Retort Thermometers

I'm building a retort oven by placing a propane tank inside a 1,000 fuel tank.  Are there any recommendations on thermometer type and installation?

Welcome to Permies!

While I don't have any advice, all I can say is WOW. That is going to be an absolute unit. Impressive!

Welcome and I'll second the WOW! Please keep us posted on your progress and how it works in the end. This is exactly the type of large but portable solutions we need!

In terms of the thermometer, maybe something that's made for a barbeque grill? I have to assume they make these that mount on a "lid" (or door in your case) with a sensor further in?

Hi Murray and welcome. You might want to search for pyrometer probes and ways to connect them...the wiring tends to be the vulnerable part. Do you want to measure the temperature in the inner vessel? A set of kiln cones will give you feedback after the fact and they're cheap, low-tech, and reliable.

100% awesome project, Murray. Welcome aboard!

A few questions: what is your feedstock in the retort? How tightly can you pack it?

How do you plan to feed and fire the outer shell to cook the char inside?

How well can you control air/oxygen input into the cooking chamber?

These are friendly questions. If you were local, I would invite you to swing by and we would cook up some good char out of my massive brush pile.

I agree. What a cool project!

Seems like it might be hard to pack the wood in there, but I'm sure you have a solution.  I also thought about using the kiln cones that are used in firing clay and ceramics.  I like to see these bigger projects and solutions for lots of different situations.  I make biochar on a much smaller scale.

Keep us informed about how it works. You may end up inspiring many people to make biochar at their places.

John S
PDX OR