Biochar Production from Cassava Rhizome in a Semi-continuous Carbonization System

Cassava waste consists mainly of rhizome. Around four million tons of the agro-residue is available annually. It has great potential to be used for energy and power generation. In this work, cassava rhizome was converted into biochar in an alternative carbonizer based on semi-continuous, externally heated, retort type, pyrolysis gas burning concept. The reactor capacity was 35 – 50 kg/h, suitable for local entrepreneurs. Tests with cassava rhizome showed that good quality charcoal can be produced in shorter time with much lower atmospheric pollutants, compared with traditional kilns. The carbonization system was demonstrated to perform well in terms of temperature evolution, biochar yields and characteristics.