I would like to make biochar in two metal barrels (large and small). How can I determine the temperature? What temperature should I get? Is it possible to raise the temperature?
Unrestrained open burning releases 95 percent or more of the carbon in the wood, weeds or whatever else that goes up in smoke. However, low-temperature controlled burning to create biochar, called pyrolysis, retains much more carbon (about 50 percent) in the initial burning phase. Carbon release is cut even more when the biochar becomes part of the soil, where it may reduce the production of greenhouse gases including methane and nitrous oxide. This charcoal releases its carbon 10 to 100 times slower than rotting organic matter.
As long as it is done correctly, controlled charring of weeds, pruned limbs, and other hard-to-compost forms of organic matter, and then using the biochar as a soil or compost amendment, can result in a zero emission carbon cycling system Check with your local fire department to make sure you have any necessary permits, wait as long as you must to get damp, windless weather, and monitor the fire until it’s dead.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/making-biochar-improve-soil-zmaz09fmzraw.aspx?PageId=4
http://www.burnrightproducts.com/biochar_not_equal.php
My memory tells me that there are 'cones' that melt at different temperatures. I presume that the barrels allow some air in/gases out. Pyrolysis begins at about 250 degrees C and charring about 400 degrees C for many natural organics. I suspect that the gaseous pyrolysis products are noxious. The char becomes more surface active at temperatures above 600 degrees C.
Thank you very much for your answers. If I understand, Paul, it is impossible to obtain 600°C with my system?
Dr.Milham,good information.From the literature seen by me, I can say that the biochars prepared at very high temperatures >600-700 o C may not be useful at least for agriculture purpose.Many workers prepared biochars at around 450-500 o C and got relatively good results.Experts may comment on relative good qualities/suitabilities for agriculture and carbon sequestration (climate change mitigation)purposes of these two -high and low temperature biochars.
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