Finally, a charcoal video that actually produced good results. Can't say enough good things about the quality of the video and the build. Yes, it's brilliant work!

@ghoertsmarais6053

3 жыл бұрын

⁰

Great build and follow up on it's use. I've been making biochar for years, but most biochar enthusiasts do open burns and do not use retort methods. I'm an exception. I have two recommendations from my experience: 1. You have a serious likelihood of an explosion with the check valve if/when it plugs up or the pipe gets clogged. Get rid of it. Also replace the plug at the top of the tee with a simple 2" square steel plate, 1/8" thick. Just place it on top of the tee. If any excessive pressure does build, it will blow off. This shouldn't affect the operation of the system. Also you don't have to worry about oxygen getting back into the retort from the burn chamber based on my experience. 2. There's no reason you can't have the initial out gas steam go into the burn chamber. Your burn chamber is so hot it'll easily burn any moisture injected through the burner. Check for creosote build up before each burn. Excellent job, video...thanks for sharing. O.J. Romo, Elkton, OR

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

No explosion. I watched that check valve through several cycles and got rid of it. The only problem it had was it got stuck open. I'll be doing an video soon showing the changes made. Thanks for the comment. Cheers!

@subsydave

5 жыл бұрын

Very valid suggestions!

@ecmeitei1749

4 жыл бұрын

Hi. I am a biochar enthusiast planning to start a micro scale business based on Biochar made from agriculture waste. My question is can I use retort system to carbonise agriculture waste? What I have seen in most of the video is that they all used open burning. Your suggestions will be highly appreciated.

@meredithromo6353

4 жыл бұрын

@@ecmeitei1749 Hi EC, Absolutely! There are definite advantages to using a kiln, most notably they are more efficient. You will also get a more consistent product with next to no ash. There are numerous designs, some better than others. KZread 'Hookway charcoal' and 'Exeter charcoal' to see a couple of extremes. Take into consideration the workability of a kiln. Hookway's design is very popular in China and is about as efficient as you can get, but is a pain to unload. Also it is fed with a rocket stove which gets so hot it literally eats metal and the longevity of the kiln is an issue. I really like Justin Jennings design. It's simple, easy to load and unload, burns fairly clean (little smoke), uses the outgases so it's more efficient and gives a consistent product. Also on KZread look up 'Pressvess portable charcoal'. Similar idea on wheels. The only improvement I would make on Jennings design is to insulate the kiln, cutting the burn time. Key to being successful as a small biochar business is getting your 'waste' free. If you can use it as fuel for your fire box as well as for your char, all the better. I don't know what your 'waste' is, but the only downside of a kiln is you can have a problem if you're packing it with something like wood chips or sawdust and there is little room for air flow. In this case you get uneven heating and the center of the kiln will often be left unbaked. Best of luck, O.J..

@DONCHUCKSPUZOCHUKWUTV71

3 жыл бұрын

congratulations bro please can i get your design for charcool charly

I think I’ve watched ever retort charcoal furnace build on KZread and by far yours is the best. Clearly explained and showing all the pieces and troubleshooting after... a wealth of information.

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found it useful.

Brilliant video. I have actually scaled this up to 440 and 900 gallons. It works perfectly and produces perfect charcoal. Cooling time dramatically increases the larger the chamber gets. Run the gaspipe inside the burn chamber and most of the tar and creosote actually burns off as the gas pipe is also red hot as ot burns. I got a temperature of 980 deg C in my chamber and a firebox temp of about 1600 degC after the gas started burning. Great job.

@JustinJennings

Жыл бұрын

Wow! That's big! What are you using the charcoal for? Or, is that a big secret?

@jackmclane1826

2 ай бұрын

Size is an important factor in making charcoal as you have to fight heat loss. The bigger the batch size, the easier it is and the less fuel you have to use. BUT I doubt the 1600°C value. Steel melts at that range. Stainless is already molten. °F maybe? Or a measurement error.

Interesting concept of reintroducing the wood gas in to the burning chamber. I'll implement this as I'm new to turning wood to chat. Thank you for the post.

Excellent video. You know there are cash prizes out there for efficient designs to turn waste wood into charcoal. I'm seriously 100 hours into this topic and yours is more efficient than any I've seen and could be made with very basic parts. Better charcoal creation helps save forests and reduces pollution. The main suggestion I'd give is to insulate the firebox with refractory puddy (I'll share a link you might like) and redesign the burn box to a rocket stove. I'm doing that with a batch box rocket stove, Insanely efficient stoves, so I can bring the fuel usage down and sustain higher temperatures.

