Product Description

Biochar Kilns for Charcoal, Bio Char & their massive Carbon advantages. Biochar with Wood vinegar

Ritlee are proud to have in their range to market 3 models of char kilns available. Manufactured locally in S A.

3000 liter kiln

3000 litre char kiln showing condenser at back as well!

1000 liter kiln

Factory manufacturing 5x char kiln units!

320 Liter Kiln

320 Litre Kiln in production with condenser

What is Biochar?

Biochar is a stable, charcoal-like substance made by heating organic material (biomass) in a low-oxygen environment a process called pyrolysis.

🔧 How It Works:

• Made from wood, crop waste, or invasive plants (like water hyacinth). And every wood type
• Heated to 350–700°C in the absence of oxygen.
• Locks in carbon that would otherwise return to the atmosphere.

🌱 What Biochar Does in Soil:

💡 One tonne of biochar = 2.5 tonnes CO₂ sequestered, which equals one carbon credit worth R3,000.

Summary:

• Retains water: Like a sponge, biochar holds onto water during the rainy season and releases it during droughts, making it a lifesaver for crops in arid regions.
• Locks in nutrients: Biochar prevents fertilizers from washing away, keeping essential nutrients in the soil and out of waterways.
• Boosts microbes: Think of biochar as luxury apartments for the good guys in the soil.
  Its porous structure provides the perfect habitat for beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and fertility.
  Adding biochar is like giving soil a nutrient-packed protein shake that lasts for decades— sometimes centuries. It turns tired, degraded dirt into a thriving ecosystem ready to grow the food we need.

Bio Char is Charged Carbon

• Agrichar: When used specifically for agricultural purposes.
• Terra Preta: A term used historically in the Amazon region, meaning “black earth” in Portuguese.
  • Also known as Amazonian dark earth or Indian black earth, is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil (anthrosol) found in the Amazon Basin.
• Charcoal: Although not exactly the same, biochar is a type of charcoal produced through pyrolysis

Char kiln loaded with 3 tons of biomass ready to be closed and start its being made into char!.

1. • #  3000 liter biomass containing cylinder chamber #  Tightly secured locking door!#  Below Biomass chamber is fire chamber to heat biomass to tempreture mentioned below

 

Open Kiln Door– Showing about 2.45 tons of Freshly made Char!

Biochar from kiln in hand before crushing.

Why Bio Char?

What makes biochar a superhero isn’t how it looks; it’s what it does. When added to soil, it’s like giving plants a super growth boost . It  massively improves water retention, provides a cozy home for beneficial microbes, and holds onto nutrients like a squirrel hoarding nuts for
winter.

Imagine if your soil could hold more water, retain nutrients better, and even earn you money. That’s biochar. If you think it sounds like a failed barbecue experiment, think again. Biochar is the secret sauce of regenerative farming, and it’s about to change your life.

The science is simple: Take waste biomass (wood, crop leftovers, etc.), heat it up without oxygen, and BOOM—you get biochar, a soil booster that keeps working for hundreds of years. It’s like giving your land a long-term investment instead of the usual ‘quick fix’ fertilizers.

How is biochar made?

Biochar is made by heating organic waste like wood chips, wood poles, sawmill offcuts. crop residues, or even animal poop in the absence of oxygen. This fancy-sounding process, called pyrolysis, transforms the waste
into a carbon-rich material that looks like charcoal, but only 1000 times better!

Pyrolysis can be broken into three main stages, each with distinct processes and outputs:

1. Drying Stage (200–300°C)

• • The organic material loses moisture and begins to release gases, mainly water vapor.
  • No chemical transformation happens here—just preparation.

2. Decomposition Stage (300–500°C):

• • This is where the magic begins. As the temperature rises, the biomass breaks down into smaller molecules.
  • Volatile compounds are released, leaving behind a stable, carbon-rich solid biochar.

3. Condensation Stage (500+°C):

• • The vapors produced during decomposition are condensed into liquid (bio-oil and wood vinegar) and gas (syngas).
  • These by-products can be captured, stored, and used in various applications.

