Bio Charbon/en : Différence entre versions

 
(111 révisions intermédiaires par 3 utilisateurs non affichées)
Ligne 16 : Ligne 16 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Introduction
 
{{Introduction
|Introduction=Global Context
+
|Introduction='''Global Context'''
  
For several decades, Senegal suffers from the huge pressure on their natural resources, 42% of the forest area in Senegal has disappeared since 1960.  
+
For several decades, Senegal suffers from the high pressure on its natural resources, with 42% of the forest area in Senegal has disappeared since 1960. Strong demographic increase, abusive logging for fuel, non-lasting agricultural practices, and bush fires (350000 ha/an) are the principal causes.
Strong demographic increase, abusive logging for fuel, non-lasting agricultural practices and bush fires (350000 ha/an) are the principle causes.
 
  
 
Therefore, we assist in irregularities, lack of rain, as well as recurring droughts.
 
Therefore, we assist in irregularities, lack of rain, as well as recurring droughts.
  
Energy situation in Senegal
+
'''Energy situation in Senegal'''
  
In Senegal, 84% of the household fuel consumption is represented by wood and charcoal. For example, every year, the population uses 58kg of coal per habitant. This consumption encourages logging and puts pressure on the country's natural resources.
+
In Senegal, 84% of household fuel consumption comes from wood and charcoal. For example, every year, the population uses 58kg of coal per habitant. This consumption encourages logging and puts pressure on the natural resources of the country.
  
Advantages of Bio-Coal
+
'''Advantages of Bio-Coal'''
  
 
The bio-coal, made from agricultural waste (such as straws, peanut shells, or even bush straws) can replace charcoal.
 
The bio-coal, made from agricultural waste (such as straws, peanut shells, or even bush straws) can replace charcoal.
  
Bio-coal can also offer economical and social advantages on the ecological level:
+
Bio-coal can also offer economic and social advantages on the ecological level:
  
Due to the economic framework, although a light consumption of regular coal is necessary, bio-coal is more advantageous to family users. In the  Kaolack region, the bio-coal sells for 150 CFA per kilo, whereas charcoal sells for 250 to 300 CFA per kilo.* (NEBEDAY association)
+
In terms of the economic framework, although a light consumption of regular coal is necessary, bio-coal is more advantageous to family users. In the  Kaolack region, the bio-coal sells for 150 CFA per kilo, whereas charcoal sells for 250 to 300 CFA per kilo.* (NEBEDAY association)
  
On the environmental framework, the development of bush straws and agricultural wastes as renewable biomasses decreases the risk of starting a bush fire. And therefore strengthen the preservation of the forest and its biodiversity.
+
In terms of the environmental framework, the development of bush straws and agricultural wastes as renewable biomasses decreases the risk of starting bush fires. And therefore strengthen the preservation of the forest and its biodiversity.
  
Finally, charcoal made from straws is used on the same conditions as charcoal, hence respecting the local culinary traditions, which could make the local population accept using bio-charcoal quicker.
+
Finally, charcoal made from straws is used under the same conditions as charcoal. Hence, it respects the local culinary traditions, which allows the local population to accept using bio-charcoal quicker.
  
 
"This tutorial is produced in partner with the  [http://www.nebeday.org Nebeday] association , who developed numerous programmes for the  participative management of natural resources by and for the local population in Senegal."
 
"This tutorial is produced in partner with the  [http://www.nebeday.org Nebeday] association , who developed numerous programmes for the  participative management of natural resources by and for the local population in Senegal."
Ligne 60 : Ligne 59 :
 
*Pestle
 
*Pestle
 
*Sieve
 
*Sieve
*Baler
+
*Press machine
 
*Drying racks
 
*Drying racks
 
*Metal mould for standardising the size of the briquettes
 
*Metal mould for standardising the size of the briquettes
Ligne 75 : Ligne 74 :
 
|Step_Content=The most important stage in the making of bio-coal briquettes is 'Carbonisation'.
 
|Step_Content=The most important stage in the making of bio-coal briquettes is 'Carbonisation'.
  
This process is usually done within a carbonisation machine, here, it is done with the metal barrel. The driest biomasses are placed in the barrel and ignited so that it progressively reaches around 400 to 500°C.
+
This process is usually done within a carbonisation machine. Here, it is done with the metal barrel. The driest biomasses are placed in the barrel and ignited so that it gradually reaches around 400 to 500°C.
  
