitrogen adsorption of the two granulations of MC was also carried out. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy was used for morphology evaluation and revealed smoothening of the initially developed external surface of carbon with intensive milling. In addition, the analysis of the thermal properties of the studied samples (TG/DSC) indicated that the size of the microstructured charcoal additives influenced the decomposition temperature of the prepared materials. The explosives containing microstructured charcoal grains of −90 μm underwent decomposition at lower temperatures in comparison with those containing higher sizes of microstructure charcoal grains (−1.18 mm), for which the decomposition temperature reached 292 °C. The obtained results of blasting parameters compared to the results derived from thermodynamic simulation showed the non-ideal character of the explosives (much lower values of blasting parameters than in established thermodynamic models). It was indicated that higher velocities of detonations (VOD) were obtained for non-ideal explosives where finer MC grains were added. Blasting tests confirmed that the studied type of MC can be applied as an additive to the ANFO.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENT AND DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF BIOMASS CONSTITUENTS OF TWELVE TROPICAL TIMBERS IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Twelve tropical timbers indigenous to the south-east of Nigeria were analysed for their physical properties with results as follows: pH 4.26-6.72, specific gravity (0.16-0.49), charring temperature (64 -116oC) and porosity index (1.08 - 2.24%). Results of quantitative and proximate analysis of the constituent of woods studied includes; tannin (760 mg/100 g - 1240 mg/100 g), alkaloids (4.0-14.6%), flavonoids (2.0 -10.5%), saponin (2.0 - 11%), oxalate (0.28 - 2.92 g/100 g), total acidity (0.09 -0.54 g/100 cm3), cyanogenic glucoside (324-891 mg/100g), moisture content (13-31%), lipid (0.8-7.6%) and ash content (1.0-3.5%,). The qualitative screening was carried out to determine the presence of metabolites in the wood sample. Also, the destructive distillations of the timbers were studied. Results revealed their compositions as follows; wood charcoal (1.50 to 5.00 g), pyroligneous acid (2.0 -3.0 cm3), wood tar (0.1- 0.3 cm3) and wood gas (512 cm3 - 998 cm3). Thus, from the qualitative and quantitative analysis, it was observed that the timbers have medicinal properties which could be harnessed by pharmaceutical industries in drug formation or production while the products obtain from the destructive distillation of the wood can be utilized by other industries for industrial process.

Synthesis of Antiseptic Soap from Blends of Wood Tar and Some Selected Vegetable Oils

Antiseptic soap is a cleansing product to which active ingredient have been added to kill bacteria or germs. Usually, the price associated with conventional antiseptic soap is prohibitive, thus the need for cheap alternative sources of antiseptic soap could not be overemphasized. Traditionally, wood tar inherits antiseptic properties from the parent tree, it therefore provides an easily accessible and affordable recipe for antiseptic soap manufacture. In this paper, we elucidate the use of wood tar extracted from selected local trees (cassia, eucalyptus, and neem) as feedstock to synthesize antibacterial soap, by blending separately with vegetable oil. Two common vegetable oils (castor and peanut oils) were used in this work. The wood tar extracted by destructive distillation of the wood was characterized using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The analysis indicates that wood tar from the selected trees contain antiseptic components like creosol. The optimum blend ratios of wood tar to vegetable oil suitable for saponification in terms of soap yield was also investigated. Similarly, the soap formulation from optimum blend of wood tar and vegetable oil was characterized to determine pH, foam ability, cleansing power and the microbial activity of the soap. The antimicrobial sensitivity results indicate that the soap has significant inhibitory property on E. coli bacteria. More also, for the selected vegetable oils considered, peanut oil blend was found to give higher yield of soap compared to castor oil blend.

Synthesis of Antiseptic Soap from Blends of Wood Tar and Some Selected Vegetable Oils

Antiseptic soap is a cleansing product to which active ingredient have been added to kill bacteria or germs. Usually, the price associated with conventional antiseptic soap is prohibitive, thus the need for cheap alternative sources of antiseptic soap could not be overemphasized. Traditionally, wood tar inherits antiseptic properties from the parent tree, it therefore provides an easily accessible and affordable recipe for antiseptic soap manufacture. In this paper, we elucidate the use of wood tar extracted from selected local trees (cassia, eucalyptus, and neem) as feedstock to synthesize antibacterial soap, by blending separately with vegetable oil. Two common vegetable oils (castor and peanut oils) were used in this work. The wood tar extracted by destructive distillation of the wood was characterized using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The analysis indicates that wood tar from the selected trees contain antiseptic components like creosol. The optimum blend ratios of wood tar to vegetable oil suitable for saponification in terms of soap yield was also investigated. Similarly, the soap formulation from optimum blend of wood tar and vegetable oil was characterized to determine pH, foam ability, cleansing power and the microbial activity of the soap. The antimicrobial sensitivity results indicate that the soap has significant inhibitory property on E. coli bacteria. More also, for the selected vegetable oils considered, peanut oil blend was found to give higher yield of soap compared to castor oil blend.

