Continuous In-woods Production of Biochar Using a Trailer-Mounted Air Curtain Burner
April 5th, 2024
We describe the use of a place-based mobile pyrolysis unit equipped with an air curtain to continuously create biochar. The technology reduces the need for open slash pile burning, which results in lower emissions and fewer soil impacts. The protocol includes guidelines for site selection, loading, and quenching.
Our research focuses on implementing place-based biochar production methods as a strategy to reduce hazardous fuels in the forest while simultaneously improving forest and soil health. Currently, most biochar is created in large scale bioenergy plants, but place-based technologies have a place in many areas where it's too expensive to ship low value woody residues or where infrastructure is lacking. We have learned the appropriate application rates, production methods, and additional uses for in woods produced biochar.
We're beginning to understand its usefulness for mine site restoration, reduction of invasive weeds and soil health benefits. To begin position the biochar producing air curtain burner unit at the desired location while still attached to the tow vehicle. Then chalk the wheels and lower the jack stand.
Disconnect the unit from the tow vehicle and adjust the jacks stand to ensure the chassis is level front to back. Then start the engine and allow it to warm up before initiating the hydraulics, make sure that the hydraulic motor powering the shaker panel located between the firebox and the enclosed engine does not touch the green frame. After leveling the equipment and lowering the firebox sides, place soil around the sides to prevent air from mentoring and smoke from exiting the firebox.
Ensure that the worker wears nonsynthetic clothing, a high visibility vest, a hard hat, leather gloves, and eye and hearing protection. After placing the biochar producing air curtain burner, load the firebox with dry feed stock using a mini excavator or by hand if a mini excavator is not available, fill the firebox to approximately two thirds full, alternating the direction of the materials to create air spaces that assist in burning. Allow the base fire in the firebox to burn until it is about half full of burning residues and coals.
Then start the engine and adjust the fan speed according to the fire conditions. Take care not to blow out the fire when advancing the airflow with the green rabbit button on the control panel. Once a solid base of coals is established, signal the mini excavator driver to add more feed stock without smothering the fire.
Once the base fire has stabilized and additional feedstock has been added, set the fan speed to 2, 800 RPM. After that switch the system power switch to biochar, then activate the conveyor and shaker, which will cycle every three minutes automatically. To maintain continuous biochar production, alternate the system power switch from biochar to firebox.
Using the wide rake, pull the biochar to the end of the quench pan. Then use the sifting shovel to transfer the biochar from the pan to a pile. Check the pressure gauges on the main control panel when responding to warning strobes, turn off the shaker to burn down bound wood or manually advance the conveyor belt counterclockwise at the manual control point to clear a conveyor bind.
Based on field trials, the biochar producing air curtain burner can burn approximately one ton of feedstock per hour and produce carbon content ranging from 70 to 90%
Overview
This article discusses the implementation of a place-based mobile pyrolysis unit for biochar production, aimed at reducing hazardous fuels in forests while enhancing soil health. The technology minimizes emissions and soil impacts compared to traditional burning methods.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Health
- Forestry Management
Background
- Biochar production is typically centralized in large bioenergy plants.
- Place-based technologies are beneficial in areas lacking infrastructure.
- Biochar can aid in mine site restoration and invasive weed reduction.
- Understanding application rates and production methods is crucial for effective use.
Purpose of Study
- To develop methods for producing biochar on-site.
- To reduce hazardous fuels in forest environments.
- To improve overall forest and soil health.
Methods Used
- Utilization of a mobile pyrolysis unit with an air curtain.
- Guidelines for site selection and loading of materials.
- Quenching methods for biochar production.
- Field application of produced biochar for various ecological benefits.
Main Results
- Successful implementation of place-based biochar production.
- Reduction in emissions compared to open burning.
- Improvement in soil health and reduction of invasive species.
- Enhanced understanding of biochar application rates and methods.
Conclusions
- Place-based biochar production is a viable alternative to traditional methods.
- This approach supports forest health and reduces hazardous fuels.
- Further research is needed to optimize production and application techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
Continuous in-woods biochar production using a trailer-mounted air curtain burner offers a scalable solution for managing unmerchantable woody biomass while minimizing environmental impact. This approach enables controlled conversion of forest residues into high-carbon biochar, supporting sustainable land management and soil remediation strategies. The technology's operational flexibility and emission reduction profile position it as a valuable asset for R&D teams focused on environmental biotechnology and soil health innovation.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Enables systematic evaluation of biochar's effects on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties.
- Supports mechanistic studies on biochar-mediated soil resilience and contaminant remediation.
- Facilitates hypothesis-driven research into biochar's role in ecosystem restoration.
Screening & Assay Development
- Provides a reproducible source of high-carbon biochar for standardized soil amendment assays.
- Enables quantitative assessment of biochar's impact on soil health indicators.
- Supports development of scalable protocols for biochar application in environmental models.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Aligns with translational efforts to remediate contaminated soils, including abandoned mine sites.
- Supports continuity from laboratory-scale biochar studies to field-scale implementation.
- Enables risk-adjusted evaluation of biochar's long-term ecological benefits.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
This mobile biochar production method integrates into the environmental R&D continuum from discovery of soil amendment effects to preclinical field validation.
- Discovery Biology: Supports hypothesis testing on biochar's mechanistic impact on soil and ecosystem health.
- Screening: Delivers consistent biochar material for comparative soil amendment studies.
- Analytics: Enables quantitative measurement of carbon content and soil health outcomes.
- Translational Research: Bridges laboratory findings with field-scale remediation projects.
- Enterprise Reuse: Offers a mobile, reusable platform for ongoing environmental biotechnology research.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Enhances predictive confidence in biochar's environmental benefits and soil remediation potential.
- Operational Value: Provides standardized, scalable, and reproducible biochar production in diverse field settings.
- Strategic Value: Reduces environmental risk and supports sustainable land management decisions.
- Portfolio Impact: Enables risk-adjusted prioritization of biochar-based remediation and soil health projects.
Implementation Considerations
- Requires expertise in mobile pyrolysis operation and safety protocols.
- Needs access to appropriate feedstock and field deployment infrastructure.
- Demands cross-team coordination for standardized biochar characterization and application.
- Adaptation may be needed for different biomass types and site conditions.
- Operational throughput and carbon content may vary based on feedstock and process control.