'''Attention :''' The best carbonisation proceeding depends on the good management of the supply of oxygen in the system. It's the oxygen that allows combustion and energy releasing reaction. However, if the supply of oxygen is too strong, it risk burning the raw materials in place of producing the desired coal.
+
'''Attention :''' The best carbonisation proceeding depends on the management of the oxygen supply in the system. It's the oxygen that allows combustion and energy-releasing reaction. However, if the supply of oxygen is too strong, it risks burning the raw materials in place of producing the desired coal.
  
 
'''1 -''' Ignition
 
'''1 -''' Ignition
Ligne 83 : Ligne 82 :
 
'''2 -''' After igniting, the temperature will gradually rise to 100°C, where the humidity (around 10%) contained in the biomass evaporates.
 
'''2 -''' After igniting, the temperature will gradually rise to 100°C, where the humidity (around 10%) contained in the biomass evaporates.
  
The temperature then rises to 280°C. This phase is called endothermic reaction, where energy is needed in order to work. This energy is supplied by a complete combustion of a small part of the straws in the carbonisation machine. The dryer the straws, the less energy will be necessary.
+
The temperature will then rise to around 280°C. This phase is called endothermic reaction, where energy is needed to work. This energy is supplied by the complete combustion of a small part of the straws in the carbonisation machine. The dryer the straws, the less energy will be necessary.
  
'''3 -''' Once it passed 280°C, the pyrolyse phase starts. The straws decompose into coal, tar and other elements. This is called the exothermic reaction, where energy is released. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the oxygen supply when closing the carbonisation machine to avoid total combustion of the straws. The unconstrained heat by the pyrolyse would raise the temperature to 400°C, until all straws are reduced to coal, tar and other compounds.
+
Once it passed 280°C, the pyrolyse phase starts. The straws decompose into coal, tar, and other elements. This is called the exothermic reaction, where energy is released. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the oxygen supply when closing the carbonisation machine to avoid total combustion of the straws. The unconstrained heat by the pyrolyse would raise the temperature to 400°C until all straws reduce to coal, tar, and other compounds.
  
'''Attention :''' the quality of coal obtained at 400°C is not the optimal (65% pure carbon). A temperature of 500°C allows the production of better quality coal (around 85% of pure carbon). Therefore, a supply of energy is needed by the combustion of a part of the created coal, to raise the temperate to 500°C.  
+
'''Attention :''' the quality of coal obtained at 400°C is not optimal (65% pure carbon). A temperature of 500°C allows for better quality production of coal (around 85% of pure carbon). Therefore, the combustion of a part of the created coal is needed as an energy supply to raise the temperature to 500. The difficulty of carbonisation is therefore controlling the inflow of oxygen to ensure that the combustion of coal is kept as minimal as possible for the production of good quality coal.
The difficulty of carbonisation is therefore controlling the inflow of oxygen in order to ensure that the combustion of coal is kept as minimal as possible for the production of good quality coal.
 
  
 
"Experiments and attempts allow us to have a better understanding of this procedure to reach maximum productivity."
 
"Experiments and attempts allow us to have a better understanding of this procedure to reach maximum productivity."
Ligne 96 : Ligne 94 :
 
|Step_Content='''1)''' Open the trapdoor on one end (1) of the 200L metal barrel.
 
|Step_Content='''1)''' Open the trapdoor on one end (1) of the 200L metal barrel.
  
'''2)''' Pierce a number of holes on the other end (2).
+
'''2)''' Pierce a lot of holes on the other end (2).
  
'''3)''' Réaliser un couvercle amovible avec cette extrémité (2).
+
'''3)''' Make a removable cover with this end (2).
  
'''4)''' Souder des pieds et poignées pour la manipulation du Carbonisateur, l'extrémité amovible (2) étant le bas du système lors de la carbonisation.
+
'''4)''' Weld the foot and handle for manipulating the Carbonisation machine, with the removable end (2) being the base of the system during carbonisation.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_Carbonisateur 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_Carbonisateur 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_Carbonisateur 2.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_Carbonisateur 2.PNG
Ligne 106 : Ligne 104 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Récolte de la paille
+
|Step_Title=Gathering the straws
|Step_Content=Récolter la paille en brousse ou dans les champs après moisson, selon  les disponibilités.
+
|Step_Content=Gather the straws in bushes or the field after harvest, depending on the availability.
  