Metil Alkol (Metanol) İntoksikasyonu

Metanol odunun destrüktif distilasyonundan elde edilen berrak, renksiz ve yüksek derecede toksik bir maddedir. Genellikle endüstriyel çözücülerde, boyalarda, verniklerde, benzin karışımlarında ve otomobillerde çözücü ve antifriz olarak kullanılan metanol, tadı ve kokusundan dolayı içilemeyen bir alkol türüdür. Distile alkollü içkilerin üretimi sırasında yan ürün olarak ortaya çıkabilmektedir. Metanolün kazara ya da intihar amacıyla alınması intoksikasyona neden olabilmektedir. Sıklıkla oral yoldan intoksikasyonlara neden olur, nadiren de inhalasyonla veya cilt yüzeyinden emilimle vücuda alınmaktadır. Metanol intoksikasyonu zaman zaman epidemiler halinde ortaya çıkmaktadır. Metil alkolün metabolitleri toksiktir. Metanol intoksikasyonunda semptomların çoğu metabolik asidoz ile ilişkilidir. Semptomlar genellikle santral sinir sistemi, gözler ve gastrointestinal sistem ile ilgilidir ve latent bir periyodun ardından ortaya çıkar. Körlük ve ölüm gibi çok ciddi sonuçları olabilmektedir. Prognoz metabolik asidozun derecesiyle koreledir. İnsanda metil alkolün toksik dozu geniş bir aralıktadır. Radyolojik incelemelerde ve otopsi çalışmalarında bazal ganglion kanaması ve nekrozu, putamende hemoraji elde edilen bulgulardır. Otopsi yapılan olguların kanındaki metanol düzeyleri oldukça farklılık göstermektedir. Ülkemizde son zamanlarda artan vergiler ve alkollü içki fiyatları nedeniyle bireylerin kendi içkilerini üretmeye başlaması veya sahte içkiye yönelmeleriyle birlikte intoksikasyon vakalarında ve ölümlerde ciddi bir artış söz konusu olmuştur. İntoksikasyon olgularının ve ölümlerin daha fazla artmaması için devletin bir an önce gerekli düzenlemeleri yapıp önlem alması gerekmektedir.

Metil Alkol (Metanol) İntoksikasyonu

Methanol is a clear, colorless and highly toxic substance obtained from destructive distillation of wood. Methanol, which is generally used as solvent and antifreeze in industrial solvents, paints, varnishes, gasoline mixtures and automobiles, is a type of non-drinking alcohol due to its taste and odor. It can be produced as a by-product during the production of distilled alcoholic beverages. Accidental or suicidal ingestion of methanol can cause intoxication. Methanol often causes oral intoxications. Methanol intoxication occasionally occurs in epidemics. Metabolites of methyl alcohol are toxic. Most of the symptoms of methanol intoxication are associated with metabolic acidosis. Symptoms are usually related to the central nervous system, eyes and gastrointestinal tract and occur after a latent period. It can have serious consequences such as blindness and death. Prognosis is correlated with the degree of metabolic acidosis. The toxic dose of methyl alcohol in human is in a wide range. Hemorrhage and necrosis in the basal ganglia and hemorrhage in the putamen are the findings obtained in radiological examinations and autopsy studies. Methanol levels in the blood of the autopsy cases are quite different. In our country, there has been a significant increase in the number of intoxication cases and deaths as individuals started to produce their own drinks or turned to fake drinks due to the increasing taxes and alcohol prices. In order not to increase the number of intoxication cases and deaths, the government should make the necessary arrangements and take precautions as soon as possible.

