Analysis of effects of the bioreactor configuration and process variables on rheological parameters of Chlorella sp biomass in different culture times for biofuels production

• Grant number: 16/23416-6
• Support type: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants
• Duration: May 01, 2017 - October 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal researcher: Daniela Helena Pelegrine Guimarães
• Grantee: Daniela Helena Pelegrine Guimarães
• Home Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Bruna Caroline Marques Gonçalves ; Júlio César dos Santos ; Messias Borges Silva ; Rita de Cássia Lacerda Brambilla Rodrigues

Abstract

Microalgae have aroused interest in energy and environment scenarios. Microalgae high productivity and needlessness in land and water quality in addition to the great potential as a source of biofuels, for biorefinery, are advantages related to the success of this research. This project is presented as a continuation of a previously developed project (Fapesp 2014/03244-0), aiming to analyze rheological behaviour of Chlorella sp suspensions cultivated in slurry (landfill leachate) in two types of reactor (Raceway and Air Lift), besides the evaluation of hydrogen, biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas obtaining from microalgal biomass. For each type of reactor, the effects of the factors slurry concentration, CO2 concentration in the gaseous stream, aeration flow in the reactor and frequency of rotation of the agitator (Raceway), or flow of the feed stream (Air Lift reactor) will be evaluated. The orthogonal array Taguchi L9 orthogonal array will be applied to evaluate the effects of these four factors on the response variables: rheological parameters, biomass concentration and productivity in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The oil accumulated in the microalgal cells will be extracted and analyzed in another project (Fapesp 2016/00690-5). The residual biomass will be analyzed for rheological parameters and composition (ashes, carbohydrates and proteins). In order to obtain enough biomass for the biogas and bioethanol production, the experimental plan cultivation with higher carbohydrate productivity will be repeated, for each type of reactor. The production of biogas and bioethanol will be evaluated. In order to carry out this work, it will be necessary to improve the infrastructure of the Laboratory of Engineering of Microalgae - LEM (Department of Chemical Engineering - DEQUI) of EEL, through the acquisition of permanent materials, consumption and services of third parties, contributing with the other projects, currently developed in the EEL. (AU)