Currently most research into efficient algal-oil production is being done in the private sector, but predictions from small scale production experiments bear out that using algae to produce biodiesel may be the only viable method by which to produce enough automotive fuel to replace current world diesel usage.

Algae are harvested using a device called photobioreactors. Microalgae contain lipids and fatty acids as membrane components, storage products, metabolites and sources of energy.

Biodiesel can be made from algae by using centrifuges. Feedstock preparation – In this case, algae must first be separated from its medium, then the oil extracted from the algae. Separation of transesterification products – Biodiesel and glycerine must be separated, and any leftover reactants removed. Water wash – Biodiesel can be washed of soap and glycerine using a centrifuge. Magnasol solids removal – As an alternative to water washing, it may be possible to wash the biodiesel in Magnasol.

Studies show that algae can produce up to 60% of their biomass in the form of oil. Because the cells grow in aqueous suspension where they have more efficient access to water, CO2 and dissolved nutrients, microalgae are capable of producing large amounts of biomass and usable oil in either high rate algal ponds or photobioreactors. This oil can then be turned into biodiesel which could be sold for use in automobiles. The more efficient this process becomes the larger the profit that is turned by the company. Regional production of microalgae and processing into biofuels will provide economic benefits to rural communities.

The algal-oil feedstock that is used to produce biodiesel can also be used for fuel directly as “Straight Vegetable Oil”, (SVO). The benefit of using the oil in this manner is that it doesn’t require the additional energy needed for transesterification, (processing the oil with an alcohol and a catalyst to produce biodiesel). The drawback is that it does require modifications to a normal diesel engine. Transesterified biodiesel can be run in an unmodified modern diesel engine, provided the engine is designed to use ultra-low sulfur diesel, which, as of 2006, is the new diesel fuel standard in the United States.

The algal fuel is very resourceful to people who use biodiesel on a large scale. Airlines, railways and bus depots should use algal fuel to refuel the automobiles. Algal fuel is extremely eco-friendly energy and would save a lot of our fossil fuels if used wisely. Keep the world green!!

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