Method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches

Abstract

This invention provides a method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches, which allows for easy and efficient carbonization of grape pruning branches and the production of charcoal with high precision. [Solution] The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches includes an input step of putting grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 into a container 11, and a carbonization step of carbonizing the grape pruning branches 21 in the container 11 to produce charcoal. In the input step, grape pruning branches 21 may be put into the container 11, and rice husks 24 may be filled to fill the gaps in the container 11 into which the grape pruning branches 21 have been placed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in grape farms, during the pruning work of grapevines that is regularly carried out, a large amount of pruning branches (especially fruiting mother branches) are generated, and their disposal has become a problem. Usually, the pruning branches are incinerated, but this requires a considerable amount of labor and cost. Therefore, there is an urgent need to effectively utilize the large amount of generated pruning branches. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a carbonization method of burning fruit tree pruning branches and the like to produce carbide (charcoal).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above carbonization method, although fruit tree pruning branches can be carbonized by incomplete combustion near the bottom of the container to produce carbide (charcoal), in other parts, they cannot be sufficiently carbonized, and there has been a problem that a large proportion of the fruit tree pruning branches burn out (completely burn) and turn into ash as a whole.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches, which can easily and efficiently carbonize grape pruning branches and accurately produce charcoal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches, which includes an input step of putting grape pruning branches and rice husks into a container, and a carbonization step of carbonizing the grape pruning branches in the container to produce charcoal.

[0007] In the above-described method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches, grape pruning branches of different shapes and rice hulls are placed in a container. Specifically, rod-shaped grape pruning branches and small, fine granular rice hulls are placed in the container. As a result, the rice hulls fill the gaps between the grape pruning branches placed in the container, creating a dense environment inside the container.

[0008] This makes it easier to carbonize (incompletely combust) the grape pruning branches inside the container. In this way, the rice husks assist and promote the carbonization of the grape pruning branches, allowing for easy and efficient carbonization and the production of high-quality charcoal. Furthermore, since the produced charcoal can be used for various purposes, it is possible to effectively utilize the large amount of grape pruning branches generated during grapevine pruning work.

[0009] In the above-described method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches, the input step may involve placing the grape pruning branches into a container and filling any gaps in the container with rice hulls. In this case, the effect of the rice hulls assisting and promoting the carbonization of the grape pruning branches can be more effectively demonstrated.

[0010] Furthermore, in the input process, grape pruning branches that have been trimmed to a predetermined length may be placed into the container. In this case, the grape pruning branches can be carbonized more efficiently, and charcoal can be produced with even greater precision.

[0011] Furthermore, pruned grapevine branches may include fruiting branches that have been pruned. In this case, the fruiting branches that are generated in large quantities during grapevine pruning can be carbonized to produce charcoal, which can then be put to good use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the container and the first chimney are installed in the method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which grape pruning branches and rice husks are placed in a container in the method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first cover material and the second cover material are installed in the method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second chimney and blower are installed in the method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second chimney is placed over the first chimney in the method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches in this embodiment is a method of producing charcoal by carbonizing (incompletely burning) the grape pruning branches. The procedure is described below.

[0014] First, prepare the grape pruning branches that will be used as the raw material for the charcoal. Grape pruning branches are branches that have been pruned during the pruning process of grapevines. Grape pruning branches include various types of branches, including the main branches that have been pruned during the pruning process of grapevines. In this embodiment, the main branches that have been pruned are used as grape pruning branches.

[0015] Next, the length of the prepared grape pruning branches is adjusted. Grape pruning branches, which are fruiting branches, have characteristic curves and bends, and if left as they are, it may be difficult to put them into the container described later. Therefore, the length of the grape pruning branches is adjusted to make it easier to put them into the container and to efficiently carbonize them.

[0016] Specifically, using pruning shears, a cutting machine, etc., cut and separate the grape pruning branches so that they reach a predetermined length (about 20 cm in this embodiment). This arranges the grape pruning branches to a predetermined length. Note that the length of the grape pruning branches can be appropriately set considering factors such as the size of the container to be loaded.

[0017] Then, the grape pruning branches adjusted to a predetermined length are tied together with a string for each plurality of branches to form one bundle. This produces a plurality of bundles of grape pruning branches. Note that the material of the string for bundling the grape pruning branches is preferably a material that does not generate harmful substances even when burned and does not cause problems even when attached to the generated charcoal. For example, natural materials such as hemp can be used.

[0018] Next, as shown in FIG. 1, install a container 11 used to carbonize the grape pruning branches to produce charcoal. The container 11 is a bottomed cylindrical container having a cylindrical side wall portion 111 and a bottom portion 112 that closes the lower end of the side wall portion 111. An opening 113 that opens upward is provided at the upper end of the side wall portion 111. The container 11 is installed on a heat-resistant brick 12.

