• Brooks, David J.
  University of Maine Graduate School
  

The condition of Maine's hardwood timber resource in Aroostook and Washington counties indicates the need for the development of utilization facilities for low grades and for species not currently marketable. The production of charcoal in a multiple hearth furnace and it's sale for domestic space heating fuel is considered. Technical feasibility for production is established, as is economic feasibility under certain operating conditions. The present use of solid fuel combustion units in Maine is sufficient to provide an immediate market for the production of a small multiple hearth furnace. Packaging and distribution requirements for charcoal are considered and charcoal is compared to existing space heating fuels. Further research needs are indicated.