[HAKDV] DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION YIELDS 115 



of Douglas fir. This is approximately correct for fir, but the assumed 

 3,000 pound weight for a cord of dry alder is somewhat in doubt. 



The turpentine and rosin in the distillate from the fir were not 

 determined as the quantity was small with the wood used. No 

 investigation of the tar and light oils was made as it is expected that 

 these will be examined in detail at a future date. The possibility of 

 influencing the composition of the tar, especially the fir by very low 

 distillation temperatures is apparent and suggests an interesting 

 research. 



The runs on fir were made primarily to give a comparison of the 

 yields as obtained from the experimental retort and from the larger 

 half-cord retort used by Benson and Darrin {loc. cit.). It is seen 

 that the results for acetate of lime agree very closely while the methyl 

 alcohol yield is lower in the smaller retort. It is to be expected that 

 there would be a difference due to the use of different samples, but, 

 on the whole, the results check as closely as could be expected. 



In considering the distillation of alder on a co nmercial scale, 

 the high percentage of moisture in the green wood and the difficulty 

 which would be experienced in seasoning it in this damp climate 

 should be given careful thought. As the wood will not retort properly 

 when green and will not season when exposed to the winter rain 

 without rotting to some extent, drying under cover or artificial drying 

 must be resorted to. 



Conclusions 



1. Existing data as to the yields from the destructive distillation 

 of Douglas fir have been checked. 



2. Pacific Coast alder was found to yield about 990 pounds of 

 charcoal, about 181 pounds of acetate of lime, and 4 Imperial gallons 

 of 85 per cent, methyl alcohol per cord. 



3. It is considered that this low yield of methyl alcohol is due 

 to the moist yet warm winters which this part of the Pacific Slope 

 experiences. 



4. The alder charcoal is even grained and appears to be of high 

 quality. 



Chemical Laboratory, 



University of British Columbia. 



—30 