@Davidmc23

Жыл бұрын

Here's a video on thermal puddy. There are a ton of mixes out there, I like this guy and always have the ingredients on hand. kzread.info/dash/bejne/i6mDpMiIdpvgfpM.html

@JustinJennings

4 ай бұрын

I'm considering building another using a rocket stove. I have two rocket stoves I started for a guy and I keep kicked them in the garage floor.

fantastic, simple, and concise build. my only critique would be to make some tabs out of flat steel and weld them to the door front in place of the washers used to hold the door on, then make some large wingnuts by welding rods onto the nuts for the door. then you wouldn't need any tools to open and close the door and wouldnt have to worry about keeping track of the washers when you take the door off.

Of any video I’ve seen , you have the finest selection of music ever!

Charcoal Charlie is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I have seen several pyrolysis videos, and by far yours is the MOST exciting! I have an old water heater I was going to cannibalize for a Whizbang Chicken Scalder, I think if I am careful with my cuts I can use the upper portion for Charlie's twin! Justin, thank you SO MUCH for making this video! Just amazing work, congratulations.

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Be aware that I have made changes to the build. The pipe is now abandoned. I drilled about four 1/2" holes directly from the upper chamber into the fire box. I placed a length of angle iron over the holes to keep them from being blocked. Now the gasses from the upper chamber blow down on the hot embers in the fire box and ignite. It works way better now than when I made that first video.

Brilliant design. Many thanks. I grew up in Hanford and lived in the SJV for 30 years and I forget how damned ugly it is there. Yikes. We havent had any measurable rain in two months and its still green as could be here in NE TX.

@JustinJennings

4 ай бұрын

I like Hanford. But, you're right. It gets very burned looking around here and east Texas is much greener.

Impressive! One possibility for making it even better: Be more structured with the air flow for the burn-chamber: Adjustable primary air below the firewood and introduce pipes that deliver pre-heated secondary air into the burn-chamber. Secondary air pipes could come from the bottom and deliver pre-heated air to somewhere above the firewood. Primary air should be adjustable and you should be able to reduce primary air to zero. Would give you a much more efficient fire and a clean burn with no smoke. But again: Really nice design!

I've watched a few videos so far and am most impressed by this build . This definitely is the direction I (Wood , lol) would like to build my own . Great build !

Good on you for making your own, when it's homemade you know there's no hidden chemicals in it, now you know you have safe charcoal to put on a barbeque or even for what you want it for. You know you can work with it without breathing in chemicals.

That “crud” collecting at the bottom of the “Tee” is a mix of tar and wood vinegar. The tar is obviously used as a sealant. The vinegar is a good organic insecticide. Good build!

@solarenergy3681

3 жыл бұрын

Could you please explain more

Great build, I know it's a couple years old but if it helps anybody else, that back pipe has to be insulated to reduce the creosote buildup. If you insulate the entire build it would be even more efficient, less heat loss and it'll keep you cooler. I'm very impressed, keep those videos coming, thanks for sharing

This is by far thr best charcoal kiln/retort Ive seen so far. I cant believe this doesn't have more views

Nice build. This is actual pyrolysis unlike other open designs that just burn wood in an open container and call it pyrolysis.

Many thank of sharing this idea Justin, you don't how happy I am right now and cant wait to start making charcoal.

Great review, maybe the best I have seen on the net. I,m planning one with your instructions. My problem is finding drums heavy enough to not burn out. Thank you again.

I put my return inside the burn chamber. This keeps the gasses hot and moving. I also put half my holes pointing down so any fluids wouldn't collect inside the return gas tube.

I adore your wonderful style of explaining what you’re doing. Amazing video!

Talk to some "fuel Abatement" contractors who do fuel clearing for the forestry services, it might give you a line on the hardwood needed for dense charcoal.

22 min and I have learned heaps. Thanks very much Mr.

Brilliant set up, and good problem solving.. Best I've seen

I really appreciate your work behind this. i am extremely impressed and yes you are doing very great job. thank you soo much for letting us know about this technique.

Love this unit.. Right out the gate success. Easy to sort out the initial issues too. Love the roller castors. Good work!

After going through numerous-numerous of videos and doing experiment myself. Given proven benefits from all information gathered on every project. Nature works on fixation timing to get any kind of woods turned into good charcoal. Above >5 hours no matter how well the design is. Up till now, nobody could get natural wood charcoal created in less than

Great to see you're learning curve in action more helpful than editing the lessons learned out.👍

Thank you for sharing Justin. Greetings from Durban South Africa. Great Video.

