Characterizing Biochars

1 1G Toucan TLUD for Biochar Production by Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, Alterna Biocarbon Inc. , January 2010 Version Introduction to Biochar and TLUD pyrolysis Biochar is a new approach to improving soils based on the ancient practice known as “Terra Preta”,... More

1 1G Toucan TLUD for Biochar Production by Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, Alterna Biocarbon Inc. , January 2010 Version Introduction to Biochar and TLUD pyrolysis Biochar is a new approach to improving soils based on the ancient practice known as “Terra Preta”, where soils in the Amazon were enhanced by the addition of charcoal. . Since any agricultural utilization of biochar starts with obtaining the biochar, and since biochar is not yet a widely available commercial product, one challenge is obtaining reasonable quality biochar. This memo outlines a simple device and method for making small quantities of consistent, high-purity and easy-to-use biochar, suitable for home gardeners for use in potting soils and gardens. One method of making good quality biochar is called Top-Lit UpDraft pyrolysis, commonly referred to as “TLUD” (Tee-lud). The TLUD principles are explained in various resources (just Google “TLUD”), but also will be evident in the discussion that follows. TLUDs were deve Less