Pyrolysis shaker reactor for the production of biochar

Abstract

Intermediate pyrolysis reactors are preferred for processes focused on the production of high-quality biochar. The main types are rotary drums, augers, and moving beds agitated with either grates or paddles. These reactors are usually operated in continuous mode, and are designed to provide a pure, homogeneous biochar product by ensuring near plug flow of the reacting particles. There is a need for laboratory reactors that can provide enough biochar for testing in applications such as soil amendment, fillers for concrete or polymers, coke substitution, or pollutant capture. The pyrolysis shaker reactor (PSR) is a new laboratory reactor that is inexpensive, provides good mixing and temperature control, is easy to operate and allows for rapid turnaround between runs. It provides a homogeneous biochar product. Its use was demonstrated with digestate from the anaerobic digestion of food waste. The rapid and thorough testing program made possible with the PSR indicated that this digestate should be pyrolyzed at 250 C to maximize the release of mineral from the biochar to water, and at 400 C to minimize the release of minerals. Its biochar would require post-treatment to be applied as a substitute for activated carbon.

Impact of post‐pyrolysis wash on biochar properties

“…No sweep gas was used. The PSR was made from carbon steel and had a diameter of 17 cm and a height of 19 cm; further details are available in the works of Sanchez Careaga et al [ 94 ]…”

“…A target pyrolysis temperature of 400°C was selected based on previous work. [ 94 ] When the bed temperature reached the target value of 400°C, the agitation and heating were turned off. The reactor and its contents were cooled to room temperature before the biochar was recovered from the vessel.…”

“…No sweep gas was used. The PSR was made from carbon steel and had a diameter of 17 cm and a height of 19 cm; further details are available in the works of Sanchez Careaga et al [94] The reactor vessel was filled to two-thirds of its volume with biomass, and the mass of biomass was recorded. The vessel was then sealed and secured into the shaking device.…”

An investigation of drum granulation of post‐pyrolysis washed biochar

“…Further details of this reactor are described by Sanchez Careaga et al (2020). [38] The reactor vessel was filled to 2/3 of its volume with biomass, and then the vessel was sealed and secured into the shaker. Agitation and induction heating were provided until the bed temperature reached the target value of 400 C. The reactor and its contents were cooled to room temperature.…”

“…One hundred biochar powder particles were sampled from each trial randomly and placed on a white sheet of paper for imaging, which F I G U R E 1 Schematic drawing of the pyrolytic shaker reactor (PSR) showing (A) trimeric view and (B) front view (adapted from ref. [38]).…”