 
'''Attention'''
 
'''Attention'''
Il est important que la paille soit bien séchée par le soleil avant la récolte.
+
It is important to dry the straws under the sun after gathering.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Remplissage du Carbonisateur
+
|Step_Title=Filling the Carbonisation Machine
|Step_Content='''1)''' Placer le carbonisateur avec l'extrémité amovible vers le haut.
+
|Step_Content='''1)''' Place the carbonisation machine with the removable end facing upwards.
  
'''2)''' Placer un cylindre au centre du fût, on peut utiliser un manche d'outil par exemple.
+
'''2)''' Place a cylinder in the middle of the barrel. For example, a tool handle could be used for this step.
  
'''Remarque'''
+
'''Remark'''
Le trou central réalisé à l'aide du cylindre servira à la bonne mise à feu du système.
+
The hole in the middle, made with a cylinder, will start the system.
  
'''3)''' Remplir de paille en prenant soins de bien tasser.
+
'''3)''' Fill the straws, making sure it is pressed down.
  
'''4)''' Retirer le cylindre.
+
'''4)''' Pull out the cylinder
  
'''5)''' Repositionner le couvercle amovible en vérifiant bien son blocage.
+
'''5)''' Reposition the removable cover, making sure that it is well covered.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_3 charger paille.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_3 charger paille.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_4 charger paille 4.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_4 charger paille 4.PNG
Ligne 131 : Ligne 129 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Allumage
+
|Step_Title=Ignition
|Step_Content='''1)''' Retourner le carbonisateur, l'extrémité avec la trappe ouverte doit être vers le haut.
+
|Step_Content='''1)''' Turn the carbonisation machine over with the end with the open trapdoor should be facing upwards.
  
'''2)''' A l'aide d'un râteau, dégager sur le sol une cuvette de terre d'un diamètre légèrement supérieur à celui du carbonisateur. Garder tout autour une couronne de terre.
+
'''2)''' With the help of a rake, remove a bowl of soil with a diameter slightly larger than the carbonisation machine. Keep a ring of soil all around.
  
'''3)''' Positionner le fût au centre de cette cuvette, l'air doit pouvoir circuler sous le carbonisateur.
+
'''3)''' Position the barrel in the centre of the ring. The air should be able to circulate under the carbonisation machine.
  
'''Attention''' Avant l'allumage, s'assurer de travailler dans un endroit très ventilé, en extérieur. Le processus dégage des fumées et gaz.
+
'''Attention''' Before igniting, make sure the work area is outdoors and well ventilated. The process releases smoke and gas.
  
'''4)''' Allumer la paille par la trappe et laisser ouvert.
+
'''4)''' Light up the straw by the trapdoor and leave it open.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_1 allumage.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_1 allumage.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_2 allumage.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_2 allumage.PNG
Ligne 148 : Ligne 146 :
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
 
|Step_Title=Carbonisation
 
|Step_Title=Carbonisation
|Step_Content='''1)''' Laisser brûler la paille environ 30 minutes jusqu'à ce que la flamme devienne plus claire, avec peu de fumée visible.
+
|Step_Content='''1)''' Leave the straw to burn for around 30 minutes until the flames become clearer, with less visible smoke.
  
'''2)''' Fermer la trappe
+
'''2)''' Close the trapdoor
  
'''3)''' Colmater la trappe avec de la terre humide afin d’empêcher l'arrivée d'oxygène.
+
'''3)''' Seal the trapdoor with moist soil to stop the inflow of oxygen.
  
'''4)''' Rabattre la terre sur la base du fût afin d’empêcher l'entrée d'oxygène par le bas.
+
'''4)''' Move the soil back under the bottom of the barrel to stop the oxygen from entering the base.
  
'''5)''' Laisser fermé pendant 15 minutes.
+
'''5)''' Leave it closed for 15 minutes.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_carbonisation 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_carbonisation 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_carbonisation 2.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_carbonisation 2.PNG
Ligne 163 : Ligne 161 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Premier mélange
+
|Step_Title=First mixture
|Step_Content='''1)''' Ouvrir le carbonisateur et le vider dans un récipient.
+
|Step_Content='''1)''' Open the carbonisation machine and empty it in a container.
  