Hey, the creosote/wood vinegar that you collected is dynamite in your compost heap. Soil fungi love it!

Outstanding! I've been watching utubes and studying charcoal making for a while now, [That's how I found your channel] your retort is the best I've seen yet!!! I've made charcoal for cooking out of maple, It makes a difference in the taste. My system is rather crude compared to yours. I have a 55gal drum and a 26gal galv trash can with lid. I drilled some 3/4" holes in the bottom of the trash can. Put trash can in drum, load trash can with maple wood, put lid on. Pack wood around can in drum and light. I have a partial drum with chimney to help the draw. Light it up after dark and watch the drum glow red. I did a load of construction scrap for the first burn to burn the paint and galvinize off. I did not use this for cooking. Good job on your retort and all the video's you've put up.

@JustinJennings

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I've already had people wanting batches for their barbecues. Too many people keeping asking and I'll have to build a really big one. Thanks for the comment.

I have been planning a similar apparatus and suddenly realized I am 50% there already with an old outdoor water furnace sitting in the hedgerow. Outer jacket, inner chamber, and sealed door. Fellas, look up "outdoor wood burning boilers" then contact your local dealers to find folks who need to get rid of old ones. These get replaced often because of water jacket leaks, which would not be an issue here.

@patrickcleburneuczjsxpmp9558

4 жыл бұрын

How do you plan to modify it and use it?

@wisconsinfarmer4742

4 жыл бұрын

Just like he did, if you use your god given mind.

Good job..one of the better designs I've seen. Love how you punched holes in the return pipe to make a gas burner.

Good vid. I use charcoal here to run my generator. It runs so cleanly, and it is environmentally friendly too :) .

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see that.

Great video. Thanks to all the commenters as well who ditched in with their experiences. Learnt a hell of lot out of this.

You are a good 👍 man

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for kind words.

Fascinating and interesting

@jabbiekamara7888

6 ай бұрын

You are a brilliant man and I must follow you to upgrade my skills.

Very good design

Best charcoal retort youtube video. Thanks

Hey thanks mate, great vid. From Australia

It's awesome bro!! I definitely caught a few tips

Awesome job sir

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Be sure to check out the latest update I posted just a few weeks ago that shows how it is currently configured.

Sehr schöner Bericht von einem sympathischen Kerl. Das ist die beste Lösung, die ich gesehen habe. Jetzt weiß ich, wie ich den alten Boiler verwerten kann. Applaus!

Brilliant, I loved your attention to detail! This was one of those videos I didn't regret spending my time watching!

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

I really wish that I had the ability to weld a unit like yours. Well done, SIR!!!

@fullcircle4723

3 жыл бұрын

ha ha I'm with ya.

well done!

I personally think that is a well crafted and well thought out charcoal Retort Kiln. It ticks all the requirements I can think of for an efficient system.

Best build I've seen and I've watched a lot. I'm totally impressed with the build. I'll definitely have to watch the next one.

The video was one of the best in practices. You started with the first cycle. Attended to problems in the same video. Did the second cycle. Results were there for everybody to compare. Thanks for share.

Yup, it’s thrilling alright. Sadly, I don’t see myself ever being able to build something like that, but the awesome sight of the gases burning off is a lesson learned I hope to use in the future. Thank you, that was an amazingly well-done video, including Mr. Liszt’s contribution...

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked it.

Happy your back friend. I am always impressed with your work and this is an example of good ole Justin inspiring us. Keep them coming.

@JustinJennings

7 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure how inspiring I am. But, I appreciate the thought. Thanks!

Excellent job like your tar trap thanks for sharing

You're a genius, by using the exhusted gases from the wood to sustain the fire in the fire chamber 👌🖒

Congratulations mate, great kiln. An excellent piece of engineering. You have every right to be happy with it. I have watched many videos of retort kilns recently and yours is the best I have seen. 👍👍👍

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

It works. There have been a few modifications made. And, I should do an update video. Cheers!

great build. I've watched a lot of them on youtube and this is among the better retort builds I've seen

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

The back burner is a really smart idea. Using the gases to heat the wood you wanna dry up, just simply smart. :)

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

Tried and true design. Thanks for the comment.

With the way the grape market was last fall vinyard owners should be pulling out their older vineyard blocks in anticipation of replanting when the market picks up. For the most part they have to burn the old vines and should be willing to give some to you. I witnessed a demonstration of field burning to create bio-char and it takes a lot of equipment and people to burn a block, but yields a good amount of charcoal.

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

We grow a lot of grapes in this area, both table and wine. The guys I've talked to about taking material for myself seemed to want me to take quantities that I couldn't move or store. But, at some point I'd love to try grape vine. Maybe if I ever get a bigger piece of property I can revisit that idea.

