Biodiesel from Algae

In today’s presentation we try…

ØTo 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.

ØAnd 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

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

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

ØEthanol and biodiesel blends are already

in use.

ØTechnically proven.

ØInfrastructure cost is tolerable and

incremental.
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Biodiesel Nuclear/Hydrogen/Electrical

 Cost of production low  Cost of production very

high
 Technology already  Technology yet to be
present developed commercially
 Cannot use the existing
 Can use the existing
distribution system
distribution system  Potentially dangerous and

 Safe
hazardous
and secure

Biodiesel v/s other sources

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 Brief about biodiesel

ØIt’s a non-toxic, bio-degradable diesel

fuel made from animal fats and/or
vegetable oils.

ØTransesterification is the process

used to produce biodiesel from
vegetable oils and/or animal fats.

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 Brief about biodiesel
ØCommon sources of biodiesel are
vJatropha
vSunflower oil
vSoya bean oil
vAlgae
vCorn seed oil
vOil palm
vCotton seed oil

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 Process of making biodiesel

ØBase catalyzed esterification.

ØDirect acid catalyzed esterification.

ØConversion of oil to fatty acid, then

acid catalyzed esterification.

ØFollowed by proper washing.

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

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 Why algae as feedstock..

Ø Among the fastest growing plants; about 50% of their

weight is oil.
Ø Per acre yield is way higher than the other plants.

Ø Wastelands and damp lands which is not required for

any other purpose can be used for algae plantation.
Ø We can even cultivate them in laboratory.

Ø India is a rainy country (mostly).

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Crop/plantations Yield in gallons/acre/year

1. Corn 1. 18
2. Cotton seed 2. 35
3. Soya bean 3. 48
4. Sunflower 4. 105
5. Jatropha 5. 205
6. Oil palm 6. 635
7. Algae 7. >5000(depending on
process/species)

Yield comparison
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Advantages of algal biodiesel
Ø Rapid growth rate.

Ø Certain species of microalgae can be harvested on a daily

basis.
Ø Contains no sulfur.

Ø It is non-toxic.

Ø It is highly bio-degradable.

Ø Consume high amount of CO2 ,hence they can be used as

antidote to other industrial establishments who produce CO2.

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 How the algae is selected
ØScreening is done on the basis of:
ØSafety
ØGrowth rate
ØOil concentration and productivity
ØAbility to resist contamination
ØAbility to grow in continuous culture
ØEase of oil recovery
ØEase of downstream processing

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 Some pictures of laboratory
harvesting of algae…

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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 ? ? ?
l e m
o b
e pr
s t h
a t ’
w h
So

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 Finally….
vVarious rectification processes are
ongoing right now to solve the
problems.
vThe sudden economic slowdown hit
the progress unexpectedly.
vWe hope for a better future ahead.

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