Here is a video the shows the potential to “harvest charcoal” out of a bulk wood heating stove in the winter heating time of the year:
Some here are doing this with their hardwood fuels.
Safely I am sure for transfering out CO hazards.
I’ve done this too a little bit when I could get the actual true hardwoods to make gasifier starting up, pre-loading charcoal.
The lessons I learned was to use really, really air tight containers buried in a snow bank.
From others I now know now to just water dunk the taken out hot hardwood charcoal. No need for a snow bank then.
The fellow in this video is obviously in-love with open flames combustion. Not understanding the value of the long heat energy releasing by just somewhat air restricted back a charcoal burn.
If I have a too hot of a deep pack charcoal bed develop with my fast conifer woods, I then put a wettish single log split onto the bed. Tones it right down safely. My conifer charcoal is too structurally fragile; not allowing charcoal harvesting except for older tree branch knots. And older tree dense rings, larger limb woods.
Regards to all charcoal guys. “Smoke 'em; if you got 'em”
Steve Unruh
I think this topic should be a priority over others.
The world of gasifiers is certainly fascinating, but it’s best to enjoy it for a long time.
Buying cheap CO detectors seems like a bad idea.
If you’re ready to embark on a project to build a gasifier (especially for stationary systems), you need to invest in reliable equipment.
I think you should dedicate a significant portion of your budget and effort to first securing the site.
Personally, I prefer forced ventilation because it will be more efficient than natural ventilation.
And if it breaks down? Simply double or triple it. And install additional sensors.
And if there’s an electrical problem? Either the sensors will tell you, or nothing will work, and you’ll see it.
In that case, plan for openings for natural ventilation, but it will have to be more time-consuming (for troubleshooting).
Life is more important, so don’t worry about the cost!!!