Charcoal Production Research Articles

Investigations on carbonization operating conditions of ANSYS customized kiln for charcoal production from Prosopis juliflora biomass and ANN model prediction for optimized operating conditions

The majority of the population still uses charcoal for domestic and industrial purposes. Charcoal is favored by many developing countries because of its low cost and ever-increasing energy demand. The objective of this study is to provide the optimum temperature and moisture content for a fixed residence time toobtain a good quality charcoal yield. The kiln model has been validated using ANSYS, before fabricating the kiln. The selected kiln is a verticalrectangular steel kiln and horizontal square stacking is followed. The wood used for charcoal production is Prosopis juliflora. Initially, wood is subjected to a pyrolysis process to determine the optimum residence time, 3 and 4 hrs were considered for the experiment. The wood is subjected to a pyrolysis process for different moisture content of 30.7 and 15.45% in varying pyrolysis temperatures of 350, 380, 420, 450 and 500 ⁰C. from the experimental results, it is revealed that the optimum residing time is 4 hrs and the optimum temperature is 500 ⁰C, because more time facilitates the evaporation of lite volatile matter and forms a good quality of charcoal yield with more fixed carbon if 15.45 % moisture air dried wood is used. ANN model was developed and evaluated for a different training function by varying hidden layer neuron numbers. The suitability of the developed ANN model is verified based on deviation in error with the experimental values for different input values.

Production of Charcoal Through Partial Combustion in a Wood Stove

Philippines is a country rich in natural resources that can be converted into biomass fuels, such as charcoal. This study aims to determine the viability of producing charcoal through partial combustion using Mahogany and Ipil – Ipil wood in a wood stove before burying the charred wood samples in clay soil. Sample preparation was done by machining pruned branches into a size of 1-in diameter by 6-in length, then drying them until their moisture content was below 20%. The dry wood samples were then charred in a wood stove at different residence times. After reaching the residence time of a trial, the charred sample was wrapped in tin foil and buried in clay soil to cool for 24 hours. Afterwards, proximate analysis and bomb calorimetry were done on the charcoals produced. Results of the tests show that with longer residence time, charcoal yield decreased; moisture content increased due to increase in charcoal hygroscopicity; volatile matter decreased due to devolatilization; and fixed carbon content increased. Also, ash content increased for Mahogany charcoals while in Ipil-Ipil, it hardly varied. Furthermore, Ipil-Ipil charcoals were found to have greater calorific values than Mahogany charcoals due to Ipil – Ipil wood having greater calorific value.

Charcoal Hearth Remains as Environmental Archives: An Interdisciplinary Study at Poggio di Montieri, Italy

ABSTRACT This contribution presents interdisciplinary research on charcoal hearth remains carried out at Poggio di Montieri, Central Italy, a hill heavily exploited in the Middle Ages for the extraction of silver-bearing ore, and then managed until the nineteenth century with a multiple land use system based on pasture. Linking together pedological and archaeological surveys with anthracological, dendro-anthracological and chemical analyses, as well as with information from historical texts and maps, this research outlines the environmental dynamics that occurred in this area in the last few centuries. Although ore processing undoubtedly required large quantities of charcoal as fuel, no evidence of charcoal hearth remains from the Middle Ages have been found, while at least two charcoal production phases, starting from the seventeenth century, were individuated. Despite an increase in charcoal production at the end of the last phase, in the eighteenth–nineteenth centuries, no over-exploitation of the forest resources at Poggio di Montieri was documented. The lack of such an expected over-exploitation could be due to the use of wood from pruning and shredding, which allowed the sustainable management of the forest resource and was the legacy of the multiple land use systems of previous centuries.

