Technology-Process
Learn more about how we obtain our biomass products
Pyrolysis / Carbonization Process
One study shows that 12 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions could be offset with biochar production
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What is biochar?
Biochar is the carbon-rich remains of organic material that has been heated to decompose and remove most of the hydrogen and oxygen-containing molecules.
The process is called pyrolysis and is carried out in a controlled atmosphere to prevent the material from burning. The resulting residue is black and contains the “skeletal” remains of the starting material e.g. wood. The finer the starting material the finer the end product.
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How does pyrolysis work
Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen or under oxygen-limited conditions. Temperatures of 200-300C can be used to obtain different types of biochar and other products such as bio-oils and syngas.
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Feedstock considerations
Our feedstock is an organic material that is part of a green waste stream that would otherwise rot in the forest or go into landfill.
It is purchased locally to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting it.
Wood is the best feedstock for biochar because of its vascular structure.
Yield is typically 15% - 25% … depending on factors including moisture and ash.