Experimental Study of Destructive Distillation of Maiganga Coal: Analysis of Products’ Yield and Composition

The research involves destructive distillation of Maiganga coal, analysis of the yields and characterization of condensable products. Maiganga coal was distillated in a pyrolyser, the condensable products were recovered in a three stage separator, and the products were collected over a range of temperatures. The yields’ of the char was obtained by measuring the weight of the char and then divided by the starting weight of the coal sample. The condensable products yields were obtained in similar manner as the char. The yield of the gaseous product was obtained by subtracting the sum of yields of char and condensable products from unity. The yields of semi-coke, water and tar were 63, 11, and 7%, respectively. The tar obtained was characterize using GC/MS to determine the chemical composition. The characterization was carried out using Agilent Gas Chromatography/ Mass Selective Detector (GC/MSD). The GC/MSD results show that the dominant compounds in the tar are aromatic, acid, and esters. However sulphur, nitrogen, chlorine, and fluorine compounds were present. The specific dominant compound is Benzeneacetic acid, 4-tetradecyl ester, (C₂₂H₃₆O₂) about 33%, and the least were 1H-Thiopine, 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-4,5-didehydro-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl (C₁₀H₁₆OS), 1-oxide, 4-(2,5-Dihydro-3-methoxyphenyl)butylamine (C₁₁H₁₉NO) about 6%. The coal may serve as feedstock for production of coke and aromatic compounds.

Application of Headspace Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry for the Determination of Ignitable Liquids from Fire Debris

A fast and correct identification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris investigation is of high importance in forensic research. Advanced fast analytical methods combined with chemometric tools are usually applied for these purposes. In the present study, the Headspace Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with chemometrics is proposed as a promising technique for the identification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris samples. Fire debris samples were created in the laboratory, according to the Destructive Distillation Method for Burning that is provided by the Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives. Four different substrates (pine wood, cork, paper, and cotton sheet) and four ignitable liquids of dissimilar composition (gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and paraffin) were used to create the fire debris. The Total Ion Current (TIC) Chromatogram combined with different chemometric tools (hierarchical cluster analysis and linear discriminant analysis) allowed for a full discrimination between samples that were burned with and without ignitable liquids. Additionally, a good identification (95% correct discrimination) for the specific ignitable liquid residues in the samples was achieved. Based on these results, the chromatographic data from HS-GC-IMS have been demonstrated to be very useful for the identification and discrimination of ignitable liquids residues. The main advantages of this approach vs. traditional methodology are that no sample manipulation or solvent is required; it is also faster, cheaper, and easy to use for routine analyses.

Derbyshire's oil and refining history: the James ‘Paraffin’ Young connection

Abstract Following an adventitious oil flow into a coal mine in 1847 in the Riddings area of the county of Derbyshire in the English Midlands, the young Scottish chemist James Young carried out seminal work into the development of oil refining technology. In Derbyshire, by the end of 1848, he set up an early refinery to exploit this oil commercially by distillation, producing both lighting and lubrication fractions which he sold directly to end customers. His findings in Derbyshire led him to move on to investigate production and refining of oil from coal by destructive distillation, technology for which he gained his global reputation; Young's patented technology was adopted by the commercial refineries that were to follow in many countries as the world's oil fields sprang to life.

Hydrodeoxygenation of water-insoluble bio-oil to alkanes using a highly dispersed Pd\u2013Mo catalyst

Bio-oil, produced by the destructive distillation of cheap and renewable lignocellulosic biomass, contains high energy density oligomers in the water-insoluble fraction that can be utilized for diesel and valuable fine chemicals productions. Here, we show an efficient hydrodeoxygenation catalyst that combines highly dispersed palladium and ultrafine molybdenum phosphate nanoparticles on silica. Using phenol as a model substrate this catalyst is 100% effective and 97.5% selective for hydrodeoxygenation to cyclohexane under mild conditions in a batch reaction; this catalyst also demonstrates regeneration ability in long-term continuous flow tests. Detailed investigations into the nature of the catalyst show that it combines hydrogenation activity of Pd and high density of both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites; we believe these are key features for efficient catalytic hydrodeoxygenation behavior. Using a wood and bark-derived feedstock, this catalyst performs hydrodeoxygenation of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose-derived oligomers into liquid alkanes with high efficiency and yield.

Experimental methods for the Palaeolithic dry distillation of birch bark: implications for the origin and development of Neandertal adhesive technology

The destructive distillation of birch bark to produce tar has recently featured in debates about the technological and cognitive abilities of Neandertals and modern humans. The abilities to precisely control fire temperatures and to manipulate adhesive properties are believed to require advanced mental traits. However, the significance given to adhesive technology in these debates has quickly outgrown our understanding of birch bark tar and its manufacture using aceramic techniques. In this paper, we detail three experimental methods of Palaeolithic tar production ranging from simple to complex. We recorded the fuel, time, materials, temperatures, and tar yield for each method and compared them with the tar known from the Palaeolithic. Our results indicate that it is possible to obtain useful amounts of tar by combining materials and technology already in use by Neandertals. A ceramic container is not required, and temperature control need not be as precise as previously thought. However, Neandertals must have been able to recognize certain material properties, such as adhesive tack and viscosity. In this way, they could develop the technology from producing small traces of tar on partially burned bark to techniques capable of manufacturing quantities of tar equal to those found in the Middle Palaeolithic archaeological record.

