Biochar Production
Biochar is a form of charcoal produced from biomass (typically plant matter), specifically for use in soil amendment. Conversion of biomass to biochar can be a way of taking a waste material and turning it into something useful. It has received much interest recently for its potential uses in improving soil properties and also as a simple means for capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.
The behaviour of biochar in soils, however, is complex. Different biochars may react differently to the same environmental conditions – while at the same time, one type of biochar may react differently to different environmental conditions.
Earth Systems has in-house engineering expertise in biomass gasification and pyrolysis techniques, and has developed several approaches to biochar production. Currently, we are focusing on novel production strategies suited to particular feedstocks of environmental or economic significance. These include a transportable batch process for processing materials in remote areas (i.e. too far away to be brought to a central processing plant), and a high-throughput continuous process suited to a broad range of woody materials designed for integration into existing waste management practices.
Services
- Feedstock characterisation and guidance on processing technology;
- Techno-economic feasibility studies;
- Design and development of biochar production equipment;
- Pilot plant trials;
- Biochar product trials in conjunction with research agencies;
- Carbon balances & project Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); and
- Waste heat recovery and cogeneration.
Recent Projects
- Design of a 1 tonne/hr scalable continuous biochar process for woody waste
- Feasibility study and pilot-scale trials for a transportable pyrolysis system for biochar production in remote areas, including GHG emissions life-cycle
- Scoping study and testwork on bio-oil and biochar production from biosolids via hydrothermal upgrading (HTU)
For more information or to discuss our range of Energy and Carbon services please contact Earth Systems at energy@earthsystems.com.au
