United States Patent Application: 0080086938
Since we've lately been touting the benefits of coupling various processes for the conversion of Coal into more versatile hydrocarbons with the seemingly-logical concept of utilizing Algae to convert any byproduct Carbon Dioxide into various sorts of useful things, like Algal bio-lipids that can be refined rather directly into Diesel fuel and Algal cellulosic Biomass that can be added to, and be converted right along with, the Coal going into the Coal conversion facility, we wanted to demonstrate herein how advanced that technology is really becoming.
First, we remind you of our reports:
West Virginia Coal Association | Chevron Algae Convert CoalTL CO2 into Diesel Fuel | Research & Development; concerning: "US Patent 7,838,272 - Increased Yield in GTL Processing via Conversion of CO2 to Diesel via Microalage; 2010; Assignee: Chevron USA; Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for integrating gas-to-liquids (GTL) processing with biofuels production. In some embodiments of the present invention, carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by GTL processing is used to support grovel (via photosynthesis) of microalgae. In some such embodiments, the microalgae can be further processed to yield a diesel fuel that can be used either by itself, or mixed with fuel produced by the GTL processing (and) wherein the gas-to-liquids plant is operable for producing transportation fuels (and wherein) reforming of coal yields syngas according to the following equation: C + H2O = H2 + CO";and:
Honeywell Recycles CO2 with Algae | Research & Development; concerning: "Honeywell's UOP Awarded Funding for Carbon Dioxide Reuse Through Algae Biofuel Production; 2010; UOP, a Honeywell company, announced ... that it has been awarded a $1.5 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy for a project to demonstrate technology to capture carbon dioxide and produce algae for use in biofuel and energy production. The funding will be used for the design of a demonstration system that will capture carbon dioxide from exhaust stacks ... and deliver the captured CO2 to a cultivation system for algae. Algal oil can then be extracted from the algae for conversion to biofuels, and the algae residual can be converted to pyrolysis oil, which can be burned to generate renewable electricity";
wherein it's demonstrated that the concept of using Algae to recycle Carbon Dioxide emitted by an industrial process, and to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels thereby, is one which is gaining some broader recognition and acceptance.
Most recently, in:
West Virginia Coal Association | California Algae Eliminate Coal-to-Liquid CO2 Emissions | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20100285576 - Method to Produce Synthesis Gas or Liquid Fuels from Commingled Algae and Coal Feedstock Using a Steam-Hydrogasification Reactor and a Steam Methane Reformer with CO2 Utilization Through an Algae Farm; 2010; Inventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, et. al., CA; (Presumed Assignee: The Regents of the University of California); Government Interests: This invention was made with support from the City of Riverside, Calif. The City of Riverside has certain rights in this invention. This invention involves the conversion of coal-algae ... commingled slurry feedstock into a high methane content product gas using a steam hydrogasification process. This gas is then reformed into synthesis gas (H2 and CO). Excess H2 from the synthesis gas is separated and recycled back to the gasifier. The synthesis gas is converted into a liquid fuel such as Fischer-Tropsch diesel. The CO2 emissions from the steam hydrogasification process can be captured and used to grow the algae, which can subsequently be commingled with coal ... to form slurry feedstocks for the hydrogasifier. Thus, this process eliminates CO2 emissions from the conversion plant";
we documented how the Carbon Dioxide byproduct of a Coal conversion facility, or any source of CO2 for that matter, could, just as Chevron specifies in the above "US Patent 7,838,272 - Increased Yield in GTL Processing via Conversion of CO2 to Diesel via Microalage", be converted not only into the Diesel fuel specified by Chevron; but, additionally, into plain Algae biomass which, after the Oil had been extracted from it, could be added to the Coal going into a "hydrogasification process", with both being converted therein into hydrocarbon synthesis gas.
There is, though, another option for the productive use of that Algae biomass, one which can enhance the productivity and efficiency of the system that converts Carbon Dioxide, Water and Sunlight into Diesel fuel.
After the Oil is harvested, at least some of that residual Biomass can be processed to provide the nutrients for the growth of more Algae, so that more Carbon Dioxide can be harvested from whatever source and converted into more hydrocarbon bio-lipids.
