Biodiesel Production from Algae

• Main Author: Gomez, Ivan Sylvester
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 2010
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10027/1/2010%20-%20Biodiesel%20Production%20from%20Algae.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10027/
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

The energy consumption and demand in the world today has become a critical issue. The resources we are relying on are very quickly depleting thus lies the need for research to develop alternative renewable resources that can cater to our demand and consumption. Biodiesel is one of the solutions that can cater to this current problem and needs to be studied. This is mainly because biodiesel is a renewable energy, enviromnental fiiendly, rapidly biodegradable and it is a nontoxic type of fuel. Due to its unlimited and mass production, Algae serves as a potential solution to our current problem. Algae grow naturally all over the world, and under optimal conditions, can be grown in massive, almost limitless, amounts. Almost half of algae's composition by weight is lipid oil and scientists have been studying this oil to convert it into algae Biodiesel, a fuel that bums cleaner and more efficiently than petroleum. There are three objectives to this project, namely; to produce biodiesel from algae taken from various sources, to determine the best method to produce biodiesel from algae and to optimize the biodiesel production process by manipulating certain variables such as and not limited to: type of solvent, solvent ratio, etc. The methodology of the experiments was designed in line with the objectives to ensure the objectives are met. Prior to conducting the experiments for biodiesel production, the algae were purchased and cultured to ensure sufficient quantities were available for biodiesel production. After conducting the experiments to produce biodiesel, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) characterization was carried out to analyze the samples prepared. Due to several contributing factors, it was found that biodiesel was not produced in any of the samples prepared. The discussion section of this report provides a more detailed explanation to the contributing factors. A brief economic analysis has been conducted with reference to some literature. Recommendations are provided with the conclusion of the report. These recommendations should be taken into consideration if more research is carried out to improve this project.