Estimation Of The Thermochemical And Solubility Properties Of Some Nigerian Softwood

The abundance of softwoods in Nigeria makes them readily available and their renewability is also an advantage in generation of any product that has usefulness in scientific application. All the softwood samples investigated were soluble in hot concentrated H2SO4. From a measured quantity of each Nigerian softwood powder consumed in their destructive distillation, the results showed that: Tetrapleura tetraptera had appreciable quantities of wood charcoal with a maximum value of 5.2g, Allanblackia floribunda, Afzelia bella and Afrormosia laxiflora each with 4.5g also had high quantities of wood charcoal. Afzelia bipindensis, Cassipourea barteri and Khaya ivorensis each produced 3.00cm3 pyroligneous acid volume. Tar volumes of 0.25cm3 as the highest value was observed in each of Monodara tenuifolia, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Amphimas pterocarpoides, Afzelia bipindensis and Cassipourea barteri. The volumes of wood gas emitted were high. The maximum wood gas emitted showed values of 998 and 980cm3 from Afzelia bipindensis and Sacoglottis gabonensis. These thermochemicals have agricultural, industrial and domestic values.

Contrastive Analysis on Low Temperature Carbonization of Longkou and Yaojie Oil Shale in Aluminum Retort

Lots of basic analyses carried on YJOS (Yaojie oil shale) and LKOS (Longkou oil shale) consist of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, XRF analysis and shale oil yield in aluminum retort. Besides, TGA are used on YJOS, LKOS and shale oil, gas chromatographic analysis is used on retorting gas. The results show that LKOS and YJOS have the same hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, but LKOS has higher volatile component and its oil yield in aluminum retort is much higher than YJOS. Ca content in LKOS is much higher than YJOS, however, Al and Fe content in LKOS are lower than YJOS. Two kinds of shale oil after destructive distillation have similar composition and relative content, in addition, they all produce more low boiling point distillates, combustible component of their destructive distillation gas are H2 and CH4, the second are CO and C2H6. Aluminium retort experimental findings, The carbonization temperature is the main influence factor on oil shale destructive distillation process in aluminum retort. Residence time has small influence on shale oil yield but need to choose appropriate heating rate and particle size. Best carbonization parameters of LKOS in aluminum retort: Temperature 500~550°C, heating rate 5°C/min, particle size 2~4mm, Residence time 10~20min;the best parameters of YJOS: Temperature 500~550°C, heating rate 5°C/min, particle size0.2~0.9mm, residence time 10~20min.

Experiment Research on Power Molding and Destructive Distillation of Yaojie Oil Shale

Though the power molding of Yaojie oil shale, the optimum binder and proportion are confirmed. Hot strength,cold strength and oil yield of oil shale ball produced by power molding are measured. The results show that: Ⅰ , Ⅱ are suitable binders for power molding, besides, the hot strength and cold strength of oil shale ball produced by Ⅰ and Ⅱ are higher than 200N and 400N respectively. It can be found that from SEM, binders filling between particles of oil shale become gel or crystal after mixing with water. All that gel or crystal make particles connected closely and form net structure. The reason of low oil yield may be that the larger diameter of oil shale ball hinder the escaping of shale gas, and during escaping, shale gas is pyrolyzed because of long heating time, in addition, binders may absorb some shale gas.

Critical Analysis of Process Parameters for Bio-oil Production via Pyrolysis of Biomass: A Review

