ERG 211 - Renewable Energy and Green

Technology

EXPERIMENT CYCLE II

EVALUATION OF BIOCHAR
PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
AIM

To find out the conversion efficiency of biomass to

charcoal using metal kiln.
 PRINCIPLE

• Pyrolysis of biomass is a process in which heat is

applied, under oxygenless atmosphere to degrade the
biomass into charcoal.
• In the pyrolysis process, natural, complex and
polymeric constituents of the biomass (i.e. lignin,
cellulose, fats and starches) are thermally broken down
into three different fractions: bio-oil (condensed
vapors), char (solid fraction), and non-condensable
gases.
• The pyrolysis process is classified into two groups as
slow and fast pyrolysis.

• Slow pyrolysis denotes the carbonization process where

low to medium temperatures of 300-350°C is maintained
for long reaction times (in hours) for the conversion of
biomass into charcoal.
BIOCHAR PRODUCTION UNIT
 Chimney

Capacity :2 kg
Pyrolysis Zone
Efficiency : 30 – 33 %
Combustion Zone
Residence time : 45 – 60 mins

Data logger unit

Cost : Rs.4,000/-
 PROCEDURE
1. Place known weight of ignited charcoal into the outer
container of the pyrolysis unit.
2. Fill the inner container having 5 mm holes in the sides
with known weight of biomass (M1), which has to be
converted into charcoal.
3. Cover the pyrolysis unit with lid and note the time. Allow
the reaction, until the disappearance of volatiles from the
reactor.
4. To stop the reaction, the system is cooled by filling
required quantity of water in the lid containing water
holding provision for one to two hours.
5. After letting out the water, the lid is opened and charcoal
is taken and weighed (M2).
CALCULATION
RESULT