Biofuel Production via Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae

Biofuel Production via Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae presents a comprehensive review of hydrothermal liquefaction processes, modelling, and assessment to produce biofuels. Divided into two parts that address the experimental and modelling aspects, the book provides specialized chapters on the reaction kinetics of hydrothermal liquefaction, process design and simulations, and on materials and methods. The opening chapters offer a comprehensive introduction to hydrothermal liquefaction, explaining processes for various feedstocks, product characterization, by-products, recent advances and key issues of hydrothermal liquefaction technology. In the experiment-focused chapter, the authors evaluate the potential for biocrude production from algae and discuss the effect of the operating parameters, supported by experimental data. Pre-treatment methods are also presented and explained. Mathematical and statistical techniques for empirical model building using response surface methodology are provided and explained in-depth, including how to identify the best predictive model. Kinetic modelling and simulation of hydrothermal liquefaction processes are evaluated for predicting biocrude yield on industrial scale. This is followed by an economic evaluation of biocrude production to assess feasibility and commercial potential, as well as exergy analysis to improve thermodynamic performances. Environmental and sustainability issues of hydrothermal liquefaction are addressed in a dedicated chapter, and the final chapter presents real-world case studies of hydrothermal liquefaction projects. Biofuel Production via Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae is an invaluable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, and industry practitioners engaged in biofuel production through the hydrothermal liquefaction of algae and serves as a specialist reference on hydrothermal liquefaction for everyone involved in biofuel production.