Production program

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2013 - 2014 Program (click to enlarge)
ENVODEV is establishing a sustainable method of Eco-Charcoal production for the city of Moundou. Like all cities in Chad, Moundou has limited access to proper fuel. Police checkpoints and extremely high prices for charcoal make it difficult for urban dwellers to buy charcoal.

All the biomass needed to make Eco-Charcoal is located around the many small rural towns and villages across southern Chad. ENVODEV is creating a centralized production site in Moundou, where carbonized biomass is gathered from partnering groups. These groups, trained by ENVODEV staff, have learned to turn biomass into bio-char through a simple pyrolysis process using locally made kilns. In addition to bio-char, Eco-Charcoal production requires a natural binding agent made from manioc (cassava). Cultivators who collaborate with ENVODEV’s charcoal project find economic improvement through the increased manioc output necessary to meet Eco-Charcoal production needs.

Goal

ENVODEV seeks to: 1. transfer to villagers the knowledge and technical ability to convert dry biomass into bio-char necessary in the making of Eco-Charcoal briquettes; and 2. gather bio-char and the binding agent to a central production center.

 Objectives of Decentralized Bio-Charring

  • Identify locally available biomass that can be used for the charring process.
  • Fill the kiln properly and carbonize the dry biomass to produce quality bio-char.
  • Have a safe pyrolysis process.
  • Properly handle the bio-char to avoid loss of char to ash.
  • Sift the bio-char to remove contamination.

Objectives of Centralized Briquette Production (see project below)

  • Mix the binder with the bio-char.
  • Mold and press briquettes.
  • Dry the briquettes.
  • Package and store the product.
  • Transfer the utilization technique.
  • Promote Eco-Charcoal.

Projected Outcome

Participants will have the technical capacity to produce bio-char, manufacture Eco-Charcoal briquettes, and sensitize the local population of the health, economic and environmental benefits of Eco-Charcoal.
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Decentralized Carbonization Training
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Finished Eco-Charcoal Briquette

CENTRALIZED PRODUCTION BUILDING PROJECT

The Charcoal center

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Established to regroup the raw materials to make Eco-Charcoal, the Charcoal Center will also serve as a storage and sales point: The building will also be a point of reference for Eco-Charcoal, where groups and associations will have the opportunity to receive training, learn how to use Eco-Charcoal, and purchase improved cook stoves.