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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #293069

Title: Comparison of TLUD and atmospherically-controlled retort methods of preparing biochar using corn stover and wheat straw feedstocks

Author
item Peterson, Steven - Steve

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2013
Publication Date: 6/14/2013
Citation: Peterson, S.C. 2013. Comparison of TLUD and atmospherically-controlled retort methods of preparing biochar using corn stover and wheat straw feedstocks. Meeting Abstract. xx.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biochar is a very versatile and useful material in many applications beyond carbon sequestration in soils. Rubber composite filler, sorptive media for toxic or other undesirable species in water, and peat moss replacement are just three examples of biochar applications we have studied at our laboratory. We have two means of producing biochar, the first is by utilizing a top-lit updraft stove, and the second method uses a retort oven under nitrogen to pyrolyze the feedstock into biochar. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, due to the differences in temperature and residence time of the feedstock during production. In this study we took three different feedstocks (pelletized wheat straw with and without glycerin, and corn stover) and produced biochar using both the TLUD stove and the retort oven. For the retort oven we produced biochar at 4 temperatures (400, 500, 600, and 700°C). These biochar samples were then compared in terms of surface area, density, elemental analysis, and several other physical and chemical characterization methods. Trends in the final biochar properties as a function of the production methods will be discussed in terms of what final properties are desired for each specific end-use application.