'''Attention''' Travailler avec des gants et lunettes de protection, le fût est très chaud.
+
'''Attention''' Work with safety gloves and goggles at all times, the barrel is extremely hot.
  
'''2)''' Pour 20kg de matière carbonisée (poussier), ajouter 20 L d'eau et 4 kilo d'argile.
+
'''2)''' For 20kg of carbonised material (coal-dust), add 20L of water and 4 kilos of clay.
  
'''3)''' Bien mélanger à l'aide d'un râteau.
+
'''3)''' Mix well with a rake.
  
'''4)''' Récolter le mélange en l'égouttant correctement.
+
'''4)''' Gather the mixture and drain properly.
  
'''5)''' Étendre sur une bâche pour faire sécher le mélange au soleil.
+
'''5)''' Spread the mixture across the drying rack to dry it under the sun.
  
'''6)''' Stocker le poussier sec à l'abris de l'humidité.
+
'''6)''' Store the dried coal dust in a cool and dry place.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_premier melange 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_premier melange 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_premier melange 2.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_premier melange 2.PNG
Ligne 184 : Ligne 182 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Deuxième mélange
+
|Step_Title=Second mixture
|Step_Content=Le poussier ne peut être utilisé tel quel pour faire des briquettes, on lui applique un second mélange :
+
|Step_Content=The coal dust itself can not be used for making briquettes. It is necessary to apply a second mixture:
  
'''1)''' Étendre une bâche au sol.
+
'''1)''' Spread the tarpaulin on the ground.
  
'''2)''' Préparer sur la bâche 50 kg de poussier sec issus du mélange précédent.
+
'''2)''' On the tarpaulin, prepare 50kg of dried coal dust from the previous mixture.
  
'''3)''' Pour 50 kg de poussier, peser et préparer 15 kg de coques d'arachide broyées.
+
'''3)''' For 50kg of coal-dust weigh and prepare 15kg of crushed peanut shells.
  
'''4)''' Peser et préparer 1.5 kg d'argile pilée et tamisée.
+
'''4)''' Weigh and prepare 1.5kg of crushed and sieved clay.
  
'''Remarque 1''' La coque d'arachide broyée, non carbonisée, permet à la briquette d'être plus puissante, notamment à l'allumage. L'argile sert de liant.
+
'''Remark 1''' The crushed peanut shells, non-carbonised, allows the briquettes to be stronger, especially when burning. The clay serves as the binder.
  
'''5)''' Incorporer l'argile à la coque d'arachide en prenant soins d'homogénéiser le mélange.
+
'''5)''' Incorporate the clay in the peanut shells, making sure to homogenise the mixture
  
'''Remarque 2''' Pour rendre le mélange argile/arachide/poussier homogène, étaler l'un des ingrédients au sol, disposer le second par dessus. A l'aide d'une pelle, rabattre le mélange par petites pelletées, d'abord vers l'extérieur puis vers l'intérieur.
+
'''Remark 2''' To fully blend the mixture of clay, peanut shells, and coal dust, spread one of the ingredients out on the ground and place the second one over it. With the help of a shovel, fold the mixture with little shovelfuls. First towards the outside, then towards the inside.
  
'''6)''' Incorporer le mélange argile/arachide au poussier, en prenant soins d'homogénéiser le mélange.
+
'''6)''' Incorporate the clay/peanut mixture to the coal dust, making sure to homogenise the mixture.
  
'''7)''' Mettre le mélange dans un récipient et y ajouter 50 L d'eau tout en mélangeant.
+
'''7)''' Place the mixture in a container and add 50L of water while mixing.
  
'''8)''' Réaliser le test de bonne proportion du mélange: Faire une boule avec les mains puis la lâcher d'1 m de hauteur. La boule doit se tenir. Si elle se casse, il n'y a pas assez d'eau, si elle s'écrase de façon importante, il y a trop d'eau.
+
'''8)''' Testing the proportion of the mixture: Make a ball with your hands and release it 1m above the ground. The ball should hold. If it breaks, there isn't enough water. If it is crushed, there is too much water.
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_deuxieme melange 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_deuxieme melange 1.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_deuxieme melange 2.PNG
 
|Step_Picture_01=Bio_Charbon_deuxieme melange 2.PNG
Ligne 214 : Ligne 212 :
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Pressage
+
|Step_Title=Pressing
|Step_Content='''Remarque''' Il existe de nombreux types de presses, de très accessibles d'autres plus complexes et coûteuses comme les ''presses à vis sans fin'' utilisées ici. Celle-ci a un réel avantage quand il y a accès à l’électricité. Sinon des presses manuelles plus simples sont préférables pour réduire la pénibilité du travail.
+
|Step_Content='''Remark'''Several presses exists. Some are more accessible while others are more complex and expensive. The "worm screw press" used in this tutorial is the latter. This press has a real advantage with its access to electricity. Otherwise, some simpler manual press is preferable for reducing the difficulty of the work.
  
