Advantages of Slow Pyrolysis: Biochar, Syngas, Bio-oil, & Waste Management
In this blog post, we explore the benefits of slow pyrolysis, a process with numerous advantages for sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
What is Slow Pyrolysis
Slow pyrolysis is a process where organic feedstocks are pyrolized at temperatures between 550-750 degrees Celsius in a low-oxygen environment. At these temperatures, a thermal breakdown of the organic biomass material being continuously fed into the machine takes place, converting the biomass into biochar. This biochar is a stable carbon material that is not biodegradable, sequestering carbon for 100’s to 1,000’s of years when applied to the soil.
Discover the lasting strength and resilience of biochar in our blog, “What’s Your Shelf-Life”. Compared to other types of pyrolysis processes, slow pyrolysis is self-sustaining and only requires a small amount of fuel at the beginning of the continuous process to reach temperatures, making it exothermic.
Products of Slow Pyrolysis
Sitos Group primarily utilizes slow pyrolysis to produce biochar, a carbon-rich material offering significant environmental benefits. Dive deeper into the world of biochar through our “biochar 101” blog or explore our dedicated biochar page for a wealth of information.
Slow pyrolysis not only produces biochar but also yields valuable resources like syngas, a blend of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane, offering a sustainable fuel source to drive the pyrolysis unit efficiently. With further processing, these syngasses can be converted into valuable chemicals and used to replace fossle-fuels.
Bio-oil, a liquid derived from biomass through slow pyrolysis can also be used as a renewable energy source and feedstock for various industrial applications. Sitos Group's current B3 machine prioritizes the production of biochar and syngas over bio-oil, achieving this by operating at higher temperatures with shorter residence times to create biochar with a high carbon content.
Waste Management
Slow pyrolysis offers a comprehensive solution to waste management, providing a multifaceted approach to handling organic waste. By converting this waste into valuable resources like biochar, syngas, and bio-oil, slow pyrolysis not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with the traditional decomposition of organic waste, which releases CO2 back into the environment; it also unlocks avenues for sustainable economic development.
Such sustainable practices resonate deeply with Sitos Group's commitment to fostering a regenerative future through innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while also driving economic growth and social progress.
Driving Change
As we embrace slow pyrolysis, we're not only optimizing efficiency but also driving meaningful change in waste management and environmental stewardship. Together, we're forging a path towards a greener, more regenerative future.