MORE | Spring 2018

Process Gas Analysis on Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae

The objective of this study was to quantify the non-nitrogen elements of the off gas produced during the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process using algal feedstock. The principle product of HTL is Bio-crude oil that can be upgraded to produce transportation fuels. A byproduct of this process is a gas phase that can potentially include useful components like hydrogen or methane. HTL experiments using algae will be performed, and the process gas will be captured and analyzed using gas chromatography. Future research on this topic should include integrating separation processes to isolate and capturing the useful components of the off gas.