There are many ways to make biochar, including simple ways and mechanized ways. This article introduces two ways to make biochar. Of course, it is essential to make biochar in a safe way. After making biochar, a safe storage method is also essential. Then the biochar can be used for soil. Please see the details.
Step 1: Choose the Suitable Biomass Waste to Make Biochar
When you are ready to make biochar, prepare enough organic biomass. The raw materials commonly used to make biochar are wood, branches, fruit shells, bamboo, garden waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, and so on. When selecting these raw materials, pay attention to their size and moisture. Each charcoal production method has different requirements for moisture and size.
Step 2: Choose the Suitable Manufacturing Methods
Two methods are mainly introduced here. The two processes for making biochar are different and require different tools and techniques. Both approaches have pros and cons.
Easy Method for Making Biochar
The simple way here refers to producing biochar with a simple device. When doing this, make sure there are no fire bans in the area. Please see the details:
- Space: an open place. No weeds around, no combustibles.
- Tools: Shovels, buckets/holes, fire starters, storage containers, water/fire extinguishers, protective safety gear, etc.
- Weather: No rain, no strong wind.
- Raw material requirements: Biomass moisture is less than 20%.
Biochar manufacturing method:
- Dig a tapered trench in the open space. The size of the groove is determined by the size and quantity of raw materials. If you are producing biochar this way for the first time, it is not recommended to dispose of too much raw material. If you don’t dig a trench, you can use a cylindrical metal barrel or a metal kiln instead.
- Put safety gear around. Make sure you have them when you need them.
- Feed the biomass into pits or containers. Put some flammable material on top.
- Use a lighter to light a fire.
- Once all the biomass has been turned into biochar by anaerobic combustion, the biochar is watered. This can ensure that the biochar will not spontaneously ignite due to high temperature and oxygen.
- Biomass charcoal is made into granules or powders in some ways.
Mechanized Method for Making Biochar
This method refers to the production of biochar by sophisticated machines and precise parameters. Please see the details:
- Space: The space is large enough to put down the equipment.
- Tools: biochar equipment.
- Weather: None required.
- Raw materials: Biomass moisture is less than 15%.
Biochar making methods:
- Make sure that the test run of the device is successful.
- Put the qualified biomass into the main furnace. Preheat the main furnace with diesel oil.
- When the temperature in the main furnace reaches above 150 degrees Celsius, the biomass in the furnace begins to react. When the temperature reaches 200 to 300 degrees, biochar is formed. From the furnace to the formation of biochar, the whole process takes 15-25 minutes.
- After the biochar is formed, the biochar is discharged through the water-cooled slagging equipment. The temperature can reach 30 degrees.
Easy Biochar Making Method VS Mechanized Biochar Making Method
Methods | Easy Method | Mechanized Method |
Advantages | The advantages of producing biochar in this way are low cost and easy operation. |
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Disadvantages |
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Step 3: Choose the Suitable Biochar Storage Methods
When the production of biochar is completed, it is necessary to store the biochar in an appropriate way. When storing biochar, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Avoid high temperatures. Biochar should be kept in a cool place.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will increase the temperature and cause spontaneous combustion.
- Store in a sealed and dry place. This way moisture absorption and mold growth are prevented.
Step 4: Choose the Suitable Biochar Application Methods
One of the most important uses of biochar is its application to the soil. It can help improve soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.), improve pH, retain moisture, and more. When the soil is added with the right amount of biochar, crop yields are also improved. Therefore, biochar has a huge role to play in agriculture.
When you want to produce biochar, it is important to choose a safe and effective method. If you want to make biochar more versatile, you need to control various indicators in the charcoal manufaturing process. There is no easy way to do this. Choose the appropriate method according to your needs.