MethodsforProducingBiocharandAdvanced

BiofuelsinWashingtonState

Part1:LiteratureReviewofPyrolysisReactors

EcologyPublicationNumber1107017

April 2011

If you need this document in a version for the visually impaired, call the Waste 2 Resources at (360) 407-
6900. Persons with hearing loss, call 711 for Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech
disability, call 877-833-6341.
This review was conducted under Interagency Agreement C100172 with the Center for Sustaining
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University.

Acknowledgements:
Funding for this study is provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology with the
intention to address the growing demand for information on the design of advanced pyrolysis units.
The authors wish to thank Mark Fuchs from the Waste to Resources Program (Washington State
Department of Ecology), and David Sjoding from the WSU Energy program for their continuous
support and encouragement.. This is the first of a series of reports exploring the use of biomass
thermochemical conversion technologies to sequester carbon and to produce fuels and chemicals.

This report is available on the Department of Ecologys website at:

www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/organics. Some figures and photos can be seen in color in the
online file. Additional project reports supported by Organic Wastes to Fuel Technology sponsored
by Ecology are also available on this web site. This report is also available at the Washington State
University Extension Energy Program library of bioenergy information at
www.pacificbiomass.org.

Citation:
Garcia-Perez M., T. Lewis, C. E. Kruger, 2010. Methods for Producing Biochar and Advanced
Biofuels in Washington State. Part 1: Literature Review of Pyrolysis Reactors. First Project Report.
Department of Biological Systems Engineering and the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and
Natural Resources, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 137 pp.

Beyond Waste Objectives:

Turning organic waste into resources, such as compost, biofuels, recovery of stable carbon and
nutrients and other products promotes economic vitality in growing industries, and protects the
environment. This creates robust markets and sustainable jobs in all sectors of the economy, and
facilitates closed-loop materials management where by-product from one process becomes
feedstock for another with no waste generated.
Disclaimer:
It is our objective to investigate previous technologies in order to create extremely clean, non-
polluting thermochemical processes for producing energy, fuels and valuable by-products. The
Department of Ecology and Washington State University provide this publication as a review of
ancient and existing methods of reduction of cellulosic materials to gases, liquids and char. This
does not represent an endorsement of these processes.
The historical development of pyrolysis related industries is one
of the most interesting in the annals of industrial chemistry.
Very often the by-products of today become the main products
of tomorrow.
James Withrow, 1915

Since the chemical industry today can produce by-products

obtained from the pyrolysis of wood, with the exception of
biochar, more cheaply than the pyrolysis process the main
emphasis in the latter is on the production of biochar. For this
reason simple carbonization methods, similar to the original
biochar piles but in improved form are likely to be more
economical than more complicated plants that place emphasis
on the isolation and processing of by-products.
Herman F.J. Wenzl, 1970
Table of Contents
SUMMARY vi
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. EVOLUTION OF PYROLYSIS TECHNOLOGIES 4
2.1. History of Pyrolysis Technologies 4
2.2. History of Pyrolysis Technologies in the United States 7
3. CRITERIA TO SELECT PYROLYSIS REACTORS 11
3.1. Final product targeted 14
3.1.1. Biochar and Heat 14
3.1.2. Biochar, Bio-oil, and Gases 18
3.1.3. Biochar, Carbon Black and Syngas 20
3.1.4. Syngas 21
3.2. Heat Transfer Rate 23
3.2.1. Slow Pyrolysis 23
3.2.2. Fast Pyrolysis 23
3.3. Mode of Operation 23
3.3.1. Batch Operation 23
3.3.2. Semi-batch Operation 24
3.3.3. Continuous Operation 26
3.4. Heating Methods 27
3.4.1. Partial Combustion (auto-thermal Process) 28
3.4.2. Carbonization by Contact with Hot Gases 28
3.4.3. Indirect Heating 28
3.4.3.1. Internal Radiators 28
3.4.3.2. Heating through Reactor Walls 29
3.5. Construction Materials 29
3.5.1. Earth 29
3.5.2. Masonry, Cinder Blocks and Concrete 29
3.5.3. Steel or Cast Iron 30
3.6. Portability 30
ii
 3.6.1. Stationary Pyrolysis Units 30
3.6.2. Semi-portable Pyrolysis Reactors 30
3.6.3. Portable or Mobile Units 31
3.6.4. Built in Place Kilns 34
3.7. Reactor Position 34
3.7.1. Horizontal Reactors 35
3.7.2. Vertical Reactors 35
3.8. Raw Materials 35
3.8.1. Cordwood 36
3.8.2. Chips 36
3.8.3. Fine Particles 36
3.9. Loading and Discharge Methods 37
3.9.1. Manual Loading 37
3.9.2. Mechanical Loading 37
3.9.3. Use of Wagons 38
3.10. Kiln Size 39
3.11. Charge Ignition Methods 39
3.11.1. Ignition Fuel at Midpoint or in the Front of the Charge 39
3.11.2. Ignition by Gas-fired Torch 39
3.11.3. Use of Dedicated Burners 40
3.12. Process Control 41
3.12.1. Control by Observation of Vapor Color 41
3.12.2. Direct Temperature Measurement 42
3.13. Pressure 42
3.13.1. Atmospheric Pressure 42
3.13.2. Vacuum Pyrolysis 43
3.13.3 Pressurized Pyrolysis 43
3.14. Pretreatment of Feedstock 43
3.14.1. Drying 44
3.14.2. Particle Size Reduction (Comminution) 44
iii
 3.14.3. Alkali Removal (Biomass Washing) 45
4. KILNS 45
4.1. Earth Kilns 45
4.2. Cider Block and Brick Kilns 51
4.2.1. The Brazilian Beehive Brick kiln 52
4.2.2. The Argentine Beehive Brick kiln 54
4.2.3. Other Small Masonry Kilns 55
4.3. The Missouri Kiln 58
4.4. Large Kilns with Recovery of Pyrolytic Vapors 58
5. RETORTS 62
5.1. Small Retorts without Liquid By-product Recovery 62
5.2. Retorts with By-product Recovery 64
5.3. The Wagon Retort 65
6. CONVERTERS FOR PROCESSING WOOD LOGS 70
6.1. The Reichert Converter 71
6.2. The French SIFIC Process 72
7. CONVERTERS FOR PROCESSING WOOD CHIPS 77
7.1. The Herreshoff Multiple-Hearth Furnace 78
7.2. Rotary Drums 83
7.3. Auger Reactor 87
7.3.1 Production of Bio-oil and Biochar 89
7.3.2 Production of Biochar and Heat 91
7.4. Moving Agitated Bed 94
7.5. Shelf Reactors 96
7.6. Paddle Pyrolysis Kiln 97
8. FAST PYROLYSIS REACTORS TO PROUCE HIGH YIELDS OF BIO-OILS 100
8.1. Fluidized Bed Reactors 103
8.2. Circulating Bed Reactors 105
8.3. Ablative and Cone Reactors 108
9. VEHICLE GASIFIERS USING BIOCHAR AS FUEL 112
iv
10. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF BIOCHAR PRODUCTION 115
10.1. Environmental Impacts of Biochar Production 116
10.1.1. Atmospheric Pollution 116
10.1.2 Forest Degradation 118
11. SAFETY CONCERNS OF BIOCHAR PRODUCTION 119
11.1. Safety Concerns in Biochar Production 119
11.1.1 Explosion Hazards 119
11.1.2. Fire Hazard 120
11.2 Safety Equipment 120
11.3 Safe Operation 120
11.4 Storage of Biochar 121
12. CONCLUSION 122
13. REFERENCES 124

v
SUMMARY
About 16.4 million tons of underutilized organic waste is produced in Washington State annually
(Frear et al., 2005; Liao et al., 2007). Agricultural wastes generated in eastern and southern
Washington, residues generated by the forest and paper industries in western and northern
Washington, along with woody debris (construction wastes) from the Puget Sound and Spokane
metropolitan regions are potential resources that may stimulate economic activity in the state.
However, the utilization of these diverse waste materials requires development of suitable
strategies and technologies.

The potential to convert lignocellulosic materials into biochar and bio-oil is generating renewed
interest in pyrolysis (Bridgwater and Peacocke 2000; Granatstein et al., 2009; Huber 2008;
Mason et al., 2009). Biochar has the capacity to increase soil fertility and sequester carbon
(Granatstein et al., 2009; Lehman et al., 2004), while bio-oil is currently being studied as a new
bio-crude to produce second-generation transportation fuels (Jones et al., 2009; Garcia-Perez et
al., 2009). However, the growth of this industry has been limited by the lack of viable bio-oil
refinement technologies and by clean technologies for biochar production. Recent breakthroughs
in thermochemical sciences have proven the feasibility of converting bio-oil into ethanol, green
gasoline, and green diesel. As a result, we can expect to see the operation of pyrolysis units and
rural bio-oil refineries able to produce bio-oils that are compatible with existing refineries within
the next ten years (Garcia-Perez et al., 2009; Jones et al., 2009).

On the other hand, billions of people use biochar for cooking in developing nations (Kammen et
al., 2005). Despite the cooking advantages of biochar, its large-scale production in developing
nations is seriously harmful to the environment (Kammen et al., 2005). Nonetheless, biochar is
likely to remain the fuel of choice in many poor countries as long as the feedstock supply and
demand from impoverished people in the world exist (Kammen et al., 2005). New and less
polluting pyrolysis technologies to produce biochar and heat are needed across the globe to
reduce the environmental impact of biochar production practices.

vi
Despite the growing interest to produce biochar and bio-oil, the lack of historic and current
information hinders those interested in developing this industry. This inadequate flow of
information for potential users forces the design of a pyrolysis unit to remain an art (Emrich,
1985). Still, the potential for biochar and bio-oil production has enticed many entrepreneurs to
develop their own businesses, but lack of technical skills frequently results in highly polluting
and inefficient systems, as those shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Those interested in commercializing biochar and bio-oil technology and developing production
facilities are often unaware of available designs and existing regulations that exist. The diversity
of situations in which pyrolysis can be applied (different feedstock, scale, capacity, use of mobile
or stationary units) as well as the diversity of products that can be obtained from this technology
is vast. This makes it very difficult to find an exclusive design that is sustainable across all the
potential applications. Thus, the main purpose of this report is to raise awareness of available
designs to those involved in the development of pyrolysis projects and to show how a clear
understanding of the specific conditions under which the technology is utilized (a clear purpose)
helps to identify suitable technologies. This report is also important to guide our state agencies
and researchers in the development of pyrolysis technology for producing biochar and second
generation bio-fuels in Washington State.

Five main factors prevent the development of a biomass pyrolysis industry: (1) technologies are
being developed by researchers and engineers with a limited understanding of the conditions for
which these technologies are to be used; (2) technologies are being developed that are not
tailored to specific materials and locations; (3) the knowledge base of state of the art and science
of pyrolysis technologies is insufficient; (4) we lack rural refineries to convert pyrolysis oils into
a stabilized product that then can be refined in existing petroleum refineries; (5) technologies
without bio-oil or heat recovery are harmful to the environment - clean technologies to produce
bio-char and heat are imperative.

vii
Figure 1. Although biochar production is has been around for centuries, old practices are still
used today. Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/betting-on-biochar-to-break-the-
co2-imbalance.php (Photo: By Ecksunderscore @ flickr).

Figure 2. Environmental impact of carbonization units without recovery of volatile products

(Courtesy of the Washington State Department of Ecology).

viii
This report has been written with the final users in mind. We have avoided discussions at the
phenomenological level since our intent is to make this report valuable for engineers, the
business community, policy makers, and the general public interested in developing a sustainable
biomass economy in our state.

ix
1. INTRODUCTION
Washington States consumes 405 thousand barrels of petroleum every day (approximately 20
million tons per year), of which 44 % is converted into motor gasoline, 21 % into diesel fuel and
another 14% into jet fuel (US Energy Information Administration, 2010). Meanwhile, the state
generates 16.4 million tons of underutilized biomass (dry equivalent) every year (Frear et al.,
2005, Liao et al., 2007). The majority of this is forest residues which accounts for 49% of the
organic waste generated in the state. Other important sources include municipal waste (24%),
field residues (14%), and animal waste (11%).

Pyrolysis, a thermal conversion process, is unquestionably one of the most promising

technologies for the sequestration of carbon and the production of a bio-oil as feedstock for
producing second-generation transportation fuels (Bridgwater and Peacocke, 2000; Granatstein
et al., 2009; Huber 2008; Mason et al., 2009; Woolf et al., 2010). This report is intended to help
identify pyrolysis facility design and scale for biochar production, and intermediate fuel and
chemical recovery that are viable at a local level.

Although it is economically inefficient to transport low energy density biomass beyond 96 km

(60 miles), pyrolysis units can be operated close to biomass resources avoiding the need for long
hauling. Once pyrolysis has converted the original biomass into crude bio-oil (with an energy
density of about 26,800 MJ/m3) it can then be transported economically up to 500 km from the
biomass sources to rural bio-oil refineries where it is converted into high value products and a
stabilized bio-oil that can be further refined to produce fuel and chemicals in existing refineries.
Biochar can be applied to soils in the vicinity to sequester carbon and enhance soil fertility.
According to Woolf et al. (2010) production of bio-char and its storage in soils can contribute to
a reduction of up to 12% of current anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Ecologys goal for this study
is to support development of renewable fuels, while emphasizing reduction of fuel use,
conservation, and replacement. Ecology is also interested in moderating fuel uses with locally
available fuel sources and higher value product.

1
The growth of the pyrolysis industry is severely hindered by current technological limitations to
refine bio-oils. Yet, recent progress in this area suggests that development of the pyrolysis
industry is viable within the next ten years (Garcia-Perez et al., 2009; Jones et al., 2009).
Development of bio-oil refineries is a critical element in implementing a biomass economy based
on locating pyrolysis units close to biomass resources, and bio-oil refineries near consumption
centers to process materials into transportation fuels and chemicals.

In 2005, the world production of biochar was more than 44 million tons
(http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_cha_pro_fro_cha_pla-energy-biochar-production-from
-plants, date accessed: August 24, 2010). Because current biochar production yields a mere 20%
of the original biomass, it can be estimated that more than 220 million tons of biomass is
processed to produce the worlds supply of biochar annually (Baker, 1985). By tapping into the
vast waste reserves of the world, enhanced biochar technology with high-grade energy recovery
systems can find a new application; and the biochar industry can make one of the most important
contributions to mankind by helping to provide for the energy needs of the future while helping
to sequester carbon (Levine, 2010).

Brazil is by far the largest biochar producer in the world producing 9.9 million tons /year. Other
important biochar producing countries are: Thailand (3.9 million tons/year), Ethiopia (3.2 million
tons/year), Tanzania (2.5 million tons/year), India (1.7 million tons/year) and the Democratic
Republic of Congo (1.7 million tons/year). Despite being the 10th largest biochar producer in the
world (at 0.9 million tons/year), most of the biochar consumed in the United States is imported
from other countries. Pyrolysis is the only technology available to produce biochar. Yet, a lack of
investment to improve its environmental performance of pyrolysis units has resulted in few
production options in the United States. Many existing technologies produce excessive air
pollution and do not comply with current U.S. environmental regulations. Nor do they meet the
Beyond Waste goals or the Hanover Principles for process design.

However, due to the ability of biochar to increase soil fertility and sequester carbon, it is being
studied intensively (Lehman et al., 2004). Results from studies of Amazonian soils and
2
investigations of the genesis of soils on the Illinois Plain show that soils amended with biochar
produce a significant improvement in soil quality (Krug et al., 2003). This and the promise
biochar presents for carbon sequestration (due to its resistance to microbial breakdown) have
sparked interest in its use as a soil amendment. Developing flexible designs for pyrolysis units to
produce high yields of both bio-oil and biochar is a technological challenge facing the
thermochemical industry.

Reactors developed and built by the wood distillation industry almost a century ago which aimed
at producing bio-char and light distillable products may serve as a good source of inspiration,
however, most of the literature about this industry was edited between 1900 and 1930 (Dumesny
and Noyer, 1908; Klark, 1925) and new developments are not well documented. Because of the
low heating rates achieved these reactors are known as slow pyrolysis reactors. Reactors
designed to achieve high heating rates by processing very small particles, known in the literature
as fast pyrolysis reactors, have been well described in excellent reviews published in the last 20
years (Bridgwater et al 1999, 2000, 2001, Czernik et al 2004 ). This report is one of the first
attempts since Walter Emrichs comprehensive work in 1985 to present the available information
for slow and fast pyrolysis into a single document. Our hope is that the knowledge generated by
these two methods (slow and fast pyrolysis) can be integrated into new designs.

The pyrolysis industry must be well planned to ensure that long-term goals are satisfied (Emrich,
1985). State and federal agency involvement during project planning is crucial to ensure a supply
of raw materials at the regional and national levels. Interconnection with other industries and
energy consumers as well as with a state or national household supply program is critical for
success.

This report emphasizes advantages and disadvantages of producing fuel and fixing carbon, and
will provide enough background information to create a decision tree for pyrolysis technologies
that support better use of organic wastes. The information provided should allow for the creation
of a sound, technical, economic, and environmental based methodology in order to identify the
best alternative (production of fuel, stable carbon, or a combination of both) for utilizing organic
3
wastes available in Washington. We identify and recommend actions that Washington State can
take to effectively utilize available new technologies. With Dynamotive, Ensyn, and UOP
leading the way as commercial developers, Washington State University is pursuing designs that
are more flexible, more sustainable, and intended to establish a better balance between stable
carbon and bio-fuel production in order to meet the goals of Beyond Waste.

This study identifies opportunities and obstacles for producing fuels and stable carbon from
organic wastes generated in Washington, while focusing on methods that are compatible with
both fast and slow pyrolysis. The information collected in this review is intended to inspire
experts to develop new models to utilize these resources, and new designs of pyrolysis units that
are well suited for the conditions in Washington.

