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Let's face it, friends; we've got a problem and it's a BIG one...
WASTE MATERIAL and a lot of it!
Unfortunately, we’ve done a very poor job at managing our waste output during the past several decades. It seems we’ve adopted an “out-of-sight/out-of-mind” attitude in processing many of the byproducts of everyday “life” since most of these waste materials are buried in landfills which are quickly filling to beyond capacity.
Not only that, but we’ve also exacerbated the issue with other mass production processes which yield byproduct volumes and materials not suited for landfill disposal. Product volumes from agricultural, industrial and food processing have reached proportions in which our population is having difficulty dealing with in a sustainable fashion with antiquated means.
So... what’s the answer to this difficult question of MANAGING WASTE while being a GOOD STEWARD OF OUR ENVIRONMENT which includes the RESPONSIBLE USE OF ENERGY while PRODUCING A VALUABLE PRODUCT?
The answer is simple... BIOCHAR.
Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction - 101
Yeah, we get it... “Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction” (ABTR) for Biochar Production sounds like a complicated process, huh? However, the concept is really quite simple once the basics are explained and understood.
Simply stated, the “Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction” (ABTR) Process occurs at a temperature between 390°F to 608°F (200°C to 320°C) as the material is introduced into a heated and sealed environment at normal atmospheric pressure while in the absence of oxygen.
The ABTR Process drives both moisture and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the heated biomass material. These gaseous VOCs are then captured and utilized as fuel for the combustion burner of the Thermal Reactor, thus increasing the overall operational efficiencies of the process.
The resulting product is a dry, solid, sterile, stable charred material which can be further processed or compressed (pelletized) into a valuable, marketable product essential to the healthy continuance of the earth’s natural carbon cycle.
Production Waste Management
Waste Biomass from high-volume production, agricultural or materials processing has introduced additional pressures into our waste management systems. Furthermore, this type of biomass often contains volatiles or biopolymers which may be hazardous if released into the environment or atmosphere.
Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin partially decompose during the Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction process, however, these VOCs are entrapped, collected and eradicated as fuel via the ABTR burner system.
Likewise, as any animal waste products (manures) are heated, the naturally occurring off-gassing of VOCs contained within these materials during the ABTR Process is captured and consumed as fuel by the Thermal Reactor’s burner combustion.
Landfill Waste Management
ABTR Processing of Landfill Waste is of particular concern as we are rapidly consuming the dwindling space within these strained facilities. Those who endeavor to create a valuable product from this waste material will be considered the true pioneers of waste management in the future.
After this biomass has been processed via ABTR, it may be further densified (refined into pellets or briquettes) for utilization in countless endeavors involving energy consumption. Biochar created by the ABTR Process has an energy density approaching that of natural anthracite coal in total BTU content and value.
Biochar is the transformation of yesterday’s waste into tomorrow’s wonder and we’re here to help you squeeze valuable profit from burdensome refuse.
What about that “other waste.”
Yeah, the kind of waste material that no one wants to talk about but is piling up fast with fewer and fewer places to put it. Agricultural waste products are a rapidly growing concern for all, including those who don’t actually “till the ground.”
Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction is ideal for manures and waste animal bedding products since the temperatures integral to the biochar process eliminate the naturally occuring organics present in this type of waste material.
So... what does this mean? Well, should the ABTR processed manures ever become wet post-processing, the odor and health hazards of the original materials have been completely eliminated and removed from the sterile biochar which may now be marketed as a viable and valuable product with a multitude of applications.
While the overall process of “Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction” may sound complex upon first glance, it truly is a very simple thermo-chemical reaction which happens within the Thermal Reactor’s “belly.” Keep in mind this reaction occurs at normal atmospheric pressure but in the complete absence of oxygen to eliminate the possibility of an undesired “combustion” condition.
As with many Industrial Dehydration processes, “Anaerobic Biomass Thermal Reaction” (ABTR) is a simple matter of time and temperature. Therefore, the degree of this specific thermo-chemical reaction is dependent upon the time the biomass is subjected to a “depolymerization” temperature. Depolymerization occurs at a temperature which specific polymers begin to degrade or decompose.
