Bodidly
« on: June 30, 2015, 02:02:04 PM »
Hi all. Wondering if any of you have any bright ideas on how to build a retort. My current one is steel and works great but the steel is not going to last long with the temperatures involved. I have looked into fireproof bricks but they are too expensive for something as unprofitable as making charcoal.
This is my current set up to give you an idea as to what is needed.
The barrels work fine and are cheap enough to replace but the outer chamber takes a hammering with each burn and is buckling more and more. I do need to put a front on during the burn but some old corrugated sheets would probably suffice. Be intrested in any lattaral ideas you all might have.
Thanks
« Last Edit: June 30, 2015, 02:11:41 PM by Bodidly »
garethpuk
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2015, 10:16:08 PM »
Looks like it's an old water tank? Was it fairly thin to start with? I'm no expert on making charcoal but something makes me think the retorts are usually quite thick steel and round? (just been watching grand designs and Ben law was making charcoal)
How about finding a local engineering firm who could roll some say 4 or 5mm plate into a tube and weld the seam
Is stainless more heat resistant? Maybe some sort of scrap stainless tank with the ends cut off to leave an open bottom and to use as a removable lid, an ex dairy tank any good?
Possibly more random thoughts to follow!
Bodidly
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2015, 11:03:34 PM »
I like random thoughts Gareth
You are quite right about it being an old water tank but is a fairly heavy plate. Yes steel is the convention but does fail over time round or square. There is a production retort in heavy round steel that I know needs beating back into shape after a few hundred burns. Not sure on stainless and had considered looking for some sort of scrap dairy tank but most of the local scrap boys have pretty clear yards and leave little to pick through.
renewablejohn
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2015, 11:35:55 PM »
Your ideal solution would be a thermal oil rotary plate dryer but there soooo expensive even 2nd hand.
Bodidly
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2015, 03:25:31 PM »
Yes can't spend too much John. This is not really a serious business if you look at the hours involved more a hobby that makes a few quid.
smegal
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2015, 03:32:52 PM »
Yes can't spend too much John. This is not really a serious business if you look at the hours involved more a hobby that makes a few quid.
What about using cob instead of bricks? (minus the straw) maybe reinforced with something like this.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230867481610
« Last Edit: July 01, 2015, 05:29:08 PM by smegal »
When you’re thirsty, it’s too late to dig a well. - Unknown
Bodidly
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2015, 04:54:33 PM »
Off to look up cob now. Thanks smegal
desperate
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2015, 05:08:43 PM »
Howsabout build a kiln out of ordinary thermalite blocks and have a cast iron pipe going right through it so timber could be fed through the pipes and the charcoal would drop out the other end. If you rendered up the inside of the thermalites with a fire cement render that would be good for at least 1200 degC. Not quite sure how you would stop the charcoal burning inside the pipes though, maybe a batch system with loose fitting plugs at each end?
Sounds like a good fun project to me
Desp
smegal
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2015, 05:29:40 PM »
Off to look up cob now. Thanks smegal
I have no idea what temperatures it can take, but may be worth a look. People seem to make pizza ovens from it.
When you’re thirsty, it’s too late to dig a well. - Unknown
mr_magicfingers
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2015, 10:12:43 PM »
was just contemplating a charcoal retort today as I walked through our wood and looked at the old coppice. Was wondering if a rocket stove would work, built around a barrel
Solar PV: 6kw (24 x REC 250w), Sunny Boy 3600TL-21, roof facing 178° at 40° slope.
Philip R
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2015, 11:08:24 PM »
If you are travellingnear the Scottish borders take a couple of hours and visit the gas works museum in Biggar. Very interesting.
Bodidly
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2015, 07:34:07 AM »
If you are travellingnear the Scottish borders take a couple of hours and visit the gas works museum in Biggar. Very interesting.
I get your point but we use the small branch wood that in the past we would have been burnt up in a brash pile in the field. A retort is much cleaner than a traditional ring kiln and imported charcoal well don't get me started on that
Thanks for the tip on the Biggar museum.
Greenbeast
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2015, 10:14:35 PM »
i was going to suggest fire cement, or a castable refractory lining
Warble
« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2015, 11:47:28 PM »
Why not dig a pit then you would only need to cover the top.
roys
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2015, 01:16:52 AM »
Not sure but do you not need combustion air feeding into the base ?