2. EVOLUTION OF PYROLYSIS TECHNOLOGIES

2.1 History of Pyrolysis Technologies

For as long as human history has been recorded, heating or carbonizing wood for the purpose of
manufacturing biochar has been practiced (Emrich, 1985; Klark, 1925). Carbonization is as old
as civilization itself (Brown, 1917). In ancient times, the production of biochar was not the only
intention. It appears that ancient peoples were also well acquainted with the method of liquid
product recovery. This can be seen in the remains of the ancient Egyptian societies that indicate
they used liquid products like fluid wood-tar and pyroligneous acid to embalm their dead. The
preserving agent in this ancient tradition was a watery condensate collected from the charring
process (Emrich, 1985). According to the writings of Theophrastus, the Macedonians obtained
wood tar from burning biochar in pits (Klark 1925). Wood tar had many applications such as
house paints, caulking for sealing wood barrels, and use in shipbuilding. Dating as far back as
6,000 years, evidence shows that wood tar was used to attach arrowheads to spear shafts
(Emrich, 1985; Klark, 1925).

In the early development of pyrolysis, producing biochar was the sole objective of wood
carbonization. Throughout history the process has evolved from using wasteful biochar pits to
4
modern, fast pyrolysis reactors and bio-oil refineries. At the end of the eighteenth century, new
technologies were developed to recover and utilize the volatile compounds produced from
pyrolysis (Klark, 1925). This resulted in a crude process using brick kilns to recover the
condensable gases that were normally lost in biochar pits. Following brick kilns was the use of
iron retorts (vessels) placed in batteries of two each in long bricked up rows. By the end of the
nineteenth century, labor and time saving steel ovens were developed, contributing significantly
to the success of the wood distillation industry. In the 1970s the fast pyrolysis reactor was
introduced, influencing progress in bio-oil refining. The maturity of pyrolysis and bio-oil refining
technologies now has the potential to support a new biomass economy capable of competing with
the prevailing petroleum-based economy.

A delicate balance between scientific discoveries, development of new products, technological

improvements, and market forces has made the long, painful, and chaotic evolution of pyrolysis
possible. Below are a number of important developmental milestones of pyrolysis technology
worldwide.

1658 Johann Rudolf Glauber confirmed that the acid contained in pyroligneous water
was the same acid contained in vinegar (Emrich, 1985; Klark, 1925).
1661 The separation of a spirituous liquid from volatile products of wood distillation
was described by Robert Boyle (Klark, 1925).
1792 England commercialized luminating gas manufactured from wood (Klark, 1925).
1812 Taylor showed that methyl alcohol was present in the liquid obtained from the
distillation of pyroligneous water (Klark, 1925).
1819 The first pyrolysis oven to transfer heat through its metal walls was designed by
Carl Reichenbach (Klark, 1925).
1835 Methyl alcohol, an isolated product of crude wood spirit, was discovered by Jean
Baptiste Andre Dumas and Eugene Peligot which confirmed Taylors ideas on the
nature of pyroligneous acid (Klark, 1925).

5
1850 Horizontal retorts (1 meter diameter, and 3 meters long) were used mainly by
Germany, England, and Austria, while the French were becoming more inclined
to the use of vertical retorts made portable by Robiquete (Klark, 1925).
1856 An increase in demand for methyl alcohol was a result of Sr. William H. Perkins
patent on aniline purple (Klark, 1925).
1864 The discovery of iodine increased the demand for wood spirits (Klark, 1925).
1870 Early investigations performed by Tobias Lowitz resulted in a new, chemically
pure acetic acid (Klark, 1925).
1870 The rise of the celluloid industry and the manufacture of smokeless powder
increased the demand for acetone (Klark, 1925).
1850 The wood distillation industry began to expand (Klark, 1925).
1920-1950 The rise of the petroleum industry caused a decline in wood distillation (Klark,
1925).
1970 Oil Crisis gave rise to the need for alternative liquid fuels.
1970-90s Development of new pyrolysis reactors occurred side by side with the
understanding of the fundamentals of biomass pyrolysis reactions (Boroson et al.,
Bridgwater et al., 1994; 1989 a, b; Evans et al., 1987 a, b; Mottocks, 1981,
Piskortz et al., 1988a, b; Scott et al., 1984, 1988).
1980-90s New techniques and approaches to characterize bio-oil were proposed (Moses,
1994, Nicolaides, 1984; Oasmaa, et al., 1997; Oasmaa and Czernick, 1999;
Radlein et al., 1987).
1980-90s Several fast Pyrolysis Technologies (Fast, Flash, Vacuum and Ablative) reach
commercial or near commercial status (Bridgwater et al. 2001b; Freel et al 1990;
1996, Roy et al., 1985; Roy et al., 1997; Yang et al., 1995).
1980-90s Bio-oils derived from fast pyrolysis reactions were successfully combusted at
atmospheric pressure in flame tunnels and boilers (Banks et al., 1992; Barbucci et
al., 1995; Gust, 1997; Huffman et al., 1996, 1997; Lee, 1993; Moses, 1994, Rossi
et al., 1993; Shihadeh et al., 1994; van de Kamp et al., 1991, 1993).
1980-90s An understanding of the bio-oil combustion phenomena resulted in its use in gas
turbines and diesel engines (Andrews et al., 1997; DAlessio et al., 1998; Frigo et
6
 al., 1998; Gross, 1995; Jay et al., 1995; Kasper et al., 1983; Leech et al., 1997;
Solantausta et al., 1993, 1994; Wormat et al., 1994).
1990s Bio-oil fuel specifications were first proposed (Diebold et al., 1999; Fagernas,
1995; Meier et al., 1997; Oasmaa et al., 1997; Oasmaa and Czernick, 1999; Sipila
et al., 1998).
1990s Bio-oil upgrading strategies and separation strategies (bio-oil micro-emulsions,
hot vapor filtration, use of additives, hydrotreatment) began to be developed
(Baglioni et al., 2001; Elliott and Baker, 1987; Fagernas, 1995; Ikura et al., 1998;
Maggi and Elliott, 1997; Oasmaa et al., 1997; Salantausta et al., 2000; Suppes et
al., 1996).
1990s New crude bio-oil based products (e.g. bio-lime, slow release fertilizers, road de-
icers, wood preservatives, glues, sealing materials, bio-pitches, hydrogen,
browning agents, hydroxyacetaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde resins) were
developed (Chum and Kreibich, 1993; Freel and Graham, 2002; Oehr, 1993;
Radlein, 1999; Roy et al., 2000; Underwood and Graham, 1991; Underwood,
1990).
2000s Progress in the understanding of bio-oil physio-chemical structure (Fratini et al.,
2006; Garcia-Perez et al., 2006).
2000s New bio-oil based refinery concepts are proposed (Bridgwater, 2005; Czernik et
al., 2002; Elliott, 2007; Helle et al., 2007; Huber and Dumesic, 2006, Jones et al.,
2009; Mahfud et al., 2007; van Rosuum et al., 2007).

2.2 History of Pyrolysis Technologies in the United States

The ups and downs of biochar production in the United States are shown in Figure 3. A high
demand for bio-char by the metallurgical industry and the birth of the wood distillation industry
caused a peak in production around 1882 (Baker, 1985). Despite technological achievements
resulting in better quality char production dropped because the metallurgy and the steel industry
began fueling their blast furnaces with new resources like refined bituminous coal, coke, and
lignite. The 1882 peak in biochar production was surpassed only 125 years later. The increase in

7
charcoal production after 1945 is mainly attributed to the production of briquettes for domestic
consumption (Baker, 1985).

Today, southeastern Missouri produces approximately three-quarters of all the barbecue charcoal
used in the United States. Sawmill wastes are the main feedstock used for charcoal production in
Missouri (Yronwode 2000). Although, the Missouri Air Conservation act in 1972, attempted to
control charcoal kiln smoke, the charcoal industry was able to obtain three important exemptions
on the limit on particle matter (soot), the limit on odors and the limit on opacity. By 1980 all the
other states had implemented controls on air emissions, resulting in a migration and
concentration of charcoal production in Missouri. Until 1998, the production of biochar in
Missouri was a major source of air pollution. In March 1998, the Missouri Air Conservation
Commission adopted regulations to phase in controls of charcoal kiln smoke by introducing
afterburners. Due to the agreement between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, EPA
and the charcoal industry, by July 2005 the dense smoke was completely eliminated (Yronwode
2000).

Wood distillation industry

Metallurgical applications

Production of briquettes for

backyard barbecue

Figure 3. Production of biochar in the United States (Baker,1985).

8
Milestones in the development of pyrolysis technologies in the United States are as follows:

1600-1770 Carbon required for iron smelting came from wood carbonization in earthen kilns
or pits (Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1620 The construction of a furnace at Falling Creek outside Jamestown, VA began the
biochar industry in the United States (Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1645-1675 Construction and operation of a furnace for charcoal production near Saugus, MA
(Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1790 After the Revolutionary War colonists began to move westward and the iron-
making industry expanded rapidly resulting in the construction of the first blast
furnace west of the Alleghany Mountains (Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1796 The construction of a furnace in Pittsburgh, PA started the great iron and steel
center (Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1830 James Ward began to manufacture pyroligneous acid at North Adams, MA
(Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1832 Most of the wood biochar produced in United States was used to produce pig iron
(Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1850 Around 563,000 tons per year of biochar was produced by 377 furnaces
operational in the United States (Baker, 1985; Toole et al., 1961).
1850 In the State of New York, John H. Turnbull constructed the first successful wood
distillation plant. This plant used cast iron retorts of about half a cord1. The chief
product at this time was acetate of lime. Biochar was used largely as fuel for the
plant, while the market for crude wood alcohol had decreased (Baker, 1985;
Bates, 1922; Toole et al., 1961).

1
This is the official measurement of firewood. The concept of a cord or wood emerged in the 17 th century, when
stacks of wood were literally measured with a cord. A full cord is a large amount of wood. It measure 4 feet high by
4 feet wide by eight feet long (4x4x8) and has a volume of 128 cubic feet. A cord of wood weighs about 5600
pounds (2.54 tons).

9
1880 Beehive type furnaces replaced the pit kiln (Toole et al., 1961) and biochar
production increased to about 800,000 tons/year producing 14% of the pig iron
generated in the US (Baker, 1985).
1882 Technological changes in blast furnaces made them larger, reducing the share of
biochar-based pig iron by 5%. Biochar did not have adequate strength to support
these large furnaces (Baker, 1985).
1890-1920 Construction of large wood distillation plants were used to recover biochar, which
was at least as important as methanol, acetic acid, and various other chemicals
that were produced (Toole et al., 1961). Retorts began to replace beehive type
furnaces, which were becoming larger; further stimulating the expansion of the
industry. The importance of the production of acid for textile manufacturing
resulted in facilities for producing biochar and recovering chemical byproducts
becoming more elaborate and expensive. The condensation of distillation volatiles
produced a crude liquor which was refined in highly specialized equipment to
yield mostly methanol and pure acetic acid (Toole et al., 1961).
1910-1940 Economic pressure, high investment costs, and the loss of chemicals to cheap
synthetics resulted in the decline of the wood distillation industry. Manufacturing
metals and chemicals was done using carbon materials that replaced biochar,
which resulted in the abandonment of many of these distillation plants (Toole et
al., 1961).
1950 Plants remaining in business downsized their operations and began to produce
biochar as a cooking fuel for backyard home barbecues (Toole et al., 1961). An
increase in demand for biochar by restaurants and home cooks benefited these
remaining businesses.
1955 New biochar sources were needed as most of the large wood distillation plants
ceased operation. Biochar needed for cooking as briquettes, ferrosilicon
production, filtration processes, and horticultural uses came from small kilns
constructed in rural areas designed to utilize low-grade logs from woodlots, as
well as slabs and endings from sawmills (Baker, 1985).

10
 1956 The most popular type of kiln was a concrete or masonry block kiln comprising
600 of the existing 1,500 operating units in 1956. Among the remaining types of
kilns were only a few earth kilns, brick kilns, beehive kilns, and sheet metal kilns,
which were the least common (Toole et al., 1961).
1961 Of the 1,977 biochar converting units in the United States, 262 were brick kilns,
805 were concrete masonry block kilns, 430 were sheet steel kilns, and 480
comprised of other types of kilns like retorts and ovens (Baker, 1985). A
substantial amount of biochar was also produced by several newly developed
methods such as vertical batch carbonization and continuous carbonization which
utilizes both slab and round wood (Toole et al., 1961).
1972 Charcoal kilns were exempted from Missouri air regulations (Yronwode 2000).
1994 Citizens petitioned EPA for ambient monitoring of charcoal kiln air pollution
(Yronwode 2000).
1995 First test on charcoal air pollutant emissions (Yronwode 2000).
1996 Missouri DNR/EPA began monitoring charcoal kiln air pollution (Yronwode
2000).
1997 Air pollution limits for Missouri charcoal kilns negotiated (Yronwode 2000).
1998 Missouri charcoal kiln regulations became effective (Yronwode 2000).
2005 Deadline for complete control of Missouri charcoal kilns emissions (Yronwode
2000).

3. CRITERIA TO SELECT PYROLYSIS REACTORS

This section discusses criteria for selecting the heart of the pyrolysis plant, the reactor. A
strong regional and global biomass economy requires development of more selective, controlled,
multi-product, flexible, and integrated pyrolysis units (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008). An in-
depth understanding of the socioeconomic context of pyrolysis must govern specific choices of
pyrolysis technologies. Pyrolysis units should be designed with a clear business model in mind;
even if a set formula has produced good results in other contexts, it should be applied cautiously
(Girard, 2002). Achieving the highest energy yield from the raw material under consideration is
11
one of the most important criteria however; this project seeks a means for balanced recovery of
fuel with stable carbon (biochar) for improving soil productivity and sequestering atmospheric
carbon.

Hanover Principles for sustainable design: An important goal of this report is to encourage the
design of pyrolysis technologies meeting several essential design elements provided by the
Hannover Principles of Sustainability (McDonough, 2000) which are embedded in the Ecology
Waste to Resources Program. Several guiding ideas for the design of environmentally friendly
pyrolysis reactors are as follows:

(1) Pyrolysis units should be net exporters of energy and only operate on renewable energy
without reliance on fossil fuels or any sort of remote energy generation.
(2) The heating process must be efficiently incorporated into the design and be generated from
renewable resources.
(3) The entire design process must use water carefully and conservatively.
(4) Beneficial consideration of rainwater and surface water runoff shall be incorporated into
the design.
(5) Short- and long-term environmental impacts must be considered during the design process.
(7) Designs must be flexible enough to accommodate several different production needs.
(8) The evaluation of the design shall consider the necessary air, land, water, and solids to
eliminate pollutant releases.

One of the main aims of this report is to collect enough background information to support the
development of advanced pyrolysis concepts to produce both biochar and bio-fuels from wastes
generated in the state of Washington. This literature review and technological assessment
identify potential holistic designs for pyrolysis reactors and ancillary equipment in order to
produce biochar for carbon sequestration and bio-oil for the production of green fuels and
chemicals. We identify weaknesses of existing technologies and discuss possible alternative
concepts addressing these weaknesses.

12
To differentiate between the different pyrolysis reactors, we employ the nomenclature
recommended by Emrich (1985).

Kiln Kilns are used in traditional biochar making, solely to produce biochar.
Retorts and converters Industrial reactors that are capable of recovering and refining not only
the biochar but also products from volatile fractions (liquid condensates and syngases) are
referred to as retorts or converters.
Retort The term retort refers to a reactor that has the ability to pyrolyze pile-wood, or wood
logs over 30 cm long and over 18 cm in diameter (Emrich, 1985).
Converters produce biochar by carbonizing small particles of biomass such as chipped or
pelletized wood.
Slow pyrolysis refers to a process in which large biomass particles are heated slowly in the
absence oxygen to produce bio-char.
Fast pyrolysis refers to reactors designed to maximize the yields of bio-oil and typically use
powdery biomass as feedstock.

A vast number of existing pyrolysis technologies make it difficult to identify which type of
reactor is better suited for a targeted application. Classification of reactors varies according to
several factors (listed in Table 1). A thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of
each existing design will improve selection of an appropriate design for a given application.
Sections 3.1 3.14 describe general features of the design criteria for pyrolysis technology.

13
Table 1. Key criteria for selecting appropriate pyrolysis technology (these and additional criteria
are described in Sections 3.1 3.14).
Reactor Final Heat Particle size Mode of Heating Construction Portability Reactor Loading
type Products Transfer (Pretreatment) Operation Method Materials Position Mode
Rate

Fixed bed Heating by

Bio-oil Logs; large For direct
Fluidized particles Intermittent admission of Earth pits Stationary Vertical Manual
bed Slow operation air to the
Syn-Gas wood
Circulating Chips (autothermal)
bed
Bio-char For nearly Heating by Brickwork Semi-
Ablative Fine Particles continuous direct contact portable Mechanical
Auger operation of the Horizontal loading
Hydrogen Fast biomass with
Rotary furnace gases
drums on the wood Steel
Heat Portable
For Indirect With cars
Moving continuous heating
beds operation
Electricity Internal
Auger radiators
Reactors Heating
through
the walls

3.1. Final Products

The first criteria to consider are the targeted final products: (1) biochar and heat, (2) biochar, bio-
oil and gases, (3) biochar, carbon black, and syngas (gas mixtures that contains varying amounts
of CO and H), and (4) syngas (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008). The following sections describe
each of these concepts in greater detail.

3.1.1. Biochar and Heat

The first possible combination is the production of biochar and the recovery of the heat resulting
from the combustion of pyrolysis vapors (Figures 4 and 5) (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008).
Plants that operate pyrolysis reactors coupled with boilers or incinerators produce biochar and
the heat recovered from the combustion of pyrolysis vapors is used to produce steam, which may
generate electricity in steam turbines (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008).
14
Figure 4. Pyrolysis scheme for the production of biochar and heat (Pelaez-Samaniego et al 2008)

Using pyrolysis vapors as a fuel for boilers or incinerators is an exceptionally promising

alternative because it eliminates the use of natural gas or other liquid fuels without any major
modification to the combustion chamber (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008). Success of similar co-
combustion schemes has been demonstrated using gasification in Lahti (Finland) and Amer
(Holland) (Czernik and Bridgwater, 2004; van Loo and Koppjan, 2002). Mitsui Engineering &
Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has also employed this scheme in their recycling process creating heat and
biochar from solid municipal wastes. International Tech Corporation (Figure 5), Agri-Tech
Producers, and Choren are three examples of companies commercializing continuous pyrolysis
reactors coupled to an incinerator to produce heat.

15
Figure 5. Pyrolysis unit with heat recovery (International Tech Corporation)
(http://www.internationaltechcorp.org/IT-info.htm, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

Recovering heat from pyrolysis vapors generated in batch rectors is much more difficult because
the flow rate of pyrolysis gases is continuously changing. The CML Process developed by
CIRAD and Innov-energies addresses the problem of heat recovery and gas cleaning from batch
systems through combusting the pyrolysis vapors produced by several batch reactors in a
centralized incinerator. A typical production plan is formed by 12 charcoal production kilns
(CIRAD and Innov-energies, 2007) and a central anti-pollution incinerator (Figures 6 and 7).

