Dear Biochar enthusiasts, especially those in Illinois and surrounding states (Although this message is long, it will inform you about some serious biochar activities in the Midwest.)
All is going well for the preparations for the Illinois Biochar Group (IBG) meeting this Friday, July 19th, at Chip Energy in Goodfield, IL (see map on the IBG website for this event). We are working to make this a memorable and very worthwhile outing for you.
Here is a short summary of what to expect:
Main presentations will begin at 1:00 pm, but see below for many additional, optional learning opportunities. The schedule is intentionally flexible.
A. Demonstrations
9:30 AM – Paul Anderson will begin the demonstrations of his “4C kilns” (several sizes). This will take several hours and will be throughout the day.
10 AM will be the first ignition.
Note: Forecast is for a HOT day. Demonstrations will be outside, in the sun, with kiln heat as well. Be prepared. Super casual dress. Wear a hat. Gloves are provided to the volunteer fire tenders.
Note: Many hours could be just watching fires (and discussing char production), but there are other activities to fill the day. Do NOT feel pressured to be there for the ignition unless you have a keen interest in char making and these devices. They also can be seen later in the day, but not with initial ignition because of the time needed to complete the pyrolysis process.
B. Tours
On an “as needed” basis in the morning and starting around 10:30 AM, Paul Wever will conduct one or more tours of the Chip Energy Biomass Conversion Facility. This is a MUST-SEE experience. Closed-toe shoes are required, and no elevator is in the building. Tours could be 20 minutes to one hour, depending on questions by participants. A final tour will be offered in the afternoon. The facilities of Paul Wever Construction Equipment (PWCE) will also be available for tours and will be seen during the meeting sessions. Bathrooms and small (air conditioned) meeting rooms are available with a few chairs and electrical power if devices need charging.
C. In depth discussion times
IF THERE IS EXPRESSED INTEREST, an in-depth discussion of chemical analyses of charcoal will be held at about 11 AM. The topic is the Baseline Biochar Metrics proposed by Dr. Hugh McLaughlin (who is not attending the IBG meeting). See item E.2. below. Other topics are also to be considered; see E.4. below. It would be helpful if you are interested in this to send a message about such interest to Paul Anderson (psanders@ilstu.edu<mailto:psanders@ilstu.edu> or mobile/text number 309-531-4434.)
D. Lunch
Paul Wever is providing a free hot dog lunch with chips and soda to all participants. Or feel free to bring your own food. In Goodfield (very close) there is a Subway and there is also a very good family restaurant called Busy Corner (great food but sit down and will take more time). If you are planning to take advantage of the free hot dog lunch, please let Steve Peterson know the number of hot dogs you would like so that Paul Wever can get a good headcount and prepare accurately. Steve’s email is Steve.Peterson@ars.usda.gov<mailto:Steve.Peterson@ars.usda.gov>.
E. Presentations
Official start of the meeting is 1 PM. Dr. Steve Peterson, leader of IBG, will be in charge.
Presentations are inside (shaded but not air conditioned) an industrial factory bay within sight of the demonstrations of the 4C kilns. There WILL be facilities for showing PowerPoint presentations. Also there is space for posters and other things to demonstrate.
1:00 pm – attendee introductions; we will have everyone introduce themselves and state their current specific interest with biochar.
1:15 pm – Paul Anderson showcases his new, larger scale 4C kiln design:
Summary comments about the 4C kilns and Anderson’s patent pending methods and devices for “community size” and “farm size” production of biochar. Note: Discussions of applications, fuel types, costs, output, including observing the units in operation, etc. will be sporadic during the demonstrations or could be organized into an earlier 45 minute session (See items A and C above). (Presenter: Paul Anderson)
Note that members are encouraged to network and ‘show and tell’ any current projects they are working on with other attendees. Please inform either or both Steve Peterson or Paul Anderson of your intention to make a presentation (15 minute sessions) or shorter statement / announcement). You are welcome to bring a laptop, tablet, single page handouts, or even just pictures on your phone to share with others. Please bring business cards if you have them.
The following presentations are included; others can be added.
*** Summary presentation about the “Baseline Biochar Metrics” (BBM) proposed by Dr. Hugh McLaughlin as an improved, more reliable method for characterization of biochar. (Presenters: Paul Anderson and Daniel Mueller). The summary could be in the 15 minute time slots. [But an in depth discussion could (and should) allow 45 minutes for presentation and discussion. If interested, please see item C above.]
NOTE: Mueller Scientific is now be conducting BBM analyses of raw biochars (unaltered except for using water for quenching). If you have biochar of known origin, please bring a sample (about a gallon is plenty) to have it analyzed.
*** Presentation about CharTrac carbon accounting system with blockchain-enabled trust for verifications. This can be utilized for purposes of documenting carbon sequestration by the placement of biochar into soils or other near-permanent materials. (Presenters: James S. Schoner and Paul Anderson).
*** IBG business issues: Including status of the www.illinoisbiochargroup.org<www.illinoisbiochargroup.org> website (Steve Peterson and James Schoner)
*** Roundtable or Panel discussion(s) of key topics selected by the attendees. Show up with your questions, topics, issues, inputs, etc. Topics include issues about fuels (types and handling), conversion into biochar, uses of biochar, costs, financial returns, etc. See also Item C above about such discussions at other times.
We do not have a fixed time to conclude the meeting. Some 4C kilns might still be pyrolyzing past 4:30 PM.
[Above comments originally submitted by Paul Anderson, coordinator of the 19 July event, and edited by Steve Peterson.]Paul
Doc / Dr TLUD / Paul S. Anderson, PhD
Exec. Dir. of Juntos Energy Solutions NFP
Email: psanders@ilstu.edu<mailto:psanders@ilstu.edu> Skype: paultlud
Phone: Office: 309-452-7072 Mobile: 309-531-4434
Website: www.drtlud.com<www.drtlud.com>