How to Convert Coconut Shell to Charcoal

Converting coconut shell to charcoal can be achieved in continuous biomass pyrolysis plant. Biomass pyrolysis equipment is also called biochar making machine, biomass carbonization machine. Inside the pyrolysis reactor, the coconut shells are placed in an oxygen-deficient or hypoxic environment and the temperature is gradually raised to 400 - 600°C by external heating. In this temperature range, the organic components in the coconut shells, such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, undergo thermal decomposition reactions. These complex organic macromolecules break into smaller molecules, and volatile substances escape in the form of gas. The non-volatile carbon elements remain, gradually forming a solid charcoal with a porous structure.

1. Raw material processing​

Wash the coconut shells to remove impurities such as dirt and residual coconut meat attached to the surface. Then, use a crusher to break the coconut shells into suitable sizes, generally controlled at about 5-20mm. After that, use a dryer to control the moisture content of the coconut shells to less than 15%. This ensures that the biomass pyrolysis reaction is carried out evenly and avoids insufficient pyrolysis.

 

2. Continuous feeding

The pre-treated coconut shell fragments are continuously fed into the feed port of the carbonization equipment by the conveying equipment. The conveying speed of the conveying equipment can be adjusted according to the carbonization capacity and production requirements of the equipment. In order to ensure that the raw materials enter the equipment evenly and stably, the equipment can be operated continuously and stably.

 

3. Pyrolysis and carbonization process​

The pyrolysis and carbonization equipment maintains the temperature of the reaction zone in the appropriate range of 400-600°C through the heating system. In an oxygen-deficient or hypoxic environment, the organic components in the coconut shell undergo thermal decomposition reactions to produce synthesis gas and solid charcoal.

 

During the biomass pyrolysis process, the temperature sensor and pressure sensor equipped with the carbonization equipment monitor the temperature and pressure data in the reaction zone in real time and feed the data back to the control system. The control system automatically adjusts the heating power and gas discharge according to the preset parameters to ensure that the carbonization reaction is carried out under stable conditions.

 

 

4. Gas collection and treatment​

The synthetic gas generated during the pyrolysis process is collected into the gas purification device through the gas collection pipeline inside the equipment. The purification device first separates the condensable components in the gas, such as tar and water vapor, through the condensation system to prevent these substances from clogging the pipeline or affecting the subsequent use of the gas.

 

The gas after condensation treatment then enters the desulfurization, denitrification and other purification equipment to remove harmful components such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

 

Part of the purified gas passes through the burner as the energy source for the equipment's own heating to achieve energy recycling. The other part can be stored or further processed and utilized according to demand.

 

5. Continuous discharging and cooling

The coconut shell charcoal is continuously discharged from the discharging port under the push of the conveying structure. To prevent the high-temperature charcoal from re-igniting after contacting the air, a cooling device such as a water-cooling sleeve or an air-cooling system is provided at the discharging port.

 

The water-cooling sleeve takes away the heat of the charcoal through the circulating cooling water, and the air-cooling system uses the forced air flow to cool the charcoal. The temperature of the coconut shell charcoal after cooling drops to room temperature, which is convenient for subsequent storage, transportation and processing.

 

6. Coconut shell charcoal packaging

The cooled coconut shell charcoal enters the screening equipment and is graded according to the particle size through screens of different specifications. The coconut shell charcoal of different particle sizes screened out is packaged separately according to the purpose and market demand.

 

For coconut shell charcoal used for barbecue, it is generally packaged in sealed plastic bags or woven bags. Coconut shell charcoal used for industrial production may be packaged in large ton bags to meet the needs of batch transportation and use. After packaging, the finished coconut shell charcoal is stored in a dry and ventilated warehouse waiting for sale or further processing.

 

Mingjie Biomass Carbonization Plant uses continuous pyrolysis to process coconut shells. Continuous carbonization equipment is widely used in the field of coconut shell to charcoal due to its high efficiency and stability.