16
 Incinerator

Pyrolysis Reactor

Figure 6. CML process for heat recovery in batch systems (CIRAD and Innov-energies, 2007).

Incinerator
Pyrolysis Reactor

Figure 7. A CML Process under construction (CIRAD and Innov-energies, 2007).

17
3.1.2. Biochar, Bio-oil, and Gases
This combination also includes biochar, heat, and gases in addition to a liquid product (bio-oil)
that results from the condensation of pyrolysis vapors (Figure 8). These bio-oils can be used as
fuel for the production of electricity, to produce syngas through gasification, to produce
transportation fuels through hydrotreatment, or to obtain an array of valuable co-products
through advanced bio-oil refinement (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008). Pyrolysis units can stand
alone or can be incorporated into bio-refineries, depending on the capacity of the plant.

Figure 8. Pyrolysis scheme for the production of biochar, bio-oil, and gases (Pelaez-Samaniego
et al., 2008).

Pyrolysis units intended to collect bio-oil are slightly more complex than those producing heat.
Figure 9 shows a configuration of a pyrolysis unit with bio-oil recovery. One or more
condensation steps can be used. While slow pyrolysis results in the production of a liquid formed
by two phases called pyroligneous water and decanted oil; fast pyrolysis results in the
formation of a single liquid phase called bio-oil. The wood distillation industry produced
acetic acid and methanol from the pyroligneous water resulting from slow pyrolysis reactors.

18
Figure 9. Rotary reactor process flow diagram (Courtesy of Coates Engineering,
http://www.coatesengineering.com).

Although producing bio-oil is a relatively mature technology, bio-oil commercialization will not
be viable until rural bio-oil refineries are developed that are able to convert these oils into
stabilized bio-oils compatible with existing petroleum industry. The development of high-value
products from bio-oils and biochar will improve the economic viability of this technology.
Figure 10 shows a concept of biomass economy, which includes pyrolysis units, rural bio-oil
refineries and modified petroleum refineries, for producing high-value products from bio-oil and
biochar.

19
 Forest Biomass Forest Biomass

Mobile Forest Biomass Mobile

Pyrolysis Pyrolysis
Unit Unit
Stationary
Bio-char Pyrolysis Unit Bio-char
Forest Biomass Forest Biomass
Crude
Bio-oil
Crude
Mobile Rural Bio-oil Bio-oil Mobile
Pyrolysis Pyrolysis
Unit
Refinery Unit

Bio-char Bio-char
Stabilized
Bio-oil
High Value Products

Modified Petroleum Refinery

Gasoline, Diesel, Jet Fuel

Figure 10. Biomass economy formed by mobile and stationary pyrolysis units, by rural
refineries and by a modified petroleum refinery.

3.1.3. Biochar, Carbon Black, and Syngas

Producing a combination of biochar, carbon black, and syngas is a promising strategy to

maximize yield of carbonaceous materials. The carbon black currently commercialized is
produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It is an amorphous material with high
surface area and is typically used as pigment and reinforcement in rubber and plastics
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_black, date accessed: Feb., 6, 2011). However, the
production of carbon black from biomass is a poorly explored area. The technology shown in
Figure 11 differs from those described in the previous sections in that immediately following the
pyrolysis of the biomass there is a high temperature step in which the pyrolysis vapors are
polycondensed creating soot (carbon black) and a gas rich in CO2, CO, CH4, and H. This
technology is based on the idea that if the pyrolysis vapors are heated to temperatures up to
20
1200 C in a reducing atmosphere, much of the vapor will become soot, water, and syngas
(Morf, 2002). Soot is the common name for carbon black which is an elementary form of carbon
produced by the combustion of hydrocarbon in a limited air atmosphere. Since mineral coal and
natural gas are the main raw materials used to produce carbon black, the current commercial
process to produce this material generates excessive pollution.

Figure 11. Pyrolysis process for the production of biochar, carbon black, and syngas (Pyrolysis
reactor temperature 400-550 oC, carbon black reactor temperature over 1200 oC) (Pelaez-
Samaniego et al., 2008).

Carbon black production is expected to reach 13 million metric tons by 2015. About 90% of
carbon black, produced from natural gas, is currently used in the production of rubber products
such as tires, as well as inks and pigments (Pira-International, 2010). Few studies document the
properties of carbon black derived from biomass and its performance in rubber products.

3.1.4. Syngas

A concept called the Choren Process (Germany) (http://www.choren.com/en/, date accessed,

Nov. 15, 2010), used for the production of syngas, employs a crushed and dried biomass that is
pyrolyzed at temperatures of 400 to 500 C to produce volatiles and biochar. The volatiles are
then converted into carbon black by heating them to temperatures over 1400 C. The carbon
21
black and the remaining biochar are further gasified in a fluidized bed resulting in a synthesis gas
with very low tar content (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008). This concept is shown in Figures 12
and 13. This process can be modified by not gasifying the biochar, in which case the final
products will be syngas and biochar.

Figure 12. Process of the production of ash and syngas (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008).

Pyrolysis Gasification Gas treatment Fischer-Tropsch & hydrocracking

Figure 13. The Choren process for producing syngas using paddle pyrolysis reactors (Bienert,
2007).

22
3.2. Heat Transfer Rate
The heat transfer rate during pyrolysis is one of the most important parameters for determining
the yield and property of products. High rate heating of lignocellulosic materials typically yield
up to 75 mass % bio-oil, and approximately 15 mass % biochar. High heating rates can only be
achieved when using very small particles (i.e. < 2 mm). Depending on the particle heat transfer
rate achieved, it is possible to identify two types of pyrolysis reactors: slow and fast pyrolysis.

3.2.1. Slow Pyrolysis

With slow pyrolysis, the process of heating biomass is very slow (heating rate: 5-7 C/min).
Slow pyrolysis typically produces less liquid (30-50 mass %) and more char (25-35 mass %)
than fast pyrolysis. The liquid produced separates in two phases (a pyrolygneous water and a
decanted oil). Any reactor that utilizes particles larger than 2 mm in diameter is considered a
slow pyrolysis reactor (kilns, retorts, and converters).

3.2.2. Fast Pyrolysis

With fast pyrolysis, the process of heating biomass is rapid (heating rates: over 300 C/min). Fast
pyrolysis is typically used to obtain high yields of single-phase bio-oil. Fast pyrolysis uses small
particles due to the low thermal conductivity of lignocellulosic materials. However, it is possible
to use larger particles through fast removal of the low thermal conductivity layer of biochar that
forms around the particle. This method is known as ablative pyrolysis.

3.3. Mode of Operation

Depending on the mode of operation, pyrolysis reactors can be classified as batch, semi-batch,
and continuous.

3.3.1. Batch Operation

Batch reactors are typically used to manufacture biochar while the recovery of byproducts is
often of secondary importance (Klark, 1925). This process involves a heating up period in which
the product is produced, followed by a nonproductive cool down period that prepares the
23
equipment for the next batch. In a batch kiln, retort, or converter, individual particles remain
almost immobile. These reactors only allow the discharge of biochar after it has been cooled.
Start up and energy costs to heat and reheat the oven is repetitive and energy intensive. It is also
difficult to use the volatiles formed during the process, which are released to the atmosphere
causing significant pollution. Batch operations are very common among small reactors.

3.3.2. Semi-batch Operation

The semi-batch operated system is portable and makes better use of hot ovens. Heat containing
vapors are recycled between batch reactors. The Carbo Twin Retort (Figures 14- 17), developed
by Ekoblok/Carbo Group, is a typical example of a semi-batch operation. The Carbo Twin Retort
is a semi-continuous production module. Its capacity is determined by the number of batch runs
that can be carried out (Trossero et al., 2008). Some of these systems allow recovery of liquid
products, but most are typically used to produce biochar.

Figure 14. Semi-batch reactor - Van Marion Retort (VMR) system (source:
http://www.bioforsk.no/ikbViewer/Content/71499/Biokarbonseminar%20%C5s%2011-03-
2010%20Morten%20Gr%F8nli.pdf) (date accessed: Nov., 14, 2010).

24
Figure 15. Cross section of the Carbo Twin Retort and operating principles (Trossero et al.,
2008).

Figure 16. Operating principles of a semi-batch system (Carbo-Twin Retort) (Trossero et al

2008).

25
A similar concept is being commercialized by a company called Bioenergy LLC based in St
Petersburg, Russia. The semi-batch stationary systems built by this company are commercialized
under the name of POLIKOR and EKOLON. In this technology the removable retorts are
inserted inside the firewood box. The retorts have a special device at the bottom that allows the
pyrolytic vapors to enter into the combustion chamber and generate part of the heat needed to
drive the process. The mobile units developed by this company are called POLYEVKA and
KORVET. These semi-portable steel kilns have two advantages: they can be moved easily
(which may be useful for small-scale production) and shorter cycles result when biomass is
dispersed and the kilns cool quickly (Emrich, 1985).

3.3.3. Continuous Operation

Continuous operation reactors are designed to run nearly continuously with occasional down
time for maintenance. Typically, the unit attainment, (i.e., the percentage of the available hours
in the year that the plant operates) is usually 90-95%. Most continuous operation reactors are
justified only if the flow rate is high. A typical continuous unit for the production of biochar has
a capacity over 2.75 ton/h. These systems usually have proven designs for creating products with
well-established markets. They are often more economical for large-scale production. Figure 17
shows a continuous wagon reactor. This technology is currently being commercialized by
Impianti Trattamento Biomasse based in Milan, Italy. Continuous pyrolysis may seem like a
simple matter, but in practice the process requires a higher level of training (Klark, 1925).

Figure 17. Continuous carbonization operations use pyrolytic vapors to heat the combustion
chamber (Trossero et al., 2008).
26
3.4 Heating Methods
Nearly all pyrolysis reactors require the biomass particle dimensions to be well specified. If the
particles are not of the proper dimensions, penetration of heat will be slow and the necessary
heating rate will not be reached. If the feedstock is kept in steady movement, heat exchange can
be improved significantly. There are two general strategies to heat pyrolysis reactors. The first
one uses a hot carrier (typically a gas) produced by the combustion of wood, oil, gas, etc. in an
external combustion chamber. The second strategy allows a limited amount of combustion to
occur inside the pyrolyzer by burning part of the wood and using this heat to dry and carbonize
the remaining wood (Emrich, 1985). Some authors (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908; Fournier, 2009)
further break out pyrolysis reactors into three categories depending on the heating method used:
(1) pyrolysis by partial combustion (auto-thermal systems), (2) pyrolysis by injection of a hot gas
in the load (direct heating with an inert hot gas), and (3) pyrolysis in an enclosed reactor or retort
(indirect hearting). Figure 18 shows diagrams of each of these systems.

Figure 18. Types of pyrolysis technologies according to the heating method used (Fournier,
2009).

27
3.4.1 Partial Combustion (Auto-thermal Processes)
Partial combustion of pyrolysis vapors and biochar is most common for small-scale operations
(Emrich, 1985). Burning part of the raw material with a controlled air inlet provides the energy
necessary for the process. This technique requires that a portion of the biomass be combusted,
which in-turn reduces the yield of biochar. Therefore, it is best to operate these systems in areas
where raw materials are cheap. These systems typically have low capital cost partly because no
heat surfaces are needed and condensable products are usually not recovered.

3.4.2 Carbonization by Contact with Hot Gases

Hot gases from an external source that come into direct contact with the fuel charge provide the
energy required for carbonization. This method reduces the need for expensive heat transfer
surfaces, however, costs are associated with heating the required inert gases. The fuel used to
heat the heat carrier, typically wood of inferior quality or leaves, is combusted in an outside
furnace (Klark 1925). Overall biochar and byproduct yields are high making this system suitable
for medium to large plants (Emrich, 1985).

3.4.3 Indirect Heating

With indirect heating the retort/converter is heated from the outside and strictly excludes oxygen
from the inside. The fuel charge is placed in a sealed container and an external heat source,
partially fueled by the off gases, transmits the heat necessary for pyrolysis through its walls.
Once the carbonization process has started, pyrolytic gases released by the process can be used
as fuel to provide part of the energy needed to sustain pyrolysis reactions. Other than its own off
gases, any combustible material can also feed the heat source. Some systems use molten salts as
a heat carrier. This type of system is ideal for the recovery of volatile products and yields large
amounts of biochar and byproducts (Toole et al., 1961).

3.4.3.1 Internal radiators: 7Hot pipes placed inside the reactor supply the necessary heat for
pyrolysis (Toole et al 1961). The benefit to this type of reactor is the provision of the radiator
system inside the reactor, which increases the heat transfer area (Klark, 1925). Internal
radiators must be used for large reactors.
28
 3.4.3.2 Heating through reactor walls. All heat required for pyrolysis is transferred through
the walls of the reactor. Since the heat transfer inside the biomass bed is relatively slow, large
reactors cannot depend solely of this heating method. For large reactors, heating through the
external walls should be accompanied by the use of internal radiators or by direct heating.

3.5 Construction Materials

3.5.1 Earth
Since the dawn of carbonization history, earth has been used to keep out oxygen and to insulate
the carbonizing wood against excessive heat loss. The obvious low cost of this method has kept
it alive for centuries. Readily available and non-combustible, earth is an excellent choice as a
sealant for enclosing carbonizing wood. There are two methods of using earth as barrier in the
carbonization process: underground and on the surface. The underground method involves
digging out a pit, placing firewood in the pit, and then covering the hole with the excavated earth
to seal and insulate the chamber (pit kilns). The second method consists on covering a pile of
wood resting on the ground with earth, sand, and leaves, which forms a necessary gas-tight layer
behind which biocharring can take place.

3.5.2 Masonry, CinderBlocks, and Concrete

To control the amount of oxygen during carbonization, concrete, masonry, or cinder blocks can
take the place of earth as a sealant. The recommended basic wall material is either concrete or
cinder blocks composed of both coarse and fine aggregates of crushed and screened cinders from
bituminous coal clinkers (Toole et al., 1961). Another material commonly used is reinforced
concrete (Toole et al., 1961). In most cases, the firebricks used for the kiln are made by the
operator rather than purchased (Emrich, 1985). These brick kilns are typically auto-thermal and
have a very long lifespan that usually exceeds their usage periods. One advantage of these brick
kilns is their portability. In many developing countries, the bricks are dismantled and sold as
building materials once the carbonization operation needs to be moved to a new location.
(Emrich, 1985).

29
3.5.3 Steel or Cast Iron
Retorts, converters, and fast pyrolysis reactors are commonly built with steel or cast iron because
heat can easily be transferred through walls or radiators made from these materials.

3.6 Portability
3.6.1 Stationary Pyrolysis Units
Stationary units are typically large installations that can process more than 100 tons/day (Figure
19). Because these units are permanent, transportation of the raw material from its source adds to
the cost of a project (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908). Due to transportation and building expenses,
these reactors are justified when large amounts of biomass are available for the production of
biochar and bio-oil. Some stationary units are designed to be dismantled and sold in parts after
they are no longer useful.

a) b)

Figure 19. Stationary fast pyrolysis reactors for industrial settings (a) Ensyn,
http://www.ensyn.com; date accessed: Nov. 15, 2010 and (b) BTG, http://www.btgworld.com;
date accessed: Nov. 15, 2010.

3.6.2 Semi-portable Pyrolysis Reactors

Some components of these systems are stationary but the most expensive components are
portable. As seen in Figure 20, the furnace (left), which generates heat for the pyrolysis reactor,
is stationary, while the reactor and condensers (right) are portable.
30
 a) b)

Figure 20. Semi-portable vertical steel retort unit (5 m3) (a) Klark, 1925 (b) Dumesny and
Noyer, 1908.

Another example of a semi-portable reactor is shown in Figure 21. Portable wagon retorts were
typically coupled with a stationary brick furnace in the old wood distillation industry.

Figure 21. A semi-portable retort (Veitch, 1907)

3.6.3 Portable or Mobile Units

These fully transportable units consist of equipment and accessories that can be easily and
rapidly assembled and disassembled using simple tools (Figures 22 and 23).
31
Figure 22. This 50 t/day portable (Mobile Pyrolysis Unit, ABRI) must be disassembled for
transportation (source: http://www.advbiorefineryinc.ca/home; date accessed: Nov., 15, 2010).

Figure 23. Mobile pyrolysis reactor developed by JF Biocarbon, Canada (source:

http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/taxonomy/term/1175; date accessed: Nov., 15, 2010).

Another type of unit consists of several portable sections specially designed and built from metal
sheets (Figure 24). This system can be moved to a site that may have more available resources.

32
 Beginning of the 20th century 100 years later

Figure 24. Examples of portable metal kilns (kilns assembled from portable sections) (Paddon
and Harker, 1980).
33
3.6.4 Built-in-Place Kilns
Kilns that are built in place typically are constructed from soil or other local materials, are
located close to biomass resources, and are small (Figure 25). They are economically viable if
the cost of construction and transportation of the biochar is lower than the cost of transporting
and processing the biomass.

Figure 25. Earth kilns built in place (source: http://www.biocoal.org/10.html; date accessed:
Nov., 15, 2010).

3.7 Reactor Position

The horizontal or vertical positioning of pyrolysis reactors (Figure 26) is inadequately discussed
in the literature. The reactors position is important because it has significant consequences for
how biomass is loaded and how the pyrolysis unit is operated.

34
Figure 26. Horizontal and vertical retorts used in distilling turpentine (Veitch, 1907).

3.7.1 Horizontal Reactors

During the 19th century, Great Britain, Sweden, and Germany typically pyrolyzed wood in retorts
laid horizontally (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908). The standard retort was cylindrical and made
from cast iron, which later was replaced by steel.

3.7.2 Vertical Reactors

The French mainly used vertical retorts during the 19th century. Vertical reactors can be difficult
to load but take advantage of gravitational forces to help move biomass. This made them the
main reactor type used for converters (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908; Veitch, 1907).

