Make Airfloat Charcoal

[dgsh009]

hi dear friends
how can make airfloat charcoal with sawdust or rice hull?
Do you have any experience and tests?
thank you

[cmjlab]

I've never tried to make charcoal from sawdust or rice hulls.  The smallest material I've used is cedar pet bedding using the TLUD method (also works well for splits of cedar and willow). I used to use a retort, until I figured out how easy, repeatable, and consistent using TLUD is (plenty of YouTube videos out there on TLUD setups).

If I were to make charcoal from sawdust or rice hulls, I'd probably use the retort method,  since neither sawdust or rice hulls would likely burn well.  Again, I've never tried it with either sawdust or rice hulls, but the retort method relies less on the flammability of the material, and more on ensuring the appropriate heat to the outside of the retort, while monitoring the vents for the off-gassing to be complete.   

[deepakpyro]

Trying to make charcoal out of rice husk/saw dust using TULD or retrot method is not efficient. This is because of the lack of gaps between the particles of rice husk/saw dust when filled in the container for both methods. It just to fill up the space and act like to barrier that prevents hot air to circulation inside the container. As a result you will find charred layer at the outer which is near to flame and unburnt lump in the middle. I would recommend to go with fast growing  tree wood chips or small pieces of wood. 

Even if you successfully make the charcoal, making airfloat Charcoal out of it difficult due to its high density. If the wood is less dense with porous, you will get good volume of airfloat which of good quality. 

Edited December 31, 2024 by deepakpyro

[Arthur]

With a tin can (retort) full of sawdust the outer parts will cook before the inner sawdust, so you will need to turn the retort to keep the sawdust stirred, without letting air inside.

[dgsh009]

thanks my friends for your comments.
so if i use Pet Bedding woodshavings in the metallic Tea container near the fire is good?