Aquaflow, UOP to convert algae into biofuels
October 14, 2008
BY Megan Skauge
Web exclusive posted Nov. 4, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. CST
UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, and Aquaflow Bionomic Corp., a New Zealand-based algae biodiesel development company, have signed a memorandum of understanding to convert wild algae into fuel products using UOP's processes and to develop a carbon dioxide sequestration storage model for Aquaflow's algal oil production facilities.
In September Aquaflow announced it had produced the world's first sample of green-crude, a crude-oil equivalent, from wild algae. According to Aquaflow Director Nick Gerritsen, the focus is on making a range of fuels rather than purely a lipid-based crude oil. Aquaflow plans to maximize the total biomass value from algae and equally maximize the fuel value of its green crude.
"This is a very significant move for us," Gerritsen said. "UOP is a leading provider of technology for refiners around the world, and they have commercially viable methods for producing green fuels from biological feedstocks so it makes sense for us to work together."
The companies will also study the feasibility of sequestering carbon dioxide from a refinery or power plant and adding it to wastewater streams in an effort to boost the productivity of the wild algae population. Aquaflow currently sources its wild algae from oxidation ponds in Marlborough, New Zealand. It doesn't add carbon dioxide to the wastewater.
UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, and Aquaflow Bionomic Corp., a New Zealand-based algae biodiesel development company, have signed a memorandum of understanding to convert wild algae into fuel products using UOP's processes and to develop a carbon dioxide sequestration storage model for Aquaflow's algal oil production facilities.
In September Aquaflow announced it had produced the world's first sample of green-crude, a crude-oil equivalent, from wild algae. According to Aquaflow Director Nick Gerritsen, the focus is on making a range of fuels rather than purely a lipid-based crude oil. Aquaflow plans to maximize the total biomass value from algae and equally maximize the fuel value of its green crude.
"This is a very significant move for us," Gerritsen said. "UOP is a leading provider of technology for refiners around the world, and they have commercially viable methods for producing green fuels from biological feedstocks so it makes sense for us to work together."
The companies will also study the feasibility of sequestering carbon dioxide from a refinery or power plant and adding it to wastewater streams in an effort to boost the productivity of the wild algae population. Aquaflow currently sources its wild algae from oxidation ponds in Marlborough, New Zealand. It doesn't add carbon dioxide to the wastewater.
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