'''1)''' Une fois la presse en action, insérer le mélange au fur et à mesure.
+
'''1)''' Once the press is in action, insert the mixture in as you go.
  
'''2)''' Extruder les briquettes à la longueur souhaitée (ici 20 cm).
+
'''2)''' Extrude the briquettes at the desired length (which is 20cm here).
  
'''3)''' Disposer les briquettes sur des claies de séchage.
+
'''3)''' Place the briquettes on the drying racks.
  
'''4)''' A l'aide de l'empreinte, couper les bords des briquettes afin de standardiser le format à la longueur voulue.
+
'''4)''' with the help of the mould, cut the edges of the briquettes for standardising to the desired length.
  
'''Attention''' L'utilisation des ''presses à vis sans fin'' nécessite une attention particulière pour la sécurité lors de l'approvisionnement en mélange.  
+
'''Attention''' When using the "worm screw press", it is necessary to pay particular attention for safety reasons when supplying the mixture.  
Il faut au moins 2 personnes pour être efficace: une personne chargée de l'approvisionnement et une personne chargée des briquettes.
+
 
 +
At least 2 people need to be present to be efficient. One person should be responsible for supplying and the other person should be responsible for the briquettes.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Séchage et Empaquetage
+
|Step_Title=Drying and Packing
|Step_Content='''1)''' Mettre les claies au soleil durant 3 ou 4 jours le temps que les briquettes sèchent.
+
|Step_Content='''1)''' Place the racks under the sun for 3 to 4 days to dry the briquettes.
  
'''2)''' Empaqueter les briquettes pour le stockage et la vente.
+
'''2)''' Pack the briquettes for storage and sales.
  
'''Attention''' Bien protéger les briquettes en cas de pluie.
+
'''Attention''' Make sure the briquettes are well protected in case of rain.
  
'''Remarque''' Ici, les briquettes sont empaquetées 2 par 2 dans des sacs de ciments revaloriser.
+
'''Remark''' Here, the briquettes are packed 2 by 2 in bags of revalued cement.
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Tuto Step
 
{{Tuto Step
|Step_Title=Contenu pédagogique à télécharger
+
|Step_Title=Educational content to download
|Step_Content=Vous pouvez télécharger une fiche pédagogique créée par le Low-tech Lab dans la partie "Fichiers" du tutoriel (onglet au niveau de la section "Outils-Matériaux").
+
|Step_Content=You can download an educational file created by Low-tech lab in the "files" tab of the tutorial (tab under the section Tools & Materials)
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_charbon.JPG
 
|Step_Picture_00=Bio_Charbon_charbon.JPG
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Notes
 
{{Notes
|Notes=* Association Nebeday: www.nebeday.org
+
|Notes=*NEBEDAY association: www.nebeday.org
* FAO: www.fao.org
+
*FAO: www.fao.org
 +
 
 +
Watch the video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-vJ9S3iRJM Arte Future - Cap sur l'innovation].
  
Visionner la vidéo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-vJ9S3iRJM Arte Future - Cap sur l'innovation].
+
Feel free to comment, share, and enhance the tutorial information useful for its improvement.
  
N'hésitez pas à commenter, partager, et agrémenter le tutoriel d'informations utiles à son amélioration.
+
Thank you to Emily Ngai for the English translation !
  
L’équipe du Low-Tech Lab vous invite également à consulter sa Biblilowtech.
+
Thank you to Viridiana Arenas for the Spanish translation !
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{PageLang
 
{{PageLang

Version actuelle datée du 25 mai 2021 à 11:18

Tutorial de avatarLow-tech Lab | Catégories : Alimentation, Énergie

Bio Charbon Sechage Charbon Vert (c) Pierre Alain (GOB).JPG

Introduction

Global Context

For several decades, Senegal suffers from the high pressure on its natural resources, with 42% of the forest area in Senegal has disappeared since 1960. Strong demographic increase, abusive logging for fuel, non-lasting agricultural practices, and bush fires (350000 ha/an) are the principal causes.

