Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has redesigned its bamboo charcoaling kiln to make high quality charcoal at a higher yield.
According to Engr. Belen B. Bisana, chief of the institute’s Bio-Energy and Equipment Development Section, the improved kiln is intended to produce high quality charcoal for industrial uses such as removing odor, purifying water, and maintaining soil alkalinity. The new kiln can be loaded with at most 500 kilos of bamboo slats, thereby yielding 35-40 percentmore charcoal compared to the conventional drum kiln that only makes 25-31 percent.
“Bamboo is a good raw material for charcoal since it is a fast-growing plant and can be re-harvested without any harmful impact on the environment,” explained Bisana. “The part of the bamboo used for charcoal is the stem base, which is typically discarded or left behind after harvesting,” she added.
Aside from bamboo charcoal, the new kiln also yields more pyroligneous liquor or industrial vinegar from collected and condensed smoke. “The industrial vinegar is a high-end product that can be used as a good disinfectant, bathroom deodorizer, and organic pesticide, among other uses. It is in demand in other countries especially in Japan,” noted Bisana.
Funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, the technology was developed under the project “High Quality Charcoal from Bamboo for Industrial Uses” that began in 2014. It is now on its last phase with pilot testing being done at the CS First Green Agri-Industrial Development Inc. in Pangasinan.
DOST-FPRDI offers other technologies for charcoal production such as the charcoal briquettors (manual and mechanized) and carbonizer that turn agro-forest wastes such as coconut shells, coffee bean hull, and sawdust into densified charcoal. Briquettes are easier to ignite, burn slower, and emit more intense heat per unit volume than ordinary charcoal.
“Through these technologies, the institute hopes to provide livelihood options particularly in rural communities where charcoaling is a common practice,” said DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan.
Interested parties may contact (049) 536-2586 or 536-236 for inquiries on technology demonstration and installation. (By Apple Jean Martin-de Leon, S&T Media Service)
