Biochar Kilns International
Many people ask me what exactly we do at BKI. Much of our work builds on previous commissions, from designing charcoal gasifier camping stoves to developing multi-kiln progressive batch biochar systems. Visit our Patreon for unredacted photos: We frequently get approached by farmers wanting to convert invasive plant species into valuable products. Once faced with … Continue reading Practical Tips for Durable, Low-Maintenance Retort Kilns
I’m thrilled to invite you to become part of the BKI Patreon community! If you’ve enjoyed my content and want to support my work while gaining access to exclusive insights and perks, Patreon is the perfect place to do just that. https://www.patreon.com/BKI Why Support BKI on Patreon?Since YouTube changed their monetization rules, Patreon has become … Continue reading Join the BKI Patreon Community & Unlock Exclusive Content!
In a world where Environmentally Conscious are no longer just buzzwords, but a necessity, Angus McIntosh (Farmer Angus) is pioneering regenerative agriculture practices that not only nourish the land but also produce some of South Africa's most delicious food. Here’s how he does it: His Grazing MethodHigh-density, rotational, multi-species grazing: He moves animals frequently to mimic … Continue reading Farmer Angus: Pioneering Regenerative Practices for a Healthier Future
I believe that the future of low-cost biochar production at the farm scale requires a fresh approach. My solution is for farmers, small enterprises, and interested parties to pilot: ✳️A "TUNNEL kiln" or ✳️A cheaper "ONE-drum" version. Previously, we designed and prototyped the following kilns and devices with my own funding, international donor money, and … Continue reading NEW Innovative Approach to Low-Cost Biochar Production for Sustainable Farming
Insights on Using Vermiculite Board for Hot Face Insulation I wanted to take a moment to share some valuable lessons learned about using Vermiculite Board for insulating hot surfaces, particularly in the context of our Biochar kiln prototype. Project Overview In this instance, we had Vermiculite Board cut into panels that were glued onto a … Continue reading Vermiculite Board hot face insulation on a biochar kiln
In the quest for sustainable and efficient heating solutions, wood pellet burners have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional wood burning and fossil fuel-based systems. These burners utilize wood pellets, which are compacted sawdust and wood residues, offering a renewable, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to heat homes and even produce biochar. This blog … Continue reading The Efficiency and Environmental Benefits of Wood Pellet Burners for Heating and Biochar Production
Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from the pyrolysis of biomass, has been gaining attention in the agricultural sector due to its potential to improve soil health and increase crop productivity. This blog post explores the various benefits of biochar application in agricultural systems, focusing on its impact on soil physical and chemical properties, water use … Continue reading The Benefits of Biochar in Agriculture: A Sustainable Solution for Soil Improvement
For prospective biochar producers finding the VUTHISA 3-DRUM BIOCHAR RETORT too expensive to build, the BLACK RIPPLE BIOCHAR KILN is a better priced (30% of the cost), entry-level and easier to operate kiln especially for one-man operations. KILN DEVELOPMENT The story behind the development of the original TRANS-PORTABLE KILN and later the VUTHISA 3-DRUM BIOCHAR … Continue reading Introducing a new low-cost portable biochar kiln
BKI have been investigating and building Portable Kilns since 2011. We are happy to announce that BKI has finally located a bona fide Mobile Pyrolysis Unit that checks all our boxes of what a Mobile Retort should represent in reality. This unit is completely mobile - in contrast with our low-tech RING17, RING20 and BKI … Continue reading New mobile biochar retort south africa
VUTHISA can assist charcoal manufacturers to export their charcoal. We are specifically looking for charcoal made from Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle) from the Eastern Cape. The 5 kg and 12 kg paper bags are supplied by the importer free of charge. 16 to 17 TONS of 12 kg charcoal bags can fit into a 40ft … Continue reading Calling on South African charcoal producers – we can export your charcoal
Since the year 2011 at VUTHISA we have been acting upon our Mission statement which is to "Investigate and Disseminate New and Innovative Technologies to Developing Economies". Assist in the transfer of new technologies and developments in the fields of Emerging Energy products and Green Technologies to rural Forestry and Farming communities. Visit our YouTube … Continue reading The history and evolution of VUTHISA products and services
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Biomass beneficiation solution: Vuthisa Biochar Retort The basic Vuthisa Biochar Retort (Kiln Kit) consists of: 4 Main kiln side sections bolted together with 64 x bolt/nut/spring washer assemblies and 128 washers. 4 x Channel Iron air inlets 2 x Collars 1 x Heavy Duty Rounded Flat Lid with Chimney Flange 3 x Open top reconditioned … Continue reading Waste Biomass Beneficiation & Job Creation Solution ~ Vuthisa Biochar Retort
We just concluded a successful 3-day Biochar demonstration on two prominent Vineyards in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. See this video of the kiln in action: Also see our updates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuthisa/ Best results were achieved by bottom-lighting the kiln. We have drawn up a discussion document for applying Biochar to the soil in vineyards and orchards. … Continue reading Biochar production from Vineyard grape waste
by Kobus Venter Well done to Troy Manufacturing for again being able to translate our drawings into workable solutions. Most components are laser-cut, but many add-ons are hand made. The quality of the welding is also top class. All components are in direct contact with fire so none will be painted. They all come together … Continue reading Sneak preview of our new IP
By Kobus Venter The Vuthisa Biochar Initiative is progressing well thanks to the Energy and Environment Partnership Southern and East Africa funding. EEP-S&EA have partnered with us until July 2015 to fund 50% of our project costs. We were busy setting up a tent for Biochar storage when I noticed a pile of charcoal "fines" … Continue reading Interesting observation – charcoal pile
By Kobus Venter (Extracted from a Green Times article published on 20 February, 2014: http://thegreentimes.co.za/employing-aliens-to-fight-carbon/) Imagine turning thirsty alien invasive trees into biochar. Biochar is charcoal created by pyrolysis of biomass. This differs from charcoal only in the sense that its primary use is not for fuel, but for biosequestration or atmospheric carbon capture. If … Continue reading Employing aliens to capture carbon
By Kobus Venter Welcome to the 'Vuthisa Biochar Initiative' blog page. On this page you will learn more about our project and what we hope to achieve. The project officially kicked off in December 2013. The project actually has many outcomes, but the primary goals are: Create Employment - Up to 30 workers will be … Continue reading The Vuthisa Biochar Initiative
By Kobus Venter Here we have Ivoire Consommation from Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) using the Vuthisa 3-Drum Biochar Retort. A concerted effort was made by Kouamé Bahfi (owner of Ivoire Consommation) to make Biochar and promote it as a soil amendment in his region. In this video Gmelina was carbonized (bought in), using twigs and … Continue reading Vuthisa Biochar Trials Ivory Coast – Part 1
Herewith Part 1 of the trials and tribulations of starting a Biochar project in Guatemala. Emphasis is on manufacturing Biochar from invasive alien species in the forests of Guatemala, without creating excessive air pollution. Using a retort system means that gaseous products that are normally vented unburnt are in fact now utilised to provide the … Continue reading Vuthisa Biochar Trials Guatemala – Part 1
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