In-forest biomass processing is being broadly promoted to address the costs associated with transporting low-value biomass to central facilities. However, current approaches for scaling-down conventional process technologies are unlikely to result in sufficiently low costs for accessing most woody debris resources. Previous research led to the development of a low capital cost, engineered blanket pyrolysis system that is used to convert forest residue into carbonaceous biochar through temperature-controlled slow pyrolysis. The technology is simple enough to be operated by existing fire-crews, keeping operating costs low. The team has demonstrated this approach for biochar production from as much as 500 lbs of wood. Preliminary studies are consistent with prior literature, showing that biochar can serve as a high value soil amendment or greener alternative to coal. The team has secured an initial supply of woody debris and has initiated discussions with potential customers.
The team will use the funds to commercialize this technology to address the major ecological and societal challenges posed by slash, while reducing the cost to landowners. The current plan for the commercialization of this technology involves two strategies 1) the direct service of slash removal and 2) bringing biochar to the market as a soil amendment and landscaping material. Understanding scale-dependent processes in the new technology, and showing its applicability at a scale relevant to forestry operations, will significantly advance the engineering science and commercial potential of this NSF-funded research.
This NSF I-Corps project sought to develop a new technology for converting waste wood into the valuable soil amendment called biochar. Our low cost, easy to use technoogy was designed to address the large volumes of waste wood generated in forests that are treated to reduce their ecological risks from catastrophic wildfire or insect infestation, as well as waste wood produced during timber harvest. Currently, most of the waste wood produced through these forest restoration and harvest activities is piled and burned, since it is uneconomical to truck out of the forest. Our new technology is called a "pyrolysis blanket", and it initially consisted of an engineered high temperature blanket material that was sufficiently durable to survive in the rugged conditions of forest operations. Research funded by this project showed that adding structure to the blanket helped control the uniformity and yield of biochar, and allowed better control of smoke emissions. Two technology demonstrations have been run to show land managers the operational principles of this technology, and to get input on design and technology improvements needed to meet diverse user needs. The start-up company Carbon Cultures, headed by the I-Corps program student lead, is commercializing the intellectual property generated by NSF-funded research.
