BioChar

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1.00

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

BioChar Maroc

Manufacturing/Building Method

Both products are produced through a process that includes collection agricultural byproducts, burning (pyrolyzing), carbonization, and pressing and compacting - as can be seen in this video. BioChar used to compact manually, however, and along with local artisans, they built a machine to compact the charcoal briquettes.  

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

Products and service are directly from the manufacturer, BioChar.

Distributions to Date Status

As of August 2018, over 100 units have been sold. ^{Interview with the representative}

Design Specifications

To create the briquettes, BioChare uses a rectangular and compact biochar kiln with a capacity of 1000 kgs (1 ton) of biomass (mainly for tomatoes and peppers), a water tank (volume to be decided) and all connected with a proper piping system. The kiln is going to be made of refractory iron and is going to be similar to the one designed by Chris Adams. ^{Interview with representative}  

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Plastic tubes at the combustion chamber. ^{Interview with representative}  

Lifecycle

Lifecycle and disposal directions for the kiln are unknown. ^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

BioChar aims to focus on the production of the product by deciding the specified volumes and packages for storage and distribution. As of August 2018, BioChar is working with a local tomato greenhouse company to build a biochar kiln that simultaneously heats a greenhouse. BioChar, however, needs the help of experts on thermodynamics to design the dual system.^{Interview with the representative}

Vetted Performance Status

Biochar Maroc has produced 100 kgs of biochar from tomato biomass with their oven for the company Azura. They are now testing it on the soil and making the phytotoxic analysis.

Safety

Potential hazards regarding spontaneous combustion without proper storage and potential burns during the use of the charcoal briquettes. Guidelines provided by the manufacturer should be followed.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The manufacture claims to match the goals of the 2016-2030 National Sustainable Development Strategy in Marocco. ^{Interview with representative}

Other Information

BioChar has participated in the 12th edition of Green Africa Innovation Booster, organized by the Solar Energy and New Energy Research Institute of Morocco (IRISEN) as well as in the 13th edition of the International Exhibition of Agriculture in Meknes (SIAM). BioChar was awarded as the second of three major innovations in the Clean Tech Innovation Challenge in Marocco.