 | Small scale charcoal making: A manual for trainers |
 |  | Day 2 |
|
|
Session 11: Kiln construction
|
Total Time: |
2 hours |
|
Objectives: |
* To construct miniature kilns based on design plans |
|
* To load, fire, and seal miniature kilns |
|
|
* To discuss problem-solving techniques used by work groups during the design and construction activities. |
|
|
Resources: |
A sample kiln (for demonstration purposes). |
|
Materials: |
Machetes, saws and pruning shears (if available), wood for making charcoal (see Session 5), hoes, shovels, large forks and spoons, assorted sizes and lengths of metal pipe, tin cans, 20 liter buckets, assorted metal working tools, wire, sheet metal, 20 liter cans, 1 square meter of clay, 1 square meter of sand, several large buckets of water, a supply of succulent, green organic matter. |
|
Trainer Notes * This list includes those materials considered essential in carrying out the activities involved in constructing, loading, firing, monitoring and extracting the kilns. |
|
Trainer Notes * This session will require preparation. It will be necessary to construct a sample, miniature kiln to serve as a basis for demonstrating, loading, and firing. (See Steps 3 and 6). It is recommended that this sample kiln be a CASAMANCE type, since it represents a basic variation of the traditional kiln and employs all the basic design features of a charcoal kiln. * The kiln site should be made ready by having all the necessary construction equipment available, and by making sure the appropriate fire precaution measures have been taken. * To save time later in the evening, it is suggested that the materials and resources for the nightwatch activity (see Session 12) be brought to the kiln site as well. |
Step 1. (5 minutes)
Briefly explain the objectives of the session and outline the procedures.
Step 2. (30 minutes)
Have the participants form their work groups and construct miniature kilns based on the design plans developed in the previous session.
|
Trainer Notes * Explain that "construction" involves gathering the necessary materials and setting up the kiln site to the point of being ready to fire the kilns. * Keep in touch with how the groups are proceeding, taking time to offer suggestions, demonstrate the proper use of tools, etc. * Ask each group to advise you when they are ready to load their kilos. |
Step 3. (15 minutes)
When the work groups have completed construction of their kilns, demonstrate proper loading and covering techniques on the sample kiln.
|
Trainer Notes. * As you are loading the sample kiln, it is important to demonstrate and explain the following techniques: - wood placement - filling and packing to minimize internal air drafts - construction of firing point - covering with earth and vegetation * Stimulate discussion by asking participants to explain the relation of each technique to heat transfer and draft principles. * Ask that two or three of the participants volunteer to help you complete the loading and covering of the sample kiln. |
Step 4. (20 minutes)
Have the work groups return to their kiln sites and complete the loading and covering of their kilns.
|
Trainer Notes Circulate among the work groups and offer suggestions and guidance when necessary. |
Step 5. (15 minutes)
Ask the work groups to gather around the sample kiln and observe as you demonstrate proper firing techniques.
|
Trainer Notes * Take a few minutes at this time to review the basic fire precaution procedures explained in Session 4, "Introduction to Carbonization." * In demonstrating firing techniques, be sure to stress the following: - the use for coals from an external fire - packing coals into firing chamber - high smoke volume as signal to seal kilns * Stimulate discussion by asking participants to explain the relation of each technique to such principles as heat transfer draft, and fire safety. |
Step 6. (15 minutes)
Have the work groups return to their kiln sites and fire their kilns.
|
Trainer Notes * As one group completes the firing of their kiln, have them provide assistance to any other groups that may be experiencing difficulties. |
Step 7. (15 minutes)
When all the kilns are fired and burning, reconvene the group and discuss the problem-solving techniques used by each work group during the design and construction processes.
|
Trainer Notes * Ask participants to give examples of some of the difficulties they have experienced as development workers in working with groups and communicating new technical concepts to host country individuals. Ask them to compare these examples to experiences they had working with their work group during the design and construction activities. * Stimulate discussion by asking the following questions: - Was there a particular pattern to the problem-solving techniques used by your group? - What was the most challenging phase of the afternoon's activities for your group? - Do you think there would be similar problems in working with host country individuals? If not, how would they be different? - What could be done to improve your working styles with one, another? With host country individuals? |
Step 8. (5 minutes)
Conclude the session by reminding participants that the kiln activities will be continuing into the night.
|
Trainer Notes * Explain that burning kilns must be continually monitored and that night vigils are a common aspect of the life of a charcoal maker. |
|
|