Coconut Shell Carbonization Process Using Smokeless Kiln

Proper processing of coconut shell charcoal can be highly economically and environmentally valuable. The two most common uses of coconut shell charcoal are activated carbon and briquettes, obtained through carbonization. However, traditional carbonization methods involving kilns can produce excessive smoke, polluting the environment and disrupting human activities. A carbonization kiln that produces less smoke is required to address this issue. In this study, a kiln made from a steel drum with a sealer belt was fabricated to trap burning smoke inside the kiln. The results showed that adding this belt effectively reduced the smoke produced, making it more eco-friendly. Regarding charcoal production efficiency, different weigh coconut shells were burnt to produce charcoal. The result showed that burning 25 kg of coconut shell was optimal, producing a 48% charcoal content.

Multiple-use water systems and rural livelihoods in north-western Ghana: adjusting to a failed hope

ABSTRACT This study examines the sustainability of multiple-use water systems (MUS) and the associated livelihood issues among women gardeners in north-western Ghana. Focus group discussions and observation techniques were used as part of a qualitative approach to data collection. We found that the MUS strategy has the ability to improve livelihoods. However, the viability of the strategy necessitates technical assistance and innovative fund-raising strategies. The MUS facility (the hope of the people) failed because these conditions were inadequate. Due to the beneficiaries’ worsening situation, alternative livelihoods were adopted, such as the migration of married women to southern Ghana, the production of charcoal and the harvesting of wild fruits.

Economic Value of Mangrove Forest Ecosystem in Unit XXXIII Kubu Raya Forest Management Unit

Mangrove forest ecosystems resources could serve as income sources for the surrounding communities. However, the total economic value of these resourceshas yet to be recognized, calculated, and considered in managing and conserving mangrove forest ecosystems. This research aimed to estimate the direct economic value (timber, charcoal, aquatic biota, processed products, honey, and Nypa roof), indirect economic values (abrasion prevention, carbon stock, oxygen production, intrusion barrier), and optional economic value (biodiversity) of mangrove forest ecosystems. This research used two assumptions to calculate the total economic values: with and without timber utilization activities for charcoal production in the Unit XXXIII Kubu Raya Forest Management Unit (FMU). The results indicated that the indirect economic value had the highest percentages compared to the direct and optional economic values in both assumptions.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MODIFIED BIOMASS CHARCOAL PRODUCTION KILN

This research was focused on the design and development of a modified biomass charcoal production kiln. Society uses an ancient and rudimentary method of charcoal production that has received little investigation and analysis. The conventional charcoal production process has several drawbacks and disadvantages in terms of rate of carbonization, quality, yield, pollution, labor, and land costs. This study aimed to design and develop a charcoal production carbonization kiln that would alleviate the mentioned problems. The following results found the moisture content as (2,0.89) %, the volatile matter (8.84,3.02) %, the fixed carbon content (81.09,91.42)%, the heating value (29.982,32.762)MJ/kg, bulk density (342.53,434.5)kg/m3, shatter resistance(88.8,91.12)%, water penetration resistance (26.34,17.99)%, ash content (8.06,4.660)%, efficiency(16,31)%, and production time per cycle(3,5) days for conventional earth mound kiln and improved carbonization kiln respectively. From the result, the maximum shatter resistance shows well in mechanical strength, and high-water penetration resistance shows that the charcoal has better water absorption and a good heating value. The higher density shows that the volume is reduced due to the escape of volatile components and high fixed carbon content. Finally, the modified carbonization kiln yield was improved by 48.38%. Keywords: Biomass, Carbonization charcoal, Design, kiln, Molecular weight

Nutrients status and soil microbial biomass C and N in charcoal production sites of derived savannah forest of southwestern Nigeria

