Impact of post-pyrolysis wash on biochar powders and their respective granule formations
Abstract
Biochar can be an effective soil amendment, but concerns are soil contamination and dust emissions. This thesis developed various post-pyrolysis washing solutions to alleviate these concerns. Washing can reduce biochar hydrophobicity, improve its stability and adsorption properties and remove organic, inorganic, and PAH contaminants. The most effective wash was used to facilitate biochar granulation. Biochars from two different feedstocks were tested in a drum granulator with molasses binder. Washing biochar significantly increased the yield of optimally sized granules. Granules from washed biochar were dense, robust and free-flowing. The research showed how washing improved various biochar powders in terms of their chemical characteristics and, through granulation testing, their physical characteristics.