3.8 Raw Materials

The size and type of available raw materials may determine the specific type of kiln, retort, or
converter (Emrich, 1985). As a rule, batch kilns and retorts are chosen to carbonize raw materials
that are over 100 mm long and over 25 mm in diameter. These systems cannot suitably carbonize
smaller particles such as sawmill chips, nutshells, husks, hulls, leaves, small twigs, or bagasse
(Emrich, 1985). These types of feedstocks can be carbonized in converters or must be further
ground in order to be processed by fast pyrolysis reactors. Three main types of wood typically
used are: (1) cordwood, (2) sawmill chips and pellets, and (3) fine particles (less than 2 mm
diameter).
35
3.8.1 Cordwood
Cordwood usually consists of material > 1 m in length, but also may range from 10 to 40 cm in
length (Toole et al, 1961). Wood that is preferable for a given fuel charge should be of the same
general size and moisture content. This simplifies handling the wood and creates more uniform
carbonization. Round wood with a cross section greater than 20 cm should be split or cut into
smaller pieces (Toole et al, 1961). Figure 27 shows example of cordwood yards.

Figure 27. Cordwood used by the wood distillation industry historically (Bates, 1922; Brown,
1917).

3.8.2 Chips
Chips can be produced directly from woody biomass, but transporting them from their source to
pyrolysis plants requires planning. The main advantage of processing chips is that they are easy
to handle.

3.8.3 Fine Particles

Fine particles (< 2 mm diameter) are typically used with fast pyrolysis reactors (fluidized bed
reactors, and circulating bed reactors). In order to achieve necessary heat transfer rates, small
particles (< 2 mm diameter), typically produced from grinding chips, are needed. Grinding and
pretreatment represent additional energy and cost to the total process cost.

36
3.9 Loading and Discharge Methods
To use the kiln effectively, the wood must be stacked so that combustion gases can freely
circulate through the pile. Since labor is a major operation cost, labor for loading and unloading
should be minimized. The location of the air entry and smoke outlet openings and the type of
wood affects how a kiln is loaded and unloaded. Loading can be accomplished manually,
mechanically, and with the use of wagons.

3.9.1 Manual Loading

Cordwood and slabs are loaded and unloaded by hand through a door (Toole et al., 1961; Bates,
1922). To use kiln capacity effectively, wood must be stacked to allow combustion gases to
circulate freely through the pile (Toole et al., 1961). Stacking wood inside the kilns is labor
intensive. All of the logs must be packed as close together as possible with thinner pieces against
the wall and thicker logs towards the center (Emrich, 1985).

3.9.2 Mechanical Loading

Using mechanized yard handling equipment has several distinct advantages. Conveyer belts,
bucket elevators, and tractor scoops can quickly and efficiently move the discharged biochar
from the kiln (Toole et al., 1961). Tractor scoops (Figure 28) move larger material, while smaller
pieces (chips) are fed into the reactor with a conveyor or bucket elevator (Toole et al., 1961).

37
Figure 28. Tractor with a scoop being used to discharge a kiln (Toole et al., 1961).

3.9.3 Use of Wagons

Using wagons (Figure 29) to load and unload the pyrolysis reactor can reduce costs considerably.
Wagon cars carry feedstock directly into the oven on a track and then back out of the oven with
the resulting biochar. However, maintaining wagons that are frequently subjected to the extreme
temperatures of the ovens (thermal fatigue) contributes to operation costs.

Figure 29. Cars used to load wood into the oven (Bates 1922, Veitch 1907).

38
3.10 Kiln Size
Once a suitable location has been selected, the size and shape of the kiln must be determined.
The size, or gross capacity, of the kiln depends on: (1) weekly or monthly volume of raw
material to be carbonized, (2) shape and size of the raw material (i.e., chunk, short-length, round
wood, long slabs, or other mill residues) (Emrich, 1985). Small kilns typically hold up to ten
cords (25.4 tons). Masonry kilns should not be larger than ten-cords (25.4 tons) because the
carbonizing temperature tends to cause considerable expansion (Toole et al., 1961). Large kilns
can hold more than 100 tons.

3.11 Charge Ignition Methods

Moisture content of wood determines the amount of fuel needed for ignition. Fuels used to ignite
pyrolysis reactors include dry kindling wood, brands, leaves, natural gas, biochar, and fuel oil.
Three methods most commonly used to ignite the biomass are: (1) ignition by fuel placed at the
charge, (2) ignition by auxiliary fuel either with a torch, or 3) a dedicated ignition system.

3.11.1 Ignition Fuel at Midpoint or in the Front of the Charge

This method involves placing oil soaked fabrics or glowing biochar through the air inlet holes at
the base or through the center hole in the top to ignite the kindling wood. Once the kiln has been
ignited, the operator determines how the contents are reacting by the color of the smoke. For
instance, a dense white smoke for the first few days would indicate that the wood has high
moisture content and that water is evaporating (Toole et al., 1961).

3.11.2 Ignition by Gas-fired Torch

Using kerosene or a gas-fired torch is one of the most efficient methods to ignite a charge
(Figure 30) (Toole et al 1961). These inexpensive torches are a good source of heat capable of
efficiently and quickly igniting the charge (Toole et al., 1961). It usually takes anywhere from
five to ten minutes of directing the torch flame through the air ports before the charge is burning.
Torch ignition eliminates time spent preparing other fuels, which furnish variable heat and may

39
not properly ignite the charge. Ignition is practically assured with a torch. Using a torch also
allows more space for the charge (Toole et al., 1961).

Figure 30. Igniting the kiln charge with a gas torch (left); and ignition of the charge by the open
door method in an auto-thermal process (right) (Toole et al., 1961).

3.11.3 Use of Dedicated Burners

Ignition can also be achieved with a dedicated burner (Figure 31). Auxiliary fuel is halted once
the proper pyrolysis temperature has been obtained and the heat to keep the temperature of the
reactor is generated from the combustion of the pyrolysis vapors (Pro-natura 2004).

40
Figure 31. Continuous reactor indirectly heated through the walls with the heat released from
the combustion of pyrolysis vapors (source: http://www.pronatura.org/index.php) (date accessed:
Nov., 15, 2010).

3.12. Process Control

To achieve good yields of high quality products, reaction conditions must be well controlled. The
heat generated must be sufficient to dry the wood and maintain a temperature for efficient
carbonization. Burning also must be limited in order to obtain the proper amount of heat to
produce quality biochar. The temperature in the reactor is the most important variable to control
during pyrolysis (Toole et al 1961). Two ways to control heat conditions of pyrolysis reactors:
are (1) to observe the color of vapors produced and (2) to measure and control the temperature
inside the reactor either manually or using standard feedback control systems.

3.12.1. Control by Observation of Vapor Color

This approach is typically used in carbonization reactors without heat or bio-oil recovery. The
production of steam results in white smoke that indicates the drying of the biomass, whereas a
41
black smoke is typically associated with pyrolysis. After pyrolysis begins, the smoke becomes
more transparent as the process continues. Once the carbonization process is completed (no more
smoke is produced), the cooling cycle is started by sealing all of the air ports. Though all of the
air intake ports are sealed, the chimneys must remain open until all smoking has ceased. This
prevents the accumulation of gas pressure within the kiln and releases any smoke that may form
during the cooling process. Chimneys are usually left open for about one to two hours until the
smoking stops, at which point they should be closed immediately. This prevents any fresh air
from entering the kiln which may support combustion or result in an explosion (Toole et al.,
1961). Toward the end of the carbonization period the smoke color and volume do not provide
much information about the progress of the carbonization.

3.12.2. Direct Temperature Measurement

Since the carbonization process is controlled by time and temperature, it is important to monitor
both. A direct and reliable measurement of the carbonization progress can be done by monitoring
the temperature (Toole et al., 1961). Although it is safe to open the reactors and discharge the
char once the temperature is lower than 65 C (Emrich 1985), the reactor should be checked for
localized hot spots before discharging begins.

3.13. Pressure
Pyrolysis reactors can be operated at atmospheric pressure, in a vacuum, or at high pressure.
Operating a reactor in a vacuum results in increased production of liquid products enriched with
levoglucosan, while operation under high pressures results in greater yields of biochar and gases.

3.13.1. Atmospheric Pressure

Most pyrolysis reactors operate under atmospheric conditions due to its simplicity. Because it is
not necessary to create a vacuum of high pressure, the cost of auxiliary equipment is drastically
reduced.

42
3.13.2. Vacuum Pyrolysis
Reactors that operate in a vacuum are more complex due to the necessity of avoiding air leaks.
This technique is typically used to enhance the production of liquid products, yielding an amount
of oil that is comparable to that of fast pyrolysis reactors.

3.13.3. Pressurized Pyrolysis

Operating a reactor under pressure results in limited production of liquids. However, pressurized
reactors produce much higher yields of biochar and syngas. A high-pressure reactor developed
by the University of Hawaii is seen in Figure 32.

Figure 32. High-pressure pyrolysis reactor at the University of Hawaii (Antal, 2009)
(www.hnei.hawaii.edu; date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

3.14. Pretreatment of Feedstock

Feedstock is rarely fed directly into the pyrolysis reactor without any pretreatment (Cummer and
Brown, 2002). In order to improve the efficiency of pyrolysis, the feedstock must be dried,
reduced to the proper size, and free of alkaline compounds (Cummer and Brown, 2002).
43
3.14.1. Drying
Most pyrolysis units work best using a feedstock with moisture content in the range of 10-20%
(Cummer and Brown, 2002). Freshly harvested biomass can have a moisture content of up to
60% and is likely to clog the feeding system and result in a lower heating value of oil (Cummer
and Brown, 2002). A fairly large energy input is required for the drying process. Although the
drying process can reduce the overall efficiency of a pyrolysis plant, directing the waste heat
from the pyrolysis units to the dryers can mitigate this inefficiency (Cummer and Brown, 2002).

During the drying process, volatile organic compounds may be released from the vaporization of
volatile components in the biomass. Therefore, exhaust formed during drying should be
monitored. A slightly smoky exhaust plume called blue haze sometimes forms from biomass
driers. Feedstock should not reach 100 C, the temperature at which these emissions are usually
released. Cleanup equipment such as cyclones and absorption beds may be necessary to reduce
the environmental impact of drying (Cummer and Brown, 2002).

The simplest biomass drying system utilizes a perforated floor. This system works by passing hot
gases through the perforation in the bottom of large bins, a process called through circulations
(Cummer and Brown, 2010). For continuous systems, band conveyor dryers and rotary drum
dryers are typically used; and can handle a wide range of materials.

3.14.2. Particle Size Reduction (Comminution)

Knife chippers and hammer mills are the two most common devices for reducing biomass to the
appropriate size for pyrolysis. Knife chippers are better suited for grinding wood, and consist of
high-speed rotary devices. Any metal that may be mixed in with the wood to be sized can
severely damage the knives (Cummer and Brown, 2002). Hammer mills are also rotary devices
that crush the biomass with large metal hammers. The hammers crush the falling biomass into a
breaker plate. The crushed biomass is then pulverized between another hammer and a screen at
the bottom of the mill. The screen at the bottom determines the size of the comminuted particles.

44
Since this type of device requires the feedstock be less than 4 cm, an auxiliary crusher may be
necessary (Cummer and Brown, 2002).

3.14.3. Alkali Removal (Biomass Washing)

Feedstock containing high amounts of alkali may lead to the formation of extra char (Scott et al.,
2001). The removal of the alkali prior to subjecting the biomass to pyrolysis is needed to obtain
high yields of bio-oil. A simple washing of the biomass readily dissolves most alkali since it is
water-soluble (Scott et al., 2001). Washing the biomass in water, then mechanically dewatering it
is a process known as leaching. Leaching can remove more than 80% of the potassium and
sodium, and more than 90% of the chlorine found in herbaceous biomass (Cummer and Brown,
2002, Scott et al., 2001).

4. KILNS
The kilns described in this section are part of our review of historical designs, and are not
intended to represent the objectives of this project. This report is meant to identify weaknesses of
these designs in order to propose improved concepts designed to achieve (as close as possible)
zero emissions to atmosphere, water and land. A detailed review of several traditional methods
for biochar production can be found in the Handbook of Charcoal Making by Emrich (1985).

4.1 Earth Kilns

Historically, crude earth kilns were the forerunners of modern kiln design in the United States.
During the nineteenth century earth kilns were replaced by so called beehive kilns (Toole et
al., 1961). Earth kilns are still very popular in Africa. Some of the main characteristics of these
reactors are:

45
 Final Product Targeted: Biochar
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Batch operation
Heating method: Partial combustion of foliage (auto-thermal process)
Construction materials: Earth
Portability: Built in place
Reactor Position: Horizontal/vertical
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Manual
Size of the kiln: Small/medium
Charge ignition method: Small kindled wood at midpoint
Process control: Observing color of produced vapors
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Seasoned wood

One advantage of constructing earth kilns is that they are simply made of earth and can be built
in the same area as the source of the biomass. For instance, building a kiln on the logging site to
carbonize the wood obtained from that area can significantly reduce freight charges. Figure 33
illustrates early forms of earth kilns. A detailed description of the construction of earth mounds
can be found in the publication, Simple Technologies for Charcoal Making (FAO, 1987).

46
Figure 33. Earth kilns (earth-mound) (Veitch, 1907).

To protect the wood from outside air, soil is used as a barrier for oxygen attack. The attack of
oxygen causes high losses of products. Earth is mounded over the wood (Figure 33) tightly
enough to provide a firm closure, but not so tightly that air is prevented from leaking through to
the wood. Utilizing a previously used site for construction is beneficial. To ignite the charge, the
chimney is filled with small pieces of lit wood. Once the kiln has reached full combustion, no
more fuel is added. To allow the combustion products to escape, the vents are opened starting
from the top and working downward. When no more smoke is produced, the cooling stage is
started by covering the stack with a layer of moist earth. The cooling process takes several days
before the earth is removed and the biochar produced is separated from the surrounding
imperfectly carbonized portions.

Rain can create problems with the quality of the biochar. The foliage layer and the outer
covering layer of earth tend to contain condensed pyroligneous gases that get washed back down
by the rain and reabsorbed by the biochar. Although a majority of these types of kilns are
constructed to collect biochar, several have been modified to primarily collect the tars that are
produced (see Figure 34).

47
Figure 34. Early form of kiln in which biochar and tar are recovered (Veitch, 1907).

In the 1970s and 1980s some improvements were made to traditional biochar making equipment
including the use of oil drums as chimneys on earth kilns (Casamance kilns), and small-scale
steel or brick kilns. Earth-mound kilns equipped with a chimney (Figure 35) are most advanced
among earth kilns. The construction process is virtually the same as described previously. The
ability to alter the chimney diameter according to the oxygen demand, and precise control of the
draft of the chimney, which is dependent on height, results in better control of the pyrolysis
process (Emrich, 1985). With a few necessary modifications to the chimney section, it is a small
step from the chimney kiln to a biochar operation that allows for tar recovery (Figure 35)
(Emrich, 1985).

48
Figure 35. An earth-mound kiln with pyrolysis oil recovery (FAO, 1987). Image courtesy of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The principles of building a biochar pit are similar to those to build an earth-mound kiln. The
basic principle is to lead the air from one end of the chamber to the other, routing the flow under
the bottom of the pit (Figure 36). Before the pit is charged with fuel wood, bed logs are laid to
form a crib on which the charge is placed. The crib consists of logs cut to the same dimensions as
the width of the pit and evenly spaced along the entire length (Emrich, 1985). Logs cut equal to
the length of the biochar pit are to then be placed on the top of this first layer. A detailed
description of the construction of earth pits can be found in the publication, Simple Technologies
for Charcoal Making (FAO, 1987).

49
Figure 36. Biochar pit showing logs placed lengthwise across the crib (FAO, 1987). Image
courtesy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Using a 6 m x 2.7 m x 1.2 m pit (depth at the ignition point) and a team of five people, it is
possible to obtain up to 360 t of biochar per year (Emrich, 1985). Applying a steel sheet to cover
large pits is done in many cases in order to prevent soil from falling in and contaminating the
biochar when the kiln is uncovered at the end of carbonization (Emrich, 1985) (Figure 37).

50
Figure 37. Improved earth kiln design. A semi-permanent, low-cost, earth-metal kiln in
Madagascar (Girard, 2002).

4.2 Cinder Block and Brick Kilns

The basic difference between earthen kilns and cinder block and brick kilns is the construction
materials. These kilns have a long lifespan and several types have proved their economic
viability for over fifty years. An estimated 250,000 of these kilns were being operated in 1985 all
over the world (Emrich, 1985). A detailed description of the construction of these kilns can be
found in the publication, Simple Technologies for Charcoal Making (FAO, 1987). Some of the
main characteristics of these kilns are:

51
 Final Product Targeted: Biochar
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Batch operation
Heating method: Partial combustion (auto-thermal)/contact with hot gases
Construction materials: Cinder/brick/concrete/Iron bands
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Manual/mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small-large
Charge ignition method: Small kindle wood/burning oil/gas fired torch
Process control: Observing color of vapors or temperature measurements
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

Common designs of these kilns can be differentiated by their shape. Hangar kilns which are a
rectangular or square shape, and round brick kilns (Emrich, 1985). Some of the most commonly
used hangar kilns are the Missouri kiln, the Ottelinska furnace, and cinder-block kilns. The most
commonly used round brick kilns are the American kiln, the Argentine kiln (Half Orange), and
the Brazilian kiln. The Missouri, cinder-block, American, Argentine, and Brazilian kilns are all
auto-thermal kilns which burn part of the charge wood within the kiln. The Ottelinska furnace
uses a central fire grate to produce hot flue gases that pass through the kiln supplying the heat
required for drying and heating the wood to start carbonization.

4.2.1 The Brazilian Beehive Brick Kiln

These internally heated, fixed, batch-type kilns are widely operated and successful in some parts
of Brazil, especially in the state of Minas Gerais and in the Amazonian region. Several thousand
of them are operated by iron and steel companies to produce the biochar needed for their
52
operation (Emrich, 1985). The construction material consists of ordinary firebricks which are
positioned in a circular shape with a domed roof (Figure 48). A detailed description of the
methods to build and operate these kilns can be found in the publication, Simple Technologies
for Charcoal Making (FAO, 1987).