[0019] As the container 11, a container made of a heat-resistant material can be used. In this embodiment, a stainless-steel pail is used as the container 11. Also, the installation location of the container 11 may be any location with no problem in heat resistance, such as a concrete block or the ground, in addition to the above-mentioned brick.

[0020] Next, at the bottom 112 of the container 11, ignite an ignition agent and ignition materials (not shown) such as paper and wood chips placed around it. Once the ignition materials are burning stably, place an upside-down stainless-steel bowl 13, which is semi-spherical and has a large number of holes 131 by punching, over the burning ignition materials. This can provide a space partitioned by the bowl 13 near the bottom 112 of the container 11. Then, install a first chimney 14, which is a cylindrical exhaust member with a smaller diameter and longer length than the container 11, vertically extending above the bowl 13.

[0021] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the grape pruning branches 21 are put into the container 11. Specifically, a bundle 23 of grape pruning branches in which a plurality of grape pruning branches 21 are tied with a string 22 is put into the container 11. Then, the plurality of bundles 23 of grape pruning branches are spread and arranged so as to be as dense as possible in the space between the container 11 and the first chimney 14.

[0022] Next, rice husks 24 are put into the container 11. The rice husks 24 are the outermost skin part of the paddy (paddy rice). Specifically, the rice husks 24 are filled so as to fill the gaps in the container 11 into which the grape pruning branches 21 are put. That is, the rice husks 24 are filled so as to fill the gaps in the container 11 (between the container 11 and the first chimney 14 and the grape pruning branches 21, between the grape pruning branches 21, etc.).

[0023] In addition, if the rice husks 24 put into the container 11 burn and the volume decreases, and the grape pruning branches 21 are exposed, the grape pruning branches 21 may burn out (completely burn) and turn into ash. To suppress this, the rice husks 24 are filled to a certain thickness above the grape pruning branches 21 so that the grape pruning branches 21 are not exposed.

[0024] Next, a lid 15 is installed on the opening 113 of the container 11. The lid 15 is in the shape of a circular plate and has a circular hole 151 provided in the central part. The inner diameter of the hole 151 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the first chimney 14. The lid 15 is arranged so as to close the opening 113 of the container 11 while passing the first chimney 14 through the hole 151. A gap 16 serving as an air intake (air supply port) is provided between the first chimney 14 and the lid 15, and the air flow can be stabilized by this gap 16.

[0025] In the state shown in Figure 2, inside the container 11, the fire spreads from the burning ignition material in the bowl 13 to the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24, causing the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 to burn. Air is drawn into the container 11 from the outside through the gap 16 between the first chimney 14 and the lid 15, and discharged from the container 11 to the outside through the first chimney 14. Smoke generated by the combustion of the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 is discharged from the container 11 to the outside through the first chimney 14. In Figure 2, the airflow is indicated by arrow A.

[0026] Furthermore, because the container 11 is densely packed with the added grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24, the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 can be burned under conditions of oxygen deficiency (under an oxygen concentration that prevents complete combustion). In other words, the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 can be incompletely burned. This allows the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 to be easily and efficiently carbonized.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the first cover material 31 is installed in a double layer on the outside of the container 11. The first cover material 31 is a cylindrical heat-insulating member made of stainless steel for maintaining the temperature inside the container 11. The outer diameter of the first cover material 31 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the container 11. In this embodiment, two first cover materials 31 with different outer diameters are installed on top of each other on the outside of the container 11.

[0028] Next, the second cover material 32 is installed on top of the container 11. The second cover material 32 is a conical heat-insulating member made of stainless steel, which maintains the temperature inside the container 11 and the first chimney 14. A hole 321 is provided at the top of the second cover material 32. The second cover material 32 is installed on top of the first cover material 31, with the first chimney 14 passing through the hole 321. In addition, multiple holes 322, which serve as air intakes (air inlets), are provided on the side of the second cover material 32.

[0029] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the second chimney 33 is connected to the first chimney 14. The second chimney 33 is a long, slender cylindrical exhaust member, with a portion bent at approximately a right angle at one end 331. The outer diameter of the second chimney 33 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first chimney 14. The second chimney 33 is then connected to the first chimney 14 by placing one end 331 of the second chimney 33 over the upper end 141 of the first chimney 14. As a result, the second chimney 33 is installed so that it bends at approximately a right angle from the upper end 141 of the first chimney 14 and extends horizontally.

[0030] Next, air is supplied into the container 11 via the second chimney 33. Specifically, a blower 34 is installed in the opening 333 at the other end 332 of the second chimney 33, and air is supplied from the blower 34 into the container 11 via the second chimney 33 and the first chimney 14. In other words, a large amount of air is supplied into the container 11 in the opposite direction to the normal airflow. In Figure 4, the airflow supplied from the blower 34 is indicated by arrow B.

