[Gasification] [Digestion] Karve connecting Biochar and Biogas

[back40]

I wonder if this is relevant:
http://newscenter.lbl.gov/feature-stories/2011/10/05/soil-carbon/

"Michael Schmidt, a co-author of the Nature paper from the University
of Zurich, has already found that biochar, which is charred material
from wildfires or a kiln, is not stable as previously believed. It
also readily decomposes. Some scientists had believed that biochar
could be used to sequester carbon, but this may not be the case."

On 10/6/11, Paul Harris <paul.harris at adelaide.edu.au> wrote:
> G’day All,
>
>
>
> For the “non digesters” in particular some anaerobic digesters are packed
> with plastic rings/balls or other media to provide a surface for bacteria,
> so what Dr Karve has possibly done (I am guessing here) is provided “homes”
> for a lot more bacteria so they are not washed out. This is good for
> solutions but not so good if there are solids in the waste stream.
>
>
>
> The other possibility is that the extra carbon has restored the C:N ratio.
>
>
>
> Could you give more details of what you did Dr Karve, if it is possible (I
> understand you may have some commercial interests to protect)?
>
>
>
> Happy digesting,
>
> HOOROO
>
>
>
> Mr. Paul Harris, Room 202 Charles Hawker Building, Faculty of Sciences, The
> University of Adelaide,
>
> Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond SA 5064 Ph  : +61 8 8303 7880      Fax  :
> +61 8 8303 4386
>
> Roseworthy Campus, Ph  : +61 8 8303 7929
>
> mailto:paul.harris at adelaide.edu.au
> http://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/paul.harris
>
>
>
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> From: digestion-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
> [mailto:digestion-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of
> rongretlarson at comcast.net
> Sent: Thursday, 6 October 2011 1:35 PM
> To: Anand Karve; gasification at lists.bioenergylists.org; Discussion of
> biomass; biochar; digestion
> Subject: [Digestion] Karve connecting Biochar and Biogas
>
>
>
> AD (cc four lists):
>
>     I have not previously seen the connection between Biochar and Biogas
> that you described (below) today on the gasification list.     In
> particular, you say you ".. filled the digester
> with charcoal, my system accepted three times the normal daily input
> and produced three times as much gas."
> I think what you describe can be a very powerful push for both Biochar and
> Biogas.  Can you describe what you have learned a little more?
>
>      I know too little of digesters, so this is not clear.  I think I know
> your kitchen-sized inverted "barrel" gas chamber and think I understand the
> last part - of getting three times as much gas in the next 24 hours or less
> (and 3X is a huge change!).   Does the idea of accepting three times more
> mean essentially the same thing?  I would think you could "jam" any amount
> in;  what limits acceptance?
>
>     Do you agree that this is very important new information?  Do you agree
> this information could help speed up both technologies?  I believe there is
> wide agreement that Biochar benefits from added biological material (that
> would not be long-lived from a sequestration perspective).  Is there any
> reason to think that the traditional use of digester effluent for ag
> improvements will be in any way harmed if it is continued through the
> addition of carbon-negative Biochar?  Should this not promote sales of your
> charcoal-making stoves?
>
>    If I haven't asked quite the right question - please answer the right
> one.  And congratulations on learning and reporting this.
>
> Ron
>
>


-- 
Regards,
Gary Jones