MASBio Annual Conference

I spoke last week at the MASBio Annual Conference in Raleigh, NC, and was a panelist on a discussion of sustainable bioproducts. MASBio stands for Mid Atlantic Sustainable Bioproducts consortium of 11 universities and industry partners. I spoke about biochar logistics and wood vinegar product development, and my speech and comments were well-received.

Pyrolysis of woody biomass results in the creation of solid biocarbon, and condensable and non-condensable gases. The condensable gas can be split into 2 fractions: pyroligneus oil and wood vinegar. While the oil fraction can be burned for its BTU value, and be used as a binder for biocarbon pellets, wood vinegar can be used for a whole host of applications. It can be used as a bio-based, sustainable plant growth stimulant, a composting accelerant, insecticide, fungicide, and a non-toxic to humans herbicide.

Wood vinegar production offers biochar producers a unique economic opportunity to produce valuable liquid bio-chemicals in addition to solid biocarbon. Wood vinegar sells for $40 to $60 per gallon on the open market. This additional revenue derived from wood vinegar can greatly improve the ROI of biochar projects.