The product of fast pyrolysis or biochar is a new type of biofuel, which is formed as a result of temperature effects on biomass. The process occurs at the lowest oxygen content and at a temperature not exceeding 500ºС.
In appearance it is a black powder with particle sizes up to 1 mm. By its structure, biochar is a polyaromatic inert cluster compound, which allows you to reliably encapsulate heavy metals and mineral elements inside.
When conducting scientific research and laboratory tests of this type of fuel, it was found that biochar, as an alternative energy source, belongs to hazard class 5.
The technology for the production of this type of fuel was discovered not so long ago, but according to competent experts, the new type of fuel has significant potential that will allow it to occupy its niche in the market among alternative energy sources. Even in comparison with pellets, biochar has a higher calorie content and moisture resistance. Due to its unique properties, such fuel can be stored for a long time in the open air without losing its energy value. Biochar can be used in conventional solid fuel boilers without additional conversion of units.
An alternative type of fuel is produced by torrefaction.
Waste recycling plant FPP 02
Today, a large number of companies are engaged in the manufacture and sale of plants for the production of this type of fuel. This is explained by the prospects of this area in alternative energy. An example is the sale of waste processing plants such as FPP 02, which can be regarded as a turnkey business.
The biochar productivity of the fast pyrolysis plant FPP 02 unit is approximately 2% of the volume of processed dehydrated sludge sediments.
The priority properties and characteristics of biochar over other fuel sources are as follows:
Lower calorific value –20-33 MJ / kg .;
Density – 260-380 kg / m3 .;
The carbon content is 40-70% wt .;
Ash content – up to 50% wt .;
Characteristic size mm. – 0.1.
The properties of biochar and its scope
Biochar is produced by heating organic material at high temperature in a limited amount of oxygen. It is a stable product, very rich in carbon, which is used to enrich the soil. The porosity and surface properties of biochar allow it to be used as a technical sorbent and can be used to treat industrial wastewater, gases, aerosols, to collect spilled oil, etc.
The main properties of biochar
| № | Parameter, unit | Value |
| 1. | Lower calorific value, MJ / kg | 30-35 |
| 2. | Density, kg / m3 | 260-380 |
| 3. | The carbon content,% wt. | 60-80 |
| 4. | Ash content,% wt. | Менее 6 |
Such unique physical properties of biochar as its porosity allow it to be used as a technical sorbent for cleaning:
- industrial wastewater
- gases
- aerosol.
Biochar is also actively used in the collection of spilled oil and derivatives. In addition, the product of fast pyrolysis can be used as a reclamation soil for solid waste landfills in order to remove toxic compounds from the soil.
Biochar today is actively used in the agricultural sector to improve the structure and fertility of soils. The use of a fast pyrolysis product makes it possible to significantly minimize the amount of fertilizer used. Thanks to the unique properties of the product, farmers have the opportunity to reduce the financial costs of their acquisition without loss of yield.
This is proved experimentally. The essence of the experimental study was to introduce a different content of biochar from silt sediments into the composition of the soil for subsequent cultivation of plants on it. It was experimentally found that the addition of biochar to the soil increased its productivity to 5%.
In addition to the soil enhancer, biochar can also be considered as a source of production of oil and gas by products for the purpose of their further exploitation as fuel, which will provide clean and renewable energy.
Biochar production
Biochar can be produced from any organic product (wood processing waste, agricultural waste, sludge, peat). This product is obtained by pyrolysis, which is the heating of organic material without oxygen. In this process, a solid is formed – biochar, a small amount of biooil and gases. On the fast pyrolysis plant FPP02, the biochar yield is from 2 – 40% depending on the raw materials and parameters.
Modern production of fast pyrolysis products is environmentally friendly and does not adversely affect global climate change. In the future, biochar will completely replace fossil fuels, which will significantly reduce the amount of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.
The use of biochar as an alternative fuel helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and improve the quality of the aquatic environment.
The indisputable advantage of the product over analogues is its environmental friendliness. Biochar today is an advanced and innovative direction in the fuel and energy industry. The leading world powers in the agricultural industry rely on biochar and its properties. The prospects for this type of fuel and the scope of the product are forcing a dramatic change in the attitude towards new technologies.
Biochar contributes to the following goals:
- increase in soil moisture capacity
- yield increase
- increase in carbon in the soil
- soil pH increase
- aluminum toxicity reduction
- positive change in soil microbiology
- reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of CO2, N2O and CH4 into the soil
- improved soil conditions for earthworm populations
- increased fertilizer efficiency
The effects of biochar vary depending on the type of soil and the quality of the biochar used.