Description:
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) converts wet biomass at high temperatures and high pressures into a solid char, an oil-phase liquid, an aqueous phase liquid, and non-condensable gases. The different phases provide opportunities for recovery of energy and materials from wastes. In this project, HTL is used to recover energy (in the form of bio-crude oil) and nutrients (in the form of char and aqueous phase) from algae grown on municipal wastewater and wet pre-and post-consumer food waste. HTL batch products are characterized for energy content, elemental composition, and thermogravimetric properties.
Completion Objectives:
- Complete equipment operation training.
- Assist with operation of 1.8L batch autoclave reactor for HTL of algae and food waste.
- Assist with characterization of products algae and food waste HTL.
Faculty Advisor:
Brewer
Required Competencies
CHEM 116
Student Researcher:
April Wright