Characteristics of Biochar Production Derived from Bamboo in a Drum Pyrolyzer

This study utilizes a drum pyrolyzer to investigate the production of biochar and wood vinegar from bamboo. Bamboo from Prachinburi province in Thailand was used in the experiment. Bamboo was heated to a temperature between 450 °C and 595 °C in a drum pyrolyzer (cylindrical shape). The yields of biochar, wood vinegar, and gaseous products following the pyrolysis process were at 34.6%, 16.6%, and 48.8%, respectively. Based on calculations using the yield of biochar and the heating values of both biochar and raw fuel, the pyrolyzer's energy conversion efficiency was at 44.6%. With moisture content dropping from 11.1% to 4.94%, volatile matter dropping from 78.0% to 39.2%, and fixed carbon rising from 19.8% to 52.4%, the resultant bamboo biochar displayed better properties than the raw material. Compared to the raw bamboo's 19.1 MJ/kg, the biochar's higher heating value (HHV) increased to 24.6 MJ/kg. During the pyrolysis process, the pH of the wood vinegar generated ranged from 2.85 to 3.18. Based on a one-year project timeline, the process showed economic potential with a monthly internal rate of return of 46.75% and a payback period of about two months.