Our research focuses on implementing place-based biochar production methods as a strategy to reduce hazardous fuels in the forest while simultaneously improving forest and soil health. Currently, most biochar is created in large scale bioenergy plants, but place-based technologies have a place in many areas where it's too expensive to ship low value woody residues or where infrastructure is lacking. We have learned the appropriate application rates, production methods, and additional uses for in woods produced biochar.
We're beginning to understand its usefulness for mine site restoration, reduction of invasive weeds and soil health benefits. To begin position the biochar producing air curtain burner unit at the desired location while still attached to the tow vehicle. Then chalk the wheels and lower the jack stand.
Disconnect the unit from the tow vehicle and adjust the jacks stand to ensure the chassis is level front to back. Then start the engine and allow it to warm up before initiating the hydraulics, make sure that the hydraulic motor powering the shaker panel located between the firebox and the enclosed engine does not touch the green frame. After leveling the equipment and lowering the firebox sides, place soil around the sides to prevent air from mentoring and smoke from exiting the firebox.
Ensure that the worker wears nonsynthetic clothing, a high visibility vest, a hard hat, leather gloves, and eye and hearing protection. After placing the biochar producing air curtain burner, load the firebox with dry feed stock using a mini excavator or by hand if a mini excavator is not available, fill the firebox to approximately two thirds full, alternating the direction of the materials to create air spaces that assist in burning. Allow the base fire in the firebox to burn until it is about half full of burning residues and coals.
Then start the engine and adjust the fan speed according to the fire conditions. Take care not to blow out the fire when advancing the airflow with the green rabbit button on the control panel. Once a solid base of coals is established, signal the mini excavator driver to add more feed stock without smothering the fire.
Once the base fire has stabilized and additional feedstock has been added, set the fan speed to 2, 800 RPM. After that switch the system power switch to biochar, then activate the conveyor and shaker, which will cycle every three minutes automatically. To maintain continuous biochar production, alternate the system power switch from biochar to firebox.
Using the wide rake, pull the biochar to the end of the quench pan. Then use the sifting shovel to transfer the biochar from the pan to a pile. Check the pressure gauges on the main control panel when responding to warning strobes, turn off the shaker to burn down bound wood or manually advance the conveyor belt counterclockwise at the manual control point to clear a conveyor bind.
Based on field trials, the biochar producing air curtain burner can burn approximately one ton of feedstock per hour and produce carbon content ranging from 70 to 90%
