Process intensification of microalgal biofuel production

Velasquez-Orta, SB; Mohiuddin, O; Orta-Ledesma, MT; Harvey, AP

doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-90971-6.00030-9

Process intensification of microalgal biofuel production

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sharon Velasquez Orta ORCiD, Dr Obaidullah Mohiuddin, Professor Teresa Orta Ledesma, Professor Adam Harvey

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Abstract

This chapter focuses on new process intensification routes that can be applied to different stages within the microalgal biofuel production system: cultivation, harvesting, pretreatment, and conversion. Microalgae cultivation can be in open or closed bioreactors, at batch or continuous mode, using either fresh, sea, or wastewater as medium. Intensification during cultivation is discussed by looking into the synergic effect of microorganisms through biofilm growth or co-cultivation. Dual microalgae harvesting and pretreatment intensification via a novel method called ozone-flotation is revised. The latter weakens microalgae cells and supports disruption, saving time and energy. Thermal cracking, in situ transesterification or simultaneous saccharification, and fermentation are rapid conversion routes discussed for biofuel production. This chapter then looks into microalgae biofuels’ industrial status and shows that biofuel production from microalgae can become more effective thanks to process intensification approaches. Lastly, recommendations on intensification processes are proposed.