I've been thinking of this idea for a while and I'm glad someone got around to actually designing and building it. No reason to build a fire to get biochar when we have power sources that can do it without using all that valuable wood that could instead be biochar. This way even prevents you from using grid power so you can be out in the woods and create your biochar on site!!
Josh, thanks so much for sharing this CC, you’re a legend.
Ok I’m really excited by this since the original kiln with the open flame really means the drums need replacing after about 5 years, and they’re a bit ridiculously priced here. I’ve been putting off my yearly batch of biochar (used for our composts/soil building) because my drums got so many holes now and very rusted.
I’m going to see if I can source the parts here but firstly I’m curious if you measured the power/current whilst the element was on? I’m gonna have to adapt this to our solar’s 220VAC.
Also, how do you know when the charcoal is done? How long does it generally take on a day of your good sun?
I’m thinking I might set up the chimney with a bend in order to collect wood vinegar (great for organic gardeners here).
Also I was gonna ask about what temperature you set it at, it looks like 500C from the graph (typo on the y-axis by the way but I forgive you as you’re American and working in your non-native units ;-)), I’ve managed to find most of these components but considering the source I’m buying it from (one of the Asian equivalents to a shittier than shitty Amazon) let’s keep fingers crossed that I a) don’t burn the garage down, b) don’t destroy my inverter, c) electrocute myself. Thanks once again Josh!
Also, I do apologise that I’m not using this yet for water filtration (I need something that will work on a pressurised system), but I’m sure you will agree that the use of biochar activated in compost is a great way for getting carbon back into the soil.
I've been thinking of this idea for a while and I'm glad someone got around to actually designing and building it. No reason to build a fire to get biochar when we have power sources that can do it without using all that valuable wood that could instead be biochar. This way even prevents you from using grid power so you can be out in the woods and create your biochar on site!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Josh, thanks so much for sharing this CC, you’re a legend.
Ok I’m really excited by this since the original kiln with the open flame really means the drums need replacing after about 5 years, and they’re a bit ridiculously priced here. I’ve been putting off my yearly batch of biochar (used for our composts/soil building) because my drums got so many holes now and very rusted.
I’m going to see if I can source the parts here but firstly I’m curious if you measured the power/current whilst the element was on? I’m gonna have to adapt this to our solar’s 220VAC.
Also, how do you know when the charcoal is done? How long does it generally take on a day of your good sun?
I’m thinking I might set up the chimney with a bend in order to collect wood vinegar (great for organic gardeners here).
Cheers!
Also I was gonna ask about what temperature you set it at, it looks like 500C from the graph (typo on the y-axis by the way but I forgive you as you’re American and working in your non-native units ;-)), I’ve managed to find most of these components but considering the source I’m buying it from (one of the Asian equivalents to a shittier than shitty Amazon) let’s keep fingers crossed that I a) don’t burn the garage down, b) don’t destroy my inverter, c) electrocute myself. Thanks once again Josh!
Also, I do apologise that I’m not using this yet for water filtration (I need something that will work on a pressurised system), but I’m sure you will agree that the use of biochar activated in compost is a great way for getting carbon back into the soil.