Deforestation and other anthropogenic activities, including charcoal production affect several microbial activities and nutrients availability and status in the savannah forest soil of southwestern Nigeria. However, understandings of the microbial activities and soil nutrients availability in these sites have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the study aims to clarify the charcoal production effects on the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, nutrients status of charcoal production sites and the surrounding soils. Soil samples were collected to determine the microbial biomass contents in carbon and nitrogen (BC and BN), organic carbon of the soil (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium and nitrate nitrogen [(NH4+-N) and (NO3N)] in the soil layers between 0–15, 15–30 and 30 – 45 cm, under different locations of charcoal production and non-production sites (CPS and NPS) respectively. We found out that SOC, TN, C/N ratio, Bc and BN and the ratios of Bc/SOC and BN/TN were significantly higher in the NPS than in the CPS. The SOC, TN, BC and BN and the ratios of Bc/SOC and BN/TN declined significantly (P ˂ 0.05) with increase in depth in the two sites under different locations. However, NH4+-N and NO3N contents in the NPS were significantly lower compared to the CPS. The results of the analysis indicate better soil nutrients in term of SOC and TN in the NPS than CPS. It is therefore posited that NPS is healthier and can sustain soil microbial activities than CPS. Although, NPS is lower in inorganic nitrogen contents determined, CPS has the potential to reduce leaching of inorganic nitrogen and increases its availability in the derived savannah agro-ecological region of southwestern Nigeria. Effort must be made to mitigate the large-scale conversions of the native derived savannah forests for traditional charcoal production that contributes to environmental pollution; it is therefore useful to consider biochar strategy in order to mitigate global warming and manage soil health and productivity.

Effect of physiographic type and harvesting age on biomass yield, chemical composition, and carbon sequestration of mangrove plantations for biofuel feedstock production

Many coastal communities of SE-Asia, including Thailand have managed mangrove forests for charcoal production. However, understanding and managing the harvesting age of mangrove plantations in different ecotypes is limited for sustainable biofuel production. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to determine the effect of physiographic type and harvesting age on the biomass yield, chemical composition, CO2 adsorption of aboveground mangrove biomass. The data were collected during 2018–2019 from two geographical types including the riverine and basin mangrove plantations in Samut-Songkhram, Thailand. The experimental plots were selected at different ages (5, 10, and 15 years). The riverine mangrove forest had higher dry aboveground woody biomass, calorific value, and CO2 adsorption than did the basin mangrove forest. For both mangrove ecotypes, there were no significant differences in chemical elements. Extending harvesting age from 5 to 15 years tended to increase the woody biomass yield and quality, and CO2 adsorption of mangrove forests. With increasing harvesting age, the dry aboveground woody biomass, calorific value, and CO2 adsorption of mangroves increased 34.4–283.9 t ha−1, 3841.1- 3924.9 kcal kg−1, and 55.6–453.4 t CO2 ha−1, respectively, but ash and N content decreased 4.8–3.4% and 0.2–0.1%, respectively. Compared with other ages, extending harvest until 15 years yielded the highest potential biomass for biofuel feedstock production and carbon sequestration in both mangrove ecotypes.

Charcoal properties of Malaysian bamboo charcoal carbonized at 750 °C

The carbonization of five Malaysian bamboo species, namely Bambusa vulgaris, Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa hasskarliana, Gigantochloa levis, and Schizostachyum brachycladum, was conducted to investigate the charcoal properties and compare the quality of bamboo charcoal produced based on proximate analysis. Carbonization at 750 °C using a modified Iwasaki steel drum kiln was successful for all bamboo species. Bamboo morphological features varied and basic density increased with culm height. A charcoal yield of more than 30% was recorded in all bamboo species except for B. vulgaris and D. asper. Charcoals made from D. asper and G. hasskarliana could serve as the alternative raw material for charcoal production in charcoal industries due to their low moisture, low volatile matter, low ash, and high fixed carbon content. All species had a mean gross calorific value between 24.4 and 29.2 MJ/kg. Among different culm sections, the bottom section produced the best quality charcoal. The charcoal quality from all species was of acceptable quality for domestic use.

