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The Process
Our Value Add
Why Algae?
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We grow algae in photo
bioreactors (PBR) rather than in open ponds, because they provide a clean
controlled environment. These are large clear tubes linked together that contain
water and a specific strain of algae. A CO2 delivery system is attached to the
tubes. Once the algae is seeded, it is fed CO2 from the cement plant, which in
combination with sunlight causes algae to grow. Our high efficiency photo
bioreactors accelerate algae growth, increasing the rate of CO2 absorption.
Creating Biomass:
From the PBRs, algae is centrifuged to remove
most of the water. Ultrasound is used to separate the oils from the solid. This
process yields (i) “green crude” which will be further refined to make biodiesel,
and (ii) “biomass” which our customers can burn as a low carbon fuel, substantially
reducing their coal intake.
Producing Biodiesel:
The conversion of “green crude” into biodiesel is called transesterification. Our
refineries employ a new biodiesel catalytic reactor which uses methanol, pressure,
heat and a tri-metal catalyst to convert green crude into raw biodiesel. The
methanol is removed from the raw biodiesel and is final filtered to produce pure
raw B100 biodiesel.
This fuel is superior to its petroleum counterpart because it is biodegradable,
performs better in diesel engines, ignites more easily, helps promote longer engine
life because it has better lubrication qualities, produces 40% less pollution when
burned, and is actually cheaper than petroleum diesel. Our customers can use this
biodiesel to completely offset their fuel requirement for their trucking and heavy
equipment fleets. We can help them sell the surplus on the open market.
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