Biochar Process and Apparatus

Abstract

A pyrolysis apparatus for processing carbon rich precursor feedstock into carbon rich biochar and associated carbon rich by-products includes a combustion chamber for high temperature low oxidative combustion of the feedstock having an inlet for the feedstock at a first end and outlet for the biochar at a second end; a heater to heat the combustion chamber; at least one gaseous outlet positioned between the first and second ends and communicating with an interior of the chamber, each of the gaseous outlets provided with an air venturi to control extraction of pyrolysis gas generated within the combustion chamber.

1 . A pyrolysis apparatus for processing carbon rich precursor feedstock into carbon rich biochar and associated carbon rich by-products comprising:
 a) a combustion chamber for high temperature low oxidative combustion of said feedstock having an inlet for said feedstock at a first end and outlet for said biochar at a second end;   b) a heater to heat said combustion chamber;   c) at least one gaseous outlet positioned between said first and second ends and communicating with an interior of said chamber, each of said gaseous outlets provided with an air venturi to control extraction of pyrolysis gas generated within said combustion chamber.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said combustion chamber comprises multiple reaction chambers. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said combustion chamber comprises multiple reaction chambers connected together in series to provide continuous flow. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said combustion chamber comprises multiple reaction chambers connected together in series with each said gaseous outlets fitted to each separate reaction chamber in said series. 
     
     
         5 . A method for pyrolytic generation of biochar and associated pyroligneous gas products from carbon rich precursor feedstock, comprising the following steps:
 a) preheating a continuous flow pyrolysis combustion chamber having a first end and second end and having at least one reaction chamber connected in series to a desired start-up temperature using an external heater;   b) feeding said precursor feedstock into said first end of said combustion chamber;   c) heating said combustion chamber with minimal oxidation;   d) extracting pyroligneous gasses from different positions within said combustion chamber between said first and second ends so as to draw off differing gas compounds and condensates generated at said different positions;   e) drawing biochar from said second end of said combustion chamber; and   f) effecting said gas extraction so as to maintain internal pressure of said combustion chamber at or just below atmospheric pressure.   
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  further comprising the step of effecting said gas extraction by venturi action. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 5  further comprising the step of using a portion of said extract pyroligneous gases as combination gases to heat a combustion engine.