One of the bestter design I saw so far.. great job!

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

I enjoyed every second. It's so beautiful

I am glad I looked at this video. Best homemade retort kiln I have seen on youtube. Just some thoughts on improvement add a bell reducer at end of T on outgas pipe and add a 3" or larger pipe to collect tar and have pipe that is going back into burner sloping down hill back to T to prevent buildup in the pipe. You may have already thought of these improvements. Be safe and "FLAME ON".

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have made a few mods long ago. The pipe was long abandoned.

perty spiffy there Justin...... a true Fabricator, "If you want it/Make it" ....... Thanks for sharing

@JustinJennings

7 жыл бұрын

If I can't build it, I might not need it. Thanks for the comment.

Большое спасибо за видео! Прекрасная работа! Greetings from Russia!

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for commenting.

@ftmcrusherbriquettemachine2584

3 жыл бұрын

Здравствуйте, производитель 40+ лет. 【Цена на уголь и древесно-угольные брикеты 1-80 т / ч】 Нажмите: www.chinafote.com/briquetting_machine.html?ytb

Nice work

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Thanks sir 🙏🙏 I hope you always healthy

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

That is an outstanding product. I built a much smaller one, because my need is not that great. (30 gal.) I only made a "return pipe" with burner cuts; a spring loaded vent cap and a blow-off check valve from an old hot water heater. Yours looks way better than mine, but over here in Florida, we have an abundance of Oak trees, people will give cuts away after a hurricane just to get it hauled off. Thanks for a great video!

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

I did post an update with a few of the changes I made to it. I eventually drilled directly into the fire box from the upper chamber. Works so much better. Thanks for the comment.

@ftmcrusherbriquettemachine2584

3 жыл бұрын

Hello, 40+ years Manufacturer. 【1-80tph Coal &Charcoal Briquette Price】Click: www.chinafote.com/briquetting_machine.html?ytb

Few years late but great! I will have to see what I can find to do the same!

@JustinJennings

3 жыл бұрын

I get people from all over the world asking questions about this. I actually had a guy call me on the phone one morning to ask questions about it. There's a follow up video for this. And, it has changed a little since then. So, it's a work in progress.

I suggest turning the regular nuts into wingnuts so you don't need a wrench. Part of your creosote problem is a distillation-type cooling of the wood gas allowing the creosote to "condensate"out and gumming up the works. Maybe insulate it or rework it so it is inside the firebox.

I like the design with the exception of the return pipe. Imagine if the pipe clogged completely, it’s basically one big bomb. I would add at least 3 more return pipe. Also maybe a larger diameter return pipe.Just in case one or more return gets clogged . I rather be safe than sorry.

@JustinJennings

4 ай бұрын

Revisions were made. But, that pipe would need inspected between each burn.

Awesome Job. Very exciting and inspired me to have a go!! Love the vent pipe and burner with the tar trap. Thanks for your time.

Thanks for the journey Justin. I appreciate you noting the problems and how you made the fixes..I like you design.

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. There are still more changes that I made. I'm working on another video for the kiln.

The best ive seen so far...

For a gasket, take aluminum foil ( a long length) roll it up and twist it. That burner works better than any I've seen by holding very high temperatures. I made a 2 drum job with the fire box on bottom and a flue going up through the retort drum and it doesn't get above 500F which is not producing a complete burn with pallet scraps. Next I will insulate the retort. You did great first fire!

Thank you, this is very inspirational and a great help to my charcoal retort and donkey geyser I want to built.

Awesome Job 👍🏻 and well done video with good follow up. I will make use of it. All the best from Russia

Looks like really good Biochar. Good job.

Fantastic video - Very informative, very well constructed, and the music is GREAT! Love the idea of recycling old wood...

Hi Justin. Great retort. I like it so much I am building my own. Probably a few small modifications. Nothing to detract from your great design. I will be aiming to fully insulate it.

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

I'm considering building a second version myself. Be aware that it has changed a little. I abandoned that pipe completely and vent the upper chamber directly into the lower chamber with four or five 1/2" holes drilled through and a piece of angle iron protecting those holes from getting blocked off.