Some of the more advanced modifications to Brazilian kilns are the attachment of an external
heating chamber and the reduction of the number of smoke stacks (Figure 38) (Emrich, 1985).
Branches, brushwood, and other residue material, which is not suitable for kilning and would be
wasted otherwise, is used to heat the kiln. The kiln behaves like a biochar retort with all of its
advantages because the necessary energy for carbonization is transferred by gases leaving the
fire chamber. Advantages of this type of kiln are high biochar yields because no wood is burned
away, and high fixed carbon content because the terminal temperature of the carbonization cycle
can be very well controlled. The yield of charcoal obtained with these kilns is about 20 mass %.
The raw material used for carbonization is typically cordwood obtained from dedicated
plantations or from forest clear cutting (Emrich, 1985).

Figure 38. The Beehive fire brick kiln with external heating (Emrich, 1985).

Grouping a large number of Brazilian beehive brick kilns together in batteries can produce
massive amounts of product. This simplifies the logistics for the transportation of both raw

53
materials to the batteries and biochar from the batteries (Emrich, 1985). Figure 39 shows an ideal
set up of the biochar producing site.

Figure 39. Batteries of Brazilian beehive kiln (Levine, 2010).

These kilns can be modified to recover pyroligneous water and decanted oil. The Brazilian
company Biocarbo Ind. Com. Ltda (http://www.biocarbo.com/index.htm, date accessed: Nov.
13, 2010) specializes in the development of products from these condensable fractions.

4.2.2 The Argentine Beehive Brick Kiln

The Argentine kiln is also generally referred to as the Half Orange Kiln due to its
hemispherical shape (Figure 40). Like many others, these kilns can be large, medium, or small.
Unlike the Brazilian kiln, Argentine kilns are built completely out of bricks with no iron parts
(Emrich, 1985). A detailed description on how to build and operate a half Orange kiln can be
found in the publication Simple Technologies for Charcoal Making (FAO, 1987).

54
Figure 40. The Argentine half-orange kiln (FAO, 1987). Image courtesy of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

4.2.3 Other Small Masonry Kilns

The kilns described in this section operate on the same principles as the Brazilian and the
Argentine kilns. The style of construction is what separates them from one another (Figures 41
and 42). All of these kilns support their masonry walls with a continuous perimeter-type
reinforced concrete footing. This footing is set in permeable soil so water can freely drain, and it
is at least 25 cm below the surface. Laying the first course of blocks in a full bed of mortar is
crucial for construction (Toole et al., 1961). It is also desirable to construct a roof structure,
though not part of the kiln, to protect ceiling parts from corrosion. If roof trusses are used to
support a steel ceiling, then the roof structure is necessary (Toole et al., 1961). A detailed
description on how to build these kilns is provided by Toole et al. (1961).

55
Figure 41. Experimental single wall, masonry kiln (Toole et al., 1961).

Figure 42. A single wall masonry block kiln of seven cord capacity (cinder block biochar kiln)
(Toole et al., 1961).

56
The Adam+ Partner group, (Germany) (http://www.biocoal.org/index.html, date accessed: Nov.
15, 2010) developed the so called adam retort or Improved Charcoal Production Systems
(ICPS). This small retort (3 m3), designed for use in developing nations, is built with locally
available construction materials and is able to produce about one ton of charcoal per week. This
group claims higher economy and better efficiency (35-35 %) than traditional charcoal systems.
This increase in efficiency is achieved by recycling and cleaning pyrolysis gases that are
produced. The company claims that this method of operation reduces the emission of harmful
volatiles into the atmosphere up to 75% compared with traditional earth mount kiln. The process
starts with the combustion of residual biomass (e.g. leaves, crust, charcoal dust, branches) in a
separate fire box to dry and heat the wood. After moisture has evaporated, gases rich in pyrolysis
vapors are rerouted into the hot fire chamber to reduce pollution. The additional energy is used to
further accelerate the heating process. The process last only 10 hours, compared with 4-14 days
of a conventional carbonization retort. The recovery of the wood vinegar in the first phase is
possible (http://www.biocoal.org/3.html, date accessed: Nov. 15, 2010).

Figure 43. Improved Charcoal Production Systems (ICPS) or Adam retort (source:
http://www.biocoal. org/3.html, date accessed: Nov. 15, 2010).

57
4.3 The Missouri Kiln
Missouri-type kilns are mid-sized, manually loaded and unloaded kilns that produce about 17.6
tons of biochar during a three week cycle (Figure 44). The Missouri kiln is a well-proven kiln
with a footing that consists of concrete and reinforced steel. High costs associated with large
quantities of steel and concrete construction materials, as well as its immobility are
disadvantages of the Missouri kiln. It is recommended to build this kiln within an economic haul
distance with a ten year supply of wood because these kilns cannot be demolished and rebuilt
like the brick kilns. More information on the design and operation of this kiln can be found
elsewhere (Emrich, 1985).

a) b)
Afterburner

Figure 44. Concrete kiln (Missouri type) a) 100 cord capacity kiln without afterburner (Toole et
al., 1961) and b) with afterburner (Source:
(http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/apcp/1999%20AnnualReport/99AirQualityHiLites.pdf, date
accessed February 6, 2011).

4.4 Large Kilns with Recovery of Pyrolytic Vapors

The predominant kiln in the United States during the nineteenth century was the American
beehive kiln which spawned from early biochar pits (Figures 45 and 46) (Toole et al., 1961).
This kilns brickwork chamber was shaped like a beehive with an opening in the top where wood
was kindled, and which could be closed and sealed using a plate and clay. The charge of wood
was introduced through an opening in the bottom, and the biochar was discharged through
58
another opening that was level with the bed of the kiln. Iron hoops and clay held the iron plate
doors to the openings tightly in place. Holes used for air ports were located around the kiln and
could be opened or closed as desired using bricks of a corresponding shape. The outlet pipe
guided gases and vapors through the bottom where it was equipped with a damper/trap. This pipe
then ran into the main vapor pipe, which contained condensers that led to a fan propelling the
vapors under the stacks where it was burned (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908; Klark, 1925). Some of
the main characteristics of these kilns are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar, bio-oil and gases

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Semi-batch operation
Heating method: Partial combustion/contact with hot gases
Construction materials: Firebrick/iron
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Manual/mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: Small kindle wood/burning oil/gas fired torch
Process control: Observing produced vapors/temperature measuring
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Seasoned wood

59
Figure 45. Masonry stack ovens (American beehive kilns) or furnaces for wood distillation on
very large scale and appropriate condensation plant (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908).

Several American kilns were operational until the 1960s (Toole et al., 1961). These kilns had
openings in a dome-shaped ceiling which were used for loading and firing. To enable loading,
these kilns were built along the base of a hill or bank. Another opening at the base also allowed
for wood piling and biochar discharge. The remaining partially carbonized billets from the
previous cycle, ranging from 150 to 200 mm, were spread over the bed before charging the next
cycle (Klark, 1925).

Figure 46. Stationary large American kilns for biochar production (Klark, 1925).
60
A pipe for collecting the products of distillation ran along a row of ten of these kilns. Four
collecting pipes from four different rows of ten ovens all united at a central pipe that could
receive products from four more rows of kilns. This central pipe then led to a central condensing
system where it split into several branches. These branches then led to a number of tubular
condensers in which vapor passed through round tubes while water flowed through them. With
40 kilns, each possessing a 300 m3 capacity, it was typical to have seven condensers connected in
a series inside of four different systems. Fans were used to draw in air through the air ports of the
kiln as well as to push the products of combustion and carbonization through the outlet pipes,
into the collecting pipes, and through the central condenser system. Using a central condenser
system allowed the condensers to be utilized much more efficiently than with separate
condensers. Artificially inducing the flow of air and the movement of the carbonization products
using a central condensing system was advantageous because condensation did not depend on
the weather.

The larger of the American kilns had an estimated total height of 24 feet, a diameter of 30 feet
(volume of 16956 ft3 or 557 m3) and a wall thickness of about one foot (Toole et al., 1961). The
ability to buy wood at low bulk prices made high-volume production of beehive kilns possible.
About 30 to 90 cords of wood (76.2 to 228 tons) could be processed through these types of
operations (Baker et al., 1985). It took anywhere from 15 to 30 days to completely manufacture
the biochar, including charging and discharging (Bates, 1922; Klark, 1925). These kilns were
similar to those described in previous sections except for the fact that their large size allowed
them to recover liquid products as well. With the ability to produce upwards of 700 pounds of
biochar per cord of seasoned wood, and the objective to manufacture around 100 tons per day,
while simultaneously recovering its byproducts, it is doubtful that any other type of kiln could
compete in terms of capital and costs of labor (Klark, 1925).

61
5. RETORTS
This section describes retorts developed to produce biochar. Retorts described in this section are
part of our review of historical designs, and are not intended to represent the objectives of this
project. This report is meant to identify weaknesses of these designs in order to propose
improved concepts designed to achieve (as close as possible) zero emissions to atmosphere,
water and land. The main types of retorts discussed here include: 1) small retorts without
recovery of liquid products, 2) retorts with liquid by-products recovery, and 3) wagon retorts. A
more detailed description of many of the systems can be found in the handbook of charcoal
making technologies by Emrich (1985).

5.1. Small Retorts without Liquid By-product Recovery

Since the beginning of the 20th century, small retorts have been made for the production of
biochar using bulky sawmill waste and branches and brushwood. When biochar gas-producers
for fueling motor vehicles became practical and economically feasible, interest in small portable
metallic retorts increased. From 1939 to 1945 (World War II) the use of these retorts reached a
maximum in some Western European countries. Oil supply shortages associated with the war
resulted in biochar becoming the most commonly used fuel for combustion engines. This vogue
of portable kilns passed when normal fuel supplies returned.

Portable metallic kilns are more economical in terms of labor because they require much less
supervision. Retorts can be constructed from oil drums (Figure 47). A pipe used for the
evacuation of vapors is installed at the end of the retort. The simplest design leads the gas
through a pipe underneath the retort where it is burned in the fire chamber. Sometimes the retorts
are placed inside of brick structures which serve as the fire chamber (Emrich, 1985). Curved
trays made from sheet metal with a cross section designed to fit the retort as best as possible are
used to load the raw feed and are left in the retort until the biochar is ready (Emrich, 1985).

Some of the most important characteristics of these kilns are:

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 Final Product Targeted: Biochar
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Semi-batch operation
Heating method: Indirect heat
Construction materials: Brick/metal
Portability: Portable
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Sawmill chips
Loading and discharge methods: Manual
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: External combustion with leaves and bark
Process control: Observing produced vapors
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

Figure 47. Small retort constructed of oil drums (http://www.twinoaksforge.com

/BLADSMITHING /MAKING% 20CHARCOAL.htm, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

63
5.2 Retorts with By-product Recovery
Until the middle of the 19th century, the potential value of the byproducts contained in pyrolysis
vapors went unnoticed. A pressing need for the supply of organic acids, methanol, and acetone
compounds emerged with development of the chemical industry. These high-demand chemicals
were present in the condensates produced by biochar plants (Emrich, 1985). Following the brick
kiln, the iron retort was the first device to efficiently collect the vapors from carbonization for
creating wood alcohol, acetate of lime, and various other chemicals from distilling pyroligenous
acid (Klark, 1925). These systems were typically heated from an external fire box that was
located underneath the retort (Figure 48). Some of the most important characteristics of these
reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar, bio-oil and gases

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Semi-batch operation
Heating method: Indirect heat through the walls
Construction materials: Steel/iron/brick
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Cordwood/softwood/chips
Loading and discharge methods: Manual
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: External combustion chamber
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

64
Figure 48. Horizontal steel retort (capacity 1.5 stacked m3, operating period 12-16 hours a-
retort, b-retort neck, condenser tubes, d-condenser tank, f- furnace) (Klark, 1925).

5.3 The Wagon Retort

Compared to other methods the wagon retort required a substantial amount of labor (Emrich,
1985). Figure 49 illustrates the principle of a wagon retort plant. Wagon retorts commonly used
raw material made up of round wood and split round wood with an average length of 1.0 to 1.2
m. A limited quantity of shorter pieces was also charged (Emrich, 1985). The following
components make up the wagon-retort plant (Klark, 1925): (1) A steel horizontal carbonizing
chamber fitted with either a fixed cover at one end and a door at the other, or doors at both ends.
One or two vapor outlets provided on the side, top, or at one end and a rail track for running
retort cars located on the floor of the chamber. (2) A furnace for the heating process. (3) A
condenser connected to the retort. (4) A steel chamber with a door at each end for cooling
biochar placed in front of the retort and fitted with a similar rail track. (5) A section of rail that
connects the retort with the biochar cooler that can be moved as needed. (6) Mechanical
equipment for moving the cars. (7) The retort wagons (Klark, 1925). Some of the main
characteristics of these reactors are:

65
 Final Product Targeted: Biochar/bio-oil
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous operation
Heating method: Indirect heat
Construction materials: Steel
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Use of wagons
Size of the kiln: Small to large
Charge ignition method: Heating with an external combustion chamber
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Drying

Each car is packed with 5 to 7 m3 of wood. Four of these cars form one retort charge. As soon as
the cars have been processed in the retort they are withdrawn and four freshly loaded cars are
charged back into the retort. The cars either move individually or are linked together with a wire
cable and driven by an electric or mechanical winch. A tongue fitting tightly into a groove in the
door frame seals the door. The retort is then heated, in some cases with the combustion of the
non-condensable gases provided by other retorts that are further along in the process. The
distillation process varies depending on the amount of moisture in the wood, the type of furnace
being used, and the firing method (Klark, 1925).

66
Figure 49. Plan of a American destructive distillation plant in continuous operation. A: car, B:
retort, C: first cooler, D: second cooler, E: acetate drying floor (Veitch, 1907).

Figure 50. Ovens of a six-cord capacity retort awaiting installation (Bates, 1922).

Retorts 8 to 9 m long and up to 2.5 m in diameter up are standard (Figure 50). These steel retorts
are inserted into a brick structure fitted with ducts for the heating gases. During the operation, the
wagon retort is heated using an external heating system. Once the pyrolysis process has been
completed, the first step is to transfer the wagons with the biochar into the cooler (Figures 51 and
52). The cooled biochar is then discharged. Once the cars are empty they are immediately taken
to the wood yard to be refilled. The freshly loaded wood is then moved to the drying chambers,
which in some instances are positioned opposite or alongside the retorts.
67
Figure 51. Biochar cooler used with oven retort (Veitch, 1907).

Figure 52. Looking down an alley between two sets of cooling ovens, Cadillac MI (Brown
1917).
After a 24-hour cooling period, the trucks are moved from the ovens on the right to the ovens on
the left to be cooled further. In one charge, each 17 m cooling oven can hold a total of four trucks
(Brown, 1917).
68
Every retort plant requires that the biochar be gradually cooled. Cooling begins in the cooling
ovens immediately in front of the retort house. The first cooling oven is a mere 2.5 3 m in front
of the charring oven, and the second is an equal distance beyond the first cooling oven. The
arrangement of the cooling ovens in relation to the retorts can be seen in Figure 52. The
construction of the cooling oven is similar in size and shape as the ovens themselves. The
difference is that the walls are only 3/16 inch thick steel and typically doors are at both ends.
Cooling ovens simply rest on the ground and do not require a bottom floor. Dirt is pilled around
the base and used as a seal to prevent air from entering (Brown, 1917). In order to reduce the
chance of the biochar reigniting and losing valuable product, as soon as the door of the retort is
opened the train of biochar filled cars is quickly drawn into the cooler which is then closed as
rapidly as possible. This operation takes several seconds and, if done properly, the risk of loss is
no greater than that of a small retort of only 1 to 5 m3. Much of this operation relies on the
smooth action of the retort and cooler doors, and the hauling arrangements of the cars. Serious
consequences can result from slight errors in the construction due to a lack of experience (Klark,
1925).

Many of these types of systems were used widely. They varied greatly in size from 20 to 112
cords per day in Canada, and 100 to 200 cords per day in the United States. In some of the lake
states plants consumed as much as 200 cords per day. In the State of New York, the largest plant
consumed 80 cords of wood per day and had an annual capacity of 24,000 cords (Brown, 1917).
The area required for these plants ranges from 10 to 40 acres for wood yards and buildings
(Bates, 1922). The capacities of different plants vary depending on the size and number of ovens.

Wagon reactors are currently commercialized by Impianti Trattamento Biomasse (an Italian
company) (Figure 53). With plants in Milazzo and Mortera (Italy) this company produces up to
6.000 tons/year of charcoal. The process is now called O.E.T. Calusco (former Carbolisi)
(http://www.itbiomass.com/site/home.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010). Alterna Biocarbon a
company based in Prince George, BC, Canada (http://www.alternaenergy.ca/, date accessed:
Nov. 13, 2010), is also commercializing an upgraded design of the wagon retort. The main

69
products targeted by this company are energy pellets, activated carbon, products for mercury
recovery and biochar for soil applications.

Figure 53. O.E.T. Calusco process (source: Groenli,, 2010).

6. CONVERTERS FOR PROCESSING WOOD LOGS

The converters (Reichert, the French SIFIC process) described in this section are part of our
review of historical designs, and are not intended to represent the objectives of this project. This
report is meant to identify weaknesses of these designs in order to propose improved concepts
designed to achieve (as close as possible) zero emissions to atmosphere, water and land. A more
detailed description of converter designs can be found in Emrichs Handbook of Charcoal
Making (1985).

70
6.1 The Reichert Converter
A large-scale retort with the capacity of 100 m3 of raw material is the center piece of the Reichert
converter (Figure 54). Logs used in this batch-wise process must be cut to one third of a meter
(Emrich, 1985). Some of the main characteristics of these reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Semi-batch operation
Heating method: Direct contact with hot gases
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Vertical
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: N/A
Process control: Direct measurement
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

The recirculation and use of hot off gases is a significant feature of Reichert converters heating
system (Figure 54). Once wood has been charged to maximum capacity through an access hole
on the top, the valve is closed and the main heating pipe is opened permitting hot gases into the
interior. The downdraft design of this system starts the carbonization in the upper layers of the
charge where it first comes in contact with the entering hot gases. The carbonization zone then
continues to move toward the bottom.

71
Figure 54. The Reichert converter (FAO, 1985). Image courtesy of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations.

After the scrubbing process, the gases are sent to a burning chamber where parts of them are
burned to raise the temperature of the exiting heating gases to 450 C. After the carbonization
process has reached the top and stopped, the biochar is discharged through the bottom of the
retort into airtight containers to prevent self ignition and the loss of good biochar. Cold inert
gases passing through the biochar assist in the cooling process.

