As. J. Energy Env.

2007, 08(04), 645-649

Asian Journal on
Energy and Environment
ISSN 1513-4121
Available online at www.asian-energy-journal.info

Performance of the FPRDI Prototype Bamboo Charcoaling Kiln

Belen B. Bisana*, Dante B. Pulmano and Amando A. M. Bondad

Biomass Energy and Facilities Engineering Section, Forest Products Research and Development Institute,
College, Laguna, Philippines

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed, email: [email protected]

Abstract: A kiln for the production of bamboo charcoal with light distillate or pyroligenous liquor
(PL) or industrial vinegar recovery was developed at FPRDI. It consists of a furnace, double-walled
cylindrical kiln, chimney and condenser for distillate recovery. It has a capacity of 90 kg. Furnace is
equipped with grates and insulated by castable refractory. Kiln is made of stainless steel. The bell-
shaped smoke collector is attached to bamboo culms where the smoke is cooled, condensed and
dropped to the PL collector. Kauayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana) and botong (Dendrocalamus
latiflorus) were used in the charcoaling trials. Samples were cut into 14 x 4 cm and arranged inside the
kiln. The kiln is heated by means of a furnace fueled with wood wastes and bamboo nodes. The heat
supported the pyrolysis of bamboo. The kiln temperature was maintained at 300-320oC. Two time
periods, 60 and 70 hours were tried in the charcoaling trials. Results showed that the charcoal and PL
yields of kauayan tinik bamboo, at 60 and 72 hours were 44.50% and 313 ml/kg bamboo and 34.89%
and 414 ml/kg bamboo, respectively. Meanwhile, botong showed lesser charcoal and PL yields of
43.98% and 238 ml/kg bamboo at 60 hours and 34.56% and 292 ml/kg bamboo at 72 hours. The
technology is environmentally sound because making use of bamboo wastes in the production of high
end products can overturn waste utilization value (WUV) from negative to positive. The smoke
inherent in charcoaling is captured and distilled, thus minimizing health hazards.

Keywords: Bamboo Charcoaling Kiln, Bamboo Charcoal, Bamboo Vinegar, Pyroligneous Liquor,
Bamboo Distillate, Bamboo Pyrolysis

Introduction

The Philippines aggregate energy demand is expected to rise from 216.4 million barrels fuel oil
equivalent (MBFOE) in 2005 to 335 MBFOE in 2014 for a ten-year average of 4.7%. This growth may
be attributed to population growth, urbanization and industrialization. Imported energy supply
accounted for 42.9% of the total energy mix in 2005 [1].
As. J. Energy Env. 2007, 08(04), 645-649 646

The escalating cost of imported source of energy affects our economy. Likewise, the continuous
increase in energy consumption indicates increasing amount of greenhouse gases, thus damaging the
ozone layer. Owing to this situation, the energy sector is continuously developing and promoting the
use of renewable energy resources.

Bamboo thrives naturally in the Philippines. It was reported that 62 bamboo species are found in the
country [2]. Compared with other lingo-cellulosic materials like wood, bamboo is early maturing,
hence, it is more sustainable. It has a lignin and holocellulose content range of 20.4-26.9% and 60.6-
67.4%, respectively. This shows that it is a promising source of carbon.

Morphologically, fibers of bamboo are comparatively longer than that of hardwood. The cell wall
thickness of bamboo ranges from 0.004 to 0.009 mm whereas wood has an average of 0.00517 mm [3].
These properties indicate less shrinkage when subjected to destructive distillation. Ueyama disclosed
that shrinkage is an important consideration in the charcoaling of bamboo [4]. Bamboo contains
hydrophobic hydrocarbons like cutin and wax found on its surface. Cutin consists of many long chain
fatty acids while wax is a complex mixture of long chain hydrocarbons [5]. These usually crystallize
on the surface which block water movement and inhibit shrinkage.

Researches conducted at Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) include the
design of modified kiln by Estudillo for coconut shell charcoaling [6]. Another kiln patterned from the
2-cord double-walled type developed by the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison,
Wisconsin was designed to carbonize wood of any species in the form of sawmill slabs, edging,
trimmings and round wood [7]. However, these kilns were all direct-fired with no provision for
distillate recovery. As yet there has been no research on the production of bamboo charcoal and
distillate nor available design of equipment for this purpose, hence, this project.

Methodology

Design considerations
• The capacity of the kiln was established at 90 kg of air-dried bamboo.
• The furnace was constructed using cast iron grates and castable refractory cement as insulator
capable of withstanding 1350oC.
• The kiln was double-walled stainless steel for indirect carbonization.
• The bell-shaped distillate collector was made of stainless steel to prevent oxidation of the liquor.
• Jointed bamboo culms attached to the collector were used in the distillation.

Charcoal production
• Mature culms of kauayan tinik (Bamboo blumeana) and botong (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) were
used in the charcoaling trials.
• The holding temperature was maintained at 300-320oC.
• Two time periods, 60 and 72 hours, were tried in the charcoaling trials.
• Wood wastes and bamboo wastes were used as fuel.
• The fixed carbon (FC), volatile combustible matter (VCM), ash content and hardness of the
charcoal were analyzed following the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 241-TM. 01. 1977.
The heating value (HV) was determined using LECO AC-350 Automatic Calorimeter.
• The acetic acid content of the distillate was determined by gas chromatography (Shimadzu GC-
14B System with Flame Ionization Detector).
As. J. Energy Env. 2007, 08(04), 645-649 647

Results and Discussion

Design of bamboo charcoaling kiln

The 90-kg capacity bamboo charcoaling kiln (Fig. 1) is comprised of a furnace, double-walled
cylindrical vessel, chimney and smoke collector. The cylindrical kiln, chimney and smoke collector are
of stainless steel. The bell-shaped smoke collector is attached to bamboo culms where the smoke is
cooled, condensed and dripped to the collector. The furnace is made of cast iron grates and castable
refractory cement capable of withstanding 1350oC. It is connected to the cylindrical vessel and
supplies the heat needed for carbonization.

