Showing papers on "Algae fuel published in 2009"

Microalgae Mass Production Methods

Abstract: This article reviews the performance, special features, and technical and/or economic barriers of various microalgae mass production methods including open-pond, photobioreactor, and immobilized culture systems. Open ponds are the least expensive among the three systems; however, issues of vulnerable species contamination, low productivity, high harvesting cost, and large volume of water loss have to be addressed. High biomass productivity and cell density, reduced contamination, and better use of CO2 are some advantages of photobioreactor systems, but the prohibitively high construction cost of photobioreactors still limits commercialization of such systems. Immobilized algae culture systems have great potential to obviate the harvesting problem of open ponds and photobioreactors and enhance biomass productivity; however, high material cost and limited choices of algae species require more investigation. Economics of algae biofuel manufacturing are also discussed. Algae biomass productivity, lipid content, and petroleum price are decisive factors in the economic viability of algae biofuels.

Biodiesel production from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus L.) tuber by heterotrophic microalgae Chlorella protothecoides

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As a potential source of biomass, Jerusalem artichoke has been studied for bioethanol production; however, thus far it has not been investigated for the production of other liquid biofuels, such as biodiesel. This work aims to develop a novel approach for biodiesel production from Jerusalem artichoke tuber using heterotrophic microalgae. RESULTS: In this study, Chlorella protothecoides utilized hydrolysate of Jerusalem artichoke tuber as carbon source and accumulated lipid in vivo, with lipid content as high as 44% by dry mass, and a carbon source to lipid conversion ratio of about 25% in a 4-day scale cultivation. The lipids were extracted and then converted into biodiesel by transesterification. Cetane acid methyl ester, linoleic acid methyl ester and oleic acid methyl ester were the dominating components of the biodiesel produced. Unsaturated fatty acids methyl ester constituted over 82% of the total biodiesel content. CONCLUSION: This work suggests the feasibility of an alternative method of producing biodiesel from Jerusalem artichoke tuber using microalgae cultivation, and a cost reduction of carbon source feed in algal oil production can be expected. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

Food compositions of microalgal biomass

Abstract: The invention provides algal biomass, algal oil, food compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other edible ingredients, and methods of making such compositions by combining algal biomass or algal oil with other edible ingredients. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components are derived from microalgal cultures grown and propagated heterotrophically in which the algal cells comprise at least 10% algal oil by dry weight.

Biodiesel Production from Freshwater Algae

Abstract: A novel approach in the production of renewable energy carrier—namely, biodiesel—was performed using algal biomass as a raw material. The effect of drying algal biomass and its role on lipid content during extraction process was also investigated. Transesterification of algal oil was conducted, using ethanol in the presence of potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. A gas chromatography−mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) chromatogram was used to analyze the organic compounds present in the crude biodiesel sample after the transesterification process. The lipid content in the algal biomass was determined to be 45% ± 4%. Biodiesel derived from algae had a fuel value with the following characteristics: density, 0.801 kg/L; ash content, 0.21%; flash point, 98 °C; pour point, −14 °C; cetane number, 52; minimum gross calorific value, 40 MJ/kg; and water content, 0.02 vol %. Copper strip corrosion showed a value less than that of Class 1, which was close to light orange, when compared to the polished strip (i.e., slight tarnish).

Alga-Based Biodiesel Production and Optimization Using Sugar Cane as the Feedstock

Abstract: The alga Chlorella protothecoides is known to produce oil suitable for biodiesel preparation by heterotrophic cultivation in media containing glucose as a carbon source. In this study, sugar cane juice was used as alternative carbon supply for oil production. As a result, the highest oil content of 53.0% by cell dry weight was achieved. Fermentation in a 5 L bioreactor showed that algae using sugar cane juice hydrolysate (SCH) grow faster than that using glucose. Conversion ratios of sugar/biomass and sugar/oil using SCH were 15.2 and 8.8% higher than that using glucose, respectively. Biodiesel prepared from algal oil by transesterification is mainly composed of 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, and hexadecenoic acid methyl ester. Our results suggest that sugar cane is a good feedstock for biodiesel production. Response surface methodology upon exploring the effect of C/N and concentration of yeast extraction (YE) on the yield of biomass and oil was performed. The o...

Systems and methods for producing biofuels from algae

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for producing biofuel from algae that use cultured fish to harvest algae from an algal culture. The methods further comprise gathering the fish, extracting lipids from the fish, and processing the lipids to form biofuel. The multi-trophic systems of the invention comprises at least one enclosure that contains the algae and the fishes, and means for controllably feeding the algae to the fishes. The lipid compositions extracted from the fishes are also encompassed.

