Corn Straw to Biochar Project in China: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
Recently, a corn straw carbonization project was successfully launched in Mainland China, with equipment from Beston Group delivered and put into operation. The project aims to utilize Beston Group’s advanced biomass pyrolysis technology to efficiently convert agricultural waste and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality goals. Let’s dive into the details of this successful case.
Corn Straws to Biochar Project in China
1. Project Overview
Project Background: A pilot project involving collaboration between government, enterprises, and academia. The client is an emerging high-tech energy research and development company specializing in carbon capture (CCUS) and energy storage technologies. With a renowned university professor as a partner, they proposed a green energy concept focusing on green production across the entire agricultural value chain and converting waste into valuable resources. The government is providing project funding to support its implementation.
Raw Materials: The end of the broken corn stalks, approximately 500 RMB/ton.
Product Use: To test whether agricultural crop residues are suitable for conversion into biochar and to evaluate the carbonization effect.
Solution: A small-scale modular biochar pyrolysis system (skid-mounted design).
Raw Material: The end of corn stalks
Biochar made from corn stalks in China
2. Customer Expectations
Technical Requirements: Expect stable equipment performance, high-quality straw biochar, and environmentally compliant exhaust gas emissions.
Delivery Requirements: Complete project delivery and ensure smooth operation within 20 days, in preparation for visits from municipal leaders and relevant companies.
3. Solution & Action
Customized Small-Scale Biochar Machine
We provided a skid-mounted biochar system tailored to the client’s needs. This solution reduced on-site civil engineering by 80%, enabling us to meet the client’s urgent 20-day delivery and commissioning timeline.
On-site Installation Guidance
Experienced engineers were dispatched to supervise mechanical assembly and provide real-time troubleshooting, ensuring the system was optimized for specific local conditions.
Acceptance Report for China Corn Stalk Recycling Project
Acceptance Report for China Corn Stalk Carbonization Project
4. Installation and Commissioning Record: 14-Day Rapid Delivery
Phase
Planned Time
Actual Time
Dates
Installation
A total of 20 days
A total of 20 days
May 19 – May 24
Commissioning
May 25 – May 28
Training
May 27 – May 29
Phase 1: Efficient Installation (May 19 – May 24)
Efficient Assembly: Materials arrived on May 19, and the framework assembly was completed on the same day. Over the next few days, key components such as the conveyor belt, cooling tower, screw discharging system were sequentially installed.
Adaptive Solutions: Due to the local shortage of gasification furnaces, engineers quickly adjusted the combustion system. For minor issues like cooling tower leaks and excessive feeding speed, the technical team made quick wiring adjustments and reinforced seals. This ensured the smooth operation of all systems.
Phase 2: Rigorous Commissioning (May 25 – May 28)
Initial Material Testing: On May 26, we conducted a trial run with crushed corn straw, successfully producing carbon. The straw leaves and inner pith were fully carbonized, and the carbon quality was confirmed preliminarily.
Stability Verification: On May 28, the project hosted a visit from the municipal leaders and relevant enterprises. The equipment ran steadily for 4 hours and 15 minutes. The second-stage water-cooling seal was intact, with no water leakage from the system. The on-site demonstration was successful.
Phase 3: On-Site Training (May 27 – May 29)
During the commissioning period, our team conducted three in-depth training sessions in phases to ensure the client’s team was capable of independent operation.
Training on May 27, 2025: Pre-startup inspection, start-up and shutdown procedures, and handling common issues during operation.
Training on May 28, 2025: Equipment maintenance, repairs, pre-operation checks, and operational training.
Training on May 29, 2025: Equipment maintenance, pre-operation checks, and final commissioning and operation training.
5. Project Outcomes
Operational Excellence:
High-Quality Biochar: The corn stalks were fully carbonized. The client was relatively satisfied with the carbonization results.
Proven Stability: On May 28, 2025, the client successfully held a press conference. Witnessed by government leaders and industry experts, the equipment operated smoothly for over 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Long-term Impact: This innovative project has realized the resource utilization of agricultural straw and validated the feasibility of straw carbonization. It provides valuable experience for the promotion of similar projects in the future.