Biochar Adam Dual Retort Maui, HI
In February 2024 I made the trip to Maui to facilitate building a dual chamber Adam Retort Biochar Kiln. The onsite team Haleakala Biochar https://www.haleakalabiochar.com/aboutus led by Joe, Sara, Andy, and Alex are experts in invasive species eradication, and replanting native species on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. The Skyline Zip line eco tour property is another project that has shown excellent results in native species restoration. Peter Hirst, owner of the Adam Retort Design, brought extensive knowledge about biochar production, and guided us through the build locating ports, and key design features. Haleakala Biochar/Permaculture Group operate on several grants every year, and this project is federally funded to eradicate invasive eucalyptus forest on 30,000 acre Haleakala Ranch Property, and produce biochar/wood vinegar to aid in fire recovery efforts in Lahaina, Kula, and elsewhere. The kiln has 2 chambers, roughly 4x8x4 each retort, with a burn chamber below, connected to a shared chimney. The process is initiated with propane burner, when the feedstock is hot enough exhaust gasses are recirculated into the burn chamber and the kiln fires itself. Wood vinegar is collected through a condenser (not in photos as it was built after I left) drip system. It was a very rewarding experience overall, working to give back/improve the land/environment with an exceptional team working to build back native Hawaii environment.