@peterlittler5249

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Justin. That was one of the changes I was considering. Glad to hear it works. It also simplifies construction. I have lined mine with fire bricks that I cut to offer an inch to inch and a quarter protection. I haven't lined the ends. We are in covid lockdown at the moment so construction halted till I can get some more steel. Thanks again for sharing your design. Peter

@ftmcrusherbriquettemachine2584

3 жыл бұрын

Hello, 40+ years Manufacturer. 【1-80tph Coal &Charcoal Briquette Price】Click: www.chinafote.com/briquetting_machine.html?ytb

Charcoal for days man! I’ve been making it in my backyard for my smoker. But I don’t have anything fancy. A popcorn can with a whole in it. I don’t have the welding equipment or know-how. Beautiful retort here though. PERFECT charcoal.

It's more fun to build yourself and a sense of accomplishment, especially when it works. Double thumbs up!!

@JustinJennings

7 жыл бұрын

I love it when a plan comes together. Thanks.

Thanks Justin for this great video on charcoal . I will build a charcoal “cooker” based on your design to produce charcoal for blacksmithing and for biochar. Very interesting and well made video. Keep making. Cheers from New Zealand

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Hope the video helps. Stay safe.

@lukejosselyn7706

4 жыл бұрын

George Rutherford check out James hookway before you start building.

@ftmcrusherbriquettemachine2584

3 жыл бұрын

Hello, 40+ years Manufacturer. 【1-80tph Coal &Charcoal Briquette Price】Click: www.chinafote.com/briquetting_machine.html?ytb

This is an awesome build. I just watched the video and I love it. I do a lot of grilling and all I use is lump wood charcoal for fuel and wood chunks for flavor. I spend a lot on lump charcoal so I decided to make my own. I live in a suburban area and a HOA community so I cant have massive fires or a lot of smoke from the backyard so I built me a small retort. It produced more skoke and odor that I wanted so i'm designing an enclosed retort like this one and this is a big help.

@JustinJennings

5 жыл бұрын

Boo HOA. Be aware that this does still falter and make some big smoke from time to time.

Impressed, really I am, good job

Nice to see you taking advantage of the wood gas during the process. Nice rig. Larger diameter pipes speeds up the process while rducing gunk buildup.

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

I've made a few changes. I'm planning on an update video soon.

thank you justin very very nice charcoal charlei :))))

Totally impressed,yaa!

Very good efforts

Like the gas recirculation touch!

Using the wood gas to help make the charcoal is really smart.

I like the design I’m going to try that one I’ve been trying all different designs but this one looks really good the only thing I change on it is your pipe in the back I would move it inside the burner so all that tar stays hot and burns off

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Stay safe.

Justin, thanks for the video , the best charcoal maker i have seen , thanks for sharing!!!

Very nice concept and build. Most people don't realize just how much gas a retort produces during pyrolysis. Add a second or third gas return line if you don't want to use a larger pipe and try an keep it hot so that your VOCs don't get a chance to condense. Burning them off makes less mess. Lesson learned from when I worked at Forest Products (NZ) making hardboard. Fumes produced by pressing wood pulp at 600ºF and 5,000 PSI were sucked up and fed into a (shh!) coal fired boiler for disposal. Get it on your hands and you had yellow stains for a week. Using a steam jacket to keep the fumes from condensing helped in the boilerhouse. A idea you could try is have 2 sets of pipes and place 1 set in the firebox to burn out the condensate on alternate firings.

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

I really need to do an update video. The return pipe is abandoned now. I'll have to explain in another update video. I love the use of a coal fired boiler to burn off the gasses. If it's like it is here, as soon as you mention coal, people freak out. I appreciate the comments. Cheers!

@siddesh1959

5 жыл бұрын

Justin Jennings Brother how much wood it requires to cook charcoal

amazing stuff to see you have fun! so glad for you that you can finally enjoy your hobby!

@JustinJennings

7 жыл бұрын

I've had a bit of a holiday the past couple of weeks. If you don't take the time off you won't get the time off.

Nice job. Very well built, especially when looking at the latest updates. I wish I had more metal working skills, but might make a good excuse to invest in some.

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Go find a grinder and small wire feed welder. It doesn't have to be new. The little Lincoln 135 or 140 turn up used all the time. It's not a bad way to start.

Liked it a lot but if you insulated the gas pipe you would get less condensation.

My favorite build on KZread!!!!!

@JustinJennings

6 жыл бұрын

That's some high praise. Thanks. :-)

I want three of these. Awesome job.

@JustinJennings

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@ftmcrusherbriquettemachine2584

3 жыл бұрын

Hello, 40+ years Manufacturer. 【1-80tph Coal &Charcoal Briquette Price】Click: www.chinafote.com/briquetting_machine.html?ytb

Success!

Good job! Self pressurization

Great build so far I've seen, waiting to see your next improvement, I'm from Thailand.

Awesome! Both Charlie and the vid.