Earlier this year, we carried out a small-scale wood carbonization experiment to better understand the process of transforming biomass into carbon-rich material.
Using a mixture of cherry laurel, pine construction wood, hardwood offcuts and walnut shells, we loaded a kiln and monitored the carbonization process over several hours. As temperatures increased, moisture was driven off, followed by the production of wood gas, which was then recycled to help sustain the process.
▪️ The result?
➡️ Approximately 3 kg of carbonized material produced from 6.5 kg of fresh wood feedstock.
Some key takeaways from the experiment 👇
🌳 Hardwood performed significantly better than softwood, producing a higher yield of solid carbon.
📏 Similar-sized wood pieces helped achieve more consistent results.
🌡️ Uniform temperatures throughout the kiln are critical. Material near the top was not fully carbonized, highlighting the importance of heat distribution.
⏳ Carbonization is a slow process that requires patience and careful monitoring.
⚠️ Safety matters. Carbonized wood can release gases such as carbon monoxide, and fine carbon particles should be handled with care.
Experiments like these help bridge theory and practice, providing valuable insights into biochar production, biomass valorisation, carbon storage, and circular approaches to resource use.
Every prototype teaches us something new. This one reminded us that sustainability is often built through experimentation, iteration, and a willingness to learn from both successes and imperfections.
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