[0031] This allows the fire to spread quickly throughout the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24, causing the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 in the container 11 to burn evenly and rapidly raise the temperature inside the container 11. When the smoke generated by the burning of the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 in the container 11 begins to blow out from the holes 322 in the second cover material 32 and the gaps between the first cover material 31 and the second cover material 32, the airflow from the blower 34 is stopped.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the second chimney 33 is removed from the first chimney 14, and the second chimney 33 is placed over the outside of the first chimney 14 as an insulating material to maintain the temperature inside the first chimney 14. Specifically, one end 331 of the second chimney 33 is pointed upwards and the other end 332 is pointed downwards, and the second chimney 33 is placed over the outside of the first chimney 14.

[0033] In the state shown in Figure 5, air is drawn into the container 11 from the outside through the holes 322 in the second cover material 32 and the gap 16 between the first chimney 14 and the lid 15, and then discharged from the container 11 to the outside through the first chimney 14 and the second chimney 33. The smoke generated by the combustion of the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 is discharged from the container 11 to the outside through the first chimney 14 and the second chimney 33. In Figure 5, the airflow is indicated by arrow C.

[0034] Furthermore, the first cover material 31 and the second cover material 32 maintain the rapidly rising temperature inside the container 11 at a high level, and the second cover material 32 and the second chimney 33 further maintain the high temperature inside the first chimney 14. As a result, a sufficient chimney effect due to the draft (upward airflow) is obtained, and air is drawn into the container 11 well. This allows the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 inside the container 11 to burn evenly and stably, further shortening the burning time. Note that the above chimney effect is more effective when the outside temperature is low.

[0035] Afterward, the container 11 is left for about an hour in the state shown in Figure 5 to burn the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24. Specifically, the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 in the container 11 are allowed to burn incompletely. This carbonizes the grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24, producing charcoal. Note that if the burning time is too long, the grape pruning branches 21 will burn out (completely burn) and turn to ash, so it is preferable to adjust the burning time appropriately to prevent this from happening. Furthermore, the temperature inside the container 11 is preferably 500°C or higher, and if a harder charcoal (charcoal with higher strength) is to be produced, it is preferable to have a temperature of 800°C or higher.

[0036] Next, the first chimney 14 and the second chimney 33 are removed, the first cover material 31 and the second cover material 32 are removed, and the lid 15 is removed from the container 11. Then, with the opening 113 of the container 11 sealed with another lid that does not have holes (not shown), the container 11 is turned upside down and placed on the ground or the like to block the airflow between the inside and outside of the container 11. Leave it in this state for about a day to cool the inside of the container 11.

[0037] Next, the contents are removed from container 11. Container 11 contains charcoal produced by carbonizing grape pruning branches 21 (grape pruning branch charcoal) and charcoal produced by carbonizing rice husks 24 (rice husk charcoal (rice husk charcoal)). The contents of container 11 are separated using a coarse sieve or similar. The separated grape pruning branch charcoal is washed with water and dried in the sun for about half a day if necessary. Washing and sun drying are not necessary if not required.

[0038] As described above, charcoal made from grape pruning branches, that is, charcoal produced by carbonizing grape pruning branches (charcoal derived from grape pruning branches), is obtained. The obtained charcoal retains the shape of the grape pruning branches (having sufficient strength to maintain its shape) and is about 3 / 4 the size of the original. In this embodiment, it was possible to produce charcoal by carbonizing more than 90% of the grape pruning branches initially introduced.

[0039] The charcoal obtained by the above manufacturing method can be applied to a variety of uses, such as deodorizing charcoal, aromatic wood, edible charcoal, interior decoration, pencil lead, drawing charcoal, ink, fuel for charcoal burning, soil conditioner (for use in regenerative farming, circular farming, etc.), water purification material (for water quality improvement), and as a substitute for drainage stones for pots. This allows for the wide and effective utilization of grape pruning branches as charcoal.

[0040] In particular, because the charcoal produced by the above manufacturing method is porous (multi-pore), scattering it on soil improves the soil's heat retention, water permeability, aeration, and water retention properties. Furthermore, it provides a habitat for microorganisms, promoting their activation and effectively exhibiting its effects as a soil conditioner. In addition, the produced charcoal has a moderate strength, making it easy for plant roots to intertwine with it, thus stabilizing the soil and suppressing soil softening.

[0041] Next, the effects and advantages of the charcoal production method using grape pruning branches according to this embodiment will be explained. The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches in this embodiment involves placing grape pruning branches 21 and rice husks 24 into a container 11 (putting step), and then carbonizing the grape pruning branches 21 inside the container 11 to produce charcoal (carbonization step).

