Biocarbon Iberia
Technology

Pyrolysis: controlled conversion of biomass

Pyrolysis is a thermal process that breaks down organic material in a low-oxygen environment. Instead of burning biomass, it transforms it into biochar and valuable co-products — the foundation of everything we plan to build.

A trailer-mounted mobile pyrolysis kiln by Biocarbon Iberia with its door open, alongside mesh baskets of biomass feedstock
What is pyrolysis

Heat without fire

By applying heat in the near-absence of oxygen, pyrolysis decomposes biomass into a solid carbon fraction and volatile compounds. The result is a way to stabilise carbon that would otherwise decompose or burn and return to the atmosphere.

  • Diverts biomass residues from open burning and landfill decomposition
  • Retains a large share of the biomass carbon in a stable solid form
  • Generates energy-bearing co-products that can offset process energy
  • Scales from small mobile units to large continuous facilities
The process

From feedstock to four valuable outputs

A single controlled process yields one solid and three fluid streams. The exact balance depends on feedstock and operating parameters.

Biomass & Waste

Forestry, agriculture & suitable residues

Pyrolysis

Controlled, low-oxygen thermal conversion

Biochar

Stable carbon

Bio-oil / Wood Vinegar

Agricultural & industrial

Syngas / Heat

Energy recovery

Biochar

A stable, carbon-rich solid intended for soil improvement, filtration and industrial applications.

Wood Vinegar

A liquid co-product with potential agricultural and industrial uses under evaluation.

Bio-oil

A liquid energy carrier that could support renewable energy and material applications.

Syngas

A combustible gas that may be recovered to help power the process itself.

Operating parameters

What determines the outputs

Pyrolysis is not a single fixed recipe. A few key variables shape whether the process favours biochar, liquids or gas.

Temperature Control

Conversion typically occurs in a controlled range where biomass thermally decomposes without combustion.

Low-Oxygen Environment

Restricting oxygen prevents burning, so carbon is retained in the char rather than released as CO2.

Residence Time

How long biomass stays in the reactor influences the balance between solid, liquid and gas outputs.

Deployment pathway

Two phases, one direction

We plan a phased approach that de-risks development: proving the model with mobile units before scaling toward continuous industrial capacity.

Phase 1 — Mobile pyrolysis

Compact, transportable units that can be brought to where biomass is generated. This reduces transport of low-density residues and lets us demonstrate the process close to forestry and agricultural partners.

  • Lower capital intensity to start
  • Process biomass at source
  • Flexible, distributed deployment

Phase 2 — Continuous-flow facilities

Larger, permanent installations designed for continuous throughput and integrated energy recovery — the pathway toward durable carbon removal and co-product supply at regional scale.

  • Higher, steadier throughput
  • Integrated energy recovery
  • Foundation for carbon-removal volumes
~450–650°C
Typical pyrolysis temperature range (feedstock dependent)
4
Distinct output streams from one process
Low O2
Oxygen-restricted environment prevents combustion
2 phases
Mobile-first, then continuous-flow scaling

Figures are indicative of the technology and our development plans, not guaranteed performance of a specific facility.

Want the technical detail?

We are happy to share more on our planned technology approach, feedstock strategy and phased deployment with serious partners and investors.