About

This page provides an overview of the general forms of technologies used for the production of biochar. For more details on the specific technolgies see the links listed to the right.

If you are looking for what technologies to use for your application go to:
Applications

There are three main forms of technology processes that have been identfied which either produce biochar as primary product or as a by-product:

Slow Pyrolysis: Technology with generally long residence times (>5sec), low tempretures (<400°C) , low heating rates (0.01-2 °C/s) and low quencing times (minutes to hours).

Typical Technolgies:
> Pit / Mound Kilns
> TPI transportable metal kiln
> Cook Stoves

Fast Pyrolysis: Technology with generally quick residence times (< 2sec), Moderate tempretures (400 - 600 °C) and high heating rates (10-1000°C/s).

Typical Technolgies:
> Fluid Bed Reactor
> Flash Carbonizer
> Fast Pyrolysis Reactors

Gasification: Technology generally utilising steam or oxygen to yield a producer gas. Heat is added indirectly to the biomass via a solid heat carrier (e.g sand fluid bed) or steam.

Typical Technolgies:
> Gasifiers

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Definitions

Pyrolysis is defined as the thermal degradation of biomass in the absence of oxygen to produce condensable vapours, gases, and charcoal; in some instances a small amount of air may be admitted to promote this endothermic process

Gasification is the sub-stoichiometric conversion of a material into a gas, commonly referred to as ''producer gas'' if the reaction is with air and 'syngas' if the reaction is with O₂. Steam is also sometimes added along with the oxidant to promote gasification,

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Resources

A summary Matrix of Biochar technologies can be found here: /resources/286/359
It is work in progress so feel free to download, edit and upload new versions to contribute to OpenChar. Note: It has not been verifed

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