Method: Frames
The method we prefered is similar to creating adobe bricks. In terms of simplicity, rapidity, and ease of handling it was overall the most effective. There was the least mess, direct handling minimized, and drying times shortest. On the downside the bricks are the least dense and so more are required as well as more drying and storage space, and they can crumble easily.
Step 1:
Collect and prepare biomass. In this case, manure, soiled bedding, and chaff from a stall. Mix well with a hoe or turn with a shovel. No water is added, the moisture content from the waste is more than sufficient.
Collect and prepare biomass. In this case, manure, soiled bedding, and chaff from a stall. Mix well with a hoe or turn with a shovel. No water is added, the moisture content from the waste is more than sufficient.
Step 2:
Gather and prepare tools. A form/frame and tamper both made from scrap lumber. A solid base, either a sheet of plywood or a concrete surface. A board or sheet material allows you to move the pressed bricks without disturbing or touching them, and can be placed into the dryer easily.
Gather and prepare tools. A form/frame and tamper both made from scrap lumber. A solid base, either a sheet of plywood or a concrete surface. A board or sheet material allows you to move the pressed bricks without disturbing or touching them, and can be placed into the dryer easily.
Step 3:
Fill the form with biomass mix, even with the top.
Fill the form with biomass mix, even with the top.
Step 4:
Tamp each cell of the frame. The material should decrease in volume by about half. A foot on the frame will help prevent the biomass from squeezing out below. Striking or pressing with the tamper seem to work equally well. No need to get to precise about it, just smash it in there.
Tamp each cell of the frame. The material should decrease in volume by about half. A foot on the frame will help prevent the biomass from squeezing out below. Striking or pressing with the tamper seem to work equally well. No need to get to precise about it, just smash it in there.
Step 5:
Remove the frame carefully, leaving the bricks in place. Wetting the frame beforehand aids in removal. Use tamper to help press the blocks out. Two persons can make this easier with one lifting the frame and the other pushing the blocks through.
Remove the frame carefully, leaving the bricks in place. Wetting the frame beforehand aids in removal. Use tamper to help press the blocks out. Two persons can make this easier with one lifting the frame and the other pushing the blocks through.
Step 6:
Repeat the process as desired. This frame has cells measuring 6x6x9" resulting in a 3x6x9" block. Finished bricks can be left as is to dry in the sun or placed in solar dehydrator.
Repeat the process as desired. This frame has cells measuring 6x6x9" resulting in a 3x6x9" block. Finished bricks can be left as is to dry in the sun or placed in solar dehydrator.