Affiliation:
1. Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AEnRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza 12611/ Egypt
Abstract
This study aims to develop and evaluate a locally manufactured carbonization unit with a screw conveyor. Various carbonization temperatures (350, 400, and 450°C) and feeding rates (50, 75, and 100 kg/h) were examined to determine optimal conditions for producing biochar from rice husk (RH). The results revealed that increasing the pyrolysis temperature from 350 to 450°C decreased RH biochar yield, while increasing the feeding rate from 50 to 100 kg/h increased it. Ash content was 22.4% at 350°C for 100 kg/h, and the maximum value was 31.4% at 450°C and 50 kg/h. The BET surface area of the biochar increased from 105.71 to 312.32 m2/g at 450°C, with slight non-significant changes at a 100 kg/h feed rate. RH biochar showed decreasing H and O values with higher temperatures and lower feed rates. RH biochar at 450°C and 50 kg/h showed increased macro porosity and surface area, rendering it suitable for agricultural application as a soil amendment.