The Organics Pyroclast is a cutting-edge technology that transforms biomass waste into biochar and RDF from MSW into ash. It employs a patented oxygen-free pyrolysis chamber, operating at 450-800°C, with a slow 30-minute residence time.

Set in a standard ISO container for easy transport, it processes 0.5 – 1.0 tph of biomass continuously.

Biomass like agricultural residues and organic wastes are dried to below 20% moisture, sized to 20-50mm, and then loaded into the reactor.

The pyrolysis process is carefully controlled for optimal biochar production. The produced syngas fuels a thermal oxidiser to generate heat, steam, or electricity.

The resultant biochar enriches soil, aids in water retention, and can also be used in construction and industrial applications, such as cement production.

Photosynthesis is the process that plants employ to absorb the carbon dioxide needed to grow. The carbon is stored in the plant and the oxygen is released into the atmosphere; a highly efficient system that maintains nature’s balance. The carbon is then stored in the plant until the end of its life. But, when the plant dies, or is cut down, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere in the form of CO2.

Sustainable management of biomass, in which carbon has been stored involves prevention of the carbon from being released back into the atmosphere. The most effective manner of achieving this is by using pyrolysis, an ancient technique first used over three thousand years ago.

Biochar is an organic product created by heating biomass in an oxygen-free environment. This process produces a stable form of carbon, which can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, as well as a carbon sequestration method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar can also be used to generate carbon credits, which are tradable certificates that represent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, is made by heating biomass without oxygen. It aids in carbon sequestration through:

1. Carbon Capture: Pyrolysis of organic materials like agricultural waste produces carbon-rich biochar, preventing CO2 release.
2. Long-Term Carbon Storage: Biochar, when added to soil, acts as a durable carbon sink, storing carbon for decades to centuries.
3. Soil Improvement: Biochar enhances soil water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity, promoting plant growth.
4. Reduction of N2O Emissions: In agricultural soils, biochar can lower emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
5. Co-Benefits: Biochar boosts agricultural sustainability by reducing nutrient runoff and decreasing synthetic fertilizer dependency.

The effectiveness of biochar in carbon sequestration varies based on factors like feedstock type, production methods, and soil conditions. A holistic view of biochar systems, including biomass sourcing and energy for pyrolysis, is essential for sustainability.

Biochar’s integration into construction materials like concrete, cement, and asphalt is a growing research area with sustainability and carbon sequestration benefits.

• Concrete: Researchers are testing biochar as a partial cement substitute in concrete, which may decrease density, enhance insulation, strengthen mechanically, and offset carbon emissions from cement production.
• Cement: By replacing a portion of cement with biochar, we can potentially produce low-carbon cements, reducing their carbon footprint.
• Asphalt: Incorporating biochar into asphalt might increase its durability and resistance while sequestering carbon.

Biochar can lower the carbon footprint of construction materials, but its use should align with industry standards for optimal sustainability and performance. Ongoing research aims to refine these applications for broader use.

Biochar enhances soil in various ways:

• Soil Improvement: Biochar boosts soil fertility, water retention, and nutrient availability while supporting beneficial microorganisms for plant growth.
• Nutrient Retention: With a high cation exchange capacity, biochar retains essential plant nutrients, preventing their runoff and ensuring sustained plant access.
• pH Regulation: Biochar can modulate soil pH based on its source, aiding in optimal plant growth and nutrient absorption.- **Disease and Pest Management**: Biochar promotes beneficial microbial growth that can counter pathogens and offers a physical barrier against certain pests.
• Water Management: Biochar enhances soil’s water retention, benefiting plants in drought-prone or sandy areas.

However, biochar’s impact varies with its type, soil, climate, and crops. It’s advised to account for local conditions and seek expert advice when applying biochar in agriculture.

Production of biochar from biomass residues prevents a large part of the carbon contained in the biomass from escaping into the atmosphere. The Pyroclast locks in up to 3 t CO₂ per tonne of biochar (with approx. 80% C-content for more than 1000 years.

If this biochar and the CO₂ bound in it is put into a permanent carbon sink as a soil improver or filler, the recycler receives carbon offset credits.