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Pyrolysis modeCertified biochar from a continuous pyrolysis reactor
In pyrolysis mode, our patented reactor heats biomass without oxygen until most of it becomes stable carbon. The result is biochar that holds carbon for the long term and can earn carbon removal credits.
What biochar is
Biochar is a carbon-rich solid made by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen. Unlike charcoal made for burning, biochar is kept out of the atmosphere: added to soil or materials, or used to replace fossil carbon in industry.
How long the carbon stays locked away depends on how completely the biomass has converted. Two numbers measure that: organic carbon content and the hydrogen-to-carbon (H/C) ratio. Higher carbon and a lower H/C ratio mean more stable biochar.
Biochar from our reactor, certified Isometric Class 1
Results from the Sanchore demonstration plant in Rajasthan, which runs an SGC-designed and SGC-built reactor. See the full results →
Where our biochar goes
Carbon removal credits
Biochar certified under recognised standards such as Isometric can generate carbon dioxide removal credits for project developers.
Steel and metallurgy
Steelmakers are trialling biochar as a partial replacement for pulverised coal injection. Read about SAIL's trial.
Soil and agriculture
As a soil amendment, biochar holds water and nutrients while keeping its carbon locked away.
Feedstocks
The reactor is designed for woody and agricultural biomass, including wet feedstock, because its integrated dryer uses hot flue gas.
- Prosopis juliflora, the invasive woody shrub across western India. Isometric Class 1
- Bamboo, wood chips and sawdust
- Agricultural residues, including paddy straw
The Isometric Class 1 certification covers biochar made from Juliflora only. Other feedstocks are within the reactor's design range but are not covered by that certification.
Pyrolysis conditions
| Temperature | 400–450 °C for certified biocharReactor range 250–500 °C across both modes |
|---|---|
| Residence time | 60–90 minutes |
| Heating | Indirect, oxygen-free drum |
| Throughput | 0.4 TPH per line demonstrated |
Planning a biochar or bio-coal plant?
Tell us your feedstock and capacity. We reply within two working days.