maccy biochar​

BIOCHAR BASICS

by

Brian Lewis

 

Prerequisites: Nil.

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Age Range: Adult.

 

Course content: Biochar terminology; definition of biochar; how it differs from charcoal; Terra Preta soils; physical characteristics; chemical composition; types of biochar – raw, enhanced, activated; soil applications; special purpose applications; production methods; packaging and storage. Analysis of bulk density and composition. Introduction to carbon accounting & emissions trading.

 

Class size:  Max. 20.

 

Course duration: 4 hours (2 sessions of 2 hrs).

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Course location: Macclesfield Institute, Venables Strret, Macclesfield.

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Brian Lewis has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently the Chair of Maccy Biochar.  

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Course Fee: $20 per person payable at time of booking. Members FREE.

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Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au

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Next Course Date: TBA

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BIOCHAR PRODUCTION WORKSHOP

by

Kelvin Williams & Brian Lewis

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Prerequisites: Biochar Basics.

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Clothing Requirements: Sunhat, sunglasses; long-sleeved cotton trousers and shirt (NOT polyester); cotton or leather gloves; sturdy shoes..

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Age Range: Adult.

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Course content: Production methods – slow pyrolysis retorts, TLUD gasifiers, flame-cap kilns; continuous techniques; costs & benefits of each; operational risks; personal protective equipment; quenching v. snuffing; packaging & storage; demonstration of flame-cap kiln.

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Class size:  Max. 20.

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Course duration: 8 hours.

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Course location:

Morning session: Macclesfield Institute, Venables Street, Macclesfield.

Afternoon session: Macclesfield Biochar Centre.   

 

OR by arrangement with your Group at your location.

Note: Your Group will be responsible for obtaining any fire permits needed for your area and for ensuring safety of participants at all times. We can assist with preparation of a Risk Management Plan.          

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Kelvin Williams is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and manager of Black Diamond Biochar, a supplier of enhanced biochar.

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Brian Lewis has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently Chair of Maccy Biochar.  

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Course Fee: $20 per person payable at time of booking. Members FREE.

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For Group Arrangement at your location: The fee will be set by your group coordinator based on purchase of all biochar produced at 1.00/litre plus reimbursement of our volunteer travel costs. 

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Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au

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Next Course Date: TBA

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SETTING UP A COMMUNITY BIOCHAR GROUP

by

Kelvin Williams & Brian Lewis

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Course Content:

INTRODUCTION (Why start a community biochar group?);

BIOCHAR TERMINOLOGY;

DEFINITION OF BIOCHAR (feedstock; process; use)

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION (Public meeting; steering committee)

DRAFT BUSINESS PLAN (Objectives; Advantages; Markets; OHS&E; Financials)

COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT (Support in principle; volunteer insurance cover)

AUSPICING BODY (pending Incorporation eg local community association)

OPEN DAY (build community awareness; canvass possible operating sites)

OBTAIN OPERATING SITE (Crown land? Council land? Private property?)

OBTAIN FIRST KILN(S) (Community Grant? Build? Borrow? Hire?)

DESIGN & LAUNCH WEB SITE (Web site designer? Wix DIY? Other?)

EXPAND CAPABILITY (More kilns; more members; more funds)

VOLUNTEERS & SAFETY (Risk assessment; Job Event Registers)

EMISSIONS ESTIMATES (Petrol use; Electricity use etc)

CARBON CAPTURE CALCULATIONS (Biochar analysis; CO2 captured)

WOOD COLLECTION, STORAGE & PREPARATION

BIOCHAR PRODUCTION, PACKING & STORAGE (Safety aspects)

MEMBER BULLETINS (or Newsletters)

MARKETING & SALES (Customers; Product brochures; Payment methods)

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Course location:

Macclesfield Institute, Venables Street, Macclesfield.

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OR by arrangement with your Group at your location.

​

Kelvin Williams is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and manager of Black Diamond Biochar, a supplier of enhanced biochar.

​

Brian Lewis is co-convener of Maccy Biochar and has substantial experience in the design, manufacture and operation of a variety of biochar production methods; is the author of the book “Making Biochar – With Technical Manual”; and is currently Chair of Maccy Biochar.  

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Course Fee: By arrangement.

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​​​Contact Details: Email: maccybiochar@adam.com.au

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Next Course Date: TBA

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The Macclesfield Community Biochar Centre is a not-for-profit organisation set up to convert tree litter from local households, landowners and businesses to carbon-negative biochar (thereby reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere) and to sequester the biochar locally so as to improve local soils.

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