Herein, we wanted to begin demonstrating for you just how thoroughly and intensively such technology is being developed; and, being developed in what might seem, at first, some surprising quarters.
We apologize in advance for what will be an incomplete, yet complex, presentation. And, we apologize most especially to the scientists who worked with such obvious diligence, and to the company that supported those scientists in the course of the development work, since what space will allow us to present herein are only fragments from their body of Carbon Dioxide recycling accomplishments; and, there are some "sidebar" issues, which we really don't believe to be extraneous, that we feel need to be addressed.
So, first, with comment inserted and appended, and with additional links and excerpts following, we present excerpts from the initial link in this dispatch to:
"US Patent Application 20080086938 - Photosynthetic CO2 Sequestration and Pollution Abatement
(As we have previously noted, official United States Patent and Trademark Office links to USPTO electronic files of Patent Applications have proven unstable and unreliable. Should the link we provided initially in this dispatch fail to properly function, here are two additional links to our subject application, as it is stored and available on independent sites:
Patent US20080086938 - Photosynthetic carbon dioxide sequestration and pollution abatement - Google Patents
Photosynthetic carbon dioxide sequestration and pollution abatement - Hazlebeck, David A.)
Date: April, 2008
Inventors: David Hazelbeck, CA, and Eric Dunlop, Australia
(Note, that, as is typical with US Patent Applications, the eventual Assignee of rights to the patent is not named. As we will see, that assignee will almost undoubtedly be the California company, General Atomics.
See:
General Atomics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; "General Atomics is a nuclear physics and defense contractor headquartered in San Diego, California. General Atomics’ research into fission and fusion matured into competencies in related technologies, allowing the company to expand into other fields of research. General Atomics develops systems ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies".
As can be learned further in:
General Atomics; "General Atomics was conceived in 1955 at San Diego, California for the purpose of harnessing the power of nuclear technologies for the benefit of mankind"; and, in:
About General Atomics; "Founded originally in 1955 as a division of General Dynamics, General Atomics (“GA”) and its affiliated companies now constitute one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to electromagnetic systems, remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electronic, wireless and laser technologies. GA had an initial charter to explore peaceful uses of atomic energy. Leading scientists came to GA, forming the nucleus of a staff which, including affiliated companies, currently numbers about 5,000. GA carries out the largest and most successful nuclear fusion program in private industry. The company has been the primary developer of modular helium-cooled nuclear power reactor systems, and its TRIGA(R) research reactors have operated around the world for over 45 years. GA and its affiliated entities also manufacture, operate, and service state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles, are engaged in uranium mining and processing, and provide nuclear instrumentation, aircraft launch and recovery systems, superconducting magnets, systems for hazardous material destruction, magnetic levitation systems, medical diagnostic products, information technology and many other products and services for government and industry. For over 50 years, GA and its affiliates have been qualified by U.S. Government organizations, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation, as a government contractor and facilities operator. GA and affiliates' facilities contain over three million square feet of engineering, laboratory and manufacturing installations in the San Diego area. GA and its affiliates also have operations in Berlin, Dresden, Moscow, Tokyo, Adelaide, Washington, D.C., Denver, Los Alamos, Oklahoma City, Tupelo and Ogden";
this ain't a Mother Earth News-type manufacturer of organic, bio-ethanol home brew do-it-yourself kits. We're looking at a pretty unique critter here; one, we are led to conclude, very much like another about which we've reported as being involved in the development of very similar CO2-recycling technology, in:
West Virginia Coal Association | USDOE Algae Recycle More CO2 and Produce Ethanol | Research & Development; concerning: "US Patent 7,973,214 - Designer Organisms for Photosynthetic Production of Ethanol from CO2 and Water; 2011; Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC, Oak Ridge";
with the "Battelle" partner being the Battelle Memorial Institute; a "skunk works", as we styled it, that's been doing some intriguing things in various places around the world since before WWII.
General Atomics now, as noted above, is a part of General Dynamics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; and, given that fact, and the information provided in the above reference links, we gotta ask:
Why, in the world, is a company like this involved in an almost-Rodale's Organic Gardening-sounding exercise in industrial-scale hydroponics?