Large retorts with recirculated gas heating have been commercially used for more than sixty
years. In countries where labor is expensive, these retorts can operate economically with the use
of mechanical equipment for conveying, loading, discharging, and preparing raw material.
Widespread use has been hindered by high investment costs only until recently (Emrich, 1985).

72
6.2 The French SIFIC Process
When it comes to the production of biochar the French SIFIC process is one of the most
successful technologies. To keep the retort continuously full, the level of pre-dried wood or other
raw material that enters the top of the retort through a lock can be controlled electronically.
Throughout the biocharring process the wood slowly moves toward the bottom. The middle of
the retort, known as the hot temperature zone, is where the wood is decomposed into biochar and
gases. The gases released from this section are drawn upward by a fan. Once the biochar is
discharged, it is loaded on the converter plenum and carried away to storage. Since the lower
segment of the retort acts as the first step in the cooling process, there is no need to separate the
biochar cooler. To save on labor costs, small automatically controlled lorries move the char to
desired locations (Emrich, 1985).

Final Product Targeted: Biochar and bio-oil

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous operation
Heating method: Contact with hot gases
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Vertical
Raw material used: Cordwood
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: Hot gases generated in an external oven
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Pre-died

As a result of several attempts to simplify the SIFIC process, the CISR Lambiotte Retort was
developed. An internal combustion device heats the retort using part of the recycled pyrolysis
vapors (off gases) (Emrich 1985). These plants have been run commercially for a number of

73
years. Some of the main features of this design are seen in figure 55. The Lambiotte & Cie
company (http://www.lambiotte.com, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010) commercializes automatic
continuous carbonization retorts (type SIFIC/CISR) producing 2,000 tons or 6,000 tons of
biochar per year. In this system, wood is dried in a first zone at the top of the retort, and
undergoes carbonization in the second zone. Lambiotte & Cie excels in the elaboration of Acetal
innovative solvents. Lambiotte 6000 (H=18.4, D=4.3 m) has a capacity of 6000 tons/year.
Several units operate in Europe and Russia.

Figure 55. Scheme of a Lambiotte Plant (Groenli, 2010).

The Lurgi Process (Figures 56 and 57) operates by the same principle as the Lambiotte process.
Lurgi GmbH has built one charcoal plant in Bunbury, Western Australia with a capacity for
producing 27,000 tons/year.

74
Figure 56. Lurgi process (Groenli, 2010).

75
Figure 57. Lurgi process - charcoal production plant in Bunbury, Western Australia
(http://www.biochar.bioenergylists.org/files/Gronli.pdf, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

A similar principle (continuous downdraft pyrolysis reactor) but using chips or pellets is being
commercialized by Biochar Engineering (http://www.biocharengineering.com
/biochar/index.html, date accessed: November 10, 2010), a company based in Colorado. The
system commercialized by this company (Figure 58) is a mobile downdraft auto-thermal gasifier
able to convert 225 kg/h of biomass into synthesis gas and biochar.

76
Figure 58. Picture of the mobile downdraft gasifier to produce biochar and heat from wood chips
(source: http://www.biocharengineering.com/technology/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

7. CONVERTERS FOR PROCESSING WOOD CHIPS

Converters described in this section are part of our review of historical designs, and are not
intended to represent the objectives of this project. This report is meant to identify weaknesses of
these designs in order to propose improved concepts designed to achieve (as close as possible)
zero emissions to atmosphere, water and land.

Many attempts to carbonize forest and agricultural waste using inexpensive and simple kilns
have been made within the past few decades. The kiln technique described in Section 6 is used
for relatively large fragments and is not suitable for the small fragments and particles found in
waste matter without some sort of modification. If one of the large kilns is charged with small
waste particles such as sawdust, there will be an insufficient penetration of gases unless the cargo

77
is continuously rotated or moved. This is due to the small particle load being too tightly compact
in the kiln (Emrich, 1985).

Many technical difficulties occur during the process of carbonizing powdery and bulky material
such as saw dust (Klark, 1925). Small powdery wood particles pack much more tightly than
larger wood pieces. This hinders circulation of gaseous products and prevents particles from
acting as heat carriers (Klark, 1925). Since the conduction and radiation of the heated surface
almost exclusively supplies heat for carbonization, devices with large diameters are essentially
useless. Penetration of heat to the material is hindered by an insulating layer of biochar that
forms against the heated surface of the container (Klark, 1925).

This section describes reactors able to handle chips and pellets, in addition to deliberately
crushed or chopped material such as sugarcane bagasse, bark, twiglets, coconut shells, etc. Some
converters used to process wood chips or fine particles described here include: the Herreshof
furnaces, rotary drums, Auger reactors, and shelf reactors. A disadvantage of these converters is
that they produce biochar in the powdery form for which there is a relatively low demand. This
process is not profitable unless the biochar is converted into briquettes or pellets.

7.1 Herreshoff Multiple-Hearth Furnace

The Herreshoff furnace is a continuous multiple-hearth furnace designed to convert raw
materials in the form of sawdust, shavings, or milled wood and bark (Figure 59). It was patented
in 1921 by R.D. Pike. These systems are typically employed for large capacity units producing at
least one ton of biochar per hour, converting four tons of biomass per hour or 100 tons of
biomass per day. The yield of dry biochar for this process is about 25 mass % by weight. The
first Herreshoff furnace was used in 1984, and by 1985 there were 16 Herreshoff furnaces in use
in the United States producing over half of the total biochar produced from wood and bark
(Baker, 1985, Anotonini and Hazi 2004).

Herreshoff furnaces are vertical kilns containing several circular hearths enclosed by a refractory
lined steel shell. A vertical rotating shaft with radial arms located in the center of the shell moves

78
the feed from the top of the hearth to the bottom using a spiral of teeth across each hearth. This
spiral exposes the material to the gases by constantly agitating it before dropping it through a
hole to the next level. Controlled quantities of hot gases are supplied by combustion air blowers
drawing the air through burners or ports. The power draw and fuel demand is minimized by
automatic draft and oxygen monitoring equipment that ensure clean combustion. Of the many
types of multiple-hearth furnaces on the market, the influencing factor when selecting a furnace
is the ability to be flexible and handle a wide variety of materials varying in both physical and
chemical characteristics. Some of the main characteristics of these ovens are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar

Heat transfer rate achieved: Typically slow pyrolysis (but could be used
eventually for fast pyrolysis)
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Contact with hot gases
Construction materials: metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Vertical
Raw material used: Chips/fine particles
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: External combustion chamber to produce hot gases
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Ground in chips/fine particles

Compared to retorts and small scale converters, the investment cost for a multiple-hearth furnace
is very high. As a result of high investment costs, they need to have a high biochar capacity, and
an increased rate of productivity. Estimated figures for an economic operation are production of
15,000 to 18,000 tons of biochar per year which requires 100,000 tons of biomass per year.

79
Figure 59. Cross section of the multiple-hearthfurnace (FAO, 1985). Image courtesy of the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Figure 60 shows a mobile Herreshoff pyrolysis rector commercialized by BIG Char (Black is
Green Pty Ltd), a company with based in Queensland, Australia. This company is
commercializing a patented mobile multiple-hearthfurnace (the unit is mounted on a truck)
(http://www.bigchar .com.au/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010) that produces biochar and heat with
the capacity to process up to one ton per hour of biomass. The biochar produced is available in a
briquetted form.

80
Figure 60. Mobile multiple-hearthfurnace commercialized by Black is Green Pty Ltd
(http://www.bigchar.com.au/about.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

NESA has commercialized multi-hearth large pyrolysis units for waste treatment with
afterburners (Figure 61) (http://www.cmigroupe.com/nesa/pdf/Pyrolysisof.pdf, date accessed
February 2010). In this reactor the material processed is conveyed through hearth to heath from
the top of the reactor to the bottom while the gases flow upwards. The heat needed for the
process is produced from the combustion of all of a part of the volatiles.

81
Figure 61. NESA stationary multiple hearth kiln (http://www.cmigroupe.com /nesa /pdf/
Pyrolysisof.pdf, date accessed February 2010).

82
7.2 Rotary Drums
The rotary drum reactor (Figure 61) is a very reliable system for converting solid materials. The
angle of the reactor as well as the rotation of the drum alters the residence time of the particles
and the conversion achieved. Some of the main characteristics of these reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar/heat

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow or potentially fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous operation
Heating method: Contact with hot gases
Construction materials: Steel
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Chips
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: N/A
Process control: Direct measurement
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Ground into chips

A rotary drum converter is comprised of an internal concentric steel tube and a cylindrical
internally insulated mantle that makes up the rotary part. A sequence of radial steel fins is
supported by the mantle which has a solid connection to the steel tube. The solid and gaseous
products are charged and discharged by two fixed parts at the end of the rotary. The biomass
travels continuously into the carbonization kiln, runs outside the internal concentric tube, and is
then moved through various sections at increasing temperatures. The temperature of the biomass
is increased to 500 C by high temperature fumes entering the furnace and flowing counter
current. Heat required for the carbonization process is provided by burning gases and pyrolysis
vapors. With the exception of the starting phase where the use of external combustion is
necessary, this process is energy independent. The exiting fumes are sent to the stack while the

83
biochar leaving the separator is transferred into a stocking silo by means of suitable screws
(Conti et al., 2002). These reactors (Figure 62) have been used by companies such as Siemens
and Mitsui for recycling waste materials. Mitsui seeks to produce heat and biochar.

Pyrolysis Vapors
Hot Air (Lower Hot Air (Higher
temperature side) temperature side)

Pyrolysis carbon & Waste

Figure 62. Pyrolysis rotary drum, Mitsui Recycling (http://www.ieabcc.nl/meetings/

Tokyo_Joint _Meeting /02Mitsui.pdf, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

84
Pyrolysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) has been applied mostly in Japan and Europe because
landfill space is limited (Hackett et al 2004). Technologies developed to process MSW serve as
valuable models to develop new technologies to process biomass. The pyrolysis concept for
processing MSW is based on the combination of kiln and combustion chamber to treat MSW
thermally while producing steam in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to generate
electricity via a steam turbine (Malkow 2004). Metals are recovered and biochar can be burned
or marketed as a coke-like by-product (as in the case of the EDDITh process commercialized by
Thide Environmental SA) (Malkow 2004). In Japan, more than two million tons of materials are
processed every year (Hackett et al. 2004). Mitsui Backbock and Takuma
(http://www.takuma.co.jp/english/, date accessed February 3, 2011) have been applying the
technology developed by Seemens to the Japanese market. However, Seemens withdrew from
the market in 1999. A table with a list of the rotary drum reactors built by Mitsui Babcock,
Techntrade, Takume and Thide Hitachi can be found elsewhere
(http://www.nyfederation.org/pdf2007/64_PytlarT.pdf, date accessed: February 3, 2011).

In Europe, a limited number of facilities are operating at a scale above 50,000 TPY for municipal
solid wastes (Hackett et al 2004). One of the longest running plants (since 1987) is located in
Burgau, Germany (40,000 tons per year) (Hackett et al 2004). Thide-Environmental has a 50,000
ton per year facility in Arras, France (Hackett et al 2004). Other companies commercializing
drum pyrolysis reactors for MSW treatment are: Ethos Energy (http://www.ethosenergy.co.uk/,
date accessed: February 3, 2011), Graveson Energy Management (GEM) (http://www.gem-
ltd.co.uk/, date accessed: February 3, 2011), TechTrade (http://pyrolysis.de/index.html, date
accessed: February 3, 2011), the PIT Pyroflam process commercialized by SERPAC
Environment of France (Malkow 2004), the PKA technology commercialized by Umwelttechnik
GmbH & Co (Malkow 2004), the PyroMelt technology commercialized by ML Entosorgungs
and Energieanlagen GmbH (Malkow 2004), Siemens/KWU Schwel-Breen technology and
Noell-KRC conversion process (Malkow 2004).

In 2009, Amaron Energy designed, constructed, and began tests of a unique indirectly-heated
rotary kiln for pyrolysis of biomass to produce bio-oil and biochar (Figure 63). Although

85
pyrolysis in rotary kilns is customarily described as slow pyrolysis and oil yields are typically
much lower than oil yields from fluidized bed reactors, Amaron has achieved char yields and bio
oil yields close to those from fast pyrolysis fluid beds. The Amaron rotary reactor consists of: (1)
a cylindrical reaction section heated by multiple high-intensity, gaseous, fueled burners located
and controlled to optimize heat transfer into the materials being heated; (2) a feed section with an
auger arrangement that suppresses slow heating of the material until the particles reach the area
where optimized heat transfer begins; (3) a withdrawal section with a char outlet below the end
of the rotating reaction section, and a stationary end closure supporting a vapor and gas
withdrawal pipe.

Figure 63. Amaron rotary drum reactor (Courtesy of Coates Engineering, http://www.coates
engineering.com, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

86
Vapors are condensed in multiple units designed to operate without problems caused by
condensation of tars in the interconnecting piping. Following successful testing of the ton per
day prototype reactor, Amaron Energy filed a patent application covering the design of the
reactor and the method of withdrawal and condensation of the bio-oil. The location and control
of the multiple burners of the Amaron kiln are described in a prior patent application entitled
Method and Apparatus for Maximizing Throughput of Indirectly Heated Rotary Kilns. In
designing the Amaron kiln, consideration was given to widely reported observations that
excessive residence times at high temperature or overheating of the pyrolysis vapors result in
decomposition of pyrolysis vapors into solid carbon and non-condensable gases. To optimize oil
yields multiple burners are controlled to maintain optimum reactor wall temperatures. The
equipment required to operate the rotary kiln pyrolysis reactor of this invention, in addition to the
biomass preparation and feeding equipment include: (1) a means to rotate the kiln; (2) multiple
burners that heat the kiln; (3) a blower from recycling product gas to the burners; and (4) a
blower to supply air to the burners.

7.3 Auger Reactor

The auger pyrolysis reactor is one of the most attractive designs developed today (Figure 64).
The reactor is typically fed with wood waste at one end of the retort through a hopper. A screw
(auger) then gradually leads the wood waste into other extremities where it is carbonize. The
gases and vapors are extracted and led to a condenser, and the resulting very finely divided wood
biochar falls to the bottom of the retort (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908). The discharging biochar
exits through a single tube leading to airtight metal receivers. The lowest level of the main
structure consists of a combustion chamber that provides heat to the area in which the
carbonization process is continued utilizing heat furnished from the burning of its own gases
(Toole et al., 1961).

87
Figure 64. Auger reactor.

Some of the main characteristics of these reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Biochar/bio-oil/gases

Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow or fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Can use indirect heat through the walls, hot sand, or hot gases
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary or portable
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Chips or fine particles
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: Heating with an external combustion chamber
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

88
Several companies are currently commercializing auger pyrolysis reactors. Companies that focus
on producing bio-oil and biochar are: Renewable Oil International
(http://www.renewableoil.com/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010), Biogreen (http://www.biogreen-
energy.com/biogreen.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010), Advanced Bio-refinery
(http://www.advbiorefineryinc.ca/products/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010), and
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK) (http://www.bioliq.com/schnell.html, date accessed: Nov.
13, 2010). International Tech Corporation (http://www.internationaltechcorp.org/IT-info.htm,
date accessed: Nov. 10, 2010), eGenesis (http://www.egenindustries.com/, date accessed: Nov.
13, 2010) and Agri-tech producers (http://www.agri-techproducers.com/, date accessed: Nov. 10,
2010), on the other hand focus on producing biochar and heat.

7.3.1 Production of Bio-oil and Biochar

ABRI-Tech (a joint venture between Advanced BioRefinery Inc and Forespect Inc based in
Ottawa, Canada) (http://www.advbiorefineryinc.ca/products/, date accessed: Nov. 10, 2010) has
been developing heated auger reactors using hot metal beads as high density heat carriers
(Vonderbosch and Prins 2009). They are now building and selling 1 t/day and 50 t/day units.
This company specializes in designs for transportable pyrolysis plants. Forschungszentrum
Karlsruhe (FZK) developed a twin-screw mixer reactor also using hot sand as a heat carrier. A
500 kg/hour pilot plan was concluded but the yield of products obtained has not yet been
reported (Venderbosh and Prins 2009). Renewable Oil International LLC (ROI) is a company
based in Alabama also targeting the development of mobile pyrolysis technologies using auger
reactors (Figure 65, http://www.renewableoil.com/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

89
Figure 65. Renewable Oil International Mobile Unit using an auger pyrolysis reactor (Alabama
USA).

Biogreen (http://biogreen-energy.com; date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010) is a French company

developing auger pyrolysis reactors (Figure 66) for the production of bio-oil and biochar. This is
a trademark and process developed by ETIA, an engineering company founded in 1989
specialized in processes of thermal treatment. This company produces bio-oil, biochar and
synthesis gas.

90
Figure 66. Auger pyrolysis reactor commercialized by BiogreenR (http://www.biogreen-
energy.com/biogreen.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

7.3.2 Production of Biochar and Heat

Agri-Tech Producers (ATP) is a company based in Columbia, South Carolina which is using
auger reactors for torrefaction and pyrolysis (Figure 67). This company started to work in
partnership with Kusters Zima Corporation in biomass and bioenergy initiatives in 2005
(http://www.agri-techproducers.com/About-Us.html). Kusters Zima is a company with more than
40 years experience in engineering and manufacturing machinery.

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Figure 67. Picture of the torrefaction machine commercialized by Agri-Tech Producers, LLC
(source: http://www.agri-techproducers.com/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

Another company commercializing design of auger pyrolysis units is International Tech Corp
(http://www.internationaltechcorp.net/). Its thermal recovery unit combusts all pyrolysis vapors
to produce heat (Figure 68). The heat can then be converted into steam. This company develops
products such as activated carbons, soil enrichments and custom carbon products. The system is
designed to destroy most forms of solid wastes, and can process 50 tons of biomass per day. This
kind of system costs $450,000 and requires 16 weeks to manufacture.

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Figure 68. International Tech Corporation pyrolysis unit with heat recovery
(http://www.internationaltechcorp.org/IT-info.htm, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

eGenesis Industries is also developing auger pyrolysis reactors for the production of biochar and
heat. The company is based in California (http://www.egenindustries.com; date accessed: Nov.
13, 2010). Their CR-2 unit can operate at 40 kg/h producing an energy output from the syngases
of 64 kW (Figure 69). The clean syngas can be used as source of heat or for power generation.
The company is currently designing Model CR-3 for a capacity of one ton per hour.

