An evaluation of the mound kiln carbonization technique

In this paper, we first analyse the different kinds of mound kiln carbonization methods used throughout the world, and include a brief description of their construction and operational aspects. Then, we analyse various indicators and assess the quantitative and qualitative efficiency of a carbonization: mass yield, energy yield, balanced mass yield. Finally, we compare the mound kiln carbonization technique with other improved carbonization methods. The comparison shows that the mound kiln carbonization method could be as efficient as improved methods, and is characterized by mass yields ranking from 20 to 30% dry basis, and by fixed carbon contents above 75% dry basis. The key factor of the mound kiln carbonization method is the know-how of the charcoal maker. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.