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  1. 1985-01-12 This manual shows how the use of simple tools and techniques are applicable in small-scale operations in developing countries to provide fulewood and charcoal. 119 pages, illustrations
  2. 2019-04-26 Fever tree (Acacia xanthophloea) is a fast-growing, medium-size tree (reaching 15 to 25 m in height) with smooth, yellow-green bark. Thorns up to 7 cm long grow on the trunk and become more dense in the spreading branches. Fever tree can be found throughout Africa, most commonly in swampy,...
  3. The following animation explains the process of developing charcoal filtration systems using sand. It is a simple process that helps to remove many, but not all, pollutants in water that can otherwise cause health problems. Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) is a university based...
  4. The alternative to digging a pit is to stack the wood above the ground and cover the stack with earth. This method is also very old and is widely used in many countries. One finds many variations of the basic method. Studies have been made in some countries to optimise the design. The Swedish...
  5. Using earth as a shield against oxygen and to insulate the carbonising wood against excessive loss of heat is the oldest system of carbonization and surely goes back to the dawn of history. Even today it is perhaps used to make more charcoal than any other method. It is, therefore, worthy of...
  6. The carbonization stage may be decisive in charcoal production even though it is not the most expensive one. Unless it is carried out as efficiently as possible, it puts the whole operation of charcoal production at risk since low yields in carbonisation reflect back through the whole chain of...
  7. Properly constructed and operated brick kilns are without doubt one of the most effective methods of charcoal production. They have proved themselves over decades of use to be low in capital cost, moderate in labour requirements and capable of giving surprisingly good yields of quality charcoal...
  8. The Tropical Products Institute (TPI), a scientific unit of the Overseas Development Administration, has gained considerable experience in operating transportable metal kilns of various designs both in the U.K. and in many developing countries. The Institute has evolved a kiln design which is...
  9. This manual on making charcoal using simple technology systems represents another step by FAO to help overcome fuel shortages in the developing world. Sixty percent of all wood taken from the world's forests is believed to be burnt as fuel - either directly or by first converting it into...
  10. The earliest industrial, use of charcoal, more than four thousand years ago, was as a reductant for iron smelting to change iron oxide into metallic iron. But charcoal was already well known as a high grade smokeless fuel for cooking and domestic heating. With the emergence of industrial society...