Compact Power Ltd of the UK is commercializing a technology based on multiple auger

pyrolysis reactors to convert different waste materials into heat and biochar. Municipal solid
waste is conveyed by an auger through heated tubes for pyrolysis (Malkow 2004). A pilot plant
of 500 kg/h was built at the Avonmouth site near Bristol (Malkow 2004).

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Figure 69. eGenesis CR-2 pyrolysis unit for the production of biochar and synthesis gases
(http://www.egenindustries.com/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

7.4 Moving Agitated Bed

This kind of reactor has been used as part of the design of the vacuum pyrolysis unit built by
Pyrovac. This process was scaled up by the team led by C. Roy at the Pyrovac Institute in
Quebec, Canada. In the reactors commercialized by Pyrovac International, biomass is conveyed
by patented mixers over a horizontal surface heated by molten salts. The molten salt used is a
mixture of potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite (Venderbosch and Prins 2009). A
3.0 ton/h demonstration unit was built and operated in the city of Saguanay Quebec, Canada
between 1999 and 2002 (Figure 70). The reactor operated satisfactorily until operational
problems with the condensation towers developed (Venderbosch and Prins 2009). A group of
investors led by NewEarth Renewable Energy (http://www.newearth1.net/e-oil.html) is raising
capital to restart the plant (Venderbosch and Prins 2009). Some of the main characteristics of
these reactors are:

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 Final Product Targeted: Biochar/bio-oil
Heat transfer rate achieved: Fast/slow
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Indirect heating (sometime molten salts)
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal/vertical
Raw material used: Chips/fine particles
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Medium/large
Charge ignition method: External oven
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Pre-dried

Figure 70. Moving bed system commercialized by NewEarth (http://www.newearth1.net/e-

oil.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

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7.5 Shelf Reactors
In a horizontal retort, trucks containing a certain amount of shelves entered these retorts through
two sliding doors. The material to be distilled was spread in a thin layer on these shelves. During
the carbonization process in one of the retorts, the initial drying process occurs in the other. Once
the wood has been carbonized, the trucks carry the shelves out and in to the cooling chambers
(see Figure 71). Using shelves does away with the need for mixing, lowering costs, and allowing
for immediate charging and discharging of the retorts (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908).

Figure 71. Retort for carbonization of small wood waste, and coolers for cooling the retorts after
an operation (Dumesny and Noyer, 1908).

Once the waste material has been spread out into thin layers on plates or trays, it is brought into a
horizontal retort or suspended in a vertical retort. Large scale trials have proven that this
carbonization method produces good products. However, a major drawback is that the loading of
the trays must be done by hand. The operation of the reactors tested was intermittent (Klark,
1925).

Although unsuitable for handling vary large quantities of raw material, in addition to other
disadvantages mentioned previously, this design can be trusted to operate continuously with
absolute certainty for an unlimited period (Klark, 1925). Some of the main characteristics of
these reactors are:
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 Final Product Targeted: Biochar and bio-oils
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow or fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous operation
Heating method: Indirect heat
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal/vertical
Raw material used: Chips
Loading and discharge methods: Manual/mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: Direct measurement
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Pre-dried

7.6 Paddle Pyrolysis Kiln

Paddle pyrolysis reactors have been used by companies such as BEST
(http://www.bestenergies.com/companies/bestpyrolysis.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010)
(Figure 72). The paddle pyrolysis reactor is also part of the design of Chorens low temperature
gasifier (Figure 73). The main features of this reactor are the internal mechanisms to move and
mix the biomass which increases the heat transfer on the surface of the material. Some of the
main characteristics of these reactors are:

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 Final Product Targeted: Biochar
Heat transfer rate achieved: Slow pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Indirect heat
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal
Raw material used: Chips
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small
Charge ignition method: External heater
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

The pyrolysis units commercialized by BEST are designed to generate syngas to be used as
engine fuel to generate electricity. The system has a unique gas cleanup system effectively
destroying tars and making the syngas clean for downstream applications.
(http://www.bestenergies.com/companies/bestpyrolysis.html).

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Figure 72. BEST unit using paddle reactors (http://www. bestenergies.com/companies/
bestpyrolysis.html, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

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Figure 73. Paddle pyrolysis reactor used by Choren (http://www.fnr-server.de/cms35/fileadmin/
allgemein/pdf/veranstaltungen/BtL_Berlin_2008/4_Blades.pdf, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

8. FAST PYROLYSIS REACTORS TO PRODUCE HIGH YIELDS OF BIO-OILS

In the 1970s, new concepts and processes targeting increased yield of liquid fractions provoked
a renaissance in the pyrolysis of biomass. The basis of modern fast pyrolysis was developed at
the University of Waterloo in the 1980s (San Miguel et al 2011). From this time to the early
1990s, research performed in the U.S., Canada, and Europe has made fast pyrolysis what it is
today. New and improved technologies such as fluidization, ablation (the removal of material
from the surface of an object by vaporization), and vacuums were being aggressively researched
for application in new pyrolysis reactor designs (Pelaez-Samaniego et al., 2008).

Pyrolysis companies like Ensyn Technologies, Dynamotive, BTG, Fortum, Pyrovac, and
Bioware developed due to extensive scale-up and new understanding of the thermochemical
phenomena. Several different styles of reactors began to be used by these companies. Some of
these reactors included the fluid bed, the circulating bed, the rotating cone, the ablative reactor,
and the vacuum reactor. The state of the art pyrolysis technologies were reviewed extensively

100
and published by Meier at el. (1999) and Bridgwater et al. (1994, 2001). All of these reviewed
reactors were designed for converting fine particles of biomass only, excluding designs in which
logged biomass was used (Pelaez Samaniego et al., 2008). Many of these pyrolysis reactors are
capable of converting up to 70 mass % of the biomass into crude-oil (Bridgwater and Peacocke,
1994; Czernik and Bridgwater, 2004; Mohan et al., 2006), 40 mass % of which can be further
refined into green gasoline and green diesel (Holmgreen et al., 2008a, b; Marinangeli et al.,
2005). Nonetheless, numerous aspects of these technologies have the potential for improvement.
These aspects include:

(1) Feedstocks with high alkaline content cannot be used in existing fast pyrolysis reactors.
(2) Despite the ability of lignin to be converted into precursors of green gasoline and green
diesel, the conversion of cellulose to these precursors of transportation fuel (e.g. sugars) is
not very efficient. This is because when the sugars breakdown they form small molecules
with little economic value.
(3) Corrosive and unstable bio-oils are a result of high levels of acetic acid derived from
hemicelluloses.
(4) Using large volumes of inert carrier gases causes a dilution of the pyrolytic gases making
their energy recovery near impossible.
(5) The market is limited for small condensable molecules with < 5 carbons which are the result
of fragmentation reactions. Disposing of small condensable molecules that are not
converted into valuable products can cause environmental issues. Our goal is to design a
system that produces hydrogen or other valuable products from these burden bearing
molecules.
(6) Hydrotreatment of crude bio-oils could intensify coke formation and accelerate the
deactivation of expensive catalysts which is of great concern for petroleum refineries.
(7) For this concept to be viable it is critical that mobile pyrolysis units generate their own
electricity using a fuel produced onsite (synthesis gas) to run diesel engines or fuel cells.
(8) In order to hydrotreat bio-oils, bio-oil refineries and mobile pyrolysis units need to generate
their own hydrogen.

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Advancements made in pyrolysis reactor designs for the wood distillation industry can inform
new designs. Ignoring these past advancements is a weakness in most pyrolysis designs today.
The chemical industry influenced the academic world in developing current pyrolysis
technologies. An important aspect of creating a new design is to make a critical evaluation of the
existing designs and incorporate whatever device or practice that can contribute to an
improvement on that design. The best design quality that a reactor can possess is the ability to be
flexible. To be able to adapt components capable of both bio-oil recovery for bio-fuel, or biochar
production for stable carbon soils opens doors for opportunity.

In order for heat transfer to occur in a pyrolysis reactor, two conditions are required: (1) heat
transfer to the reactor through a medium (a solid reactor wall in ablative reactors, or gas in
entrained flow reactors), and (2) from the heat transfer medium to the biomass to be pyrolyzed
(Bridgwater et al., 1999). The two main methods to heat biomass particles in a fast pyrolysis
system are gas solid heat transfer and solid-solid heat transfer. A fluid bed pyrolysis reactor uses
solid-solid heat transfer with a small contribution from gas solid convective heat transfer. In this
type of reactor biomass is mixed well so the solid-solid transfers approximately 90% of the heat,
while the gas-solid transfers only 10% of the heat to the biomass. Another example that uses
both gas-solid, and solid-solid heat transfer is the circulating fluid bed. Part of the energy
transferred to the fast pyrolysis reactors is due to radiation (Bridgwater et al., 1999).

In order to obtain an adequate gas-solid heat transfer biomass particles must be very small to
fulfill the rapid heating processes required to produce high yields of liquids. This is due to poor
thermal conductivity in biomass (0.1 W/mK along the grain and 0.05 W/mK across the grain). A
thin reaction layer may achieve a temperature increase of 10,000 C but the low thermal
conductivity of wood prevents temperature gradients throughout the entire particle. As the size of
the particle increases, secondary reactions within the particle become increasingly significant,
leading to the reduction of liquid yields (Scott and Piskorz, 1984). In circulating and fluidized
bed reactors contact of the bed solids with the biomass causes wear on the char and destruction
of sandy particles.

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8.1 Fluidized Bed Reactors
The fluidized bed and the circulating bed are pyrolysis reactors that use a combination of
convection and conduction to transfer heat from a heat source to the particle of biomass. To
obtain substantial liquid yields, the particles must be very small (< 2 mm) since the transfer
limitation is within the particles (Graham and Bergougnou, 1984). One of the best known
examples a fluidized bed reactor is Dynamotive.

The Dynamotive (Figure 74) is the outcome of research performed by the University of Waterloo
in Canada, possibly the most extensively published research on this topic. In the early 1980s, a
drive to maximize liquid yields from biomass, particularly forest materials, initiated this
program. The founding of modern fast or flash pyrolysis reactors can be credited to the
University of Waterloo. Some of the main characteristics of these reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Bio-oil and biochar

Heat transfer rate achieved: Fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Direct and indirect heat/sand
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Vertical
Raw material used: Fine particles
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: External combustion chamber to heat the carrier gas
Process control: Direct measurement of temperatures
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Particle milling and pre-drying

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Figure 74. Fluidized bed reactors (Dynamotive, http://www.dynamotive.com/technology/, date
accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

Dynamotive (http://www.dynamotive.com) is based in Vancouver, Canada with offices in the

US, UK and Argentina. In most fluidized bed reactors biochar is entrained by carefully
controlling the difference between size and density of biomass particles and sand. A precise
selection of sand particle size, biomass particle size, bed velocity, and reactor configuration
enables this process. This mode of operation called the blow-through, leaves the sand inside
the bed with minimal traces of char making sand circulation or replacement unnecessary
(Bridgwater and Peacocke, 2000).

The main features of this type of reactor are: its ability to accurately control temperature; the
separation of char is done by entrainment; the use of cyclone separation; easy scaling; the
technology is well known and understood; it requires small particles, and it requires large-scale
heat transfer to the bed. Dynamotive (Canada) has developed Bench-Scale Plants, a 15TPD Pilot
Plant, a 130TPD Plant in West Lorne, ON and a 200TPD Plant in Guelph, ON
(http://www.dynamotive.com/technology/).

104
The heat used in these reactors is generated from the combustion of pyrolysis gases and is
typically transferred to the fluidized bed by heating coils. Given the low heat transfer rates
between combustion gases and the bed (100-200 W/m2 K), at least 10 to 20 m2 of surface area is
required to transfer the heat required to pyrolyse one ton/hr of biomass. These heat transfer
surfaces are very susceptible to attrition from sand (Venderbosch and Prins 2009).

A mobile pyrolysis unit with fluidized bed reactor is being developed by Agri-therm at the
University of Western Ontario (http://www.agri-therm.com/). This company is working with the
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources under the supervision of Franco
Berruti (http://www.agri-therm.com/TCBiomass2009_Pyrolysis_CBriens.pdf, date accessed:
Nov. 13, 2010). An important feature of the design proposed by Agri-therm is a compact design
in which the pyrolysis reactor is built in an annulus with a burner at the core providing the
energy needed for pyrolysis process. Agri-therm is now working to improve the performance of
their 10 ton per day plan aiming to start commercialization soon.

AvelloR Bioenergy (http://www.avellobioenergy.com/, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010) in Iowa is

also commercializing fast pyrolysis technology. This company was formed in 2009 by Robert C.
Brown and three of his graduate students and specializes in the development of fractionation
strategies to develop new products from bio-oils.

Bioware (http://www.bioware.com.br, date accessed: Nov. 13, 2010) is a Brazilian company

located at the University of Campinas commercializing auto-thermal fluidized bed reactors. This
company commercializes technologies to produce bio-oil, biochar and phenolic resins.

8.2 Circulating Bed Reactors

Research performed by the University of Western Ontario in the late 1970s and early 1980s
spawned Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) technology developed by Ensyn. As seen in Figure
75, hot recirculated biomass and sand come into contact with the hearth of the system, which is
an up-flowing transported bed reactor. Before feeding this systems reactor, the biomass is

105
comminuted to 6 mm, and then dried to a moisture content of 10% or less. Once the products
have passed through two cyclones which separates the solids, the produced vapor is rapidly
cooled and quenched in a multiple stage system. Precise control of the hot vapors total residence
time allows it to be set down to one hundred milliseconds which freezes the thermally unstable
liquid intermediates of the pyrolysis process (Bridgwater and Peacocke, 2000). Ensyn (Canada)
has built six plants built, including a 50 t/day plant at Red Arrow, USA and a 100 t/day plant
constructed in 2007 in Renfrew (Canada) (San Miguel et al. 2011). Some of the main
characteristics of these reactors are:

Final Product Targeted: Bio-oil

Heat transfer rate achieved: Fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Direct heat with carrier gas
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Vertical
Raw material used: Fines/Chips
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Small-Large
Charge ignition method: Heating and external combustion chamber
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: Particle milling and pre-drying

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Figure 75. Circulating bed pyrolysis reactor (http://www.uop.com/renewables/10060.html, date
accessed: Nov. 13, 2010).

Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP)tm is the only pyrolysis technology in the world that has
operated on a long-term commercial basis (http://www.ensyn.com/tech.htm, date accessed: Nov.
13, 2010). Since most of the biochar from this process is utilized for the heating stage, it is not a
major product.

The transported bed reactor has several main features including: precise temperature control
within the reactor; the ability to use particles of large size; CFBs are suitable for very large
throughputs; and the technology is well understood. Additional distinguishing attributes of this
reactor are: the complexity of the hydrodynamics; high velocities leave the char more attrited;
the separation of biochar; sand and vapors are caused by a cyclone; careful control is needed
for the closely integrated combustion; and a large scale heat transfer to the bed is required.

107
A similar technology using catalysts instead of inert sand is being developed by KIOR
(http://kior.com/, date accessed: Nov. 15, 2010), in Huston, Texas. KIOR uses a proprietary
catalyst system with biomass to produce a deoxygenated bio-oil in a Fluid Catalytic Cracking
(FCC) reactor.

8.3 Ablative and Cone Reactors

Ablative pyrolysis entails a heated surface in which wood is pressed against and moved rapidly
leaving an oily film which then evaporates. Larger particles of wood can be used for this process
and the limiting factor is the rate of heat supplied to the reactor. These reactors are intensive (can
process large amounts of biomass in little volume), compact, and do not require carrier gases
(Figure 76). NREL (Golden, CO) conducted most of the first studies on ablative reactors. BBC
from Canada built and operated an ablative reactor with a capacity of 10-25 kg/hr in the 1990s
(Venderbosch and Prins 2009). A disadvantage is that it requires a surface area controlled system
and operates with moving parts at high temperatures (Bridgwater et al., 1999). An important
feature of ablative heat transfer is that when biomass comes into contact with the hot solid,
ablation occurs and exposes fresh biomass to the hot surface. This allows for no limit on particle
size in certain ablative reactors. Another drawback to this process is that micro-carbons are
produced which are difficult to remove from the vapor phase and usually end up in the liquid
product. Some of the main characteristics of these reactors are:

108
 Final Product Targeted: Bio-oil
Heat transfer rate achieved: Fast pyrolysis
Mode of operation: Continuous
Heating method: Indirect heating
Construction materials: Metal
Portability: Stationary
Reactor Position: Horizontal/vertical
Raw material used: Chips
Loading and discharge methods: Mechanical
Size of the kiln: Large
Charge ignition method: External combustion chamber
Process control: Direct measurement of temperature
Pressure: Atmospheric
Pretreatment needed: None

Figure 76. Ablative fast pyrolysis reactors (Graham et al., 1984).

Vortex and cyclone reactors use a flow of high velocity gas to suspend the particles of biomass.
A tangential introduction of these gases into the reactor uses centrifugal actions to force the

109
particles against the heated walls of the reactor. Even though both of these reactors are inherently
mechanically simple, they require motive gas in large volumes relative to the volume of the
biomass feed.

On the other hand, ablative reactors like the pyrolysis mill, and the ablative plate or tube have
mechanical systems inside the reactors. These mechanical systems, in the form of mill stones or
scrapers, force the biomass against the wall of the reactor. Potential negative aspects of these
reactors are the use of mechanical systems which increase their complexity, and inevitable wear
and tear of the moving components (Bridgwater et al., 1999).

The University of Hamburg, another group active in the development of ablative reactors, built
two plants. The first plant was developed for research and has a capacity of 20 kg/h; the second,
with a capacity of 2 t/h is a demonstration unit (see Figure 77 and 78).

Figure 77. Pytecs biomass to oil ablative pyrolyser from the University of Hamburg
(Venderbosch and Prins 2009).

At present, ablative reactors are only being developed by the German company Pytec. This
company has a pilot plant of 250 kg/hr near Hamburg and a 2 t/hr demonstration plant in
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Venderbosch and Prins 2009).
110
Figure 78. PyTec 2 t/h demonstration unit built in Germany (University of Hamburg).

