Search Results (25)

Traditional bricks are still the most widely used building material in Madagascar. Bricks are made from clay that is fired for weeks in open-air kilns (600–750 °C) by using rice husks, peat, charcoal, coal, and wood as fuels. This process contributes significantly to environmental pollution by emitting CO₂ and particles. In addition, the intensive use of wood and charcoal is partly responsible for the deforestation that still taking place on the “Red Island”. The development of sustainable building materials is therefore of global interest. This research provided a solution by implementing the oxyacetic acid derivative of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a binder to reduce energy consumption in the preparation of earthen materials. This product was obtained from cashew nut waste and was used in a proportion of 5 to 15% with the red soil of Madagascar. The materials were formulated at a much lower temperature (60 °C) compared to the traditional process for 24 to 48 hours in a custom-designed mold. The material with 10% oxyacetic binder from CNSL was a compact, hard solid with higher mechanical properties, including a twice higher compressive strength (5.6 MPa compared to 2.2 MPa) and a higher tensile strength (2.2 MPa compared to 1.6 MPa). This material also had better water resistance after 2 months of immersion; traditional clay bricks absorbed 36.65% of the water, and the material with binder only absorbed 12.62%. This research demonstrates that the utilization of local agricultural waste as a binder is a viable strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of traditional building materials while significantly improving their physico-mechanical properties. Full article

Biochar refers to any material that has transformed into an amorphous, graphite-like structure as a result of the thermochemical conversion of organic materials. Incorporating biochar into soil contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change through the sequestration and storage of carbon. There are numerous methods for producing biochar, including pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonization, and flash carbonization. The choice of technology largely depends on the intended use of the biochar and the type of biomass available. However, traditional production processes often face environmental challenges, especially in developing countries. This study introduces several traditional charcoal-burning techniques used around the world and provides an overview of modern industrial biochar production methods. International organizations have developed standards for determining the quality parameters of biochar and have proposed guidelines for its application in soil. According to the available literature, biochar presents a promising opportunity for advancing sustainable agriculture and mitigating climate change. Full article

Brazil is the world’s largest producer of charcoal. Therefore, there is need for improvement in the gravimetric yield of conversion and the reduction of gas emissions, including greenhouse gases (GHGs), released during carbonization. The objective was to apply the methodology of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) to evaluate the emission of GHG, mainly CO₂ and CH₄. The charcoal production kiln-furnace system used was composed of 4 kilns with a capacity of ~6 t of wood, each. The MRV cluster of coal gravimetric yield and gas burners were used to determine the gravimetric yield and burner efficiency and thus evaluate the emission of GHGs generated in the carbonization system. The carbonization was performed in an isolated way producing, in total, 3.34 t of charcoal, with an average gravimetric yield of 25.82%. The MRV methodology was effective for evaluating the GHG emissions. The wood burner reduced by 50% the methane burning and provided a reduction of 0.392 tCO₂ eq (23.91%). The humidity of wood and high precipitation were the main limiting factors in this research, and responsible for the decrease in the gravimetric yield. The kiln-furnace system was effective for a sustainable production with the use of non-continuous carbonization gas burners. Full article

Although charcoal production is a source of income, it is often associated with deforestation due to the felling of trees in rural areas. In this study, we quantified the yield of carbonization in the rural area of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), and identified its determinants. By analyzing 20 kilns of professional producers in different villages, we found that these charcoal producers build large kilns, which contained an average of 46.9 ± 21.5 m³ of wood from 19 species of Miombo woodland trees, with a predominance of Julbernardia paniculata (Benth.) Troupin, alongside Brachystegia microphylla Harms and B. spiciformis Benth. The average carbonization yield was 10.2%, varying from village to village due to parameters such as kiln size, quantity of wood used, kiln coverage time, wind exposure, substrate type, and tree species. It was noted that the moisture content and dimensions of the wood did not significantly correlate with the quantity of charcoal harvested per kiln. Yield improvement should, therefore, take these parameters into account to enable charcoal producers to increase their income while adopting sustainable production practices. Full article

