Making Biochar (in Thames Ditton)

WHAT IS A BIOCHAR COOK STOVE 

It is a cook stove that uses very little wood for the amount of heat that is generated. The wood itself does not burn, but the gas (smoke) that the hot wood releases is burned, which gives it the intense heat (2 to 3 times hotter than an open fire). At the end of the burn process pure carbon is left behind. Because the gas (smoke) is burnt the carbon particulates that are released into the air are negligible and do not contribute to the carbon particulates in the air that conventional fires release, and are therefore better for the environment. The carbon (biochar) that is left behind can then be added into the soil, thereby sequestering carbon. It can also be charged with bacteria, can hold onto moisture and air, which are the main components of what makes healthy soil. So we have a hooter burn, using less fuel, sequesters carbon instead of adding carbon to the air, and created rich fertile soils for food growing. Win-win-win!

If there is interest we can also look at how to make rocket stoves. We will start by looking at the theory of rocket stoves and the science behind how to make them. Then we will use whatever materials we have to make some.

WHAT IS A ROCKET STOVE? A rocket stove is a highly efficient outdoor cooking stove that increases the amount of energy that is turned into heat and reduces emissions. A basic rocket stove consists of simple components including; • An insulated rocket elbow, formed of a horizontal fuel chamber that fits into a vertical combustion chamber (also referred to as a “chimney”) • A stove body that surrounds the elbow, made of sheet metal, bricks or some other inexpensive material, with a small opening • A fuel grate, placed inside the fuel chamber, on which the fuel wood rests • A pot skirt, a sheet metal shield that surrounds the cooking vessel, creating a gap, to ensure that more heat from the flue gases enters the vessel

Similar to a biochar cook stove, there is much less smoke, it is hotter and we use much less fuel than an open fire.

BRING MATERIALS If you are able to find materials to bring to the workshop, please contact us. We will aim to make 3 or 4 biochar cook stoves and at least 2 rocket stoves. But this totally depends on what materials we collectively manage to find. If you want to take one away with you then please bring your own materials.

Once you have registered we will send you a list of materials to look for.

COSTS

The course is run by conscious contribution. Meaning, we invite you to give what you can afford and feel is fair.

Suggested contributions: Ideal £70 Average £50 Minimum £30

If you cannot afford the minimum, please get in touch with Rakesh, and we will work out some way to get you on the course.

REGISTRATION

Please register for this course at as early as possible as we have limited spaces. https://tinyurl.com/y7xrz28n

DISSCUSSION AND INFO- https://www.facebook.com/events/2268588413349311/