Regardless of the answer to that question, General Atomics have, as we will see, developed a comprehensive system that will convert our unwanted Carbon Dioxide rather directly into Diesel Fuel.)
Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.
(Note that effluent from the Algae bioreactor, after the bio-Diesel and Algae biomass is extracted, can be directly re-used as the flue gas "scrubber solution"; and, that the inventors do mean the full range of smokestack pollutants are utilized by the Algae. Keep in ,mind that both Nitrogen and Sulfur, in addition to CO2 are needed by green plants, such as Algae, for growth.)
Claims: A system for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae which comprises: a scrubber having a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream; a scrubber solution received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream; a bioreactor for growing algae cells with high oil content, said bioreactor having an input port for receiving the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth; an algae separator in fluid communication with the bioreactor for removing the algae cells from an effluence; a channel for recycling the effluence from the bioreactor to the scrubber for use as the scrubber solution; and a device for processing the algae cells to form biofuel.
A system ... wherein the pollutants are selected from a group comprising carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
A system ... wherein the scrubber solution is selected from a group comprising sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate.
A method ... wherein the processing step includes: lysing the algae cells removed from the conduit to unbind oil within the algae cells; withdrawing the oil from remaining cell matter; and synthesizing biofuel and glycerin from the oil (and) wherein the remaining cell matter is a byproduct and the glycerin is a byproduct, and wherein the processing step includes recycling at least one byproduct to the bioreactor to support growth of algae cells with high oil content.
Background and Field: The present invention pertains generally to processes for abating pollution and for producing biofuel from algae. More particularly, the present invention pertains to the supply of pollutants to algae cells for use as nutrients to support growth. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system and method for producing biofuel from algae fed with a scrubber solution that has scrubbed pollutants from a flue gas.
Currently, the process involved in creating biofuel from plant oils is expensive relative to the process of extracting and refining petroleum. It is possible, however, that the cost of processing a plant-derived biofuel could be reduced by maximizing the rate of growth of the plant source and by minimizing the costs of feeds needed to support the plant growth.
One possible source of carbon dioxide and other nutrients that support cell growth is found in flue gases from power plants or other combustion sources. Further, when present in flue gases, these nutrients are considered pollutants that must be properly disposed of. Therefore, use of nutrients from flue gases to support cell growth will abate pollution.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for producing algae-derived biofuel which reduces input costs.
Summary: In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for producing high oil content biofuel from algae fed with pollutants. In this manner, the system serves to produce an environmentally-friendly fuel while abating pollution. Structurally, the system includes a scrubber having a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream and a scrubber solution. Typically, the fluid stream comprises flue gas from a combustion source, such as a power plant, which is polluted with carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and/or nitrogen oxides. Further, the scrubber solution is typically a caustic or sodium bicarbonate.
For purposes of the present invention, the system also includes a bioreactor for growing algae cells with high oil content."
----------------------
Again, our excerpts, out of necessity, are exquisitely brief. And, the ones following will be even more concise. The above technology is actually an extension, a production-enhancing refinement of an almost immediately-prior CO2-recycling development made by the same two inventors, as seen in:
"United States Patent: 7662616 - Photosynthetic Oil Production with High Carbon Dioxide Utilization
Date: February, 2010
(Don't be confused. This is prior technology to "US Patent Application 20080086938 - Photosynthetic CO2 Sequestration and Pollution Abatement; 2008"; the discrepancies evolving from the time it takes to decide upon and then issue a patent after the application has been published; which publication occurs some significant time after the application is first submitted.)
Inventors: David Hazlebeck, CA, and Eric Dunlop, Australia
Assignee: General Atomics, San Diego, CA
Abstract: A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.
