Feedstock Requirements

Feedstock particle size, moisture content and ash content all have an impact on suitability for use in a Pyrocal CCT system. We have used woodchip in the particle size examples below, however the same sizing principles apply to other feedstocks.

Why Particle Size is Important

1. The time available to heat and carbonise the particles is nominally 100 seconds. Particles more than 12mm thick may not be fully carbonized. Partially carbonized particles can present a spontaneous combustion risk in the biochar.

2. Particles longer than 45mm present a risk of choking the feed metering system.

3. Particles below 3mm can short circuit the hearth and/or generate fine dust during carbonization.

4. Particles below 0.5mm (dust) can be carried with the outgoing gas flow into the thermal oxidiser, increasing demand on the emission controls.

Please contact us to inquire about the suitability of your feedstock.

Maximum Particle Size for Optimal Operation

Ideal Particle Size Distribution

Ash and Moisture

The ash and moisture content of the feedstock will determine the level of recoverable energy, with low ash and low moisture yielding the maximum recoverable energy. Clean woodchip is an example of a low ash feedstock and poultry manure is an example of a high ash feedstock.