Comments on: Economical Biodiesel Fuel from Algae

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:27:19 +0000

So, it has been a year and a half since this article…could you update us on your current status? A group of us are looking at biofuels and want to present a panel discussion about developments in the field. Is this as good as it looks, or are there some elements missing? eg scalability, toxicity of the catalyst, infrastructure to transport and distribute product, willingness of distributors to incorporate product into the mainstream fuel product. Would love to know more!!
Keep up the good work.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:10:04 +0000

To Mike Keesler:

Algae strains that are high in lipids are the best for making biodiesel because one needs the fats to make the esters.

There are some strains with as high as 70% by dry wt. in lipids, but most are down in the 10-30% range.

Genetic engineering may be the answer.

On the other hand, algae pyrolysis to “bioleum” followed by conventional upgrading can produce a gasoline like fuel.

Much work needs to be done!

By: Mike Keesler

Mike Keesler — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:19:14 +0000

I understand you have to use a specific strain of algae to make this work. Everyday algae is only good to make charcoal. How do you select the proper strain to get started?

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:21:58 +0000

To Aaron: I think if we used wind and solar power to drive the biodiesel plants, that would be the best of both worlds. wind and solar power just aren’t very practical for non-stationary platforms

By: Donna

Donna — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:56:29 +0000

I need your help. I have a student hoping to do a research project looking into some aspect of biofuels for an IB bio extended essay. He needs to create and conduct a research project that has a biological aspect not chemistry. Anyone out there that would have any good lit sources to research so I can help him can focus and then expand in his own way?

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:15:19 +0000

I’ve heard that algae absorbs Arsenic and Mercury from the coal plant stack gases. If so, this could be a problem.

By: William

William — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:10:48 +0000

We live in a land where most everything has been stolen or broken, and had recession for 12 years not just six months; so we try and make the most of what we do have. Sunshine, and Algae, being a couple. Please keep us updated, and would appreciate any info on how this might work on a small scale.
Thanks.

By: Michael Calleja

Michael Calleja — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:45:34 +0000

Alex – saw your comment and thought maybe we should connect. We’ve got patented processes and have installed two biodiesel refineries. Cost effective and unique process provides high yield outputs.

We can provide turnkey and maintenance agreement. US based with patents issued.

By: alex

alex — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:06:49 +0000

I have an old river terminal with 420,000 gallon capacity. Surrounded by farmland. Rail spur access available. I want to convert this to a biofuel terminal/refinery. Seeking advice and potential JV.

By: Sofia Costa Madeira

Sofia Costa Madeira — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:43:07 +0000

At least algae will not compete with food. There is enough hunger in the world already.

By: Fran Verhaest

Fran Verhaest — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:42:27 +0000

Come and get mine, my pond is full of algae…

By: Syed Tamjidur Rahman

Syed Tamjidur Rahman — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:41:46 +0000

I see a lot of potential in it and believe it is much better than making bio-diesel from corn and palm.

By: Bitty Martin Elizbaeth Ricketson

Bitty Martin Elizbaeth Ricketson — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:40:56 +0000

I saw a show about this, it is really cool, it catches co2 from power plants that burn coal, the algae thrives on it, then some of it becomes oil. The algae itself can be processed into sugar ethanol, and the waste turned into animal feed. Super cool, removes the pollution, and all of its by products are useful. Now that is the kind of thinking we need in this country.

By: Aaron Jonathan Klumker

Aaron Jonathan Klumker — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:39:21 +0000

Up with alternative energies, but biodiesel is definitely not the best way. Wind and solar!

By: kb1pkj

kb1pkj — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:38:26 +0000

Great news! That is phenomenal rate of production and per acre amount of biodiesel. That blows away even palm oil plants in gallons per acre. When can we expect to see these in regular usage ? Has Ben Wen got an exclusive property right?