Biochar
AssigneeFull Circle Biochar, Inc.
InventorsDavid Shearer, John Gaunt, George Vernon Cordner Peacocke
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Abstract
The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.
Claims23
A method for producing a biochar core comprising:
- providing a biomass to a pyrolysis unit;
- and
- pyrolyzing the biomass in the pyrolysis unit to produce a stable biochar core that is resistant to degradation, wherein the stable biochar core has a rate of degradation that is less than 2.5% per year, wherein the biomass is pyrolyzed under (i) a heating rate between about 0.1° C./second and 50° C./second, (ii) a temperature greater than 250° C., and (iii) a heating time greater than about 0.01 days.
A method for producing a biochar core comprising:
- providing a biomass to a pyrolysis unit;
- pyrolyzing the biomass in the pyrolysis unit to produce a biochar core that has a biochar core carbon content greater than about 75% of the dry weight of the biochar, wherein the biomass is pyrolyzed under (i) a heating rate between about 0.1° C./second and 50° C./second, (ii) a temperature greater than 250° C., and (iii) a heating time greater than about 0.01 days;
- and
- combining the biochar core with a supplement to produce a functionalized biochar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.