The vacuum technology is most important because if oxygen is present in the kiln at the temperatures we operate within (600 degrees C for clean wood cellulose derived from fallen Ponderosa, Lodgepole and Yellow pine trees), the wood cellulose would quickly turn to ash. Many, if not all of the competition we are aware of, are producing their "organic carbons” from waste or treated woods, sources well known to contain toxins and deleterious impurities. Their typical carbon content does not exceed 40 % (balance ash). Our product analysis historically runs 90% carbon, 1% Ash, 9% moisture. Our exclusive process keeps the cellular structure of the carbon intact which in turn allows for its surface area to allow microbials to inhabit and grow. It is this growth of microbials which enhances plant yield.

Of note, residence time in our pyrolysis units is between 8 to 10 hours (think of a modified slow pyrolysis).   This long residence time allows for the total removal of tars, lignins, and other impurities from within the cellular structure of the wood.  Also, the long residence time at these high temperatures impart exclusive properties into the carbon matrix as a result.  In addition, we operate at the optimal temperature to impart the "cation exchange" property into the carbon matrix.  The cation exchange property binds heavy metals permanently.  The carbon ‘positive’ charge absorbs ‘negatively’ charged nutrients but allows the plant roots to absorb the nutrients as needed.  As an additional benefit to the long residence time, we also convey the "anion exchange" property into parts of the carbon matrix as well. As an aside, the USDA confirmed that our organic carbon is nearly alone in a space of hundreds tested which has both properties present, a near anomaly. Cation is important in absorption of heavy metals, unwanted nutrients, etc.   Anion allows us to absorb salts.  The long residence time allows us to use varied North American Pines as feedstock and also allows us to overcome the potential non-uniformity of those feedstocks.   Uniformity means consistency of product.

By contrast, our competitors take non-uniform wood (and other unidentified biomass) feedstocks like wood chips and sawdust and attempt to apply a uniform process constantly moving the material through a reactor, usually for a minute or less (think of fast pyrolysis).   As would be expected, they end up with a mix of qualities in the results.  The lack of residence time does not allow for complete removal of impurities from the cellular structure, so they may end up with toxins and heavy metals embedded in their carbons.   Some "organic" carbon producers attempt to make up for the quick process time by increasing the temperatures of the reactors to get quicker conversion, which requires them to often use stainless steel in the reactor (we only use mild steel in our kilns).   Stainless steel leaches nickel into the carbon at high temperatures, so they are potentially adding toxicity to their carbons.   The greatest problematic issue nearly all of our competitors face is the simple fact that they begin their process with feedstock from “biomass boiler ash”.  This feedstock is typically devoid of anything but ash and extremely low in pure carbon.  More significantly it produces no cation or anion exchange, effectively suppressing microbial growth which undermines yield enhancement.  Lastly, many of our competitors are attempting to monetize their syngas or condense bio-oil from the process, which then converts their carbon into a residue. When they pursue the gas and oils, it means they are operating at a temperature level that ensures toxic residues will ultimately end up in their product, which in turn, will undoubtedly end up in the plant.

OPC is quite confident that our technology is vastly superior to all North American competition from either “organic carbon” producers or “biochar” makers.  Our 17 patents support our view as does the enhanced yields, suppressed toxins and consistency of our production.