Fuel from the Fields: Charcoal from agricultural waste
Practical Action
Figure 11: When
the smoke is
• Let the fire burn for another 10 minutes before sealing it.
These times are approximate, and may vary depending on the material
used, and the conditions of the burn.
Sealing the drum
In order for the material to carbonize, rather than burning away, it is
necessary to seal the drum, preventing oxygen from getting in. This step
requires at least two and preferably three people.
• Place the lid on the drum (figure 12). It is easiest to do this if
the lid has a curved handle, so you can put the lid on with a stick.
If flames shoot out from the edges of the lid or from under the drum, it is
not yet ready to be covered, the lid should be removed and the material
allowed to burn for a little longer.
Figure 11: When the
smoke is darker,
carefully set fire to it.
Photo credit: Fuel from
the Fields.
Figure 12. Place the lid on the drum Photo credit: Fuel
from the Fields.
• Once the drum is covered, use the large stick to gently support one side of the drum, on the side of a
stone. (figure 13).
• Kick away the stone under that side and gently lower the drum.
• When tipping the drum to be able to move the rocks or bricks from underneath, it may be safer for
two people to hold each end of the stick and tilt the drum with the centre of the stick.
• Repeat this with each of the three stones until the drum is resting on the ground.
• Seal the bottom edges of the drum and edges of the lid with sand or soil until no smoke is visible.
This means that there are no holes through which air can enter the oil drum.
After sealing, the drum remains hot. Make sure that no one touches the drum for at least 2 hours after sealing.
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