If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Smokebox Char - any use as a fuel??

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by 1472, Feb 25, 2011.

  1. 1472

    1472 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2008
    Messages:
    1,898
    Likes Received:
    2,517
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Has anybody investigated the use of smokebox char as a fuel - for say heating signalboxes, workshops or mess rooms?

    I have seen it put on already buring brakevan stoves to good effect in the past.

    This char which we all currently seem to discard is fairly fine particles of part burnt coal.

    It seems rather wasteful not to burn whats left somehow and save £££s otherwise spent on heating.
     
  2. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    35,447
    Likes Received:
    9,146
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired-ish, Part time rail tour steward.
    Location:
    Northwich
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    If it does contain a reasonable % of unburnt coal then mixed damp, with a small quantity of cement to bind it, and make into blocks/briquettes.
     
  3. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Messages:
    9,361
    Likes Received:
    2,313
    Occupation:
    semi-retired, currently doing R&D for my patents
    Location:
    Halifax
    Sounds like a nice little earner............if you don't mind being filthy black all the time....
     
  4. stan the man

    stan the man Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    563
    Likes Received:
    11
    To be honest you would be better off in sieving the coals from a dropped fire or indeed a fire that has been removed through the firehole door.

    The fine char peices you refer to could be added to sizeable coal peices but ultimately you will end up with a dead fire as no air can pass through.

    I regularly fire my workshop stove with the coals from dropped fires (and the dregs from the bunker).

    Stan
     
  5. 8-10 Brass Cleaner

    8-10 Brass Cleaner Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2006
    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Bridges
    I put the bigger ones back in!
     
  6. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Messages:
    9,361
    Likes Received:
    2,313
    Occupation:
    semi-retired, currently doing R&D for my patents
    Location:
    Halifax
    Sounds ideal for Granville to manufacture in the backroom for Arkwright to sell in his shop .......Arkwright,s b b b b b briquettes, to L L L L L L LIGHT up your FFFFFFire Mrs Bluet (Open all Hours)................
     
  7. Neil_Scott

    Neil_Scott Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2008
    Messages:
    3,155
    Likes Received:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Railway servant
    Location:
    Worcester
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Errr...yeah.

    Back to the original point: you could use it for small fires but it won't last very long as the particles will burn very quickly, produce a quick burst of heat and then they're done - much the same as if you fire some slack into a firebox. You'd still need a decent coal base to get the best out of your smokebox ash.
     
  8. IKB

    IKB Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2006
    Messages:
    390
    Likes Received:
    30
    Not quite the same but I remember my father mixing small coal with water at home, and applying it to an established fire.
    It solidified into sizeable lumps and gave out a tremendous amount of heat - black rock we called it.
     
  9. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    You could always bag some of it and sell it to railway modellers to dirty their engines / sheds :)
     
  10. Neil_Scott

    Neil_Scott Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2008
    Messages:
    3,155
    Likes Received:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Railway servant
    Location:
    Worcester
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    I was always told that it was excellent fertilizer for gardens and vegetable plots.
     
  11. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    So thinking sideways...

    ive always wondered where that "railway" style brick came from (the dark purple coloured regular railway brick used everywhere on the railways).. it to me at least.. isnt just dirt coloured.. just dark... is this because it's coal ash based ?
     

Share This Page