In episode four of @AuManufacturing Conversations, Brent speaks to John Mellowes, CEO of PyroAg Wood Vinegar and Director at Biocarbon.
We learn some of the fundamentals of pyrolysis and its products -- such as biochar, wood vinegar and syngas -- when used to decompose biomass.
John tells us about the potential of wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, which PyroAg makes. PyroAg has worked with University of Newcastle researchers over the last few years on the product to understand its safeness and benefits in soil biological health.
We also get an update on Biocarbon’s work creating and incorporating biochar briquettes in electric arc furnace steelmaking with Molycop. The work is being scaled up and if successful could be used to replace coking coal.
Relevant links
@AuManufacturing article on the Biocarbon/Molycop project
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/startup-wants-to-help-steelmakers-kick-their-coke-habit
@AuManufacturing article on biochar
https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/biochar-an-ancient-waste-to-value-product
PyroAg's website
https://www.pyroag.com/
A research paper published this year:
"Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Microbial Community Composition and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) in Soils"
http://www.pyroag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PyroAg_soilsystems_PA-on-PGPB.pdf
