Quantitative Analysis of Wood Tar Production Efficiency of Selected Wood Species in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Wood tar is the byproduct that is discharged when wood is carbonized in a charcoal kiln or distilled in a distillation furnace. Burning of charcoal and biomass gasification processes release large quantities of trace gases and particles that contribute to air pollution and climate change. This study aims at contributing to the identification of woods suitable for wood tar production in Sierra Leone in order to help rural communities involve in charcoal production protect the environment at the same time earning additional income from sale of wood tar. Carbonization using Tumulus kiln was done on four different weights of the dry wood samples taken at 400kg, 500kg, 600kg and 700kg. The quantities of wood tars produced by the three wood samples (Phyllanthus discoideu, Diallum guinesis and Mangifera indica) determined. The study revealed that all three wood samples are suitable candidates for wood tar production with Mangifera indica and Phyllanthus discoideu most preferred.