Comparison of Technical and Operational Conditions of Traditional and Modern Charcoal Kilns: A Case Study in Italy

Alessio Mencarelli (), Raffaele Cavalli, Rosa Greco and Stefano Grigolato
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Alessio Mencarelli: Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35040 Padua, Italy
Raffaele Cavalli: Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35040 Padua, Italy
Rosa Greco: Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35040 Padua, Italy
Stefano Grigolato: Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35040 Padua, Italy

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-18

Abstract: The global charcoal trade is steadily growing, with high-income countries importing significant quantities of this material from regions where its production is often associated with severe environmental issues, including forest overexploitation, illegal logging, and environmental pollution. Promoting local charcoal production in high-income countries is crucial to addressing these challenges. In this study, we have chosen to focus on the European context, specifically emphasizing Italy as a case study. Our study aimed to comprehensively compare five distinct charcoal production systems, including both traditional and modern solutions, with a specific focus on evaluating the quality of the resulting charcoal. Additionally, improvements were evaluated to enhance production efficiency. Traditional systems cannot satisfy production requests, resulting in inefficiencies in manpower, costs, times, and yield. Conversely, recent innovations consider mobile and stationary kiln prototypes. Mobile kilns offer flexibility and cost savings but require operator expertise, limit automation, and have long cycles. In contrast, stationary systems operate continuously, increasing productivity and efficiency, despite higher investment costs. Notably, charcoal quality showed minimal differences. These findings highlighted the potential of new technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and environmental impact, and promote sustainable charcoal production.

Keywords: biomass; carbonization; pyrolysis; supply chain; environmental impact; air emissions; cogeneration; proximate analysis; batch reactor; screw reactor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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