[Stoves] small-scale torrefaction

[Tom Miles]

Crispin,

I agree except there are two aspects of this project that are unique and
would seem to justify removing the smell and changing the form of the fuel
to serve a high density urban charcoal market: 1) they are reclaiming the
fuel from the trash heap, and 2) they aim to reduce the power required for
densification. We have no information about whether they accomplished either
or whether the project is still going. Their experience from four years of
working in Kigale where others are making waste fuel briquettes should be
instructive. 

Another approach that would accomplish both goals would be the Legacy style
holey briquette in which the biomass is composted, briquetted and dried.
They are already composting an organic fertilizer product and drying waste
on raised beds. Briquetting would be an additional step. 

Tom

>While I agree there will be smelly fuel that can't for some reason be
burned
>cleanly, my experience is that the correct stove will burn any given fuel
>very well.  It is a matter learning to do so.

>Before rushing to process the fuel from now on, perhaps looking for a stove
>suite to the fuel is an equally valid approach.

>Regards
>Crispin