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This site www.biogasworks.com is the portal for the carbon cycle activities of Chaotech Pty Ltd. The domain name was previously used by a business involved in digester activities, and we regret any inconvenience from out of date links.
Our slow carbonization pilot plant is now rated 40 to 60kg charcoal per hour for lightweight feed such as sawdust. The specification particle size limit is 8mm largest dimension. Process simulations have produced a yield of ~40% char on a dry mass basis with ~80% total carbon content in the char. Some of this material has been used for a small pot growth trial while the next stage of equipment is constructed. This trial gave a benifit of 42% more radish biomass from 20g of char in 2.5 litres of (poor) soil. Our next trial will be with good soil ( Blenheim black earth was planned but does not suit pot trials ) and normal nutrient levels. The initial production may be used for crop trials to contribute to the body of research supporting the International Biochar Initiative. More information can be found from www.biochar-international.org
Once the Carbon Kiln is operational the agricultural application issues will be able to be more experimentally investigated on a larger scale. Meanwhile the colaboration available from terrapreta.bioenergylists.org provides a flow of information. A forum for questions is found at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/biochar/ The characterisation of char with respect to its appropriate application will be a key question. We have the view that a wide range of protocols will be adequate if we maintain the high ~80% carbon content level. It is not clear if a secondary measure of quality such as Iodine number or ash content will be necessary to assure a positive crop result. We will adopt a position after the Newcastle IBI Conference. In addition to our feedstock of Hoop Pine sawdust we now can harvest the biomass from the extensive open space adjacent to our factory. or email to our general address office@chaotech.com.au Directors Rex and Susan Manderson.
{ Updated August 2008 } Web Hosting by Australian Web Hosting - netrospect.com.au |