Systematic evaluation of pyrolysis processes and biochar quality in the operation of low-cost flame curtain pyrolysis kiln for sustainable biochar production
Anjali Jayakumar, David Morrisset, Vasileios Koutsomarkos, Christian Wurzer, Rory M. Hadden, Linda A. Lawton, Christine Edwards, Ondřej Mašek
Abstract
Low-cost pyrolysis units such as flame curtain pyrolysis kilns are gaining popularity for biochar production. However, the processes that govern the working of such units are not well understood. Here, emissions, temperatures and mass loss are monitored in real-time during kiln operation, followed by extensive biochar sampling. We found that by adjusting the layering rates of feedstock during kiln operation, we can obtain a biochar yield (28 wt% with a fixed carbon content of 65 wt%) comparable to that produced from the same feedstock in a continuous-scale pyrolysis unit, highlighting the importance of systematic guidelines for optimal kiln operation.