Producing crude oil from algae: Difference between revisions

Converting wet algal biomass into combustible fuel is a challenge. After the algae is harvested, the biomass is typically processed in a series of steps, which differs based on the species and desired end product. Often, the algae is dehydrated and then a solvent, like hexane, is used to extract energy-rich compounds, like triglycerides, from the dried material. Once extracted, the compounds can then be processed into fuel using standard industrial procedures. For example, the extracted triglycerides are reacted with methanol to create biodiesel via transesterification. Each species contains a unique composition of fatty acids that influences the quality of the resulting biodiesel and thus must be taken into account when selecting algal species for feedstock.

An alternative approach employs a continuous process that subjects harvested wet algae to high temperatures and pressures—350 °C (662 °F) and 3,000 pounds per square inch (21,000 kPa).