[Bioconversion] Algae binder

[andrew]

On Wednesday 28 December 2005 03:39, Jeff Davis wrote:

>  I HOPE that it
> would be possible to grind algae, possible in a disposal to start with, and
> produce fireballs without using starch as a binder.

Yea it looks worthwhile to try, after all the algal pond appears to be a 
better converter of incident sunlight to energy than arable land but in many 
circumstances it will only be a minor contributor. Has anyone any figures for 
typical binder use? I have a notion that glue makes up 2% of the weight in a 
fiber board but an accurate figure for comparison would be useful.

As to grinding the algae, it will be necessary in your fireball agglomeration 
technique but I wonder if you could get away with mixing it whole in a meat 
mincer type extruder? The compression and shearing that takes place in the 
screw may do the job for you.

How do you harvest it? A simple tissue paper filter and then hammer milling 
the lot looks appealing, adding the juice straight to your cement mixer.

Alginic acid give a bit of a clue as to where it was found doesn't it?

AJH