[Stoves] TLUD stove design change

[frank]

Dear Stovers,

I have been experimenting with different ways to make biochar using 
pipes and glass (see through) TLUD units. The quality of the TLUD 
biochar is very dependent on the particle size and uniformity coeff of 
the fuel. If the particles differ (sawdust in one pie slice and chip in 
another) the flame will channel down and there will be sections of 
torrified fuel. And the gases release rate vary. This is a much smaller 
stove than what Paul Anderson is using but I think the problem may still 
occur as indicated by the variation of biochar quality.

When I place a pipe in a furnace and heat to 450 deg C  all the gases 
stream out the small hole at one end and completes in 30 minutes from 
the time temperature has been reached. Complete char is then removed. 
I'm thinking a good design would be to pack fuel into a pipe with a 
small tube attached at one end to a burner on the outside. Then heat the 
pipe to 110 deg C to remove the water and seal until ready to use. Have 
several lined up ready. Place the pipe into a larger insulated pipe with 
the hole at the top fitted to the burner. Build a small fire in the 
larger pipe and under the smaller pipe with sticks and controlled air. 
Quickly the pipe will release pyrolyze gases to the burner under 
pressure. A second smaller tube could be directed back to the fire at 
the bottom (?) to continue that. With very controlled heat between 350 
and 450 an even, complete, and  controlled release of gases could occur 
until all is finished at the final 450 deg. C. Then the pipe is removed 
and replaced with a second if needed. An excellent quality char is 
produced. Never tried it but seems like a good idea : )

something like that.

Regards
Frank

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-- 
Frank Shields
Soil Control Lab
42 Hangar way
Watsonville, CA  95076
(831) 724-5422 tel
(831) 724-3188 fax
frank at compostlab.com
www.compostlab.com