I’m gonna put this here in the advanced techniques well cause there fire and hot stuff.
First thing you’ll need to make your own bio-charlie is one 2’ stainless steel ducting and two end caps. The thicker the gauge the better. (you’ll have to cut V’s out of one end and jam the end cap onto it). It’ll look something like this
Next you’re going to drill 5-6 holes along one side to allow outgassing and prevent it from popping due to internal pressure. I drill 6 holes at 1/8" running next to the seam of the ducting.
After running for the first time I’d add a handle next to the holes and seam to help with placing and removing it. Also, add another smaller handle on the end cap that we didn’t jam on.
Next we fill it with stems, stalks, and rice hulls. You can use any organic material you want to make biochar, but rice hulls add non-crystalline silica to the soil too. Here’s a link to the science
http://www.msss.com.my/mjss/Full%20Text/Vol%2016/Theeba.pdf
http://biochar.jp/pdf/8_UmezawaTsuchiya.pdf
First we add the stems and stalks
Then we add the rice hulls. Tap and rock the kiln then use your hand to compress it down so there’s as little air as possible. Always make sure it’s completely full when you make it or you run the risk of burning it up and get a container of ash.
Next start a fire and place the kiln in the fire so it can cook. I did mine in my burn barrel but the kiln will fit in a normal fireplace, so you can make char on those cold winter nights and not piss the wife off lol. Make sure to be safe and cover it as to not start a forest fire.
Now we have two options. Wait until the wood burns down to ember and remove the kiln to cool or just leave it and come back the next day. This is were the handles would come in handy.
I have to let this cool so tomorrow I’ll finish this tutorial and should how to inoculate it.
Disclaimer- I’m in no way promoting leaving a fire unattended. Be smart and remember