Collaboration Fund

The aim of the project is to explore the feasibility of hydrothermal microwave pyrolysis as a potential route for the production of bio-fuels from high growth rate microalgae. The project will investigate the potential for liquefaction for the production of a bio-petroleum from microalgae by microwave heating and compare its behaviour and product distribution to that formed during conventional heating. The objectives will include the following: • Provide a proof of concept of the use of hydrothermal microwave pyrolysis • Identify the advantages of a microwave process over a thermal processing • Identify microalgae strains suitable for processing using hydrothermal processing • Develop a programme of study to form the basis of a future research proposal • Identify and forge links with industrial end users interested in this technology The overall objective will be to develop a research proposal to investigate microwave hydrothermal processing of microalgae and to successfully obtain funding. This initial project will help to develop a research strategy which will address issues such as reactor design, kinetics, oil quality and energy balance. The project will consider microalgae indigenous to the UK capable of growing at high rate and under extreme conditions. Microalgae will be provided by Sheffield University, hydrothermal microwave pyrolysis experiments will be performed at York University. The oils produced will be analysed at Leeds University. The project will include a literature review of current knowledge (TASK 1), Identification and production of suitable algal strains (TASK 2), an experimental scoping study (TASK 3), characterisation of algae and oils (TASK 4) and reporting of the project and preparation of a funding application (TASK 5). Throughout the project (at monthly intervals) regular meetings will be held within the consortium and with potential end users in industry.