Assessment of human activities and its effects on forest management: a survey of charcoal producers in the Sekyere Central District of Ghana

A survey to assess the effects and sustainability of charcoal production on the local vegetation cover was conducted in the Sekyere Central District of Ashanti region from December 2017 to April 2018. The study involved the use of structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informants, secondary data and field observation by reconnaissance survey. The socio-economic survey was to identify who in the district is undertaking charcoal production as an economic venture, how widespread the activity is, and the preferred tree species being harvested to produce charcoal. In the field survey, the vegetation types in the study area were identified in a reconnaissance survey as secondary forests with increasing grassland. The relative abundance of tree species which could be used for charcoal production was also identified and quantified. A 640-meter square plot was delimited and divided into 64 square plots within each of which five-meter quadrats were marked at random and presence or absence was recorded for the individual tree species. The results of the study indicated that charcoal production is widely carried out throughout the district especially in the Afram Plains portion. It is practiced by the Akan and the Sissala ethnic groups who have very little education. Female producers (8%) were less than their male counterparts. Majority (73%) of the producers was 31 and above years whiles those of 30 years and below was 27%. The study revealed that most tree species are becoming rare and are only common in the protected area (Kogyae strict natures reserve) in the district.

Wood Vinegars: Production Processes, Properties, and Valorization

Abstract Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is widely used for the production of charcoal, pyroligneous liquid, and noncondensable gases. All three are value-added products that are exploited in several fields. However, this review focuses on three main areas: wood vinegar production methods, its physicochemical properties, and the use of wood vinegar or pyroligneous acid in agriculture and the environment. Wood vinegar is a liquid derived from wood by the condensation of gases and vapors released during the carbonization process, which is the transformation of wood into charcoal. It is mainly composed of aliphatic, aromatic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons and other oxygenated compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, furans, acids, phenols, and ethers. Wood vinegar has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties and is used in agriculture as an antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticide, and plant germination and growth agent. It is also used in food preservation, in medicine, and in the ecological preservation of wood. This review also examines the state of the art in pyroligneous liquid production techniques and factors that could potentially affect its quality.

THREAT OF CHARCOAL PROCESSING TO TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN OTEMEWO COMMUNITY, OKPE, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The status of tree species used for charcoal processing and its effect on tree diversity in Otemewo community, Okpe Delta State were assessed. Semistructured questionnaire guide and random sampling technique were used to collect data on the trees species. Besides five points likert rating scale on species preference for charcoal, and paired t-test was used to determine the implication of tree species preference for charcoal production on tree diversity. A major charcoal processing site was selected for the study. Also samplings were done in two randomly selected sample plots. Twenty eight (28) tree species belonging to 13 different families were cited as trees preferred for charcoal processing. Meanwhile, only ten (10) species: B. cogolensis, E. cylindricum, I. gabonensis, K. senegalensis, L. alata, L. lanceolata, P. africana, P. macrophylla, T. orientalisand U. guineensis of the twenty eight (28) trees recorded as charcoal-producing species existed in the two sample plots, and were comparatively rare. Diversity indices reveal that one of the two randomly selected plots was richer in tree species than the other. Consequently, it was observed that high rate of deforestation and unsustainable collection pattern of trees for charcoal threatens forest ecosystem and negatively affected the diversity of tree species in the area. Therefore, strategies that would ensure tree species management and by extension the entire forest ecosystem of the area were suggested.

Segregating Amazonia logging wastes from sustainable forest management improves carbonization in brick kilns

Carbonizing Amazon wood waste with similar physical, chemical, and energy properties improves the quality of the derived charcoals. However, the effect of a quality-based grouping of wood on the productivity of a charcoal production unit remains an unfulfilled gap. This research compares the carbonization indexes of segregated and non-segregated wastes performed in brick kilns of an industrial facility in the Brazilian Amazonia. The wastes came from the Reduced Impact Exploration of twenty-three Amazonia species. Wood's physical properties (moisture, basic and apparent densities, and maximum moisture content) were determined by species. Segregating the wastes into four quality groups provided alternative carbonization, while the randomly mixed wastes underwent carbonization as the usual methodology. Overall productivity and productivity per kiln were explored for the five carbonization models. The research revealed that segregating the logging wastes raised the filled mass and volume of raw material, productivity, and carbonization yield per kiln. It promoted gains ranging from 6.81 (group 3) to 30.23% (group 1) for the charcoal volume and 17.65 (group 4) to 70.59% (group 1) for the charcoal mass per kiln. This study revealed a practical and straightforward solution to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of the wood production chain in the Amazonia region.

