Retort

Abstract

A retort ( 10 ) for producing charcoal, and a method of use thereof, the retort ( 10 ) having an inner vessel ( 140 ), for receiving wood to be converted into charcoal, and an outer vessel ( 20 ) containing the inner vessel ( 140 ) and defining an intermediate region between the inner vessel ( 140 ) and the outer vessel ( 20 ). The intermediate region including a burning region configured for burning fuel to heat the inner vessel ( 140 ); a flue ( 60 ) from the inner vessel ( 140 ) to a region outside the outer vessel ( 20 ), for conveying gas from the inner vessel ( 140 ) to the atmosphere; a feed pipe ( 210 ) from the inner vessel ( 140 ) to the intermediate region, for conveying gas from the inner vessel ( 140 ) to the intermediate region, wherein the entire length of the feed pipe ( 210 ) is located within the outer vessel ( 20 ).

1 . A retort, for producing charcoal, comprising:
 an inner vessel, for receiving wood to be converted into charcoal;   an outer vessel containing the inner vessel and defining an intermediate region between the inner vessel and the outer vessel, the intermediate region comprising a burning region configured for burning fuel to heat the inner vessel;   a flue from the inner vessel to a region outside the outer vessel, for conveying gas from the inner vessel to the atmosphere;   a feed pipe from the flue to the burning region, for conveying gas from the flue to the burning region, wherein the entire length of the feed pipe is located within the outer vessel; and   a feed pipe valve for controlling flow of gas through the feed pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a flue valve for controlling flow of gas through the flue. 
     
     
         3 . The retort of  claim 1 , wherein the feed pipe is arranged such that, in use, gas flow from the inner vessel is required to substantially change direction within the flue in order to enter the feed pipe. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The retort of  claim 1 , wherein the burning region is located substantially under the inner vessel. 
     
     
         6 . The retort of  claim 5 , wherein the feed pipe is configured to convey gas into a substantially central part of the burning region. 
     
     
         7 . The retort of  claim 5 , wherein the retort further comprises a second feed pipe from the flue to the intermediate region, for conveying gas from the inner vessel to the intermediate region, the second feed pipe configured to convey gas into the burning region in a direction substantially opposite to that of the first feed pipe. 
     
     
         8 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a deflector coupled to an outlet end of the feed pipe, configured to direct gas, as it exits the feed pipe, in any desired direction. 
     
     
         9 . The retort of  claim 8 , wherein the direction that gas, as it exits the feed pipe, is directed by the deflector is adjustable. 
     
     
         10 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a trailer and/or skids for supporting the retort. 
     
     
         11 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor within the flue and a temperature indicator, for indicating a temperature measured by the temperature sensor to an operator. 
     
     
         12 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a first replaceable sacrificial member located on an inside surface of the outer vessel, adjacent the burning region. 
     
     
         13 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising a second replaceable sacrificial member located on an outer surface of the inner vessel, adjacent the burning region. 
     
     
         14 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising an extraction pipe from the lower side of the inner vessel, for removing fluid from the inner vessel to a location external to the retort, and an extraction pipe valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the extraction pipe. 
     
     
         15 . The retort of  claim 1 , further comprising an access door substantially at each end of the retort, each door configured to provide access to an interior of the inner vessel and/or the intermediate region. 
     
     
         16 . The retort of  claim 1 , wherein the flue is located closer to a first end of the retort than to an opposing second end, and a second flue is located closer to the second end of the retort than to the first end. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled)