Biodiesel from AlgaeTim Siebert

ChE 35911/24/08

BiodieselMonoalkyl EstersCreated via base-

catalyzed transesterification of triglycerides from biolipids

Capable of replacing petro diesel in diesel engines

Advantages over Petro DieselRenewableBiodegradable/

NontoxicNo Sulfur/High

Lubricity

Carbon NeutralLower Flash PointReduced Emissions

Biodiesel SourcesEdible Plant Oil (Soybean, Rapeseed)Inedible Plant Oil (Jatropha, Jojoba)Animal Fat (Tallow, Lard)Algal OilFungal Oil

Algal OilNot a major food

sourceNon-arable land

growthHigh oil content

Wastewater compatible

Fast growthReduce Plant

Emissions

Biodiesel from AlgaeAlgae selection

Oil ContentGrowth Rate

GrowthVessel

(Photobioreactor)NutrientsTemp/pH/Sunlight

Biodiesel from Algae cont.Separation

CentrifugationFlocculationFiltration

ExtractionExpeller PressSolvent ExtractionUltrasonic Lysing

Biodiesel from Algae cont.Transesterification

High Viscosity Oilcatalyst, heat, excess alcoholProducts: biodiesel, catalyst, alcohol, glycerol

ViabilityCostsStill experimentalAdditive Fuel

Questions

References http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/02-03/biofuels/what_biodiesel.htm http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/02-03/biofuels/what_biodiesel.htm http://gas2.org/2008/03/29/first-algae-biodiesel-plant-goes-online-april-1-2008/ www.oilgae.com http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp http://www.empacbiodiesel.com/What.htm http://www.organicfuels.com/library/art/20080708-emissions.png http://www.hampeloil.com/powerdiesel/fuelfact.html http://www.21food.com/showroom/45946/product/We-sell-Jatropha-oil.html http://www.tradenote.net/low_11/ http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/algae-biodiesel-5.jpg http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080620/Seambiotic_Ponds_540x354.jpg http://www.hawaiisenergyfuture.com/Images/comparison_table_oil_crops.jpg http://www.mygreenproducts.com/biodiesel_1207.html Quigley, R., & Barbour, R. H. (June 2004). Biodiesel Quality Improvement with

     Additive Treatment. In International Spring Fuels & Lubricants Meeting:      Vols. SP-1887. Diesel, Alternative Diesel, and Gasoline Performance &      Additives, and Alternative & Gaseous Fuels. Warrnedale, PA: Society of      Automotive Engineers, Inc.

Sze, C., Whinihan, J. K., Olson, B. A., Schenk, C. R., & Sobotowski, R. A. (Oct      2007). Impact of Test Cycle and Biodiesel Concentration on Emissions. In      SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition: Vols. SP-2144.      Commercial Vehicle Alternative Fuels 2007. Warrendale, PA: SAE      International.

Demirbas, A. (2008). Biodiesel : a realistic fuel alternative for diesel      engines. London: Springer.