Transforming Biomass into Measurable Carbon Removal with Charm Industrial's Innovate Approach

Scaling Carbon Sequestration with Precision



Charm Industrial's Innovative Process



Charm Industrial is making remarkable strides in the field of carbon removal by innovating the conversion of agricultural and forestry waste into two crucial byproducts: bio-oil and biochar. The bio-oil produced is injected deep underground, providing a sustainable, long-term solution for sequestering carbon, while the resultant biochar is utilized to enhance soil fertility and improve water retention. Together, these outputs significantly contribute to stable carbon sequestration in the ground.

It is alarming to note that decomposing or burned biomass contributes around 3.5 billion tons of CO₂ emissions each year, accounting for approximately 7% of global emissions. By transforming these waste materials into durable forms of carbon removal, Charm is effectively taking significant amounts of carbon out of the atmosphere.

Advancing Measurement and Verification



In addition to enhancing carbon removal techniques, Charm Industrial is at the forefront of redefining the ways in which carbon removal is measured, verified, and valued. Through precise engineering processes and the use of the Manufacturo platform for integrated data capture and emissions tracking, the company is able to accurately quantify the carbon removed from the atmosphere. For too long, the carbon removal sector has relied on rough estimates; Charm’s approach is introducing scientific precision and traceability to this critical effort.

Operational Complexity and the Role of Manufacturo



The production capabilities of Charm are inherently complex, combining continuous thermal processing with discrete manufacturing tasks, all while adhering to strict safety and documentation protocols. To adapt and scale their operations, they selected the Manufacturo platform—a manufacturing management tool designed to evolve alongside their needs.

The Challenges Faced



1. Hybrid Manufacturing Modes: Charm operates continuous “hot flow” pyrolyzers that run from 12 hours to 5 days, alongside discrete tasks that require precise procedural control.
2. Safety Protocols: Operations involve high-temperature equipment and materials requiring stringent safety measures.
3. Biomass Variability: Factors such as moisture content and weather conditions can significantly impact processing outcomes.
4. Advanced Machinery: Much of their equipment is still in the R&D phase, resulting in continuously evolving performance metrics.
5. Site Coordination: Maintaining coordination between their operations in Colorado (bio-oil and biochar production) and Kansas (bio-oil injection) is crucial.

Before the implementation of Manufacturo, data collection involved tedious manual processes using paper forms. This reliance on hand-recording allowed for inaccuracies and inefficiencies, with engineers then tasked to manually enter data into disconnected spreadsheets, further complicating pathways for learning and development.

The Solution: Manufacturo



Charm successfully implemented the Manufacturo platform in just three months, a stark contrast to traditional ERP systems which often require years for rollout. This agile implementation has allowed Charm to bridge gaps between continuous and discrete manufacturing, capturing data at the point of use and ensuring quality control.

Key Features of the Solution

  • - Real-Time Data Capture: Modern tablets facilitate accurate and structured data input, reducing errors and streamlining compliance. Automated formulas eliminate manual calculations, standardizing outputs across varying inputs.
  • - Engineer-Centric Platform: Engineers at Charm are empowered to write their own scripts and directly connect with the data model, enabling continuous improvements without needing external consultants.
  • - Seamless Machine Integration: Manufacturo connects with existing SCADA and PLC systems through APIs, allowing machine-generated data to populate relevant work orders effortlessly.

Significant Results



The adoption of Manufacturo has led to considerable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and operational agility within Charm Industrial’s processes. Key outcomes include:
1. Elimination of Paper Forms: Operators access real-time data and inputs via tablets, ensuring compliance and reducing time wasted on searching for paper records.
2. Reduction in Manual Data Inputs: Automating data entry at the source has minimized the need for dedicated entry roles, improving general operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Engineering Autonomy: Manufacturing engineers can now take ownership of process configurations, iterate on their procedures swiftly, and analyze live data without external barriers.

Towards Future Growth



Charm Industrial is poised for further advancements with new-generation pyrolyzer designs aimed at boosting the carbon density of bio-oil and decreasing downtime. As they attract and employ Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles, Manufacturo will remain instrumental in their iterative, data-driven efforts.

The ongoing partnership emphasizes a commitment not just to enhancing production but also to creating an authentic, transparent framework for carbon removal.

Conclusion



In collaborating with Manufacturo, Charm Industrial is setting a standard for performance in the carbon removal industry, leading through both scientific integrity and operational excellence. As they capture and analyze data—from carbon intensity to the volume of injections—they are committed to advancing the carbon removal landscape.

  • - About Charm Industrial: A climate technology company that converts agricultural and forestry residues into bio-oil for long-term carbon storage while producing biochar to enhance soil health.
  • - About Manufacturo: A comprehensive manufacturing management platform designed to support complex operations, integrating essential manufacturing capabilities into a single digital framework.

Topics Energy)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.