TLUD Stove Design

Micro-Gasification what it is, why it works Tom Reed, Paul Anderson, Paul Wever In burning any biomass, gases and vapors called “smoke” are driven from the solid fuel, then burned. For over 100 years, scientists knew biomass combustion is cleaner when air is well mixed with combustible gases, instead of combustion occurring in the solid fuel. Creating combustible gases separate from gas combustion is a distinct characteristic of a true “gasifier.” Practical small scale gasification (micro-gasification) was achieved in 1985 when Dr. Thomas B. Reed created a “Top-Lit Up-Draft” (TLUD) stove. More important, you get to observe and learn the principles of gasification.

The cheap, easy way to start making small batches of biochar is what Dr. Hugh McLaughlin calls a "toucan stove"—literally, a stove made out of two cans. With simple tools and minimal skills, anyone can convert a pair of cans ino a very efficient, smokeless burner to make tiny batches of biochar for pot tests with germinating seeds and seedlings. Toucan stoves are aso convenient to observe, learn about and manipulate the features of gasification—of "smokeburning