I'd like to see a coke making session at some time...I make coke from coal I can acquire. But that is a Ad-hoc supply. So when we have enough to fill our 2 retorts we will have a go and making some.
The coal is of a unknown quality, so converting it to coke is a way of adding value.
The wood we convert is all of cuts, branches from a friendly tree surgeon and what is no good at MIS.
It is not to make a lot of money, but it does bring some in. But a way of getting members involved in something different.
We have two fifty gallon drums for coke. The gas is ducted from the top and into the flame. Any coal tar etc. is tapped out and used on fence post.
For charcoal we have 4 drums, 2 will be converting, as 2 are charged. Then we swop them over and let the hot ones cool.
The gas is again burnt and any pitch is collected.
Most of the coke gets used by me, or in the Polly tunnel as a heat source. We do sell a few bags, but not as many as I hope.
The charcoal, goes well during the summer, but stowage space is the issue.
But the fun MIS members have out weighs the down sides.
I have done charcoal in a clamp. Yes the experience was fun. But hard work. That's why I use oil drums, in a metal frame, over a fire pit.
In a few days I plan to have a bash at pressing the dust etc into a "Brick".
It is again an idea to invole people in a project what is free, fun and we have something to show.
I plane to mix the charcoal dust and small bits with sawdust, a bit of water and a bit of hope.
The coke we buy in all comes from abroad now. Crap quality.
That will be lovely. Forging in crap coke just is not fun and you’re paying good money for tonnes of dust, smoke and sulphur.New deep mine opening in Cumbria soon to win coking coal for the metal industry.
Very popular with the ex miners where I used to live.
they were crushing down coal dust so fine it could be suspended in HFO and used in ships diesels.
With the attendant risk of explosion, as can happen with fine sawdust?
You heat your home with coke or is this for a different application?View attachment 175280 I’ve been experiencing problems lately,as my bunker gets low,the Coke I’m removing from it is too big,20 mm,so I’m resorting to crushing to reduce to the usual 10-15 mm,the fires now behaving as it usually does,frustrating as it’s the supplier I’ve used for over 20 years.tried a garden roller to no avail.
I'd like to see a coke making session at some time...
For the forge!You heat your home with coke or is this for a different application?
If the former, do tell me more
Interesting, cheers. I'm looking at recommissioning a solid fuel boiler that's designed to burn coke, hence my question.For the forge!