The carbonization kiln using 200-lit metallic drum was developed and evaluated for charcoal production using mango tree biomass generated during pruning operation ( dia.= 0.05-0.1 m, L= 0.6-0.8 m). The properties of biomass and charcoal produced viz., moisture content as produced (ASTM: D644-99), volatile matter (ASTM: D3175-07), ash content (ASTM: E1534-93), fixed carbon (ASTM: D5373-02), bulk density (ASTM: E873-82), calorific value (ASTM: D5865-04), shatter resistance, tumbling resistance, resistance to water penetration and thermal efficiency etc. were determined. A mass balance of carbonization process was studied.
The average input for the carbonization kin was 50+5 kg/batch, which required 5.5 hrs. for completion of carbonisation process. The average output of charcoal kiln was 16.76 % charcoal, 4.6 % fins and 2.55 % un-burnt. The calorific value of carbonized mango biomass was found to be 6,383 kcal/kg as compared raw material i.e. 3,741 kcal/kg. The bulk density of charcoal decreased to 165 kg/m3 from 271 kg/m3 of its raw material. The good shatter; tumbling and water penetration indicated that, the charcoal produced have good shock, impact resistance as well as good for handling and transportation. The charcoal produced from the mango tree biomass could be the solution for the supply of smokeless fuel to the rural industries.