TECHNOLOGY
How is Biochar made?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material that is made from biomass through a thermochemical conversion process known as pyrolysis.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is one of the technologies available to convert biomass to an intermediate liquid product that can be refined to drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels, oxygenated fuel additives and petrochemical replacements. Pyrolysis is the heating of an organic material, such as biomass, in the absence of oxygen. Biomass pyrolysis is usually conducted at or above 500 °C, providing enough heat to deconstruct the strong bio-polymers mentioned above. Because no oxygen is present combustion does not occur, rather the biomass thermally decomposes into combustible gases and bio-char. - USDA
Techniques
There are numerous ways to go about making biochar, from the DIYer, to mass production.
The 6050 Carbonator(above) reduces wood debris volume by 90% through an environmentally friendly carbon recycling process. Logs, limbs, brush and stumps can be reduced with no pre-processing required. Efficient and cost-effective, the 6050 processes wood debris at high throughput rates while eliminating transportation and disposal costs. A large over-air blower recirculates air for maximum carbonizing control and efficiency, and the quenching system cools the end product to near ambient temperatures for handling. The 6050 is extremely operator friendly with full remote control functions. In addition, a live stream video monitoring system provides full visibility for easy feeding. -
Tigercat Manufacturing
Agro-analytics
Data analytics and smart farming enhances the ability of farmer's to monitor crop and soil health. This is crucial for mitigating risk and maintaining agro-ecosystem health on farm, in order to continue production into the future and maintain profitability. - KG2