About 80% of Angola’s forest surface is covered by Miombo and Mopane woodlands, which are explored for diverse activities such as fuelwood and food. This study aimed to assess the recovery dynamics of Miombo and Mopane woodlands after the selective cutting of tree species for charcoal production. For that, the structure and composition of plant communities in 37 plots, located in southwestern Angola, were characterized in fallows of different ages. Results showed that the diameter at breast height, basal area, biomass, and biovolume of trees all rose as the age of the fallow increased, and there were no significant differences in richness, diversity, or dominance of trees between adult–young classes or recent–older fallows. In Mopane, fallows took longer to regenerate, were more affected by environmental and anthropogenic factors, and also presented a higher species adaptation to disturbance. There were more sprouter and seeder trees in Miombo, and new kilns were more distant from roads and villages. Moreover, the selective removal of species deeply altered the community structure and dynamics, despite not directly affecting tree diversity. Thus, new management strategies are needed to ensure the survival of these woodlands such as expanding protected areas and increasing systematic research. Full article

Tropical firewood species are of foremost importance for charcoal production worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the moisture content of tropical fuelwood on charcoal production in modified Argentinean half-orange kilns in terms of yield, quality, and economic viability. Ten tropical species from the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, were selected for charcoal production. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design. The moisture content of the firewood was 48.99–79.31%. Temperatures close to 500 °C were obtained in the three kilns, as well as production yields of 28% with a consumption of 6.4 m³ of firewood and 38% with a consumption of 4.5–5 m³. Charcoal moisture values of less than 8%, volatile material of 20–30%, ash < 8%, fixed carbon of 60–70%, and higher heating values of 28–30 MJ kg⁻¹ were obtained. Burn I obtained the highest energy yield of 54%, with a production of 20.87 MWh of charcoal recovered. The production cost of the kiln for the producer is USD 0.00825 (MXN 0.16) per MJ. Full article

The global charcoal trade is steadily growing, with high-income countries importing significant quantities of this material from regions where its production is often associated with severe environmental issues, including forest overexploitation, illegal logging, and environmental pollution. Promoting local charcoal production in high-income countries is crucial to addressing these challenges. In this study, we have chosen to focus on the European context, specifically emphasizing Italy as a case study. Our study aimed to comprehensively compare five distinct charcoal production systems, including both traditional and modern solutions, with a specific focus on evaluating the quality of the resulting charcoal. Additionally, improvements were evaluated to enhance production efficiency. Traditional systems cannot satisfy production requests, resulting in inefficiencies in manpower, costs, times, and yield. Conversely, recent innovations consider mobile and stationary kiln prototypes. Mobile kilns offer flexibility and cost savings but require operator expertise, limit automation, and have long cycles. In contrast, stationary systems operate continuously, increasing productivity and efficiency, despite higher investment costs. Notably, charcoal quality showed minimal differences. These findings highlighted the potential of new technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and environmental impact, and promote sustainable charcoal production. Full article

Charcoal is one of the most essential energy sources in the world and is used mainly for domestic and industrial purposes. Brazilian charcoal production occurs in rudimentary masonry kilns without concern for process safety or energy waste. This work aimed to develop a mini carbonization system of three kilns coupled to a vertical smoke burner for optimized and environmentally correct charcoal and wood vinegar (WV) production on small farms. The project was divided into three parts for dimensioning: the three-kiln set, the WV condensing device, and the smoke burner. The condenser was designed following the procedures from the standards of TEMA (Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association); ASME (Society of Mechanical Engineers of the United States) Section VIII, Division 1; and the NR-13 (Regulatory Standard) of ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards). In contrast to the current scenario, in which primitive carbonization technologies are still employed, bringing about low charcoal yields and significant pollution release, the use of a mini-kiln that allows charcoal production and wood vinegar recovery combined with pollutant smoke burning is an interesting eco-friendly solution. Thus, the mini-kiln model presented here brings a low cost and environmental safety to the charcoal production chain, reaching sustainability parameters and offering higher income opportunities to small producers. Full article

