Charcoal

Charcoal is a lightweight black carbon residue produced by strongly heating wood (or other animal and plant materials) in minimal oxygen to remove all water and volatile constituents. In the traditional version of this pyrolysis process, called charcoal burning, the heat is supplied by burning part of the starting material itself, with a limited supply of oxygen. The material can also be heated in a closed retort. [Also Read: Innovative Pulses Business Idea]

This process happens inadvertently while burning wood, as in a fireplace or wood stove. The visible flame in these is due to combustion of the volatile gases exuded as the wood turns into charcoal. The soot and smoke commonly given off by wood fires result from incomplete combustion of those volatiles. Charcoal burns at a higher temperature than wood, with hardly a visible flame, and releases almost nothing except heat. [Also Read: No Investment Waste Collection Business Idea]

Origin of Charcoal

The production of wood charcoal in locations where there is an abundance of wood dates back to ancient times. It generally begins with piling billets of wood on their ends to form a conical pile. Openings are left at the bottom to admit air, with a central shaft serving as a flue. The whole pile is covered with turf or moistened clay. The firing is begun at the bottom of the flue, and gradually spreads outward and upward. [Also Read: Home Business Idea, Cashew nuts]

The success of the operation depends upon the rate of the combustion. Under average conditions wood yields about 60% charcoal by volume, or 25% by weight; small-scale production methods often yield only about 50% by volume, while large-scale methods enabled higher yields of about 90% by the 17th century. The operation is so delicate that it was generally left to colliers (professional charcoal burners). They often lived alone in small huts to tend their wood piles. For example, in the Harz Mountains of Germany, charcoal burners lived in conical huts called Köten which are extant today. [Also Read: Farming Business Idea - Hydroponics]

Production Methods

Charcoal has been made by various methods. The traditional method in Britain used a clamp. This is essentially a pile of wooden logs (e.g. seasoned oak) leaning in a circle against a chimney. The chimney consists of 4 wooden stakes held up by some rope. The logs are completely covered with soil and straw allowing no air to enter. It must be lit by introducing some burning fuel into the chimney; the logs burn very slowly and transform into charcoal in a period of 5 days' burning. If the soil covering gets torn or cracked by the fire, additional soil is placed on the cracks. Once the burn is complete, the chimney is plugged to prevent air from entering. [Also Read: Best Business Idea - Milk Powder Trade]

Modern methods employ retorting technology, in which process heat is recovered from, and solely provided by, the combustion of gas released during carbonisation. Yields of retorting are considerably higher than those of kilning, and may reach 35%-40%. [Also Read: Great Lock down Business Idea - Vehicle Sanitisation]

Types of Charcoal

Common charcoal

Sugar charcoal

Activated charcoal

Lump charcoal

Japanese charcoal

Pillow shaped briquettes

Sawdust briquette charcoal

Extruded charcoal

Environmental sustainability

Production and utilisation of charcoal, like any use of woody biomass as fuel, typically results in emissions and can contribute to deforestation.

The use of charcoal as a smelting fuel has been experiencing a resurgence in South America resulting in severe environmental, social and medical problems. Charcoal production at a sub-industrial level is one of the causes of deforestation. Charcoal production is now usually illegal and nearly always unregulated as in Brazil where charcoal production is a large illegal industry for making pig iron. [Also Read: Innovative Business Idea, Ice Cream Dosa Business]

Recent assessments of charcoal imported to Europe have shown that many charcoal products are produced from tropical wood, often of undeclared origin. In an analysis of barbecue charcoal marketed in Germany, the World Wildlife Fund finds that most products contain tropical wood. As a notable exception, reference is made to barbecue charcoal imports from Namibia, where charcoal is typically produced from surplus biomass resulting from bush encroachment. [Also Read: Ready Made Samosa Business Idea]

Checkout the below video detailing the production, trading and marketing methods of executing the Charcoal Business along with a profit projection and prospects. Do utilise the concept and the contact wisely, and do not miss to let us know your comments below.

Outlook of Charcoal Market

Charcoal is increasingly being used in the production of steel, ferroalloys, aluminum, lead, cast iron, tin, copper, lanthanides, nickel, and some rare metals. It is also employed in the smelting of certain types of brass and bronze. The demand for charcoal is increasing due to technological developments and growing inclination toward the use of clean and renewable resources. Charcoal briquettes compressed from biomass materials produce less ash and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are therefore more preferred than traditional fuels. Such environmental sustainability benefits are fueling their demand among users, which, in turn, is driving the growth of the charcoal market. [Also Read: Profitable Business Ideas - Dish wash Detergent Business]

Asia-Pacific region is estimated to hold a major share in the bamboo charcoal market with massive growth in the forecast period. Countries such as India, China and Singapore are leading the Asia-Pacific market with strong economic growth, rapid industrialization, rising demand for end-use industries, and significant investment by leading industry players considering potential growth opportunities in the region. [Also Read: Best Business Ideas - Seasonal Best Fruit Mangoes Business]

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