Charcoal is a burnt form of wood that dates dating back thousands of years and is used for a variety of purposes. The process of making charcoal is usually done in a self-contained environment called a charcoal kiln or retort. The purpose of the retort is to heat and smoke the wood slowly, without allowing fresh air to enter, until 90% of the wood has turned into charcoal.
The process of making charcoal begins with the selection of wood. While most any wood can be used, the best charcoal is made from hardwoods such as maple, ash, oak, and beech. Choosing the right wood is important since the better the quality of the wood, the better the results will be.
Once the wood has been chosen and collected, it must be cut and seasoned before it can be placed inside the retort. The wood should be cut into uniform pieces that are small enough to fit inside the retort, but not so small that they will burn up quickly. The wood is then left to season in the sun and rain for several weeks, or else it can be artificially dried using a kiln.
When the wood is dry, it is ready to be placed into the retort. The retort are usually large barrel-shaped containers with an air-tight lid and several ventilation holes around the lower third. A fire is then built inside, usually small sticks and kindling, to reach temperatures between 500-900 °F. The temperature is controlled with the use of air intake and exhaust holes.
As the temperature inside the retort increases, the moisture content of the wood burns off, leaving behind charcoal and smoke. The smoke is channeled out of the exhaust holes, while the charcoal settles around the bottom of the retort. The process of making charcoal in this way can take up to two days and produces yields of 25-30%.
Once the retort has cooled off, it can be opened and the charcoal removed. The charcoal is then ready to be used for purposes such as fuel, BBQs, art projects, and in various industrial processes.
Making charcoal in a retort is a time consuming process, but it produces a clean, safe, and consistent product. Charcoal is produced as an eco-friendly and renewable source of energy, and is much cleaner burning than traditional fuels. Making charcoal at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that can provide many personal and commercial uses.