Why Pyrolysis Matters

Pyrolysis isn’t just a fancy way to transform waste—it’s a gateway to sustainability. By
controlling the temperature, feedstock type, and processing conditions, we can optimize the
outputs for specific needs. For instance:
• Want to maximize biochar production? Adjust the temperature and feedstock type.
• Need more bio-oil? Focus on higher temperatures and shorter residence times.
• Interested in syngas for energy? Fine-tune the pyrolysis environment to enhance gas
yield.

Bio Char and what it looks like:

Biochar from kiln in hand before crushing.

BioChar ground down to small chip size

Bio Char ground real fine

Up Close

Bio Char what it looks Like up close!

So this is how biochar looks like close up!

Wood Vinegar:

Wood vinegar

Ritlee’s carbon credits club and all the services we will be offering

TheWood Vinigar Story!

Distillation, Applications, and Global Market Guide

Prepared by: Master Key Africa

1. Introduction: The Alchemy of Nature

Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is the alchemical liquid extracted from the breath of smouldering biomass. As smoke rises from heated organic matter in the absence of oxygen (a process known as pyrolysis), it carries with it a cocktail of natural compounds—captured, condensed, and bottled into a brownish elixir teeming with potential. This compound has been revered for centuries in traditional Asian farming, and today, its applications stretch across agriculture, medicine, water purification, animal care, environmental protection, industry, and more.

2. Composition and Magical Chemistry

Wood vinegar contains over 200 organic compounds, including:

• Acetic acid (~2.8%): Antimicrobial, acidic balance
• Phenols (e.g., guaiacol, syringol, catechol, eugenol): Antioxidants, antiseptics
• Alcohols: Mild solvents and microbial inhibitors
• Esters & Ketones: Aromatic enhancers with pest-repelling properties
• Nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3): Boosts metabolic and cellular health
• Pyrimidines: Plant growth regulators
• Fatty acids & polyalcohols: Nutrition for soil microbes and plant roots
• Trace minerals: Iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium

Its pH (2.5–3.5) and electrical conductivity enable the natural balancing of soil and water environments.

3. The Magical Uses of Wood Vinegar by Realm
4. Water: The Element of Flow
5. Water Purification

• Eliminates foul odours and microbial growth in ponds, irrigation tanks, and aquaculture systems.
• When added at 0.01%–0.1%, it balances pH, reduces algae, and promotes healthy fish skin.

2. Drinking Water for Animals

• Improves digestion, gut microbiota, and disease resistance.
• Supports hydration and reduces internal parasites.

3. Wet Waste Treatment

• Neutralises leachate from composting toilets, wet manure piles, and sewage run-off.

1. Land: The Foundation of Life
2. Soil Enhancement

• Biostimulant at 0.1–1% concentration
• Encourages root growth, microbial activity, and soil fertility
• Acidifies alkaline soils gently

2. Fertilisation Booster

• Enhances absorption of traditional fertilisers and compost teas
• Reduces volatilisation of nitrogen, helping retain nutrients

3. Compost Accelerator

• Reduces decomposition time by 30–50%
• Controls odours and harmful bacteria
• Improves humus quality

4. Erosion Control & Land Remediation

• Sprayed on degraded or sandy land to reintroduce microbial life
• Breaks down hydrocarbons in polluted soils

1. Animals: Keepers of Ecosystem Cycles
2. Chicken Coops & Poultry

• Disinfects bedding, reduces ammonia and respiratory disease
• Added to drinking water to boost immunity and weight gain
• Used in foot baths to prevent bacterial infection

2. Pig Farms

• Deodorises pens, prevents disease outbreaks
• Treats mange and external infections
• Enhances gut health, reduces antibiotic use

3. Cattle and Goats

• Treats hoof rot and external parasites
• Improves feed digestion
• Controls insects in barns

4. Pets & Companion Animals

• Diluted sprays for skin rashes, ear cleaning, or flea control
• Added to pet drinking water to support gut flora

1. Industry and the Commercial World
2. Organic Agriculture and Certification

• Recognised in many jurisdictions as organic input (check national standards)
• Used as base for organic pesticide formulas and fertilisers

2. Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Used in anti-acne toners, hair rinses, deodorants, and herbal skin washes
• Antibacterial, pH-balancing, and antioxidant properties

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

• Used as a safe, natural cleaner for homes, farms, and food-processing plants
• Disinfects without chemical residues

4. Building and Construction

• Treated timber with wood vinegar resists fungi and insects
• Used to cure lime or clay plaster for earth buildings

5. Aquaculture

• Used in fish farms to reduce disease in tanks and ponds

6. Waste Management

• Added to landfills, compost toilets, and greywater systems for odour and microbial control

1. Medical and Alternative Health Applications
2. Animal Medicinal Use

• Gut and immunity enhancer
• Reduces antibiotic use in livestock
• Helps skin and hoof issues

2. Herbal & Traditional Human Medicine

• Used in Asian medicine for treating skin wounds, acne, eczema
• Detoxifying baths and foot soaks
• Gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers (diluted)

Comparison with Modern Supplements:

• Antimicrobial without synthetic antibiotics
• Vitamin B3 content aids metabolic health
• Phenols act as natural antioxidants and cell regulators
• Supports holistic healing with no synthetic residue

4. Distillation and Processing: Mastering the Alchemy

Equipment Required:

• Biomass feedstock (wood, bamboo, coconut shells, pruning waste)
• Retort or pyrolysis chamber (400–800°C)
• Smoke condenser unit
• Water cooling pipe system
• Collection vessel (acid-resistant drums)

Step-by-Step Distillation Process:

1. Chop biomass into small pieces (2–10 cm)
2. Load kiln or retort and heat gradually to 400–600°C without oxygen
3. Capture smoke and pass through water-cooled condenser
4. Separate liquids: collect fractions—tar, light oil, and wood vinegar
5. Filter the wood vinegar to remove solids
6. Cure by resting for 90 days (removes unstable residues)
7. Store in airtight containers in dark, cool storage

Mixing with Other Products:

• Compost tea: boosts microbial diversity
• Biochar: enhances nutrient retention
• Molasses: strengthens microbial fermentation for foliar sprays
• Neem or garlic oil: enhances insect repelling sprays

5. Audit and Sale: Ensuring Quality and Trust

Quality Control Steps:

• pH measurement
• Acetic acid concentration analysis
• Phenol and tar content analysis (GC-MS or LC-MS)
• Contaminant screening (heavy metals, hydrocarbons)
• Labeling: dilution instructions, production date, ingredients

Certifications & Compliance:

• Organic Input Certification (EU, USDA, etc.)
• GMP for medical/animal use
• HACCP if used in food systems

Traceability Records:

• Source of biomass
• Batch logs and distillation records
• Filtering and bottling records

6. Global Buyer Guide: Markets and Industries

Who Buys It?

• Farmers (organic, regenerative, traditional)
• Fertiliser producers
• Animal supplement brands
• Veterinary clinics and herbal animal care providers
• Aquaculture businesses
• Soil restoration NGOs
• Biopesticide companies
• Health and skincare brands
• Agricultural cooperatives

Why They Buy It:

• Multi-use product: soil, animals, crops, compost, health
• Low-cost and biodegradable
• Safe for human and animal use
• Boosts yield, reduces chemical dependency

Global Demand Zones:

• Southeast Asia: rice, poultry, aquaculture
• Africa: mixed farming, regenerative agriculture
• Europe: organic and smallholder farms
• USA/Canada: homesteading, permaculture
• Latin America: soil and water remediation

7. Conclusion: A Bottle of Transformation

Wood vinegar is more than a liquid—it is a bioactive system of health, balance, growth, and restoration. Its ability to harmonise water, regenerate soil, protect animals, and substitute chemical inputs makes it a linchpin of future farming and natural health systems. As distillation methods improve and awareness grows, wood vinegar will become a staple in every sustainable toolkit.

Annexes:

• Usage Dosage Chart by Sector (animals, soil, compost, water)
• Quality Assurance Checklist
• Global Certification Bodies
• Case Studies: Pig Farm, Compost Facility, Organic Vineyard
• Example Lab Results (GC-MS and LC-MS Templates)
• Audit Log Sampl

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