CHARACTERISTICS OF CHARCOAL FROM THYRSOSTACHYS SIAMENSIS, DENDROCALAMUS SERICEUS, AND GIGANTOCHLOA ALBOCILIATA PRODUCED IN A HORIZONTAL KILN

Abstract

Bamboo processing often generates nodes as residues, which are typically underutilised despite their potential for bioenergy applications. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of charcoal produced from bamboo nodes using a 200 L horizontal kiln, with a focus on its efficiency and contribution to sustainable biomass utilisation. The research analysed charcoal yield, wood vinegar yield, fuel consumption, gross calorific value (GCV), net calorific value (NCV), and the proximate and elemental composition of three bamboo species: Thyrsostachys siamensis, Dendrocalamus sericeus, and Gigantochloa albociliata. Results revealed that G. albociliata nodes produced the highest charcoal yield (23.12 ± 2.65%) and wood vinegar yield (13.83 ± 1.91 kg), although with greater fuel consumption (16.83 ± 1.52 kg). Its charcoal also exhibited superior fuel properties, including the highest density (634.17 ± 8.73 kg m-³), GCV (31.10 ± 0.15 MJ kg^-1), NCV (28.60 ± 0.14 MJ kg^-1), carbon content (82.26 ± 1.95%), and fixed carbon (78.95 ± 1.45%). These findings suggest that bamboo nodes, particularly from G. albociliata, can be effectively converted into high-quality charcoal using a horizontal kiln, offering a promising approach for valorising bamboo residues in renewable energy production.