Use of Portable Field Kilns to Process Biomass and Make Biochar
Project Overview
Basics
Use of Portable Field Kilns to Process Biomass and Make Biochar
NCRP RFFC Demonstration Projects R1
Completed
This project will demonstrate use of a mobile flame-cap kiln processing kit containing specialized portable metal kilns, known as “Ring of Fire” kilns, to process forest slash onsite. This process results in a “carbon negative” action by returning the elemental carbon (“biochar”) generated through kiln pyrolysis to the soil—either within the forest from which it was harvested or on nearby farms. Importantly, this process can also significantly reduce smoke pollution and PM 2.5 emissions compared to use of open burn piles. These kilns and other similar flame-cap kilns can be manufactured inexpensively and are a replicable and open source technology that can be used at multiple scales.
2019
2020
2022
12/3/2023
Project Attributes
General Information
Project Description Narrative (1,000 character limit)
This project will purchase and demonstrate use of a mobile “flame-cap kiln processing kit” containing 6 specialized portable metal kilns. We will demonstrate the value of this approach as an alternative to standard open pile burning practices in several locations. The project will train crews from the California Conservation Corps, the Usal Forest Redwood Company, a network of Native American tribes organized and led by the Potter Valley Tribe in Mendocino County, and from the Scott Valley Watershed Council in the safe use of the kilns and optimal biochar production.
Solutions
Capacity - Demonstration Projects, Capacity - Tribal Capacity, Capacity - Workforce Development, Climate Action - Emissions Reduction, Fire Resilient Forests - Forest Biomass Residuals
Spatial Information
Tribal Region
None
Project Size (Acres)
None
Location
Organizations
| Contract Manager | |
| Funders | |
| Partner | |
| Project Sponsor |
Contacts
Project Benefit Performance Measures
Expected Project Benefit Performance Measures
| Biomass Utilization | Type: Biochar | 2.1 tons |
| Capacity Enhancement - # of projects | 1 count | |
| Education & outreach - # of participants | 120 | |
| Environmental justice and social equity - # of projects | Activity focus: Capacity building | 1 count |
| Job & Workforce Training - # events | 1 | |
| Jobs created or retained (FTE) | 0.5 |
Reported Project Benefit Performance Measures
| Biomass Utilization | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | 2022 | Units |
| Biochar | 22.77 | tons |
| Total | 22.77 | tons |
| Capacity Enhancement - # of projects | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Units | |
| 1 | count | |
| Total | 1 | count |
| Education & outreach - # of participants | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Units | |
| 120 | number | |
| Total | 120 | number |
| Environmental justice and social equity - # of projects | ||
|---|---|---|
| Activity focus | 2022 | Units |
| Capacity building | 1 | count |
| Total | 1 | count |
| Job & Workforce Training - # events | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Units | |
| 1 | number | |
| Total | 1 | number |
| Jobs created or retained (FTE) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Units | |
| 0.5 | number | |
| Total | 0.5 | number |
| No accomplishments to report for: | |
| Year(s): | 2020-2021 |
|---|---|
| Explanation: | no accomplishments reported. |
Financials
Budget
| Comment: | None provided |
|---|
Reported Expenditures
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matching Funds (Matching Funds) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $76,988.00 | $76,988.00 |
| Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (CA Dept of Conservation) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $122,883.00 | $122,883.00 |
| Grand Total | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $199,871.00 | $199,871.00 |
| Note: | No expenditures yet reported. |
|---|
Project Types
Project Types
Data generated through project implementation will inform the next generation of biochar projects in the North Coast.
This project will host three trainings for about 120 people in proper use of field kilns and related safety protocols. This project will provide at least one community engagement event.
This project explores the feasibility of biochar generation from fuel reduction projects through use of a mobile biochar system. The system reduces pollutants released into the atmosphere compared to pile burns and generates biochar, which is a soil amendment that increases soil nutrients and water holding capacity. This increases watershed and community resiliency to climate change. Biochar generation releases less emissions than open pile burning, the alternative to this project.
Project Details
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Use of Portable Field Kilns to Process Biomass and Make Biochar Project
- Uploaded On
- 10/28/2022
- File Type
- Description
- Full report on this project.
Notes
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