I-Corps: Commercialization of an Engineered Pyrolysis Blanket for the Economic Conversion of Forestry Residues to Soil Amendments and Energy Products

正在广泛推广森林内生物质加工，以解决将低价值生物质运输到中央设施的相关成本。然而，目前缩减常规处理技术的方法不太可能导致获取大多数木质碎片资源的成本足够低。以前的研究导致了一种低资本成本的工程毯式热解系统的开发，该系统用于通过温度控制的缓慢热解将森林残渣转化为碳质生物炭。这项技术非常简单，可以由现有的消防员操作，使运营成本保持在较低水平。该团队已经演示了用多达500磅的木材生产生物炭的方法。初步研究与以前的文献一致，表明生物炭可以作为一种高价值的土壤改良剂或更绿色的煤炭替代品。该团队已经获得了木质碎片的初步供应，并已开始与潜在客户进行讨论。该团队将利用这笔资金将这项技术商业化，以应对砍伐带来的重大生态和社会挑战，同时降低土地所有者的成本。目前这项技术的商业化计划包括两个战略，1)直接提供清除残渣的服务，2)将生物炭作为土壤改良剂和美化材料推向市场。了解新技术中依赖于规模的过程，并展示其在与林业运营相关的规模上的适用性，将极大地促进这项由NSF资助的研究的工程科学和商业潜力。

In-forest biomass processing is being broadly promoted to address the costs associated with transporting low-value biomass to central facilities. However, current approaches for scaling-down conventional process technologies are unlikely to result in sufficiently low costs for accessing most woody debris resources. Previous research led to the development of a low capital cost, engineered blanket pyrolysis system that is used to convert forest residue into carbonaceous biochar through temperature-controlled slow pyrolysis. The technology is simple enough to be operated by existing fire-crews, keeping operating costs low. The team has demonstrated this approach for biochar production from as much as 500 lbs of wood. Preliminary studies are consistent with prior literature, showing that biochar can serve as a high value soil amendment or greener alternative to coal. The team has secured an initial supply of woody debris and has initiated discussions with potential customers. The team will use the funds to commercialize this technology to address the major ecological and societal challenges posed by slash, while reducing the cost to landowners. The current plan for the commercialization of this technology involves two strategies 1) the direct service of slash removal and 2) bringing biochar to the market as a soil amendment and landscaping material. Understanding scale-dependent processes in the new technology, and showing its applicability at a scale relevant to forestry operations, will significantly advance the engineering science and commercial potential of this NSF-funded research.