Therefore, we assist in irregularities, lack of rain, as well as recurring droughts.

Energy situation in Senegal

In Senegal, 84% of household fuel consumption comes from wood and charcoal. For example, every year, the population uses 58kg of coal per habitant. This consumption encourages logging and puts pressure on the natural resources of the country.

Advantages of Bio-Coal

The bio-coal, made from agricultural waste (such as straws, peanut shells, or even bush straws) can replace charcoal.

Bio-coal can also offer economic and social advantages on the ecological level:

In terms of the economic framework, although a light consumption of regular coal is necessary, bio-coal is more advantageous to family users. In the Kaolack region, the bio-coal sells for 150 CFA per kilo, whereas charcoal sells for 250 to 300 CFA per kilo.* (NEBEDAY association)

In terms of the environmental framework, the development of bush straws and agricultural wastes as renewable biomasses decreases the risk of starting bush fires. And therefore strengthen the preservation of the forest and its biodiversity.

Finally, charcoal made from straws is used under the same conditions as charcoal. Hence, it respects the local culinary traditions, which allows the local population to accept using bio-charcoal quicker.

"This tutorial is produced in partner with the Nebeday association , who developed numerous programmes for the participative management of natural resources by and for the local population in Senegal."

Video d'introduction

Matériaux

  • Agricultural residue : straws

For 50 kilo of straws

  • 100L water
  • 5.5kg clay
  • 15 kg crushed peanut shells

Outils

  • 200L metal barrel turned pyrolyzer (for carbonisation)
  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Mask and safety gloves
  • Big container for mixing
  • Tarpaulin
  • Pestle
  • Sieve
  • Press machine
  • Drying racks
  • Metal mould for standardising the size of the briquettes

Étape 1 - Discussion

Provide us with you remarks, ideas, experiences here to help us improve this lowtech!

Étape 2 - How it works

The most important stage in the making of bio-coal briquettes is 'Carbonisation'.

This process is usually done within a carbonisation machine. Here, it is done with the metal barrel. The driest biomasses are placed in the barrel and ignited so that it gradually reaches around 400 to 500°C.

Attention : The best carbonisation proceeding depends on the management of the oxygen supply in the system. It's the oxygen that allows combustion and energy-releasing reaction. However, if the supply of oxygen is too strong, it risks burning the raw materials in place of producing the desired coal.

1 - Ignition

2 - After igniting, the temperature will gradually rise to 100°C, where the humidity (around 10%) contained in the biomass evaporates.

The temperature will then rise to around 280°C. This phase is called endothermic reaction, where energy is needed to work. This energy is supplied by the complete combustion of a small part of the straws in the carbonisation machine. The dryer the straws, the less energy will be necessary.

Once it passed 280°C, the pyrolyse phase starts. The straws decompose into coal, tar, and other elements. This is called the exothermic reaction, where energy is released. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the oxygen supply when closing the carbonisation machine to avoid total combustion of the straws. The unconstrained heat by the pyrolyse would raise the temperature to 400°C until all straws reduce to coal, tar, and other compounds.

Attention : the quality of coal obtained at 400°C is not optimal (65% pure carbon). A temperature of 500°C allows for better quality production of coal (around 85% of pure carbon). Therefore, the combustion of a part of the created coal is needed as an energy supply to raise the temperature to 500. The difficulty of carbonisation is therefore controlling the inflow of oxygen to ensure that the combustion of coal is kept as minimal as possible for the production of good quality coal.

"Experiments and attempts allow us to have a better understanding of this procedure to reach maximum productivity."

Étape 3 - The Carbonisation Machine

1) Open the trapdoor on one end (1) of the 200L metal barrel.

2) Pierce a lot of holes on the other end (2).

3) Make a removable cover with this end (2).

4) Weld the foot and handle for manipulating the Carbonisation machine, with the removable end (2) being the base of the system during carbonisation.


Étape 4 - Gathering the straws

Gather the straws in bushes or the field after harvest, depending on the availability.

Attention It is important to dry the straws under the sun after gathering.

Étape 5 - Filling the Carbonisation Machine

1) Place the carbonisation machine with the removable end facing upwards.

