New Process Creates Crude Oil from Algae in Minutes

New Process Creates Crude Oil from Algae in Minutes
Dec-26-13
Researchers have developed a method of creating crude oil from freshly harvested algae in only minutes, saving both time and energy.

Algae has long been recognized for its use as a biofuel source, but the process involved in drying out the wet, aquatic plant is expensive, time consuming and involves a series of steps. To expedite the process, the team from PNNL developed a continuous process that involves subjecting the wet algae to high temperatures and pressure (662ºF and 3,000 psi), which team leader Douglas Elliott described as “a bit like using a pressure cooker.”

In tests, the process resulted in between 50 and 70 percent conversion of the algae’s carbon in to fuel. Other products included clean water, fuel gas and nutrients that can be used to grow more algae.




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[GIZMAG.COM]
[SCIENCE DIRECT]
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