A Preliminary Study of the Effect of Surface Texture on Algae Cell Attachment for a Mechanical-Biological Energy Manufacturing System

Abstract: A grand vision of an algal biofuel energy manufacturing system is presented here. The proposed system, from manufacturing engineering and system points of view, aims to provide technical solutions to two major challenges that the algal biofuel industry faces, i.e., low productivity and energy intensive harvesting and drying, which result in prohibitively high costs. The proposed idea is to have an integrated "conveyor belt" system floating on the water surface powered by windmills or a hybrid energy source. The conveyor belt is made of corrosion-resistant steel sheets that have microdimple surface features to significantly enhance the attachment of algae cells to the "belt" compared with a surface without microdimple features. The grown algae on the belt will then be mechanically scraped off, collected, dried, and squeezed for oil extraction. This paper addresses one of many fundamental problems in this vision, i.e., whether algae can grow effectively on textured stainless steel surfaces. Through both static and dynamic tests, it was found that the growth of algae on textured surfaces was several times more active than that on a flat sample.

Oil from algae; salvation from peak oil?

Abstract: A review is presented of the use of algae principally to produce biodiesel fuel, as a replacement for conventional fuel derived from petroleum. The imperative for such a strategy is that cheap supp...

Synthetic compositions obtained from algae

Abstract: The application provides a base stock or a lubricant composition comprising the substances derived from algae by chemical modification of algal oil, including compositions comprising estomers. Methods for obtaining the same are also provided, including chemically modifying the algal oil with a saturated fatty acid under conditions favorable to the formation of a poly-estomer.

Method for processing an algae medium containing algae microorganisms to produce algal oil and by-products

Abstract: A device and method for processing an algae medium containing algae microorganisms to produce algal oil and by-products thereof. The method comprises pumping the algae medium through a flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation device, generating localized zones of reduced fluid pressure, creating cavitational features in the algae medium, collapsing those cavitation features, and disintegrating cell walls and intracellular organelles to produce algal oil and by-products.

Microalgal Biodiesel Production through a Novel Attached Culture System and Conversion Parameters

Abstract: Using algae as a feedstock for biodiesel has been considered for a number of years, but it has always had limitations, due mainly to the production methods used to grow and harvest the algae. In this project, we propose a novel attached growth method to produce the algae while recycling dairy farm wastewater using the microalga Chlorella sp. The first part of the work provided a feasibility study of attachment of the alga onto the supporting material as optimizing parameters for the algae to be grown on wastewater. The results showed that wastewater filtered through cheesecloth to remove large particles was feasible for production of Chlorella sp, with pure wastewater producing the highest biomass yield. The algae were able to produce more than 3.2 g/m-day with lipid contents of about 9% dry weight, while treating dairy farm wastewater and removing upwards of 90% of the total phosphorus and 79% of the total nitrogen contained within the wastewater. Rather than focus solely on biomass production, in the second part, we looked into biodiesel creation methods as well. Biodiesel is created through a chemical reaction known as transesterification. By simplifying the reaction conditions and pretreatment operations, while examining the effects in terms of maximum fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) produced, we were able to determine that a direct transesterification with chloroform solvent was more effective than the traditional extraction-transesterification method. This synergistic research helps to create a more complete picture of where algal biodiesel research and development is going in the future.

Integrated system for production of biofuel feedstock

Abstract: Disclosed is a culture system for the production of algae biomass to obtain lipid, protein and carbohydrate. By integrating heterotrophic processes with a phototrophic process in parallel, this system provides year around production in colder climates. By integrating heterotrophic processes with a phototrophic process in series, this system creates a two-stage, separated mixed-trophic algal process that uses organic carbon and nutrients for the production of seed in the heterotrophic process, followed by release of cultured seed in large-scale phototrophic culture for cell biomass accumulation. Organic carbon source including waste materials can be used to feed the heterotrophic process. The production capacity ratio between the heterotrophic and the phototrophic processes can be adjusted according to season and according to the availability of related resources. The systems are used for producing and harvesting an algal biofuel feedstock as well as other potential high-value products. The sequence and approach enhances utilization of carbon and nutrient waste-streams, provides an effective method for controlling contamination, adds flexibility in regard to production and type of available products, and supplies greater economic viability due to maximized use of available growth surface areas.

Methods for producing fish with high lipid content

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing biofuel from algae, that use fish which have a high capacity of producing and/or accumulating lipids to harvest algae from an algal culture. The invention also provides methods for growing fish that result in a high lipid content. The invention also provides methods for creating fish that have a high capacity of producing and accumulating lipids by breeding and/or recombinant DNA techniques. Also included are transgenic fish that have a higher lipid content than wild-type fish.