Investigation of value-added charcoal production from full-scale hydrothermal carbonization of hazelnut husk and wood waste

Investigation of value-added charcoal production from full-scale hydrothermal carbonization of hazelnut husk and wood waste

Social and environmental impacts of traditional charcoal production: a case study in Hau Giang province, Viet Nam

This study investigated the status, environmental health risks and assessed contaminant concentrations of waste gases and ambient air quality in traditional charcoal production kiln areas in Hau Giang province. In total, 284 charcoal producers, 160 charcoal workers and 160 neighbors were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Additionally, Carbon monoxide (CO), nitro dioxide (NO2), total suspended particles (TSP), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from traditional kilns and ambient air samples were analyzed. The result show that the number of kilns owned by each charcoal producer was 3.13 kilns per household; of which the average volume of each kiln was 59.07­ m3 kiln-1, with a yearling charcoal yield of around 80.71 ton kiln-1. The profitability of charcoal producers was annually approximately 133 million VND per household. Charcoal workers predominantly reported suffering from eye irritation issues (41.6%) whilst adjacent neighbors frequently experienced respiratory problems (87.5%). The interviewees obviously recognized the negative impacts of charcoal production activities on community health (63.1% respondents) and local fruit farmers (79.4% respondents), yet only the minority of residents (8.11% respondents) required a change from the current charcoal-based livelihood. The CO, TSP, and SO2 in waste gas compositions all exceeded the maximum permissive levels of the Vietnamese National Standard (QCVN 19:2009/BTNMT), while the air quality surpassed the safety level of TSP and SO2 (QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT). This indicates very high risk to those who are regularly exposed to the air pollutants. The study suggested that technological solutions and responsible policies should be enforced to promote the sustainability of charcoal production and minimize the negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Socio-Economic and Ecological Impact of Charcoal Production in the Fianarantsoa Region, Madagascar

Charcoal, the main domestic fuel used in the city of Fianarantsoa, comes mainly from the forests of Fianarantsoa II. The increase in demand for charcoal in Fianarantsoa puts considerable pressure on the natural woody formations of Fianarantsoa II. The implication of charcoal burning in deforestation depends on the intensity of charcoal production and the respect of the forest regeneration phase. This activity is, however, essential for charcoal makers who live from it as producers or as resellers. It generates a significant income for the rural population, and even for the resellers in urban areas, despite its relatively low cost compared to other fuels such as gas, oil, ethanol, and electricity. Most charcoal burners are also farmers, but the charcoal produced is intended to meet the urban energy demand of Fianarantsoa. This study focuses on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of this logging in order to highlight the solutions available to ensure sustainable development through the cases of Amnbondrona, Antanifotsy, and Ankaranosy. Environmental education and sustainable development as well as the proposal of income-generating alternatives and more ecological fuels would allow the restoration of environmental harmony while ensuring socio-economic balance.

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN HORO DISTRICT, HORO GUDURU WOLLEGA ZONE OF OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

An Ethinobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out from September 2019 to June 2020 in Horo district, Horo Guduru Wollega Zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. The study focused on the investigation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge of the local people in the study area. A total of 70 informants (50 males and 20 females) aged between 20 -100 years were randomly selected from five kebeles.Out of these 10 key informants were selected by purposing sampling method based on information obtained from the local people and as well as own back ground information. Relevant information were collected by using semi-structured interview, guided field walk, group discussion and market survey. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), preference ranking, paired comparision and Direct matrix ranking. A total of 112 medicinal plant species which distributed across 104 Genera 50 families were identified. Of these a large number of medicinal plants were collected from the wild 70(62.5%), where as 42(37.5%) from home gardens. Asteraceae consisted of 10 species followed by Solonacieae with 9 species. About 80(71.43%) of medicinal plants were reported for treatment of humans, while 20(17.86%) were for livestock ailments. In addition,12(10.71%)were reported for treatment of both human and livestock ailments. In the study area, leaves (47.61%) and roots (21.43%) were the two most frequently utilized plant parts for preparation of remedies.Crushing which accounted for 27.94% waidely used method of preparation of traditional medicine in the study area. This is followed by powdering (26.47%) where as, large numbers of the medicinal plants were cited to be used in fresh forms, few were used dry. The most common mode of administration was found to be oral (61.03%) followed by dermal accounted for (29.41%). The different use categories of medicinal plant taxa in the area included food, firewood, charcoal, construction and forage. Major conservation threats included agricultural expantion, overgrazing, fire wood collection, charcoal production, cutting down trees for construction and furniture .There was no record that indicated the sever concervation impacts of overharvesting of medicinal plants and their parts in the current study area. In addition, to the aforementioned positive attitude of the local communities to the conservation of natural resources, supplementary environmental education with regared to sustainable uses of medicinal plants could be useful.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN AGRIBISNIS KELAPA DALAM (Cocos nucifera L.) SEBAGAI KOMODITAS UNGGULAN DI KABUPATEN BUTON UTARA

This study aims to analyze the coconut commodity as a leading commodity in North Buton Regency and to analyze the income of coconut farming in North Buton Regency. This research was conducted in North Buton Regency for three months, from July to October 2020. The type of data used is quantitative data derived from primary data and secondary data. Data collection is done by way of interviews, observation, and documentation. The sample in this study consisted of 60 coconut farmers and 10 informants who were determined purposively (purposive sampling). Data analysis used is qualitative descriptive analysis, LQ analysis and income analysis. The results of the study show that coconut in North Buton Regency is a superior commodity because based on the production approach the average LQ value for five years (2014-2019) is greater than one (> 1) which is 3.057. The deep coconut agribusiness subsystem in North Buton Regency includes; 1) sub-systems of production facilities such as coconut seeds, coconut peelers, fruit pulp tools, machetes, tarpaulins, sprayers, and lawn mowers; 2) farming subsystem includes planting techniques, land clearing, and harvesting; 3) processing subsystem includes production of copra and coconut shell charcoal; 4) marketing subsystem and 5) supporting advice subsystem. The average income of deep coconut farming in North Buton Regency is Rp. 16,479,910.02. The priority programs for the development of deep coconut agribusiness strategies in North Buton Regency are: 1) Improving the quality of human resources for farmers with a QSPM value of 12.38. 2) Maximizing coconut derivative products with a QSPM value of 12.01. 3) Managing deep coconut agribusiness by utilizing appropriate technology with a QSPM value of 11.96 4) Using superior variety seeds with a QSPM value of 11.86

Management of Acacia Plantations for Charcoal Production: Local Economies and Sustainability

The objectives of this research were to estimate volume ofcharcoal produced per unit area of Acacia seyal plantations atWadelbashier Forest Reserve and to estimate financial profitability(US$ ha-1 ) of charcoal production, using net present value (NPV) as adecision criterion. Data on tree growth was collected, using fixed-radiustemporary circular sample plots. Present and harvest age standing woodvolumes were estimated. Market-related data were collected throughstructured interviews of key informants of the staff of Forest NationalCorporation (FNC) of Algadarif State, members of Trade Union ofFuelwood Producers and Traders, and from secondary sources of thestate forestry service. The results indicated that the present standingwood volume (m3 ha-1 ) ranged between 8.4 and 26.2 and that charcoalproduction from A. seyal plantations managed for a rotation of 20 yearsat 12% annual discount rate yielded a negative mean financial NPV ofUS$ ha-1 -30.3 indicating that charcoal production at current stocking,factor costs, output prices, a 12% annual discount rate and a rotationlength of 20 years is not financially profitable. The study concludes thatpolicy and management interventions are inevitable for sustainableproduction.