Tom and all, Thanks for your observations (below).
The NON-secret to successful combustion of whole Jatropha seeds in the Reed Campstove (TLUD-FA) (with forced air) is the blocking of 4 or 5 of the 11 holes for entry of primary air (in the sides of the bottom of the fuel chamber). I blocked them with short sheet-metal screws (not a permanent change).
REASON: As the pyrolysis front moves downward, the heat not only pyrolyses the biomass (solids becoming charcoal) but also vaporizes the oil in the seeds (liquid to vapor does not yield charcoal). The primary air must be restricted because of the high percentage of oil content (usually 30 to 40%) means that relatively little heat will generate/liberate substantially larger volumes of combustible gases. Otherwise the supply of secondary air is insufficient for the combustion of the gases.
Remember: TLUDs are gas-burning stoves that make their own gases "upon demand" by the pyrolyis front moving down in the fuel chamber (that can also be called the "reactor" or "gas generator").
Another Jatropha-seed effort showm at ETHOS is the fine work by Pamoja and Jet City Stoveworks (JCS). They demonstrated great progress with a TLUD-ND (natural draft). They are the initiators of the J-seed stove efforts, and I am in a supportive role.
-- Paul S. Anderson, PhD Known to some as: Dr. TLUD Doc Professor Phone (USA): 309-452-7072 SKYPE: paultlud Email: [email protected] Quoting Tom Miles <[email protected]>:
Burning Jatropha seed in a Tom Reed Woodgas Stove at ETHOS 2011. No emergency vehicles were called and no adverse symptoms were recorded by observers. Greatest danger was that the seeds "pop" occasionally. Thanks to Paul Anderson for the demonstration. Tom Miles
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