Investigation of filtering and drying process of microalgae pilot plant

Abstract

The increasing need for sustainable energy calls for the development of renewable and cost-effective alternative sources to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Biofuel is one of the substituted alternatives that are now well-recognised as a result of the increasing awareness of green environment and pollution. This study intended to produce dry biomass via a microalgae pilot plant. Previous research had produced the microalgae pilot plants, which consisted of cultivation, filtering, and drying process. However, the filtering process and drying process needed further investigation to obtain the optimum output. Two types of filters: (a) membrane filter was tested for the filtering process. The drying temperature was examined between 50°C and 80°C. Results showed that the membrane filter produced high filtration rates with 53% of efficiency compared to the (b) paper filter, with 39% of efficiency. The optimum drying temperature was observed at 70°C, which produced the most effective dry microalgae.