Using the M-Kiln™
The M-Kiln™ was conceived to be as easy to use as a microwave, load it, select your food type (feedstock) keep an eye on it and wait for the timer to ping. You don’t need to know how it works just follow the instructions.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
The below information is a high-level overview of M-Kiln™ operation, it is not intended as a training guide. Prior to receiving their M-Kiln™ members will be offered the option to receive on-site training as well as their operating manual, but each Member remains responsible for carrying out site specific risk assessments and developing their own operating procedures for use of the M-Kiln™ within the context of their broader business operations, federal and local safety requirements. Fire safe PPE should be worn at all times when operating the M-Kiln™.
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1.
Source Feedstock
The first step in making biochar is to source your feedstock (tree or plant residues). Most of our Members join because they have access to a large surplus of biomass to enable biochar production within their existing business.
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In order to comply with international standards and avoid contamination it’s essential to understand the provenance of this feedstock; where it’s come from and how it’s been handled or treated before use. Members are required to sign up to feedstock standards, certify compliance for each batch produced and be open to random inspection.
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​When you apply to join Biochar Club™ one of our consultants will contact you to understand your feedstock supply and discuss its suitability for use. If you have access to clean (virgin wood or toxin free material) , relatively dry (<25% moisture content), sensibly sized material (see loading below) you can almost certainly make biochar with it.
2.
Load
Loading the M-Kiln™ is as easy as loading a conventional trailer, just this one has a lid.
The lids open to almost the full length of the trailer, enabling large pieces of material to be loaded quickly and efficiently, or scoops and containers to be used for rapid turnaround.
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Sorting and stacking feedstock increases productivity. Stacking pieces into IBC containers and ‘pouring them in’, using log grabs, or simply loading by hand all work well depending on the tools you have available.​
3.
Ignite
Load the kiln with your driest materials adding 1-2 litres of bioethanol and simply throwing in a match. There's no gas burners to pre-heat the kiln, nature will do that, usually within 20-30 minutes and then the M-Kiln™ insulation and lid will help retain heat between uses unlike many other products.
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Once combustion is underway, partially close the lids to reflect heat back into the kiln. Once full coverage is achieved, or temperatures reach 300C close the lid to maximise combustion efficiency.
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Programme your mobile number into KilnOS™, push the Ignition button and keep an eye on the tablet. KilnOS™ will keep you informed.
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4.
Monitoring
Like a microwave, the inbuilt temperature and weight sensors are monitoring 10,000 data points an hour to try and optimise your biochar production. Based on weight and temperature KilnOS™ works to optimise your operation.
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From different feedstocks with different energy profiles, different ambient conditions and feedstock moisture levels the duration of pyrolysis KilnOS™ will adapt to ensure every batch of biochar reaches the same standards.
5.
Off load
We monitor every batch of production looking for anomalies and if we see irregular patterns of operation we will be in touch to find out what's happening. Once the computer thinks you’re batch is nearly ready you will receive an SMS to prepare for offload and when the tablet says your biochar is ‘done’ it’s time to offload.
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With the lids closed to minimise oxygen access, release the safety latches, hold in the ejector button and out pours your biochar into the quench pool, simply stir to make sure all biochar is extinguished and a thermal camera check to ensure there's no hot spots and then offload to drain or use.
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6.
Rinse & repeat
Return the kiln to the loading position, secure the safety latches, update KilnOS™ with your new load details, and ready your load.
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Once ready to load open the lids and load away. As long as the lids have not been left open too long the kiln should remain around 4-500C, close the lids to 70%, and the new load will heat up quickly and generally auto ignite to restart the process.
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7.
Biochar stored
At the end of each day operators can produce a report showing how many tonnes of dry biochar (before offloading) were produced.
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The Biochar can be applied at the point of production, inoculated or stored in bulk bags.
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Most members utilise the biochar directly within their own business, but some may have a surplus. In future the Biochar Club™ intends to create a marketplace for Members to trade biochar for alternate uses.