Pyrolysis is the destructive distillation of the biomass at high temperature in absence of oxygen. Depending upon the heating rate and residence time of vapors during the pyrolysis process, it is classified into slow and fast pyrolysis. Slow pyrolysis generally produces less amount of bio-oil and higher amount of charcoal than fast pyrolysis. This is attributed to the longer residence time for slow pyrolysis. A critical review on this subject has been elucidated in this article. It implies that the different constituents of biomass i.e. cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are degraded at different temperature ranges. Moreover, the elemental composition of the initial biomass found to govern the bio-oil production such as C, H, N and O which are primarily dependent upon the types of waste materials. Thus, actual bio-oil production potential depends on feed materials, type of reactor, operating temperature, heating rate, volatile matter, carbon content, sweep gas flow rate and residence time. Bio-oil chemical compositions are also affected by the operating temperatures during the pyrolysis of biomass. The kinetic study of different biomass materials and methods applied to evaluate activation energy, accordingly, are also reviewed and listed. In this review article, a critical analysis of the factors upon which bio-oil production depends are emphasized with appropriate citation. It also covers an extensive literature review to ascertain the effect of operating parameters on pyrolysis of biomass. This article also focuses about the estimated waste biomass potential in India. Efforts are also made to highlight the estimated potential of biomass sources for bio-oil production in Indian perspective. An estimate shows that approximately 7% of petroleum crude oil can be compensated with the bio-oil if all the waste biomasses available in the country were properly used.

Mechanisms of destructive distillation of asphalt-rapeseed oil mixtures

The effect of rapeseed oil addition on the yield, composition, and properties of products of destructive distillation of asphalt from deasphalting operation is studied. The mechanism of thermal cracking of fatty acid triglycerides is shown to change in the presence of hydrocarbons. The feasibility of producing hydrocarbon motor fuels from vegetable oils under refinery conditions by thermal cracking of heavy petroleum resids is demonstrated.

Charcoal Production through Distillation of Wood, perhaps the Key to the Deforestation of Haiti

We are appalled each time we read articles in the press about the deforestation of Haiti. The journalists who often write these articles, present peasant Haitians as real vandals who chop down trees maliciously or for pleasure, rather like the American who spends his afternoon playing golf or tennis.Of course, this simplification of the problem is very far from reality of the situation. A tree chopped down on a mountain top is just the beginning of an economic chain that ultimately leads to a poor Haitian family's charcoal-burning stove, passing through a series of intermediaries: carriers, resellers, retailers who derive the entirety of their livelihood from this activity or from the primary and manufacturing sectors involved.Charcoal is a clean energy, with low emissions, produced locally in Haitian money, renewable, requiring as input only the sun, air, water and earth. It is infinitely renewable.International agencies advocate the replacement of charcoal by propane. This is perhaps a commendable idea, as we note, those who chop timber and produce charcoal do have hard lives, but still propane does not seem to be the solution. Seeing that our oil reserves have not yet been, nor will they be utilised, the main problem of using propane is that its price does not depend on us. We will have to import this energy and pay for it in foreign currency. When we hear on the radio that the price for a barrel of oil has risen to tens of dollars, the price of gas follows and in Haiti we can expect that the price of propane gas will also go up tens of Haitian Gourdes. We used to pay forty Haitian Gourdes (HTG 40=0.95 USD) for a 25-pound propane gas cylinder under the embargo, which was after all a reasonable price; now we pay more than six hundred Haitian Gourdes (HTG 600=14.27 USD) for the same 25-pound propane gas cylinder. This is 15 times more than what we used to pay, largely due to soaring oil prices over the past fifteen years. The complete shift to LP Gas would only make us more dependent on foreign energy and drain more of our financial resources to foreign entities.The purpose of this piece is not to revisit the great advantages of propane gas, which always has its place. These advantages can be elaborated upon by others, elsewhere. Our concern here is the economically weak, the poorest Haitians, those who would not be able to survive with the elimination of wilderness deforestation.Charcoal is produced in Haiti by the traditional forest production process which consists of stacking a pile of wood in a pit or in a mound, then covering it entirely with earth and setting it on fire.This manufacturing process by incomplete combustion of wood has two drawbacks, both of which render this process completely uneconomical.1) part of the wood is lost, and2) smoke escapes.Now this lost smoke has a lot more value than the charcoal itself because it is very rich in volatile chemical products. Given the added value of these chemical products, if they were recovered correctly, they could be sold at a good price, which could help to substantially reduce the price of charcoal.What are these volatile chemical products? They are: methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, creosote, turpentine, wood vinegar, tar, etc...How could we recover these products? By using a destructive distillation process, referred to as pyrolysis or wood distillation, in a device called a retort. The distillation of wood produces the gas to heat the device and enables the recovery of all the charcoal at the end of the operation.Where could we find the raw material for this operation? There is an immense amount of barren and semi-barren land in Haiti, some of which was Agave land (Agave is back, but will we seize this opportunity as well?). While this territory has been ruined for agricultural purposes, there is a wonderful, but very despised shrub or small tree in Haiti that grows without special care on the most arid land: the mesquite tree (also commonly known in Haiti as bayawonn). …