The Cookswell 'Green Cap' Biochar Making Kiln

 A Kenyan Solution for Small-Scale Pyrolysis

The Cookswell 'Green Cap' Charcoal and Biochar Making Kiln is a user designed low cost invention from Kenya for small-scale pyrolysis and biochar production. This kiln offers an efficient, portable and environmentally-friendly solution for converting a wide variety of biomass feedstocks into valuable charcoal and biochar.

Versatile Feedstock Options

One of the key features of the Cookswell 'Green Cap' Kiln is its ability to process a diverse range of biomass materials. From bamboo and maize cobs to coffee and tea bush prunings, as well as flower farm waste, this kiln can effectively carbonize an impressive array of woody feedstocks ranging from 2cm to 15cm in diameter. This versatility allows users to take advantage of locally available resources and minimize waste.

Efficient Charcoal and Biochar Production

The kiln's design enables efficient pyrolysis, resulting in a high charcoal yield. On average, the kiln can produce 25-30 kgs of charcoal from 100 kgs of biomass, with the exact volumetric yield (gunias) depending on the density of the feedstock. For example, a full kiln of lightweight materials like maize cobs can yield around 10-15 kgs of charcoal, while a denser hardwood such as invasive Prosopis juliflora can yield up to 30 kgs in between 4 and hours hours respectively.

Smoke Reduction and Wood Vinegar Collection

A unique feature of the Cookswell 'Green Cap' Kiln is its smoke trap pipe, which significantly reduces smoke production during the carbonization process. This not only improves the user experience but also minimizes the environmental impact. Additionally, the smoke trap pipe allows for the collection of 0.5 and 3 litres of valuable wood vinegar each carbonization round, which can be used for an organic pest control product. It will also collect Stockholm tar for farm use as well. 

You can read more about this useful by-product here https://kenyacharcoal.blogspot.com/2016/05/how-to-make-your-own-wood-vinegar-with.html

Long Term Feedstock Security

The Cookswell 'Green Cap' Kiln comes with step-by-step printed instructions and a pack of indigenous tree seedballs, encouraging users to plant their own forests and promote sustainable charcoal production. This holistic approach helps to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional charcoal production methods.

The Cookswell 'Green Cap' Charcoal and Biochar Making Kiln is an excellent tool in the world of small-scale pyrolysis. Its versatility, efficiency, and environmental benefits make it a valuable tool for businesses, farms, and households that rely on charcoal or seek to produce their own biochar and wood vinegar.

Citations:

[1] https://twitter.com/cookswelljikos/status/1455618806865436675

[2] https://cookswell.co.ke/product/cookswell-charcoal-making-kiln-small/

[3] https://stoves.bioenergylists.org/taxonomy/term/1914

[4] https://cookswell.co.ke/product/cookswell-charcoal-making-kiln-large/

[5] https://stoves.bioenergylists.org/taxonomy/term/49?page=1