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Philip gives good char.
The argument for encouraging biochar use as a ubiquitous household practice is compelling: Improved garden soil will increase food production where it has the most impact on energy demand. Implementing charcoal manufacture at a household level draws in a supply of yard prunings and workbench scraps that otherwise would be lost to non-charcoal alternatives.If you have ever contemplated brewing your own char then go there, read it, do it, and then report back with your experiences. This isn't for commercial scale char production, but for tinker capable gardeners it's full of practical tips backed by solid science and engineering.Unfortunately, finding even the most basic information on how to implement biochar use as a personal sustainability practice is discouragingly time consuming. In response I have started up a FAQ, a collaborative wiki, building on the efforts of the TP enthusiast community. . .
If we can figure out how to put a barbecue grill on top of Folke Gunther's double-barreled contraption, and not burn dinner, we might make carbon sequestration a summer tradition. I'm already looking for barrels...
Posted by: Mike Anderson at May 25, 2008 06:34 PMI suspect that there is enough syngas to run a few grills and still have plenty to keep pyrolysis going, especially in an insulated system. The biochar fund has a unit that makes char and runs a turbine to generate electricity. More geeky tinkers may monitor temperature and throttle the gas supply as necessary to maintain optimums.
I think that there's a market here for home systems. I may talk to some of my metal basher neighbors. They did a good business a few years ago when the microbrew craze was on since they could swot up a stainless kettle and mashtun on small scales at good prices.
I think that keys to successful home systems will be emissions control, safety and convenience. I suspect that initial heat-up would be better done with propane - like common gas grills - and cut over to syngas when the reaction begins.
If I had the bucks I'd commission a spec unit and market it. It's not that it would ever be a money spinner for me, but if the ideas as as good as I hope then knock-offs would become common, and that's a good thing. When you can get one at Home Depot on any Sunday then Philip's idea of "a ubiquitous household practice" may become real.
Posted by: back40 at May 25, 2008 08:24 PM