Title:
Catalytic Hydrothermal Processing of Microalgae with Integrated Nutrient Recycling
Author(s):
Ross, A.B., Biller, P., Hall, C.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Catalytic hydrothermal processing of microalgae in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts is an alternative route for the production of next generation biofuels and has benefits in terms of energy consumption for high moisture feedstock. The bio-oil generated has a typical heating value of 36 MJ/kg and a typical oil yield of 40% on a dry ash free basis. About 50% of the total algal mass is fractionated in the process water; typically it contains high levels of acetate, ammonium and phosphate as well as dissolved salts and soluble organics such as phenols. The potential for the HTL process water to provide sufficient nutrients for the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris have been evaluated by cultivation trials. The influence of the three heterogeneous catalysts on the composition of the process water and their impact on nutrient recycling is also investigated. The results indicate there is potential for recycling of process water for microalgae cultivation however it requires significant dilution. The influence of catalysts has both positive and negative impacts on the composition of the process water; firstly, the use of catalysts can increase the amount of nitrogen in the water but it can also lead to leaching of metals such as Ni from the catalyst, increasing the concentration of potential inhibitors.
Keywords:
cultivation, microalgae, hydrothermal
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Algae and novel crops
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.4.22
Pages:
825 - 829
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP1.4.22
Price:
FREE
