Biochar retort kiln

Abstract

Systems and methods for a biochar retort kiln are disclosed herein. A method for making biochar includes placing waste bio mass in a cylindrical retort chamber. The retort chamber extends outwardly at a first end and a second end from a fire box. Pyrolysis is fueled by igniting the waste biomass. Syngasses are evacuated through one or more holes defined by the cylindrical retort chamber, such that the syngasses are driven out of the biomass and out of the retort chamber to be consumed by a fire in the firebox. The byproduct of the described method is biochar.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 304,272 filed Feb. 12, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.COPYRIGHT NOTICE[0002]This disclosure is protected under United States and International Copyright Laws. © 2002- 2009 Britton Shepard. All Rights Reserved. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Biochar is known as charcoal when it is used as a soil amendment. The biochar movement began with the recent discovery of Terra Preta (black earth) in the Amazon region. Terra Preta is an ant...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new method for producing biochar, which is a type of charcoal, from waste biomass. The method is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The technical effects of this patent include the ability to produce biochar from a variety of waste biomass sources, such as wood and forest management, and from municipal and agricultural green waste. The method is also designed to produce biochar with a high degree of purity and quality, without compromising the energy output of the gasifier. Overall, the patent provides a new and improved method for producing biochar, which can be used for waste management, soil improvement, and mitigation of climate change.

Problems solved by technology

At high temperatures, wood decomposes.

These are generally flammable and a valuable source of energy.

Still, even in modern times, charcoal production requires significant energy input.

Changes in the gasification process can be made to produce more char at the expense of biofuel output, but this is contrary to their purpose.

One significant disadvantage of every one of these prior approaches is the complexity of their mechanization and the necessarily high costs of construction and operation that follow from that complexity.

None of the prior approaches provides for the synthesis gasses to pass from the retort chamber and enter the furnace fire directly to burn as additional fuel source.

To build and operate any of the prior approaches requires a great deal of capital investment as well as special expertise and sophisticated fabrication.

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