Algal Biomass Conversion via Integrated Bio-Thermochemical Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting algal biomass into biofuels are energy-intensive and costly, with high nitrogen content in bio-oils making them unsuitable for refining, and existing fermentation processes are limited by inhibitory by-products and alcohol toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A consolidated process that includes pre-treating algal biomass with acids and enzymes, fermenting in the presence of both aqueous-soluble and insoluble biocomponents to reduce product inhibition, and hydrothermal liquefaction of the bioresidue to produce low-nitrogen biocrude oil, which can be further processed into biofuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If algal biomass is dried before processing, then the biomass concentration is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary separation of lipids from the wet biomass before the main processing steps. By extracting lipids from the wet algal biomass using solvents like hexane or ethyl acetate, the process avoids the need for energy-intensive drying while still achieving high biomass concentration in the form of lipid-rich extracts that can be directly processed into biocrude oil.
2Productivity
If conventional fermentation is used, then alcohol production is achieved, but product inhibition limits the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the produced alcohol from the fermentation broth continuously or at intermediate stages. By using in-situ product removal techniques such as solvent extraction or membrane separation, the accumulated alcohol is taken out of the system, preventing it from reaching inhibitory concentrations that would stop the fermentation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance or system that facilitates alcohol removal. For example, a solvent phase acts as an intermediary to extract alcohol from the aqueous fermentation broth, or a membrane system serves as an intermediary barrier that selectively transports alcohol away from the fermenting microorganisms.
3Productivity
If high nitrogen content bio-oil is produced, then fermentation efficiency is improved, but the bio-oil becomes unsuitable for refining
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bio-oil production process into distinct stages: first producing a high-nitrogen bio-oil through fermentation, then separately treating this bio-oil through hydrodeoxygenation and nitrogen removal processes. This segmentation allows the fermentation step to focus on efficiency while subsequent steps address purity requirements for refining.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention discards the nitrogen-containing compounds from the bio-oil through specific removal processes such as hydrodenitrogenation. The nitrogen is recovered or converted into useful by-products like ammonia, while the depleted bio-oil proceeds to refining. This approach separates the nitrogen removal function from the main fermentation process.
4Use of energy by moving object
If wet algal biomass is processed directly, then energy consumption is reduced, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple processing functions into integrated unit operations. For example, the lipid extraction system is combined with the biocrude production system, and the fermentation reactor is integrated with in-situ product removal and bio-oil upgrading components. This consolidation reduces processing complexity despite handling wet biomass, as the combined systems eliminate intermediate transfer and handling steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process achieves high efficiency and purity in biofuel production, reduces nitrogen content in biocrude oil, and recovers valuable nutrients, making it suitable for downstream refining and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
pre-treating the algal biomass with one or more acids and/or one or more enzymes
Implementation Method 2
pre-treating the algal biomass with one or more acids and/or one or more enzymes
Implementation Method 3
fermenting the one or more biocomponents, thereby providing one or more fermentation products
Implementation Method 4
partitioning of the alcohol products within a micelle or vesicle formed with one or more lipids
Implementation Method 5
the fermentation reaction is conducted in the presence of these two phases (i.e., aqueous-soluble and aqueous-insoluble phases), which reduces product inhibition by phase segregation
Implementation Method 6
liquefying and/or pyrolyzing the bioresidue
Implementation Method 7
liquefying and/or pyrolyzing the bioresidue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and system configured to convert algal biomass into biofuels, alcohols, nutrients, biochar, chemical building block compounds, and/or other useful by-products. Exemplary methods include an integrated biochemical and thermochemical process that provides high purity biofuels and mixed alcohols, while minimizing waste and/or maximizing efficiency.