Title:
New Mobile, Slow Pyrolysis Technology Developed in Namibia Brings about Process Improvement, Optimisation and Efficient Biomass Conversion in the Charcoal Industry
Author(s):
Honsbein, D.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Slow pyrolysis for the production of industrial and residential charcoal is an important economic activity in Namibia. Charcoal production is furthermore vital as a means to counter bush thickening. Bush thickening is a major socio-economic and environmental challenge in Namibia. Namibia is reported to be the 5th largest barbeque charcoal producer globally. The charcoal industry provides more than 3,000 jobs in rural Namibia, and is therefore a main contributor to rural poverty mitigation in large parts of the country. However, the production is mainly based on inefficient conversion technology and processes which is cause for bad publicity. The concerns are based on cases of labour dissatisfaction, a high degree of unused co-products and non-sustainable environmental practices. For the past 30 or so years, the industry has not been able to grow from its mainly cottage style production to meaningful industrialised scale. Many technical and non-technical barriers seem to limit and/or hamper its growth. The development of a new mobile, slow pyrolysis technology based on a more efficient process was trialled. Charcoal production from bush thickening species was declared a strategic industry by the national government and is supported by multiple international development institutions.
Keywords:
agricultural residues, wood residues, kiln, retort, wood-based biomass
Topic:
Industry Sessions
Subtopic:
Thermochemical conversion processes
Event:
26th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
IBV.1.4
Pages:
1593 - 1602
ISBN:
978-88-89407-18-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/26thEUBCE2018-IBV.1.4
Price:
FREE
