BIOCHAR MACHINE

What is biochar? ● Charcoal-like substance made from “heating” or thermochemical conversion of biomass (e.g. agricultural residues, wood, and animal wastes) in a low-oxygen environment. ● End-product that has multiple uses and can safely store carbon (>70% carbon after pyrolysis)   Soil Enhancement Added to soil to increase soil pH, moisture content, and nutrient retention; can increase crop yields by 10-20% Livestock Feed Supplement Added to animal feed to improve animal health, feed efficiency and the livestock housing climate Cement Additive Added to cement to improve compressive strength, thermal insulating property, and setting time when used in concrete   Why this approach with technology? 1.Small-scale, decentralized approach targeting biochar production at a point of biomass generation (mid-sized agricultural processors) and biochar application (neighborhood farmers) 2.Own technology design and development as a result of otherwise no affordable but efficient and automated option available – currently the most optimal price-performance profile in the market 3.Specific design choices (e.g. modular, pyrolysis temp of 500-600 degrees C, separate burner and pyrolysis chambers, gases recycling) to optimize efficiency and biochar properties for agri, and minimize emissions 4.Incorporation of controls and automation (to ensure biochar quality consistency and minimize labor) as well as own digital MRV (to track the biochar production and application for carbon credits)