Apparatus and method for producing biofuel from algae by application of shaped pulsed pressure waves

Abstract: Biofuels may be produced from algae, and algae may be dewatered, by exposing the algae to shaped pulsed pressure waves. The shaped pulsed pressure waves are produced within the liquid medium containing the algae, and are designed to effectively disrupt the physical structure of the algae in the liquid medium to facilitate the release of biofuel, water, or both. Biofuel is obtained by separating the biofuel from the disrupted algae and liquid medium in any desired manner. Accordingly, the production of biofuel from algae may be performed efficiently, without pre-drying the algae. Dewatered algae is obtained by separating the disrupted algae from the liquid medium in any desired manner. Suitable pressure wave sources include electrohydraulic generators, electromagnetic generators, and piezoelectric generators. A drive pulse supply such as a Marx bank generator may be used to drive these sources to obtain the shaped pulsed pressure waves.

A Value Chain and Life-Cycle Assessment Approach to Identify Technological Innovation Opportunities in Algae Biodiesel

Abstract: Algae biodiesel is an opportunity space that has gained renewed interest for venture investment. As with any new opportunity space, determining where the greatest value capturing potential resides has important implications for directing investment and research. This paper presents a value chain analysis of algae biodiesel and maps current industry players against similar segments in the biofuels and petroleum value chains. Using margin analysis and life-cycle analysis of one of the market pains (energy use in algae harvesting and biomass processing to biodiesel), a technology opportunity was identified. The identification of potentially high value companies using semi-quantitative analysis provides a useful tool for investors and entrepreneurs in the algae biodiesel space.

Use of by-product carbon dioxide from a steam methane reformer in an algae biofuel production process

Abstract: Carbon dioxide that is collected as a by-product of hydrogen production from a steam methane reformer (SMR) is used as a feed stock for growth of algae biomass for various purposes, e.g. biofuel production, chemical intermediates, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals. This invention helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, and helps to optimize algae growth that is used for the production clean biofuel to reduce the dependence on petroleum and fossil fuels.

Microalgae technologies and processes for biofuels/bioenergy production in British Columbia : current technology, suitability and barriers to implementation : executive summary

Abstract: This study investigated the current state of algae technologies and research to determine the feasibility of algae cultivation in British Columbia as a bioenergy feedstock The market analysis of energy products from algae in this study was limited to biodiesel, bioethanol and biomethane By-products which can affect the economic potential for producing algae biomass were also considered This report summarized the cost parameters for expected biomass yields, algae oil content, capital, labour and operational costs There are 3 main technologies currently used to produce microalgae for bioenergy applications, notably phototrophic cultivation in open raceways; phototrophic cultivation in closed photobioreactors; and heterotrophic cultivation in closed fermenters Although none of these processes achieve price parity with fossil fuels, the fermentation process was shown to have the lowest production cost and is considered to be the most promising method for biofuel production It may have advantages over current start-to-ethanol pathways if algae oil can be produced with consistently high biomass productivity and oil yields Algae harvesting is a major cost factor in bioenergy production All three algae-based technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have a positive energy balance 204 refs, 24 tabs, 4 figs

Adiabatic compaction of algae biomass for extraction of biofuel

Abstract: A technique for extracting biofuel from algae biomass using high velocity adiabatic impact compaction, comprising impacting a quantity of algae biomass with a power ram at a controlled velocity to deliver an impulse of sufficient magnitude to disrupt the outer cell wall structure.

Estimating the efficiency of the production of nontraditional and renewable energy sources

Abstract: The author considers a method of energy flow analysis in terms of ethanol production. This method may also be used in the production of other nontraditional energy sources: various vegetable oils, biodiesel, biogas, algae fuel, etc.

Study on Extraction Technology of Algae Oil from Chlorella

Abstract: The repeated freezing and thawing technique was taken to break cell wall of chlorella and then the algae oil was extracted with ethanolThe effects of ethanol concentration,ratio of material to solvent,times of freezing and thawing,and extraction temperature on the oil yield were investigatedThe results showed that the optimum ethanol concentration,ratio of solvent to material,times of freezing and thawing,and extraction temperature are 95%,3:1(V/W),once,and 45 ℃,respectivelyUnder these conditions,the algae oil yield reaches 2428%Compared to traditional methods,the combined method of repeated freezing-thawing and ethanol extraction can completely extract the algae oil with a high yield,and is suitable for large-scale industrial production

A method of producing biofuel using sugarcane as feedstock

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing biofuel from microorganism metabolite by using sugarcane as feedstock. In a preferred embodiment, alga was cultivated by using sugarcane- originated carbon 5 source as feedstock, resulting algal oil accumulation in algal cells at high content. And biodiesel was produced from said algal oil by transesterification.

Food compositions of microalgal biomass

Abstract: The invention provides algal biomass, algal oil, food compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other edible ingredients, and methods of making such compositions by combining algal biomass or algal oil with other edible ingredients. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components are derived from microalgal cultures grown and propagated heterotrophically in which the algal cells comprise at least 10% algal oil by dry weight.