Pyrolysis
After oil is extracted from harvested mallee trees, the biomass remaining after steam distillation is left to dry then transferred to the pyrolysis plant where it is pyrolysed to produce biochar and wood vinegar.
Each tonne of spent biomass that is pyrolysed produces about 300 Kg of Bone-Dry Biochar (BDC). We produce about 2,000 tonnes of BDC per annum from spent biomass generated from the production of 100,000 Kg of eucalyptus oil. Pyrolysis produces smoke and other emissions which we extract from the combustion chamber to produce wood vinegar.
Our pyrolysis plant comprises a single continuous-pyrolysis char machine. Planning is underway to install and commission an additional two char machines by FY2026/27.
Our pyrolysis plant comprises a single continuous-pyrolysis char machine. Planning is underway to install and commission an additional two char machines by FY2026/27.
Biochar is the lightweight black residue, made of carbon and ash, which is used to enhance the ability of soils to hold and maintain water when applied.
Studies have proved that biochar increases the productivity of ruminant livestock when used as a feed additive. It acts as a buffer, increasing the efficiency of the rumen process in addition to significantly increasing the surface area in the rumen for healthy bacteria to proliferate. It also reduces the methane emissions as the more efficient rumen converts more feed into body mass.
Studies have proved that biochar increases the productivity of ruminant livestock when used as a feed additive. It acts as a buffer, increasing the efficiency of the rumen process in addition to significantly increasing the surface area in the rumen for healthy bacteria to proliferate. It also reduces the methane emissions as the more efficient rumen converts more feed into body mass.
Syngas is a gas that can be used to generate renewable energy which can become a local power source or be fed into a microgrid. It can also be salvaged and used in combustion engines. Fasera is investigating the production of Syngas from Pyrolysis machines planned for delivery within the next 5 years.
Wood Vinegar is a bio-stimulant that has been used historically in the horticultural industry to facilitate germination. It also has beneficial properties in the broader agricultural industry where recent experiments have shown that it successfully controls snails in legume crops and allows plants to more effectively process other inputs.
The process of pyrolysis generates heat of between 450 and 700 degrees Celsius in the combustion chamber and up to 1400 degrees Celsius in the thermal oxidizer. This heat is another resource that can power new opportunities on Fasera’s farmland and generate new industries.
The latent heat generated through the pyrolysis process can be used to desalinate the massive reservoir of underground saline water that sits below the West Australian wheatbelt.
The latent heat generated through the pyrolysis process can be used to desalinate the massive reservoir of underground saline water that sits below the West Australian wheatbelt.
