Design, Fabrication, and Commissioning of a Prototype Batch Pyrolysis Unit for Biochar Production

About

Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Limited awarded a contract to Merriam Engineering & Design Limited for engineering services to finalise the design, fabricate, assemble, and commission a prototype dryer/kiln batch pyrolysis unit capable of processing wet wood chip (up to 50% moisture) into approximately 100kg of biochar per cycle in under 24 hours.

The unit must be semi-automated with a PLC, control the temperature profile during the transition from drying to pyrolysis, and operate safely at temperatures up to 500°C.

The feedstock is wood chip with particle size less than 30mm and minimal dust, requiring possible chipping/screening equipment.

The contract includes completing at least 10 drying/pyrolysis cycles and producing a minimum of 1 tonne of biochar by July 31st, with delivery to a site with wood chip access and at least one site visit by CapChar.

The contract value is AUD 73,300.