Title:
Conceptual Design of an Integrated Micro-Algal Biomass-to-Liquids Process
Author(s):
Brink, J., Marx, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
A new integrated biomasstoliquids conceptual process was developed to produce 2.6 million litres of biodiesel per year from harvested microalgal biomass. Three unconventional harvesting methods, a thermochemical liquefaction process to extract oils from microalgal biomass, and a process to produce biodiesel through the acidcatalyzed transesterification of microalgal oil, were combined into an integrated BtL process. The new process combined four renewable energy sources to produce biodiesel from microalgal biomass. Wind power is utilized indirectly, as prevailing southeasterly winds concentrate microalgal biomass against the dam wall of the Hartbeespoort Dam. The hydraulic head of 583 kPa of the 59.4 meter high dam is utilized for transportation of the biomass through the facility, which is located downstream of the dam. Solar energy is used to dry the microalgae, which in turn is combusted in a furnace to release its 18,715 kW of bioenergy, which is used for heating in the energyintensive extraction unit of the processing facility.
Keywords:
biodiesel, biomass to liquid (BtL), microalgae
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Microalgae production and conversion
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
OB7.3
Pages:
101 - 104
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OB7.3
Price:
FREE
