Characteristics of White Charcoal Produced from the Charcoal Kiln for Thermotherapy

Abstract

In this study, the characteristics of the white charcoal from charcoal kilns made for both charcoal production and thermotherapy and from the traditional charcoal kiln were compared and examined. A charcoal kiln for thermotherapy as a secondary purpose was made to minimize environmental problems such as fine dust and harmful gas generated from sealed charcoal kiln in consideration of comfort and safety. White Charcoal produced from the charcoal kiln for both charcoal production and thermotherapy had higher ash and volatile matter and lower fixed carbon than that from the traditional charcoal kiln. The density of the white charcoal produced from the charcoal kiln for both charcoal production and thermotherapy was slightly higher than that of the traditional one, but the equilibrium moisture content and pH were not significantly different. The calorific value, refinement degree, hardness and anatomical structure were not different between the two. It was concluded that the white charcoal produced from the advanced charcoal kiln for thermotherapy as a secondary purpose meets the quality certification standards of Korea Forest Research Institute.