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5 Easy and Profitable Ways to Make Biochar

5 Easy and Profitable Ways to Make Biochar

Biochar, a charcoal-like material made from the pyrolysis of plant matter, is gaining traction. Valued for improving soil, capturing carbon, and even fueling things, biochar can be quite valuable. High-quality biochar used in agriculture can fetch hundreds of dollars per ton!  [1], [2], [3]

The growing demand for biochar makes it a potential full-time job opportunity. Setting up a biochar production facility allows entrepreneurs to capitalize on this emerging market and create a profitable business venture.

For example, in Nairobi, Kenya, people can sell biochar for 100 Ksh per Kg and earn about 750 Ksh per day working with a TLUD cooker turning biomass into biochar. For more info on this click here. Additionally, biochar production maximizes the retention of bio-oil and syngas, valuable by-products that can be used as renewable energy sources. This makes biochar not only an environmentally friendly option but also a profitable one.

Here are 5 easy and profitable ways to make biochar:

  1. Solar Thermal
  2. Solar PV
  3. TLUD Cooker
  4. Smokeless Fire Pit
  5. Kon Tiki Kiln

1. Using Solar Thermal Energy to Produce Biochar

Solar thermal technology uses the sun’s energy to produce heat, which can be used to create biochar. This method is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as it relies on renewable solar energy.

Steps to make biochar with Solar Thermal:

  1. Gather materials: You will need a solar thermal collector, biomass (such as wood chips or agricultural waste), and a container to hold the biomass.
  2. Set up the solar collector: Position the solar collector to maximize sunlight exposure.
  3. Load the biomass: Place the biomass in the container and position it within the solar collector.
  4. Heat the biomass: Allow the solar collector to heat the biomass until it carbonizes.
  5. Cool and collect: Once the biomass has turned into biochar, let it cool before collecting it for use.

For more details, refer to our article on solar thermal biochar production.

Burnt dry biomass in a heart-shaped plate and two nesting containers used for small-scale biochar production.
Burnt dry biomass and a makeshift solar thermal setup made from nesting containers, showcasing a simple method for biochar production.
Closeup of biochar held in a hand, demonstrating the results of a solar thermal biochar production process.
A closeup of biochar produced using a solar thermal parabolic setup, highlighting the lightweight, porous texture of the material.

Parabolic solar setups, like the ones shown, are a simple and low-cost way to make biochar using recycled cans. They can reach over 700°F, producing small batches of char efficiently. One test reduced 107g of wood to just 44.3g. Though smoky and tricky to manage, it’s a practical option for eco-friendly DIY projects. [Source]

2. Using Solar PV Energy to Produce Biochar

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight directly into electricity, which can then be used to power a biochar kiln. This method is sustainable and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Steps to make biochar with Solar PV:

  1. Gather materials: You will need a solar PV system, an electric biochar kiln, and biomass.
  2. Install the solar PV system: Set up the solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
  3. Load the kiln: Place the biomass into the electric biochar kiln.
  4. Power the kiln: Use the electricity generated by the solar PV system to power the kiln.
  5. Monitor the process: Ensure the biomass is heated to the appropriate temperature to produce biochar.
  6. Cool and collect: Once the biochar is ready, allow it to cool before collecting it.

3. Using TLUD Cooker to Produce Biochar

TLUD (Top Lit Updraft Gasifier) is a simple and efficient device for making biochar. It is a cylindrical container with a firebox at the bottom and a chimney at the top. The air is drawn in from the bottom and heated as it passes through the firebox. The hot air then rises through the chimney, carrying the biochar gas with it. The biochar gas is cooled and condensed, producing a liquid biofuel.

Here are the steps to make biochar with TLUD:

  1. Gather the materials.
  2. Assemble the TLUD.
  3. Add fuel.
  4. Ignite the fuel.
  5. Adjust the air flow.
  6. Collect the biochar.
  7. Clean the TLUD.

It is important to follow all safety precautions and to be aware of the potential hazards.

4. Make Your Own Biochar Using the Cone Pit Method

Biochar has been used for thousands of years to improve soil health. One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods for making biochar is the Cone Pit Method. This technique involves creating a controlled burn in a cone-shaped pit to produce biochar, which can enhance soil fertility and help sequester carbon.

What You’ll Need:

  • Shovel
  • Biomass (such as dried leaves, brush, sticks)
  • Matches or a lighter
  • Bucket of water
  • Protective gear (gloves, goggles)
  • A storage container
  • Hammer (for crushing the biochar)

Steps to Make Biochar Using the Cone Pit Method:

  1. Choose the Right Day: Pick a day without strong wind and ensure no fire bans are in effect.

  2. Dig the Pit: Create a cone-shaped pit, about 20 inches in diameter and 40 inches deep.

  3. Prepare the Biomass: Fill the base of the pit with dry biomass like wood chips or dried plant material. Avoid using any chemically treated wood.

  4. Light the Fire: Start the fire at the top of the biomass and allow it to burn downward. Add layers of biomass as the fire progresses, ensuring not to overload the pit with fuel, which could cause excessive smoke or ash.

  5. Monitor the Fire: Keep a close eye on the fire, adding more biomass as needed. You want to maintain low oxygen levels to produce biochar instead of ash.

  6. Extinguish and Cool: Once the fire has consumed the biomass and the pit is filled, douse it with water to extinguish any remaining flames. Let it sit overnight.

  7. Crush and Enrich: Once the biochar has cooled, crush it into smaller particles using a hammer. For maximum effectiveness, soak the biochar in compost tea, worm castings, or another nutrient-rich solution for a few weeks.

  8. Apply to Soil: Work the biochar into the top layers of soil or use it as mulch to improve plant growth and sequester carbon.

5. Kon Tiki Kiln to Make Biochar

A Kon-Tiki Kiln is a simple and efficient device for making biochar. It is a cone-shaped pit that is lined with firebricks. The fuel is placed in the pit and ignited. The air is drawn in from the bottom and heated as it passes through the firebox. The hot air then rises through the chimney, carrying the biochar gas with it. The biochar gas is cooled and condensed, producing a liquid biofuel.

kon tiki kiln
"Kontiki kiln" by Tim Brunauer, GIZ is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Here are the steps to make biochar with a Kon-Tiki Kiln:

  1. Gather the materials. You will need a Kon-Tiki Kiln, firebricks, fuel, and a shovel.
  2. Assemble the Kon-Tiki Kiln. Line the pit with firebricks.
  3. Add fuel. Place the fuel in the pit.
  4. Ignite the fuel. Light the fuel with a torch or lighter.
  5. Adjust the air flow. Open or close the vents to control the air flow.
  6. Collect the biochar. Once the fire has gone out, remove the biochar from the pit.
  7. Clean the Kon-Tiki Kiln. Remove any ash or debris from the pit.

See this video tutorial for further exploration: The simplest biochar production method known

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