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 (0-120min), and solids concentrations (10-50%). TCL conversion at 350°C, 60min 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 34.7-39.9MJkg-1 compared to 42.9MJkg-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. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.
CITATION STYLE
Jena, U., Das, K. C., & Kastner, J. R. (2011). Effect of operating conditions of thermochemical liquefaction on biocrude production from Spirulina platensis. Bioresource Technology, 102(10), 6221–6229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.02.057
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.