Fig.1 Bamboo charcoaling Kiln

Bamboo charcoal production: Its technical feasibility

The culms were cut into 4 x 14 cm specimens and air-dried to 20-25% moisture content. The
specimens were arranged inside the kiln. The kiln door was equipped with rubber seal to prevent the
entry of air and escape of smoke during carbonization. The kiln was then covered with soil to insulate
it from changes in temperature.

The charcoaling process was started by firing wood wastes and bamboo wastes in the furnace. The rate
of air during fuel combustion was controlled at the door and the damper located in the chimney. This
in turn also controlled the temperature inside the kiln. The heat coming from the furnace was supplied
to the closed chamber where the bamboo specimens are stacked. The oxygen present in the bamboo
was utilized in the carbonization which turned the process “pyrolytic”. When the pyrolysis was well
underway, the fuel inside the furnace was controlled. This was evidenced by the color of the smoke
coming out from the kiln. The smoke was collected through a stainless steel pipe connected to jointed
bamboo culms that served as condenser. The condensate is gravitationally moved to the bell-shaped
collector and dripped into plastic container. The kiln was cooled for 48 hours prior to discharging.

Table 1 shows the charcoal and light distillate yields of kauayan tinik and botong after 60 and 72
hours. Kauayan tinik gave higher yields of charcoal and light distillate at both trial periods. This could
be due to the variation in lignin and holocellulose contents of the two bamboo species. Among the
endemic bamboo species studied at FPRDI, kauayan tinik has the highest holocellulose content of
67.4% which makes it a good raw material for charcoal and pyroligneous liquor production.
Comparing the charcoal with distillate yield it was shown that increasing the carbonization period
increased the distillate yield but decreased the charcoal yield. Prolonged carbonization time converted
the carbon and hydrogen contents of bamboo into gaseous products in the form of smoke, which when
cooled, condensed to form pyroligneous liquor. Consequently, the yield of charcoal decreased.
Depending on which is more in demand, charcoal or PL, an entrepreneur can vary the yields by
choosing the carbonization time of 60 or 72 hours.
As. J. Energy Env. 2007, 08(04), 645-649 648

Meanwhile, the charcoal yield using the FPRDI kiln was remarkably higher (34.56 to 44.50%)
compared with yields from the traditionally used pit, drum and brick kilns (25 to 31%).

Table 1 Charcoal distillate yields of kauayan tinik and botong at different charcoaling time

The physico-chemical properties of bamboo charcoal in Table 2 shows that fixed carbon of the two
species was higher at 60 hours carbonization period but low in VCM and ash. The higher FC and low
ash content contributed to the hardness and HV of charcoal. Increasing the carbonization period
decreased the FC, HV nd hardness but increased the VCM and ash content of charcoal. Nonetheless,
charcoal obtained at 72 hours carbonization was still classified as Grade A charcoal. Local users of
bamboo charcoal preferred it over wood charcoal of mixed species because of its low flame and longer
burning period

Table 2 Physico-chemical properties of bamboo charcoal

Bamboo light distillate consists mainly of water, tar, methanol, acetic acid and other low molecular
weight organic acids. Among the acids present, Ueyama stated that acetic acid is the highest in
quantity [4]. Table 3 shows the acetic acid content of the two distillates. Increasing the carbonization
time from 60 to 72 hours increased the acetic acid content of the distillate. This could be attributed to
the increased amount of tar collected at longer carbonization time.

Table 3 Acetic acid content of bamboo distillates

Conclusion

Good quality charcoal and light distillate or PL from kauayan tinik and botong can be produced using
the FPRDI developed kiln. The charcoal yield is remarkably high compared with conventional
As. J. Energy Env. 2007, 08(04), 645-649 649

charcoaling methods developed at FPRDI. Initial assessment shows that the technology has bright
prospect for commercialization.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their gratitude to Messrs. Eduardo C. Gonong, Calixto T. Lulo and Geronimo M.
Gecolea for their support during the conduct of experiments.

References

[1] htpp://www.doe.gov.ph
[2] Department of Trade and Industry.(1997).Cottage Industry and Technology Center. MasterPlan
for the Development of Bamboo as a Renewable and Sustainable Resource.Makati City.
Philippines.
[3] Alonzo et al. (1976).Anatomical structure of Philippine trees in relevance to wooliness in
veneering. FORPRIDE Digest 5:22-39.
[4] Ueyama, K. (1999). Private Communication, Yamagoshi Kogyo Corp. Hirose Bldg. 103, 3.2.2,
Ikushi, Oita-shi, Oita-ken 8770-0003, Japan. September 1999.
[5] htpp://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/webb/BOT 311/ Plan Cell Walls oo/cutin/htm.
[6] Estudillo, C. (1983). Charcoal production and briquetting research at Forest Products Research
and Development Institute (FPRDI). Paper presented during the 26th FPRDI Anniversary
Celebration on 15 July 1983, College, Laguna, Philippines.
[7] Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI).(1981).Charcoal production and
briquetting. Library, College, Laguna, Philippines.