Department of Chemistry Production and Characterization of Biochar
Study 1
A series of experimental batch runs with a mixed spruce/pine/fir feedstock revealed the relationships between the production temperature and biochar energy, pH, yield, and proximate composition.
Study 2
Low value biomass types common to the lower mainland of BC were collected. Biochar was produced in Langara's small batch reactor and characterized. The properties were found to vary widely.
Construction and demolition waste wood and fir shavings could be promising feedstocks, having relatively high yield, high energy content and moderate pH.
Biochar from different material
| Douglas Fir Shavings | Poultry Litter | Construction Debris | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable Carbon | 96% | 39% | 90% |
| pH | 6.4 | 10.3 | 8.2 |
| Yield | 16% | 11% | 19% |
Study 3
A systematic series of biochars were produced, varying the amount of wood and spent mushroom substrate in the feedstock as well as the production temperature. The biochar properties were correlated to the production and feedstock parameters.
Surface plot relating pH to treatment temperature and amount of spent mushroom substrate relative to fir in the feedstock
