| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 682025 | Bioresource Technology | 2011 | 9 Pages |
This study investigated the optimum thermochemical liquefaction (TCL) operating conditions for producing biocrude from Spirulina platensis. TCL experiments were performed at various temperatures (200–380 °C), holding times (0–120 min), and solids concentrations (10–50%). TCL conversion at 350 °C, 60 min holding time and 20% solids concentration produced the highest biocrude yield of 39.9% representing 98.3% carbon conversion efficiency. Light fraction biocrude (B1) appeared at 300 °C or higher temperatures and represented 50–63% of the total biocrude. Biocrude obtained at 350–380 °C had similar fuel properties to that of petroleum crude with energy density of 34.7–39.9 MJ kg−1 compared to 42.9 MJ kg−1 for petroleum crude. Biocrude from conversion at 300 °C or above had 71–77% elemental carbon, and 0.6–11.6% elemental oxygen and viscosities in the range 40–68 cP. GC/MS of biocrude reported higher hydrocarbons (C16–C17), phenolics, carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, amines, and amides.
Research highlights► Optimum liquefaction conditions were 350 °C temperature, 60 min time, 20% solids. ► Biocrude yield at optimum thermochemical liquefaction (TCL) was 39.9%. ► Carbon conversion efficiency for most TCL runs were >93%. ► Biocrudes obtained at 350–380 °C had fuel properties close to the petroleum crude.
