Kiln for bamboo charcoal production and light distillate developed

Good quality charcoal and light distillate can be produced from kawayan tinik and botok using a kiln furnace.

The kiln is a product of the study “Design and fabrication of kiln for bamboo charcoal and light distillate / pyroligneous liquor production” by Engr. Belen Bisana, Mr. Dante B. Pulmano, Engr. Amando Allan M. Bondad, and Ms. Carolyn Marie C. Garcia of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute - Department of Science and Technology.

The furnace was constructed by using cast iron grates and castable refractory cement as insulator capable of withstanding 1,350^oC. Its kiln, chimney, and smoke collector were made of stainless steel. The smoke condenser was made of jointed bamboo culms. Layers of gravel, sand, and ash served as the base of the assembly. Kakawate bolts were arranged on top of the base, coated with ash and used as support. It can adequately process 90 kg of air-dried bamboo at a time.

Experts claim that charcoal derived from bamboo can perform like activated carbon, hence can purify water, remove odor, keep food fresh, and maintain soil alkalinity. It is also believed that the infrared rays emitted by the charcoal can help maintain normal blood circulation. It can also be used in electronics and battery manufacture.

On the other hand, the bamboo light distillate or pyroligneus liquor (PL) formed during the process has diverse high-value uses as it can treat allergies and sore throat; can be used as an antiseptic, skin and hair conditioner, and air cleaner as the distillation of smoke to PL minimizes the pollution inherent in charcoaling operation, among others.

The IN-HAND Abra Foundation in Calaba, Bangued, Abra has adopted the use of the kiln. Five kilns are now operating with some 100 families benefiting from the technology.

Investment profile made for the technology shows that firms that sell charcoal and light distillate locally have a return-on-investment of 33% and for export, more than 100%. Payback period is 3 years and 2.3 months for the first and second scenarios, respectively.

This study won the top prize in the best paper award under the development category during the National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development held by PCARRD last 10 November 2006. (Ricardo A. Argana and Butch S. Pagcaliwagan, S&T Media Service)