GAS-L: Introducing Mike Antal - and Activated charcoal

[Reedtb2@cs.com]

Stovers and Gasers:

I would like to introduce my friend Dr. Mike Antal, Coral Professor of 
Biomass at the University of Hawaii.  In my book, he knows more about the 
theoretical aspects of pyrolysis and charcoal than most of the rest of us.  
He has also developed a process for making charcoal that gives a yield of 
40-45%, rather than the 15-25% that most processes give.  

He recently visited my home in Golden and we spent a pleasant evening 
discussing the subtleties of biomass pyrolysis.  He has just sent me two of 
his most recent papers that are MUST reading for anyone interested in 
activated charcoal (or clean water for developing countries).  

"Synthesis of a High-Yield Activated Carbon by Air Gasification of Macadamia 
Nut Shell Charcoal", X. Dai and M. Antal Jr., Industrial &Engineering 
Chemistry Research, Vol 38, pp 3386-3395, 1999

"Preparation of Activated Carbons from Macadamia Nut Shell and Coconut Shell 
by Air Activation", M Tam and M. Antal, Jr., Ibid, Vol 38, pp 4268-4276, 1999.

Mike is achieving surface areas (and iodine numbers) > 1000 m2/g, with yields 
over 15%, using air activation.   

Charcoal activation is a pain in the butt.  In principle, it should be 
possible to use air for activation and Mike has found out how to do it.  

The three greatest technical challenges for the next century are Clean 
Cooking, Clean Power and Clean Water for all of humanity.  The solution lies 
in our hands.

Yours truly,                    TOM REED                    BEF

Thomas B. Reed
President - The Biomass Energy Foundation
1810 Smith Rd., Golden, CO 80401
Reedtb2@cs.com;  303 278 0558
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