The time it takes for the biomass to become fully processed within the Thermal Reactor is referred to as “residence time.”
Some Biomass volumes may include material which requires "preconditioning and sizing" prior to the ABTR process. Additionally, if the desired biomass planned for ABTR contain high levels of moisture, dehydration in an industrial dryer may be required prior to biochar processing, thus ensuring complete and thorough thermal-reaction of the biomass material has been accomplished.
The ABTR biochar products exiting the system feature unique characteristics with high energy densities while retaining up to 90% of the material’s former potential energy with a decrease in mass of up to 80%. This means the energy density of the same mass and volume of biomass may be increased by 30% via the ABTR process.
Biochar is sterile and does not absorb water, thus classifying it as “hydrophobic” in nature. What does this means to you? If manures are the biomass of choice for the ABTR process, the naturally occurring organics within the material are eliminated... along with the smell and associated health hazards should the manure biochar ever be exposed to moisture post-processing.
Not only does biomass ABTR solve our problematic concerns of waste disposal, numerous uses and markets exist for the processed ABTR products which exit the system.
Midwest Custom Solutions is here to assist you with ALL of your Biomass and Biochar considerations from information and education, to testing, to engineering and design, to the manufacture of your new equipment or ABTR facility.
You have difficult decisions to make regarding your Biochar Processing Operations, whether it be modification of a current facility or design of one on the drawing board. MCS is here to advise and guide you in all aspects of the critical decision-making process to ensure you're successful and profitable from day one. We look forward to speaking with you and becoming a trusted partner in your future success!
The most common and current uses and applications for biochar cover a broad spectrum of possibilities. As we've all been called to be responsible caretakers and stewards of our earth and our environment which are carbon-based, a diverse and expanding number of biochar applications is currently in use or are being developed to assist us in doing so.
So, just what can be done with biochar after it comes out of the thermal reactor? The possibilities are almost endless since the world in which we live in is carbon-based. Simply stated, the carbon is being returned to it origination point with a responsible use of energy in management of waste material.
Biochar just makes good sense - both for your business operations and in being a good steward of natural resources.
Energy - Biocoal, Biogas, Syngas and other synthetic fuel possibilities may be derived from the biochar and ABTR processes.
Agriculture - The "soil biome" is enriched with the use of biochar which aids in moisture retention and facilitates water drainage.
Construction - Synthetic building materials utilizing biochar products are far superior in strength and longevity to conventional materials.
Food Production - Utilizing biochar in the soil reduces acidity while improving microbial properties and electrical conductivity of surrounding soil biome.
Technology - Biochar utilization in technology includes applications for semi conductors, batteries and electromagnetic shielding.
Medicine - May be used in detoxification or a carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients, cataplasm or poultices, insect bites, abscesses or eczema.
Cosmetics - Biochar is currently being used in soaps, skin cream and therapeutic bath additives.
Sanitation - Current applications include exhaust filters for controlling emissions, room air filters, micro-filters and macro-filters for water purification.
Industry - Industrial materials such as carbon filters, plastics, paints, fabrics and thermal insulation are being employed today.
Livestock - Numerous applications for livestock enrichment are possible including a silage agent, litter additive and water treatment products.
Still haven't found what you're looking for regarding ABTR, Biochar, its benefits, production processes or application options? Give us a call and we'll talk about it - we are here to serve you.
Feel free to reach-out to us using our Contact page and we will be happy to answer your questions or concerns. We look forward to speaking with you!
Would you like to download the Midwest Custom Solutions' Biochar ABTR Product Marketing Brochure?
Click/Tap the "GET PDF" button above to obtain a printable, transportable PDF version of our biochar torrefaction product information above.
WARNING: DO NOT design, plan or engineer ANYTHING based solely on the reference material contained within the MCS website.
Speak with our Sales and Technical team for engineering specifics of MCS products and equipment by clicking the following: Contact
