Biochar Kilns
Biochar Wales have been making biochar for 9 years, during this time we have been continually experiment with kiln designs.
All our kilns are manufactured in Rhayader, Mid Wales.
This ingenious invention allows farmers, wildlife trusts, estates and gardeners to produce high quality biochar from surplus biomass materials. With basic training an operator can produce a cubic metre of biochar in a few hours.
The natural vortex dynamic of the kiln cone supports an “air curtain” and “flame cap” that uses the oxygen to burn the smoke allowing pyrolysis of the feedstock in the kiln.
The external heat shield improves efficiency by ensuring the air is preheated before entering the kiln. Operator safety is also improved by the heat shield.
"While most of the biochar produced during the last 5000 years was produced with open fire, modern pyrolysis suppresses the fire. The separation of the carbonisation and the flaming of the pyrolysis gases make pyrolysis technology prone to failure and expensive which is one of the reasons why the biochar technology did not have yet it's breakthrough. The Kon-Tiki flame curtain kiln re-connect biochar making to the ancient wisdom and craft of fire making and combines it with smart design based on modern thermodynamics to produce high quality char with low emissions." (Ithaka Institute, n.d.)
We manufacture and sell three types of kilns, scroll down for more details.
Kon-Tiki 1000 litre kiln
This retort has been designed at the Ithaka Institute in Switzerland. Click here to download an indepth document outlining the history and development of the Kon-Tiki kilns.
Dimensions
The kiln diameter is 143cm, with the heat shield the diameter is 155cm (this is removed for transport and can rolled up smaller). Height 120cm and width at the legs 90cm.
Molinia grass biochar burn in a Kont-Tiki 1000 kiln.
500 Flame Cap Kiln
500 Flame Cap Kiln
With a capacity of over 500 Litres, they are the perfect solution for all your biochar production needs. We have designed them ourselves after countless experiments, this proven design allows for simple and affordable biochar production.
A mesh insert for the pyrolois of grass and rushes etc.can also be purchased.
After pyrolysis is complete, water is used to extinguish the fire, and drain pipe is utilized to remove the water.
The kiln can be easily tilted to one side for convenient emptying using a shovel.
140 Litre Flame Cap Kiln
The kiln is an ideal fit for gardeners and allotment sites. With the addition of a charcoal plate, users can produce BBQ charcoal. Moreover, a kettle tray and BBQ grill can be included, making it a great firepit for chilly evenings.
Dimensions: 760mm high x 960mm wide
The BBQ Charcoal lid is sealed with damp sand.
Prices and delivery
Current prices:
Kon Tiki 1000 including heat shield £2,500
500 Flame Cap kiln £900
Mesh insert for pyrolysis of grass etc. £180
140 Flame Cap Kiln £600
Charcoal lid £100
Kettle tray £30
Delivery £2.00 mile, Charmaster Tony will deliver personally and spend an hour explaing the basic operation.
VAT @ 20% will be added to prices
Please contact us for any more details or to request an order form.