Claims: A system for processing oil from algae which comprises: a conduit for growing algae cells with high oil content, said conduit having an input port; an algae separator in fluid communication with the conduit for removing the algae cells from remaining effluence, with the remaining effluence being a byproduct; a device for lysing the algae cells removed from the conduit to unbind oil within the algae cells; an oil separator for withdrawing the oil from remaining cell matter, with the remaining cell matter being a byproduct; a reactor for receiving the oil from the oil separator and for synthesizing biofuel and glycerin from said oil, with said glycerin being a byproduct, wherein said reactor has an exit in fluid communication with the input port of the conduit for recycling the glycerin to the conduit to support growth of high oil content algae cells; and a means for recycling at least one byproduct through the input port to the conduit to support growth of algae cells with high oil content.
Summary: In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for efficiently processing oil from algae. For this purpose, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth and the cellular production of oil."
------------------------
Note that the above, which bills itself as a technology for "Oil Production" with "High CO2 Utilization", is closely-similar to the process disclosed in "US Patent Application 20080086938 - Photosynthetic CO2 Sequestration and Pollution Abatement"; with the difference, we think, lying in the more detailed specifics in the Patent Application about how the byproducts of extracting Oil from the Algae can be used to support additional Algae growth.
And, another, similar technology was awarded a US Patent almost immediately subsequent:
United States Patent: 7687261 - Photosynthetic Oil Production in a Two-Stage Reactor
Date: March, 2010
Inventors: David Hazlebeck, CA, and Eric Dunlop, Australia
Assignee: General Atomics, San Diego
Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor."
--------------------
We'll leave our excerpts very brief and allow those genuinely interested in the specifics of Algae culture to examine the details via the USPTO's record of the patent. In brief, Algae are first nourished in one stage of the reactor with Carbon Dioxide and other specified nutrients, most of which are constituents of flue gas, and, then, moved to a second stage where they're supplied with a modified blend of nutrients, all specified, which serve to maximize production of Oil from Water, various flue gas pollutants, and Carbon Dioxide.
Yet another refinement of their art is seen in:
"United States Patent: 7763457 - High Photoefficiency Microalgae Bioreactors
Date: July, 2010
Inventors: Eric Dunlop, Australia, and David Hazlebeck, CA
Assignee: General Atomics, San Diego
Abstract: A system and method are provided for growing algae with improved photoefficiency. The system includes a bioreactor formed with a conduit for growing algae cells in a medium. Further, the system is provided with a paddle wheel for moving the medium through the conduit at a predetermined fluid flow velocity. In order to ensure that algae cells are efficiently converting light energy to chemical energy, a plurality of barriers is positioned in the fluid stream. Specifically, the barriers are separated by predetermined distances to create ... vortices in the medium. As a result, algae cells are sequentially flowed to the surface of the fluid stream to receive light energy for predetermined intervals of time."
-----------------------
And, believe it or not, there is even more. But, we'll end our dissertation here, with the option of addressing General Atomics' additional Algae-based Carbon Dioxide, and "sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides", that is, "flue gas", recycling accessory technologies in future reports.
The sum of it all is this:
We can utilize the complete mix of "flue gases from power plants", without separating the various constituents, i.e,, "carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides", "to support growth of algae cells with high oil content", and, thereby make."biofuel from pollutant-fed algae".
And, we can do so in an integrated process that utilizes waste Algae remains, after Oil is extracted, as a sort of fertilizer to support the growth of more, pollutant-consuming and Oil-producing Algae.
It was suggested to us that such a system could encounter a build-up, without continuing plant expansion, perhaps a rapid build-up, of Algae cellular debris, subsequent to Oil extraction, above and beyond that which could be utilized as nutrients by the fresh, actively CO2-recycling Algae.
If so, we submit, such excess biomass could be forwarded on to a separate Coal conversion facility, like that described in our above-referenced report: "California Algae Eliminate Coal-to-Liquid CO2 Emissions"; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20100285576 - Method to Produce Synthesis Gas or Liquid Fuels from Commingled Algae and Coal Feedstock Using a Steam-Hydrogasification Reactor and a Steam Methane Reformer with CO2 Utilization Through an Algae Farm"; and therein be converted as well, albeit indirectly, into "Liquid Fuels", along with some of the resource that, at the very root of the thing, makes all of this possible to begin with:
Coal.
Today is the Fourth of July. Far, far past time we really did declare our independence, ain't it?
At least our independence from foreign Oil and Cap & Trade taxes.
