RE: [Biochar] Potential big ag opportunities for biochar

From: main@Biochar.groups.io <main@Biochar.groups.io>
On Behalf Of Paul S Anderson

Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2022 2:03 PM

To: main@Biochar.groups.io

Cc: Carbon Dioxide Removal <CarbonDioxideRemoval@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: [Biochar] Potential big ag opportunities for biochar

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The giant red, Arundo Donax, the clarinet reed, is an invasive species that we spend tens of millions of dollars every year to attempt control. It establishes along waterways particularly in the Southern US. Plantations projects in the
South determined that it can revegetate unless it is field chopped to less than ½ inch (12 mm). A major energy project based on Arundo plantations was abandoned in Florida and then in Oregon. The difficulty of controlling it is a major problem. It is not an
environmentally friendly feedstock.

Once dried it is an excellent fiber. A US company has attempted to promote it for fiber purposes for many years.

Tom

Antonio,

I have some ongoing experience with pyrolysis of giant reeds.  In various arrangements, I have dealt with miscanthus, bamboo, papyrus, corn stalks, biomass sorghum, misc. thin reeds, stranded bagasse (sugar cane that is crushed, not chopped),
and some other long stuff (such as slabs at sawmills, which are not reeds).   Now I offer a specific way to handle them, preferably in their intact, long forms.

My RoCC kiln is able (and actually is very compatible) for receiving long biomass as it comes in from the harvest.   Being dry is very important, but many reeds are dry during winter.   Or can be air dried with some time.  

Please look at my several documents about RoCC kilns in the production section at 

www.woodgas.energy/resources.      The right RoCC kiln for you would be determined based on desired operational size (related to diameter of the kiln) and to length (related to the biomass length/handling).   RoCC kilns are currently in  diameters from
0.6 to 1.8 m (~2 ft to 6 ft) and lengths from 0.9 to 2.7 m (~3 to 9 ft.)   RoCC kiln lengths of over 6 m (~20 ft) are possible if your reeds are that tall.    Loading is along the long side (dropping in the intact long biomass), not pushed in from  the end.  
RoCC kiln technology is still “young” and being enhanced with each new unit and distinct biomass.  The patent (pending but close to being issued) covers these many variations.    

Please tell us about the height and diameter and species characteristics.    Do you have test results of biochar from those reeds?   If so, be sure to indicate the type of equipment (simple retort, rotary kiln, TLUD, flame-cap, etc.)  
The maximum temperature to which all or most of the biomass is exposed for sufficient time is what is important in the char characteristics, but not in the handling..

Are you making a general observation or do you own or control lands with these reeds?   If there is a business  proposition for using this biomass (and if it  is too specific or private for a public  Discussion Group), please contact me
directly.  I would be very interested in participating in operations in Italy (or other areas).  Others with such biomass are also encouraged to contact me or to discuss general situations on this discussion  group.

Paul