“Optimization of the hydro thermal liquefaction process for increased yields, and for both energy and cost efficient production of a cleaner bio-crude suitable for refineries”

Increased use and limited reserves of fossil fuels have increased interest in renewable fuels. Algae biomass has been identified as a viable renewable fuel feedstock for biofuel (green diesel / jet fuel) generation. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising energy efficient technology for converting wet-algae biomass into energy dense “bio-crude” suitable for use in refineries and recycling nutrients for growing algae. The composition of the bio-crude affects the quality and the process economics involved in converting the bio-crude to commercial fuel. Both the process operating conditions and the algal HTL feedstock composition affect the bio-crude composition. Thus, the proposed effort will focus on determining the ideal HTL conditions with various algal biomass compositions.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/stander_posters/1635/thumbnail.jp