[0042] According to this embodiment, grape pruning branches 21 and rice hulls 24 of different shapes are placed inside the container 11. Specifically, rod-shaped grape pruning branches 21 and small, fine granular rice hulls 24 are placed inside the container 11. As a result, the rice hulls 24 can fill the gaps between the grape pruning branches 21 placed inside the container 11, making the inside of the container 11 dense.

[0043] This makes it easier to carbonize (incompletely combust) the grape pruning branches 21 inside the container 11. Specifically, the grape pruning branches 21 can be burned inside the container 11 in a state of constant oxygen deficiency (under an oxygen concentration that does not allow for complete combustion), that is, incomplete combustion can be achieved. In this way, the rice husks 24 assist and promote the carbonization of the grape pruning branches 21, making it possible to easily and efficiently carbonize the grape pruning branches 21 and produce charcoal with high precision. Furthermore, since the produced charcoal can be applied to various uses, it is possible to effectively utilize the large amount of grape pruning branches 21 generated during grapevine pruning work.

[0044] Furthermore, since rice husks 24 have traditionally been carbonized to produce charcoal (rice husk charcoal), they are very suitable as a material to assist and promote the carbonization of grape pruning branches 21. Also, rice husks 24 are generated in large quantities during the hulling process when rice farmers mill rice using rice milling machines, etc., and are usually incinerated like grape pruning branches 21, so rice husks 24 can be effectively utilized. In addition, since rice husks 24 can also be carbonized to produce rice husk charcoal, just like grape pruning branches 21, the produced rice husk charcoal can be applied to various uses to further utilize it effectively.

[0045] Furthermore, in the input process, grape pruning branches 21 are placed into the container 11, and rice hulls 24 are filled to fill the gaps in the container 11 where the grape pruning branches 21 are placed. This allows the effect of the rice hulls 24 assisting and promoting the carbonization of the grape pruning branches 21 to be more effectively realized.

[0046] Furthermore, in the input process, grape pruning branches 21, which have been trimmed to a predetermined length, are placed into the container 11. This allows for more efficient carbonization of the grape pruning branches 21 and enables the production of charcoal with even greater precision.

[0047] Furthermore, the grape pruning branches 21 include the fruiting branches that have been pruned. Therefore, the fruiting branches that are generated in large quantities during grape pruning can be carbonized to produce charcoal, which can then be put to good use.

[0048] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] (1) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, grape pruning branches 21 and rice hulls 24 were placed in the container 11, but rice bran may also be added. This allows the carbonization of the grape pruning branches to be assisted and promoted not only by rice hulls but also by rice bran. Rice bran is the part of the rice that is produced when brown rice is polished, such as the pericarp, seed coat, and germ. Therefore, it is also possible to make effective use of the rice bran that is generated in the process of polishing brown rice using a rice polishing machine by rice farmers.

[0050] (2) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first cover material 31 and the second cover material 32 are installed as heat-insulating members to maintain the temperature inside the container 11 and the first chimney 14, but the configuration may be made without using these heat-insulating members.

[0051] (3) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second chimney 33 is connected to the first chimney 14, and air is sent into the container 11 from the blower 34 through the second chimney 33 and the first chimney 14. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the second chimney 33 is placed on the outside of the first chimney 14 as an insulating member to maintain the temperature inside the first chimney 14. However, a configuration without such steps is also possible.

[0052] (4) In the above embodiment, a stainless steel pail was used as the container 11, but a larger container such as a drum, rice container, or large heat-resistant container can also be used. In addition, by increasing the capacity of the container, the amount of grape pruning branches that can be added and carbonized at one time can also be increased. In that case, the length of the grape pruning branches added can also be increased.

[0053] (5) In the above embodiment, a stainless steel bowl 13 was used to ensure ventilation while burning the ignition material and to provide a space to stabilize the flame in the initial stages of ignition. However, other configurations can be used as long as they produce similar effects. For example, a small camping stove may be used.

[0054] (6) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 11...Container, 21...Grape pruning branches, 24...Rice husks

Claims

1. The process involves placing grape pruning branches and rice husks into a container, The process includes a carbonization step in which the grape pruning branches are carbonized in the container to produce charcoal, A method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches.

2. The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to claim 1, wherein in the input step, the grape pruning branches are placed into the container, and the rice husks are filled to fill the gaps in the container into which the grape pruning branches are placed.

3. The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to claim 1, wherein the input step involves putting the grape pruning branches, which have been cut to a predetermined length, into the container.

4. The method for producing charcoal using grape pruning branches according to claim 1, wherein the grape pruning branches include mother branches as a result of pruning.

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