Carbonization of wood residues by utilizing volatile thermolysis products combustion heat

Conventional charcoal production technologies implemented in small-sized en terprises even in industrial countries are characterized by a considerable amount of noxious emissions into the atmosphere. This cannot be prevented b y economically acceptable methods when partial combustion devices are used. The technology developed by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry is environmentally friendly and energetically autonomous. Charcoal producti on equipment with 4 to 6 retort blocks and a joint furnace, burning wood th ermal degradation non-condensable gases and vapours, provides a process wit h the required heat carrier for preliminary drying of the technological woo d, heating and carbonization in the retort. The concentration of noxious co mpounds in effluent gases (:carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and solid part icles) does not exceed the level reached in industrial-scale fire wood furn aces. The charcoal quality conforms European standards for lump charcoal.