Biochar apparatus and process
AssigneeAir Burners, Inc.
InventorsBrian M. O'Connor, Thomas Foley, Matthew W. Dennis, James W. Hilliard
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Abstract
A biochar apparatus and a related biochar module may have a horizontal table-shaking mechanism and a tapered channel for causing biochar pieces generated in a firebox to fall through openings in the table to a conveyor system below. The table may be configured with replaceable grate panels. A quenching reservoir pan for holding quenching liquid receives a drainage basket at a discharge end of the conveyor system for quenching hot pieces of biochar and allowing easy retrieval of the quenched pieces.
Claims16
An apparatus comprising:
- a firebox for containing biomass to be burned to produce biochar;
- a table arranged to support biomass contained in the firebox;
- a conveyor system under the table, wherein the conveyor system comprises a conveyor drive motor, a drive pulley driven to rotate by the conveyor drive motor, an idler pulley spaced from the drive pulley, and a conveyor belt engaged by the drive pulley and the idler pulley;
- a shaker mechanism connected to the table, wherein the shaker mechanism is operable to cyclically move the table in a horizontal plane relative to the firebox;
- and
- a channel between the table and the conveyor system;
- wherein the table includes a plurality of openings through which pieces of biochar pass to the conveyor system;
- wherein the conveyor system is operable to convey the pieces of biochar and discharge the pieces of biochar from the conveyor system;
- wherein the channel includes a tapered inner wall arranged to cover at least one of the drive pulley and the idler pulley and guide the pieces of biochar toward the conveyor belt.
The apparatus according to 7, wherein the reciprocating horizontal stroke is in a range from one inch through two inches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.