The University of Twente in the Netherlands developed a novel type of fast pyrolysis reactor
called the rotating cone reactor. This design requires an impeller mounted at the base of the
heated rotating cone into which particles of biomass are fed. The impeller, along with a flow of
inert particles, pushes the feed onto the heated surface pyrolyzing it while transporting it spirally
upward along the hot wall of the cone (Figure 79). This reactor takes advantage of the fast heat
transfer between biomass and hot inert particles without using carrier gas (Venderbosch and
Prins 2009). Basically, this design mixes the hot sand and the biomass mechanically. Since this
reactor does not require a gas carrier, the size and cost of the secondary oil collection system is
reduced significantly. BTG in Malaysia built an up-scaled version of the rotating cone
technology capable of processing up to 50 t/day (San Miguel et al., 2011).

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Figure 79. University of Twente rotating cone principle (Bridgwater and Peacocke, 2000).

9. VEHICLE GASIFIERS USING BIOCHAR AS FUEL

During World War II, small gasifiers able to utilize biochar as fuel to operate vehicles, boats,
trains, and small electric generators were developed. In 1939, all oil transports to Europe were
halted. The military got top priority for gasoline use, so the civilian population was forced to find
their own transportation fuels. As a result, approximately one million gasifiers came into
operation around this time. About 90% of Swedens vehicles were powered by gasifiers, and by
the end of the war there were more than 700,000 wood gas generators. Figure 80 shows some
examples of vehicle gasifiers and Figures 81 and 82 show the working principles of these
systems.

Two main concepts of gasifiers were used to operate these engines: updraft and downdraft
gasifiers. An updraft gasifier can be used without cleanup if the gas is going to be applied to a
burner. However, if gas is to be fed into an engine, a downdraft, or another tar cracking gasifier,
must be used and the gas must be conditioned and cleaned. A downdraft gasifier produces hot
gases that are usually laden with dust and contain up to 1 mass % of tar and particulates. Costly
and troublesome problems dealing with the maintenance, repairs, and reliability of the vehicles
can occur if the dust and tar are not removed properly. The leading cause of gasifier engine

112
system failure is the improper removal of these syngas contaminants. During the initial start up,
the gas is very dirty and must be burned in the gasifier until the system is fully functional.

Figure 80. Vehicle gasifiers constructed after the fuel crisis in the 1970s. (SERI, 1988).

113
Figure 81. Typical vehicle gasifier showing cyclone and gas cooler (SERI, 1988).

Figure 82. Producer gas engine for spark ignition system (SERI, 1988).

In order for the gasifier process to become an economic oil fuel replacement, it is necessary to
take into account costs. Biochar currently costs $300 per ton. With current gas prices at about
$0.79 per liter (592 $/ton), the maximum cost of biochar should be $470. Biochar costs less in
114
most developing countries. Comparing the use of biochar to the convenience of liquid fuel, a fair
margin is necessary in order to make the installation of the proper equipment worthwhile.
Partially replacing gasoline with producer gas has been quite successful. Replacing up to 70% of
petroleum derived fuel with producer gas for running stationary engines is a worthwhile
investment. There are very clear advantages of replacing imported petroleum with producer gas,
however, giving the convenience of liquid fuels many users prefer to pay more.

10. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF BIOCHAR PRODUCTION

Biochar production is associated with greenhouse gas emissions as well as water and land
pollution. Such impacts are of critical importance for designing low environmental impact
pyrolysis units.

Biochar production is one of the largest industries in the world today. In 2009, 220 million tons
of biomass were converted into 44 million tons of biochar. Most of this production came from
highly polluting and inefficient kilns like earth or pit kiln, drum kilns, beehive kilns, and others.
Inevitably, environmental impacts arise as a result of using feedstock inefficiently and releasing
pollution from carbonization into the atmosphere.

In developing nations, biochar production is a major source of income and environmental

degradation in rural areas; and in urban areas it is a primary fuel source (Kammen et al., 2005).
In Africa, the production, transportation, and combustion of biochar represent important
economic and energy systems (Kammen et al., 2005). Most of the detrimental effects of biochar
are related to inefficiency of production, land and forestry degradation, and long transportation
distances. Due to immense batch sizes, biochar production is often associated with clear cutting
of forests. In Brazil, for example, large areas of forests, mainly in the Amazon, are cut to produce
char for the metallurgical industry. Well-managed plantations offer the best option for producing
biochar, but more typically feedstock comes from land cleared for agricultural purposes or small
areas of land cleared specifically for biochar production (Kammen et al., 2005).

Rural residents and biochar producers in many countries often cannot afford to use biochar.
Instead, demand for biochar is generated in urban areas, which means that charcoal must be
transported via truck to the area of demand, sometimes up to 1000 km away. Use of fuel wood
115
by urban dwellers leaves rural dwellers with decreased access to biomass supplies (Kammen et
al., 2005). A large amount of the biochar feedstock comes from unsustainable harvesting,
resulting in net carbon dioxide emissions. Further, pyrolysis without product recovery results in
the emissions of gases such as methane which can more significantly impact global climate
change than carbon dioxide (Kammen et al., 2005).

Although only one tenth of biochar production accounts for the energy use in certain areas of
Africa, it has a large impact on forests for two reasons. First, since the production process is
inefficient, the wood fuel equivalent is 4-6 times larger. Also harvesting wood for biochar
production is an intensive process and is concentrated in a small area over a short period of time
leading to the consumption of much of the forests, and in some cases fuel wood is illegally taken
from state land (Kammen et al., 2005). The wood collected by the rural wood fuel users is done
daily in small amounts resulting in much more dispersed and less severe impact on the forests
(Kammen et al., 2005). About 80% of the biochar produced in Africa comes from land clearing
(Kammen et al., 2005).

10.1. Environmental Impacts of Biochar Production

Atmospheric pollution and forest degradation are two main environmental concerns of biochar
production. Water and waste water pollution are outside the scope of this report.

10.1.1. Atmospheric Pollution

Because pyrolysis kilns are designed to only partially combust wood, gases harmful to the
environment such as methane, carbon monoxide, alkanes, oxygenated compounds, and
particulate matter, as well as organic compounds such as ethane, ethanol, and polycyclic organic
matter (POM) are released directly into the atmosphere. Additionally, if tars remain
uncombusted, they may solidify and form emissions of particulate matter (PM), pyroacids, and
aerosol. The gases that are released have a much greater impact on climate change than carbon
dioxide. Studies show that producing biochar releases more gross emissions than actual
combustion of biochar in a stove.

Traditional biochar production creates five types of products and byproducts: 1) biochar, 2) non-
condensable gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and ethane), 3) pyroacids
116
(primarily acetic acid and methanol), 4) tar and heavy oils, and 5) water. When pyrolysis oil and
heat are not recovered, they are released with kiln exhaust. The type and distribution of biochar
products vary depending on the raw materials chosen and the carbonization parameters.

Biochar production units are usually located far from populated areas due to the smoke they
produce. Kiln smoke naturally settles and travels near the ground at atmospheric pressures.
Therefore, it is preferable to construct a site on high ground so the prevailing winds will carry the
smoke into the upper air strata. In order for biochar to be produced in the United States non-
polluting technology must be developed (Toole, 1961).

Continuous production of biochar is more amenable to emissions control than batch production,
because the composition and flow rate of emissions are relatively constant. After burners and
cyclones control the emissions from continuous multiple hearth kilns. They are also used for
product recovery and to reduce PM, CO, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) (by at least
80%). It is difficult to control emissions from batch type kilns because the process and
consequently the emissions are cyclical. Some batch kilns have after burners to help control
emissions but most do not.

The biochar briquetting process also produces emissions. Particulate matter and PM-10 may be
produced during the crushing, screening, and handling of the raw biochar. Depending on the
additives used, VOC may be emitted from the briquette pressing and drying process. A
centrifugal collector or fabric collector with control percentages of 65% and 99% respectively,
may control some particulate matter emissions from the briquetting process. It also may be
beneficial to use pellets for slow pyrolysis systems. Emission factors for criteria pollutant
emissions from the manufacture of biochar without emission control devices are shown in Table
1. The emission factors for organic compounds released to the atmosphere by carbonization units
without heat recovery are shown in Table 2.

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Table 1. Emission factors for pollutantsa associated with biochar production (Shreve, 1967;
Hartwing, 1971; Maxwell, 1976).
Source lb / ton of char produced
Total PMb NOx CO VOC CO2
c
Biochar kiln 310 24 290 270 1,100
Briquettingd 56 ND ND ND ND
a
Factors represent uncontrolled emissions (emission factors units are lb/ton of product, one lb/ton = 0.5 kg/Mg). ND
= no data.
b
Includes condensable and consists primarily of tars and oils.
c
Applicable to both batch and continuous kilns without pollution controlling devices or product recovery.
d
For entire briquetting process.

Table 2. Emission factors for organic pollutantsa associated with biochar production (Shreve,
1967; Hartwing, 1971; Maxwell, 1976; Moscowitz, 1978).
Source Pollutant Emission factor, lb/ton of char produced
Biochar kilnb Methane 110
Ethane 52
Methanol 150
POM 0.0095
a
Factors represent uncontrolled emissions.
b
Applicable to both batch and continuous kilns.

The ultimate goal of this project is to identify or develop biochar production facilities that are
exempt from air permitting with emissions below the values in the exemption table (173-400-102
WAC) and de minimis levels (173-460-150 WAC). Otherwise, facilities may apply a best
available control technology (BACT) and keep emissions below either the Small Quantity
Emission Rates (SQER) or the Acceptable Source Impact Levels (ASILs) with air dispersion
modeling.

Facilities emitting below exemption and de minimis levels do not require an air emissions
permit, while facilities that can only achieve ASILs must go through an air emissions permitting
process. For pyrolysis, these standards can only be met in systems where pyrolysis vapors are
used to produce heat or other valuable products.

10.1.2 Forest Degradation

Biochar production can be quite damaging to the environment because most feedstock comes
from forests. Trees are often felled for this industry and not replaced. In the absence of
sustainable forest management practices, production of biochar will outpace the replenishment of

118
forests. This is further exacerbated by inefficient char production facilities. The extent to which
biochar production alone contributes to deforestation warrants further investigation. Nonetheless,
more sustainable biochar production is possible using agricultural waste, small shrubs and plants
as biochar feedstock. With the appropriate technology, using alternative sources would help
reduce deforestation and could potentially increase yields.

11. SAFETY CONCERNS OF BIOCHAR PRODUCTION

Biochar production presents a high-risk environment (e.g., fire and high temperature operating
conditions) where safety protocols are critical (Toole, 1961). This section describes safety
concerns of biochar production including safety equipment, operating protocols, storage and
transportation.

11.1. Safety Concerns in Biochar Production

One of the goals of this project is to develop designs with enhanced safety features. All the risks
identified for traditional carbonization industrials must be taken into account as new designs are
developed. Carelessness and complacency can lead to unnecessary loss of product and can
endanger workers. The fact that kilns are fairly simple to operate can cause operators to overlook
basic safety practices. The operator must closely monitor weather conditions, the integrity of the
kiln structure, the temperature of the kiln, and the time of the process for every production cycle.
Additionally, the operation area should be fenced or posted with warning signs around the
perimeter to control unwarranted traffic around the kiln area (Toole, 1961, FAO 1985).
Explosions, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning are the most significant hazards of biochar
production.

11.1.1 Explosion Hazards

Improperly used kilns can explode, burn, or collapse causing harm to people. Respiratory and
skin problems can also arise from the release of harmful fumes as a result of improper kiln use.
Explosions caused by a mixture of methane, hydrogen, and air that is admitted at the air inlets
are a potential risk. While the explosions themselves may not be severe, they can damage the
structure of a kiln which may cause more serious problems and potential injury (Toole, 1961).
119
Puffing, the release of kiln gas pressure, is controlled with temperature regulation through proper
air inputs. Although puffing occurs even during proper kiln operation, it can indicate the slow
build up of explosive gases (Toole, 1961). Developing a well-instrumented kiln is critical to
reducing the risk of explosion.

11.1.2. Fire Hazard

Explosions typically lead to fires. An explosion or extended heating can create cracks in the kiln
wall, allowing air to freely enter resulting in the combustion of the coaling wood. When
operating a kiln after an explosion, the operator must be prompt and careful in sealing the air
admitting cracks (Toole, 1961). In addition to explosions, improper maintenance and preparation
of the biochar production cycle as well as an improper monitoring of the heating and cooling
stages can lead to fires. Because every kiln operates differently, guidelines (rather than strict
rules) should be developed to direct the biochar production process. Differences in stock and
changes in weather make it necessary to operate each cycle differently. The operator should
never assume that a kiln is working properly. Because of obvious fire hazards, biochar
production kilns should be located a proper distance away from other buildings, brush, or other
flammable materials (Toole, 1961).

11.2 Safety Equipment

It is important to control burning conditions in the kiln using temperature detection and control
equipment should. Temperature can be monitored using inexpensive thermocouples. It can be
controlled using air inlets to regulate the amount of air let into the kiln (Toole, 1961; FAO 1985).
Intake and vent closure plates are necessary to prevent explosion or fire hazards. If excessive
puffing occurs, automatic mechanisms can close air intake ports. When operating a kiln with a
vent or a chimney there should always be a device that will allow the gases to escape (Toole,
1961). Water should be available in a storage tank or piped to the kiln site. Other safety
equipment including back pack water pumps, large capacity fire extinguishers, or a hose with a
nozzle should be available for immediate use to provide some measure of fire protection (Toole,
1961). Workers should wear gloves when working around the kiln door, and avoid tripping or
falling. First aid materials should be kept on site at all times.

120
11.3 Safe Operation
Safe kiln operation centers on moisture content of feedstock and ignition practices. To avoid kiln
damage and burns extra care should be taken during the carbonization process. The moisture
content of the wood varies the pattern of the biocharring. Seasoned wood heats rapidly and
therefore poses a greater risk of explosion than unseasoned wood. To prevent control hazards in
the carbonization process the moisture content of the wood should not be less than 30 to 40 %
(Toole, 1961).

Closed-door ignition involves highly flammable fuel oil and an abundance of air, which could
lead to vigorous and rapid combustion. With this method, fuel should not be allowed to rest on
the fuel bed. Explosion or backfire can result. Low flash point fuels should never be used and
fuel should be poured over the bed immediately before ignition. Fuels with low flash points such
as gasoline should never be used (Toole, 1961). Ignition of the charge with gas or oil torches can
sometimes overheat the charge and cause structural damage. Raw fuel from the burner has the
potential to vaporize and increase the chance of explosion if it is let into the kiln. So extra care
should be taken to make sure the burner is operating properly. Once the kiln has cooled, gases
may linger. Workers should wear masks and the kiln should be well ventilated to prevent
inhalation of these gases.

11.4 Storage of Biochar

In most parts of the country demand for biochar is seasonal (FAO, 1985). Therefore, during
summer biochar producers must create a considerable stockpile of inventory, or temporarily stop
operations (Toole, 1961). Although biochar is very stable once it has cooled, precautions must be
taken to prevent spontaneous combustion during storage.

Immediately after biochar has been removed from the kiln it tends absorb oxygen, which can
lead to combustion and thus loss of product. Biochar fines should be removed before the biochar
is stored (Toole, 1961; FAO, 1985). Occasionally, material that is still burning is missed during
removal of the charge even after the cooling cycle. It is important to prevent this hot coal from

121
reaching the storage area by allowing it to sit in an open dry area for 24 hours before it is stored
(Toole, 1961). During this safe cooling period, the biochar should be protected from rain in an
open shed or under a tarpaulin. Once the biochar has been safely cooled and there is no evidence
of heat or active fire, it is considered safe for warehouse storage (Toole, 1961). Biochar fines
should be protected from rain as well but exposed to air in a separate pile from the lump biochar
for at least five days (Toole, 1961).

12. CONCLUSION
The need for advanced fuels and bio-chemicals to reduce our dependency on imported oil, the
need for advanced biochar to store carbon and enhance soil fertility, and the need for new
technologies to convert waste biomass resources into valuable products are the main market
drivers for the development of pyrolysis technologies in Washington State.

Two types of pyrolysis technologies adapted to the conditions of Washington State should be
developed: (1) slow pyrolysis units to produce biochar and heat; and (2) fast pyrolysis to produce
biochar and bio-oil. Bio-oil has to be further processed in a rural refinery to obtain stabilized bio-
oil compatible with existing petroleum refineries and high value products.

Despite the obvious potential benefits of producing second generation transportation fuels and
chemicals using the bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis process, the commercial production of
bio-oils cannot happen until the development of fully operational bio-oil refineries. The market
conditions and technologies available at this time favor the development of pyrolysis units that
produce biochar and heat. Once bio-oil refineries are developed or the pyrolysis units are able to
produce bio-oil compatible with existing refineries, these conditions will experience a drastic
change. The economies of scale will favor the production of bio-oils and the further conversion
of these oils to fuels and chemicals as a result of the development of bio-oil refineries. The
development of high value products from bio-oil is also critical to enhance the economic
viability of bio-oil refining technologies.

Using the current slow pyrolysis technologies to produce biochar and heat is most viable short
term option available. With this in mind we are proposing to deploy pyrolysis units in the state of
122
Washington that can produce heat and biochar but can easily be modified to become fast
pyrolysis units for when the bio-oil refineries are operational and there is an established market
for these bio-oils. There should be a further evaluation on the development of reactors that can
be used for slow or fast pyrolysis once bio-oil refineries have been established. This will enable
the current biochar producers to increase their income by switching pyrolysis methods to
produce bio-oils when the time comes.

Programs aimed at substituting fossil fuels in rural communities could utilize the heat generated
from the pyrolysis volatiles. Using waste streams such as forest thinning, cereal straws,
municipal solid wastes, and digested fibers as feedstocks to generate high value products with
the produced biochar will increase the revenue for biochar production. There is also a large
unexplored market in the soil applications of biochar as well as in the use of syngas as a supplier
of electricity for farms. A further investigation should be performed involving the development
of small biochar gasifiers able to generate power for tractors as well as electricity for isolated
communities.

A balanced investment in the creation of new knowledge (science), in the design, testing and
scale up of new technologies (for pyrolysis reactors and for rural bio-oil refineries) (technology)
and in the development of new products (from bio-oil and biochar) (Market) to build a shared
vision that take advantage of existing infrastructure and is achievable in small steps are all
critical for the deployment of a viable biomass economy based on pyrolysis technologies.

Biochar and bio-oil production technologies, batch size, and marketing to the available resources
and end user population needs to match up with the analysis of transport, marketing, and the
economics for specific conditions (Kammen et al, 2005). A proper analysis of these criteria is
crucial to design policies at the state, federal, and international level.

123
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