An aqueous modified acid composition for industrial activities, said composition comprising: an alkanolamine and strong acid in a molar ratio of not less than 1:15, preferably not less than 1:10; it can also further comprise a metal iodide or iodate. Said composition demonstrates advantages over known conventional acids and modified acids.

Biochar aggregate particles are provided that are less than 5 mm and are comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm and a binding agent. The binding agent may be clay, starch, a lignin, a polymer and/or a lipid. The biochar aggregate particles may also include additives and/or surfactants. The biochar fines may further be treated with a surfactant solution, a vacuum, ultrasonics or infused with any number of additives.

Biochar aggregate particles are provided that are less than 5 mm and are comprised of biochar fines that are less than 1 mm and a binding agent. The binding agent may be clay, starch, a lignin, a polymer and/or a lipid. The biochar aggregate particles may also include additives and/or surfactants. The biochar fines may further be treated with a surfactant solution, a vacuum, ultrasonics or infused with any number of additives.

A method for producing biochar aggregate particles that comprising the steps of (i) collecting or producing treated biochar fines less than 1 mm, (ii) adding a binding agent to the fines, (iii) forming the fines and binding agent into solid aggregate particles. The steps may further include, for example, adding additives to the fines, drying the solid aggregate particles, activing the binder after forming the solid aggregate particles with heat or cold temperatures and/or treating the biochar fines prior to forming the aggregate particles.

A method for producing biochar aggregate particles that comprising the steps of (i) collecting or producing treated biochar fines less than 1 mm, (ii) adding a binding agent to the fines, (iii) forming the fines and binding agent into solid aggregate particles. The steps may further include, for example, adding additives to the fines, drying the solid aggregate particles, activing the binder after forming the solid aggregate particles with heat or cold temperatures and/or treating the biochar fines prior to forming the aggregate particles.

A composite particle is described herein. The composite particle can contain a seed particle of an agricultural treatment material and a shell disposed on the seed particle, wherein the shell comprises a clay.

A composite particle is described herein. The composite particle can contain a seed particle of an agricultural treatment material and a shell disposed on the seed particle, wherein the shell comprises a clay.

There is provided an apparatus for extraction of at least one object from a cavity. The apparatus includes a sleeve including an inflatable section configured to surround the at least one object during inflation; a handle configured to enable a user to hold the sleeve, the handle defining a holding edge of an opening at a first portion of the sleeve; and a handle-mount mounted to a peripheral area around the opening, the handle-mount being for attachment of a pump used for inflating the inflatable section. There is also provided a pressure limitation apparatus configured to operate with a birth assistance device when attached via a conduit.

There is provided an apparatus for extraction of at least one object from a cavity. The apparatus includes a sleeve including an inflatable section configured to surround the at least one object during inflation; a handle configured to enable a user to hold the sleeve, the handle defining a holding edge of an opening at a first portion of the sleeve; and a handle-mount mounted to a peripheral area around the opening, the handle-mount being for attachment of a pump used for inflating the inflatable section. There is also provided a pressure limitation apparatus configured to operate with a birth assistance device when attached via a conduit.

A method for capturing material extracted from biochar is provided comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with an extraction media, where the extraction media causes the removal of residual compounds from the pores and surface of the biochar, creating a resulting extract comprised of the extraction media and removed compounds; and (iii) collecting the resulting extract. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. The method further comprises the step of applying the resulting extract to seeds, plants, soil, other agricultural products, or for use in other applications. A biochar having high levels of soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of soluble signaling compounds that are known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth. Such soluble signaling compounds can then be collected in a biochar extract by contacting the biochar with an extraction media.