[Gasification] Algae

[doug.williams]

Hi Leyland and Colleagues,

I think this discussion is one for Biofuels rather than Gasification, but 
your question has my interest as it relates to engines.

> An interesting question as to what is done with the solids after the oil 
> is
> removed.

The first thing is to dry the algae for almost any application, but if you 
want to make it into a fuel for engine, then you could do worse than feed 
the powdered algae straight into diesel engines. This was does successfully 
at Bristol University in the UK, about 1992-3. As I remember the TV item, it 
showed a vertical rising PVC pipe coil, with fluorescent lights mounted in 
the centre. I'm sure other light sources would be applicable.

> If they gasified waste material as a feedstock for
> power generation, they could generate cheap electricity which could be 
> used to
> illuminate the full area and on a longer period. Had to get this back on 
> topic
> somehow.

>From a gasification point of view, I doubt if it would end up as cheap 
power. It would be difficult to gasify powder without pelletizing, and that 
needs energy, and then the gasifier would need to be designed around that 
specific fuel, no matter which choice of gasification system is followed.

> We have greenhouses interested in this application.

In gasifying algae, or just an alternative to heating with fossil fuel?  The 
same needs are found in most countries, certainly here in New Zealand, but 
cheap!!  What can I say about the expectations of these cheapskates who 
expect others to pay for their ability to stay in business.

Doug Williams,
Fluidyne Gasification.







>