What is the machine that makes charcoal?

The machine used to make charcoal is called a charcoal kiln or charcoal retort. It is designed to convert wood or other organic matter into charcoal through a process called pyrolysis.

Charcoal kilns come in various designs and sizes, but they generally consist of a sealed chamber where the organic material is heated in the absence of oxygen. This lack of oxygen prevents the material from burning completely and instead forces it to undergo thermal decomposition.

During the pyrolysis process, the organic material is gradually heated to a specific temperature, typically around 500 to 600 degrees Celsius (932 to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the type of wood or biomass used. As the material heats up, volatile compounds such as water, methane, and tar are released, leaving behind the carbon-rich solid residue known as charcoal.

The gases and vapors produced during pyrolysis can be collected and used as byproducts, such as for generating heat or producing additional energy. The charcoal kiln is designed to minimize the escape of these gases, allowing for more efficient and environmentally friendly charcoal production.

Industrial-scale charcoal production often employs large, automated charcoal kilns, while smaller-scale or artisanal production may use simpler, more traditional kiln designs.