2) Place a cylinder in the middle of the barrel. For example, a tool handle could be used for this step.

Remark The hole in the middle, made with a cylinder, will start the system.

3) Fill the straws, making sure it is pressed down.

4) Pull out the cylinder

5) Reposition the removable cover, making sure that it is well covered.


Étape 6 - Ignition

1) Turn the carbonisation machine over with the end with the open trapdoor should be facing upwards.

2) With the help of a rake, remove a bowl of soil with a diameter slightly larger than the carbonisation machine. Keep a ring of soil all around.

3) Position the barrel in the centre of the ring. The air should be able to circulate under the carbonisation machine.

Attention Before igniting, make sure the work area is outdoors and well ventilated. The process releases smoke and gas.

4) Light up the straw by the trapdoor and leave it open.


Étape 7 - Carbonisation

1) Leave the straw to burn for around 30 minutes until the flames become clearer, with less visible smoke.

2) Close the trapdoor

3) Seal the trapdoor with moist soil to stop the inflow of oxygen.

4) Move the soil back under the bottom of the barrel to stop the oxygen from entering the base.

5) Leave it closed for 15 minutes.


Étape 8 - First mixture

1) Open the carbonisation machine and empty it in a container.

Attention Work with safety gloves and goggles at all times, the barrel is extremely hot.

2) For 20kg of carbonised material (coal-dust), add 20L of water and 4 kilos of clay.

3) Mix well with a rake.

4) Gather the mixture and drain properly.

5) Spread the mixture across the drying rack to dry it under the sun.

6) Store the dried coal dust in a cool and dry place.

Étape 9 - Second mixture

The coal dust itself can not be used for making briquettes. It is necessary to apply a second mixture:

1) Spread the tarpaulin on the ground.

2) On the tarpaulin, prepare 50kg of dried coal dust from the previous mixture.

3) For 50kg of coal-dust weigh and prepare 15kg of crushed peanut shells.

4) Weigh and prepare 1.5kg of crushed and sieved clay.

Remark 1 The crushed peanut shells, non-carbonised, allows the briquettes to be stronger, especially when burning. The clay serves as the binder.

5) Incorporate the clay in the peanut shells, making sure to homogenise the mixture

Remark 2 To fully blend the mixture of clay, peanut shells, and coal dust, spread one of the ingredients out on the ground and place the second one over it. With the help of a shovel, fold the mixture with little shovelfuls. First towards the outside, then towards the inside.

6) Incorporate the clay/peanut mixture to the coal dust, making sure to homogenise the mixture.

7) Place the mixture in a container and add 50L of water while mixing.

8) Testing the proportion of the mixture: Make a ball with your hands and release it 1m above the ground. The ball should hold. If it breaks, there isn't enough water. If it is crushed, there is too much water.

Étape 10 - Pressing

RemarkSeveral presses exists. Some are more accessible while others are more complex and expensive. The "worm screw press" used in this tutorial is the latter. This press has a real advantage with its access to electricity. Otherwise, some simpler manual press is preferable for reducing the difficulty of the work.

1) Once the press is in action, insert the mixture in as you go.

2) Extrude the briquettes at the desired length (which is 20cm here).

3) Place the briquettes on the drying racks.

4) with the help of the mould, cut the edges of the briquettes for standardising to the desired length.

Attention When using the "worm screw press", it is necessary to pay particular attention for safety reasons when supplying the mixture.

At least 2 people need to be present to be efficient. One person should be responsible for supplying and the other person should be responsible for the briquettes.

Étape 11 - Drying and Packing

1) Place the racks under the sun for 3 to 4 days to dry the briquettes.

2) Pack the briquettes for storage and sales.

Attention Make sure the briquettes are well protected in case of rain.

Remark Here, the briquettes are packed 2 by 2 in bags of revalued cement.

Étape 12 - Educational content to download

You can download an educational file created by Low-tech lab in the "files" tab of the tutorial (tab under the section Tools & Materials)




Notes et références

  • NEBEDAY association: www.nebeday.org
  • FAO: www.fao.org

Watch the video Arte Future - Cap sur l'innovation.

Feel free to comment, share, and enhance the tutorial information useful for its improvement.

Thank you to Emily Ngai for the English translation !

Thank you to Viridiana Arenas for the Spanish translation !

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