This study aimed to assess the energy performance of three different charcoal production systems: “encosta” kiln, “rectangular” kiln, and “fornalha” kiln. Data collection involved measuring carbonization product yields and essential process variables, enabling determination of material and energy flows, and evaluation of two main energy indicators: the EROI and the energy balance. The study found that all evaluated systems had a negative energy balance, indicating inefficiency. The encosta kiln system displayed the best energy performance with the highest EROI (0.90 ± 0.45) and the greatest energy intensity (264.50 MJ t⁻¹ ± 132.25), despite having faced technological, operational, and mechanization limitations that explained its limited use on a global scale. Research that evaluates the sustainable production of charcoal has grown in recent years, however, and it is necessary to invest in studies that evaluate the existing energy flow. Thus, the energy performance indicators presented in this study offer valuable insights for decision-making in charcoal production, potentially maximizing efficiency of the systems. Optimizing carbonization system energy performance can be achieved by implementing operational parameters focused on reducing avoidable energy losses, such as improving thermal insulation and introducing systems for heat recovery or combustion gas utilization. Full article

Charcoal is a fuelwood commonly used for domestic purposes on the household scale in Africa and Southeast Asia. Earnings from charcoal production contribute to the income of local inhabitants in rural areas. Unfortunately, airborne emissions from the traditional charcoal-making process affect both human health and the ambient environment. A series of studies were performed at a charcoal-making village in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) to assess: (i) air pollutant emissions from the traditional charcoal-making process; (ii) the impacts on human well-being and the environment of traditional charcoal production; (iii) the loading of carbon dioxide from a charcoal-making kiln; and (iv) the efficiency in reducing contaminants of an air pollution-controlling method developed at a charcoal-making kiln. Study results revealed that the traditional charcoal-making method causes a substantial loss of carbon from fuelwood materials and emits the products of incomplete combustion. These contaminants negatively impact human well-being and the environment. Carbon dioxide and incomplete combustion substances emitted from the charcoal-making kiln are potential causes of the global warming phenomenon. The installation of an air pollution-controlling system at the charcoal-making kiln is recommended as an urgent solution before alternatives would be found to control the impacts of charcoal production. Full article

Remnants of old charcoal kilns found at Siam Village in Kubang Badak are about 100 years old, from approximately the same time as World War I. However, little research has been conducted into promoting the antiquity of remnant charcoal kilns as a representation of the historical inheritance of the Siamese community and their early settlement on Langkawi Island. This paper reveals the great potential of the abandoned charcoal kilns as a tourist site and shows the role of heritage conservation through reviewing the conditions. Following the methodology, firstly, charcoal kilns in Malaysia are investigated in term of their natural, cultural, and social history. Secondly, interviews were conducted to examine empirically the community life of that heritage area and the impacts of the charcoal kiln as tourist product. The segmentation of the narration into preservation means, sustainable activities, and historical knowledge is exemplified by extracting important data for taxonomic derivation of heritage conservation, economic, and community development. Finally, a set of guidelines including conservation approaches is proposed to support sustainable tourism development. The findings from the interviews conclude that the conservation of remnant charcoal kilns is vital for the long-term sustainability of cultural heritage tourism. Full article

Charcoal production is an activity that dates back over the years. The objective of the study was to determine the temperature and heating ramp in industrial carbonization processes using different kiln types and to quantify its impact on yield and quality of charcoal from different firewood species. The selection of sites, kiln types, and species investigated was based on those with highest production in Mexico. Brazilian beehive kilns using Arbutus xalapensis, Quercus durifolia, and Quercus sideroxyla species were analyzed; modified Brazilian beehive kilns with Pithecellobium dulce and Tamarindus indica; Argentine half-orange kilns with Quercus magnoliifolia and Q. sideroxyla, industrial metal kilns with Brosimum alicastrum, Vitex gaumeri, Manilkara zapota, and Pouteria unilocularis. The process time, temperature, heating ramp, production yield, and quality of charcoal produced were determined. Data were analyzed in a completely random statistical design. The industrial type kilns showed the highest production yield (>35%), and the Brazilian beehive kilns obtained the longest carbonization time (>240 h). On the other hand, the modified Brazilian beehive kilns obtained the best energetic characteristics (>75% fixed carbon and <16% volatile material). A carbonization process with a slow heating ramp (<1 °C min⁻¹) and temperatures of 500–600 °C can generate a charcoal with export quality. Full article

