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1G Toucan TLUD for Biochar Production
by Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, Alterna Biocarbon Inc.
, January 2010 Version
Introduction to Biochar and TLUD pyrolysis
Biochar is a new approach to improving soils based on the ancient practice known as “Terra
Preta”,...
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1
1G Toucan TLUD for Biochar Production
by Hugh McLaughlin, PhD, PE, Alterna Biocarbon Inc.
, January 2010 Version
Introduction to Biochar and TLUD pyrolysis
Biochar is a new approach to improving soils based on the ancient practice known as “Terra
Preta”, where soils in the Amazon were enhanced by the addition of charcoal.
.
Since any
agricultural utilization of biochar starts with obtaining the biochar, and since biochar is not yet a
widely available commercial product, one challenge is obtaining reasonable quality biochar.
This memo outlines a simple device and method for making small quantities of consistent,
high-purity and easy-to-use biochar, suitable for home gardeners for use in potting soils
and gardens.
One method of making good quality biochar is called Top-Lit UpDraft pyrolysis, commonly
referred to as “TLUD” (Tee-lud).
The TLUD principles are explained in various resources (just
Google “TLUD”), but also will be evident in the discussion that follows.
TLUDs were
deve
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