Biodiesel from Algae

In todays presentation we try

To convey the message why we think
that algae biodiesel might have an
important role to play in the Indian
energy independence goal in the near
future.

And some other general views.
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THE USE OF VEGETABLE OILS FOR ENGINE FUEL MAY SEEM

INSIGNIFICANT TODAY, BUT SUCH OILS WILL BECOME IN DUE

TIME , AS IMPORTANT AS PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS

OF PRESENT TIME..
SIR RUDOLF DIESEL(1912).


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Todays energy scenario in India
is.
Concerns about
Unstable energy
prices
Import issues
Climate change
Geo-politics
Depleting fossil fuel
levels
Alternate ideas
Nuclear power
Hydrogen fuel cell
Electric vehicles
Bio-fuels
Other renewable
energy sources

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Why biodiesel
Biodiesel is the most viable option for
India today.

Ethanol and biodiesel blends are already
in use.

Technically proven.

Infrastructure cost is tolerable and
incremental.

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Biodiesel v/s other sources
Biodiesel Nuclear/Hydrogen/Electrical
Cost of production low
Technology already
present
Can use the existing
distribution system
Safe and secure

Cost of production very
high
Technology yet to be
developed commercially
Cannot use the existing
distribution system
Potentially dangerous
and hazardous

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Brief about biodiesel

Its a non-toxic, bio-degradable diesel
fuel made from animal fats and/or
vegetable oils.

Transesterification is the process used to
produce biodiesel from vegetable oils
and/or animal fats.
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Brief about biodiesel
Common sources of biodiesel are
Jatropha
Sunflower oil
Soya bean oil
Algae
Corn seed oil
Oil palm
Cotton seed oil

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Process of making biodiesel

Base catalyzed esterification.

Direct acid catalyzed esterification.

Conversion of oil to fatty acid, then
acid catalyzed esterification.

Followed by proper washing.
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Benefits of biodiesel in India
Domestic oil production and economic
growth.
Elimination of foreign oil imports.
Its non-toxic and completely bio-degradable,
hence spills or leaking of underground
storage will not damage environment.
A 100% renewable source of energy.
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Why algae as feedstock..

Among the fastest growing plants; about 50% of their
weight is oil.
Per acre yield is way higher than the other plants.
Wastelands and damp lands which is not required for
any other purpose can be used for algae plantation.
We can even cultivate them in laboratory.
India is a rainy country (mostly).

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Yield comparison
Crop/plantations Yield in gallons/acre/year
1. Corn
2. Cotton seed
3. Soya bean
4. Sunflower
5. Jatropha
6. Oil palm
7. Algae



1. 18
2. 35
3. 48
4. 105
5. 205
6. 635
7. >5000(depending on
process/species)
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Advantages of algal biodiesel
Rapid growth rate.
Certain species of microalgae can be harvested on a daily
basis.
Contains no sulfur.
It is non-toxic.
It is highly bio-degradable.
Consume high amount of CO
2
,hence they can be used as
antidote to other industrial establishments who produce
CO
2
.

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How the algae is selected
Screening is done on the basis of:
Safety
Growth rate
Oil concentration and productivity
Ability to resist contamination
Ability to grow in continuous culture
Ease of oil recovery
Ease of downstream processing
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Some pictures of laboratory
harvesting of algae
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Synthetic membrane growth of algae
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Solar panel to collect sunlight
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Fiber optics light cables give
the synthetic membranes the
necessary solar energy. So the
algae keeps on growing during
night time as well.
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The three step process
Phase 1
Algae selection and optimization
Lab scale testing
Process and equipment modeling
Engineering scale design and
procurement

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Three step process
Phase 2
Algal growth data
Engineering scale design data tests
Pilot scale design & long lead
procurement
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Three step process
Phase 3
Complete installation of pilot scale
equipment
Starting of the pilot plant
Demonstrate process and collect data for
the process & cost modeling of the
original plant
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Finally.
Various rectification processes are
ongoing right now to solve the
problems.
The sudden economic slowdown hit
the progress unexpectedly.
We hope for a better future ahead.
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