This study examines the soil environment of eight charcoal kiln platforms and the neighboring soil in Czech and Bohemian low-altitude forest stands. Both mixed and undisturbed soil samples were used to assess the hydrophysical soil properties, nutrient content, cation exchange capacity, enzyme activity, and soil active carbon content, while soil color, stoniness, root density, and horizon thickness were estimated in the field. Charcoal-rich horizons had high total organic carbon concentrations and total nitrogen content (about 150% and 40% higher than in the organomineral horizons of the control plot, respectively), with total carbon stocks being higher than those in neighboring forest soils. Fine root density was highest in the charcoal-rich horizons, encouraged by high soil porosity, aeration, and favorable chemical properties. Enzyme group activity differed between individual soil horizons and kiln and control plots, with depolymerization enzyme activity highest in charcoal-rich horizons and humification enzyme activity highest in mineral horizons. Phosphatase, chitinase, and phenoloxidase activity were highest in charcoal-rich horizons, while β-glucosidase activity remained similar across horizons. After long-term abandonment, kiln sites shift from inhospitable sites to localized hotspots for plant and microbial growth, having more favorable physical, enzymatic, and chemical soil properties than the surrounding areas. This study confirmed that kiln production platforms act as microhabitat hotspots, also providing information on a wide spectrum of soil properties linked with soil microorganisms and root growth. Full article

To reduce waste of woody resources and to implement the circular economy for resource recovery, this research aims to test and analyze the basic properties of charcoal from earthen kiln-burned alien tree species, Cinnamomum Burnmannii, similar to Taiwan’s native Cinnamomum Osmophloeum but a threat to native tree growth. The charcoal production is not for urban energy consumption, but what for develop multi-function value-added products using charcoal various characteristics. The study results showed that the average yield of three-times-burned charcoal in an earthen kiln was 14.7%, the ash 5.96%, gross heating value 6745 kcal/kg, lower heating value 6610 kcal/kg, volatile matter 4.88%, fixed carbon 80.71%, specific surface area (BET) 426.4 m²/g, and pH 9.14. Overall, the Cinnamomum burmannii charcoal burned in this study displayed alkaline, with a high BET value and good adsorption capacity, which contributes to the development of value-added products for removing odors in the air and impurities in water, thus expanding the scope of application of Cinnamomum burmannii and its value creation, minimizing waste, and implementing the concept of the circular economy for resource recovery. In addition, the carbon conservation rate through the burning of Cinnamomum burmannii charcoal can reach 24.11%, reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and achieving positive impacts on environmental carbon reduction. Full article

Most of the charcoal in the world comes from small and medium-sized producers, using rudimentary carbonization kilns that require significant time or energy during the heating and cooling stages of the process. Despite advances in improving the performance, the influence of materials used in the sidewalls of these kilns has been scarcely studied. Therefore, based on numerical simulations, the present study analyses the thermal performance of cylindrical sidewalls composed of combinations of metallic materials, ceramic materials, and insulating blankets grouped in three configurations: configuration I (sidewall with just one material), configuration II (sidewall with two materials assembled in series), and configuration III (pivoting sidewall). Results were encouraging, especially when comparing kiln configuration I with the novel configuration III. Simulations suggested that the proposed configuration III could reduce the heating time by 62%, the cooling time by 91%, the heat supplied to sidewalls by 80%, and the heat loss to the external environment by 99.7%. The save of wood charged into the charcoal kiln grew up to 7.3 times, varying the thickness of the inner layer of the sidewall. Full article