CO2 Sequestration

The conventional CO2 sequestration processes are highly power intensive and may cost up to several billions dollar.

Our AIMSys offers effective solution for carbon capturing lower cost by integrating algae biomass production and renewable energy.

 

Introduction

Using algae for reducing CO₂ in the atmosphere is known as algae-based Carbon Capture technology. The AIMSys technology provided by Algaetech also grows algae. Algaetech provide the necessary assistance on the technology establishment and facilitate in the development of R&D plant as a pilot for AIMSys on a basis for further expansion and collaboration in the future for growing algae.

 

Photo-bioreactor technology and open ponds system are being used to cultivate microalgae, this provide excellent perspectives for renewable energy production and as a source of ‘green’ products. AIMSys deploy a series of equipments collectively to ensure efficient and effective sequestration of CO₂ gas. AIMSys is divided into four major processes; Preparation, Culturing, Harvesting Dewater and Processing Bio Refining.

 

Preparation

This stage involves the collection of sea water into the Sea Water tank, which is filtered in the Water Filter tank. The filtration process is developed through four stages of filtration; treating with chorine; 10micron filter; 5micron and lastly; filtration with 0.1 micron. The now saline water collects in the Saline Tank before moving to the Treatment Tank. Here the saline and recycled water (water that comes from the end of the process during centrifugation) is sterilized with chlorine. Then later it is treated with anti-chlorine solution to make it adaptable for algae growth. Nutrients are added in the Nutrient Tank to make media for the algae to grow.

 

Culturing

 Also known as the Photo-Bioreactor (PBR) stage and comprises of two categories. Media is injected into the Reservoir Tank with the algae; termed as the dark stage for the buffer circulation of algae culture. The light stage takes place in the PBR, enabling algae to undergo photosynthesis and cell division, thus increasing the biomass. The culture is transferred from the Reservoir Tank to the Photo-Bioreactor and back through modules attached to the PBR tubes. The CO₂ is provided from trapping the flue gas combusted by the generators of power plants. The flue gas collected is at 200°C and is cool to 30°C; this is achieved by the Heat Exchanger (cooling system) which will pass the gas through pipes containing special liquid. The gas will then be pressurized by the Blower which will be collected and stored in the Flue Gas Chamber as compressed CO₂. The use of the Controller (solenoid valve) controls the total amount of CO₂ gas entering the PBR based on the pH conditions of the PBR systems.

Harvesting Dewater

After sufficient time has elapse in the PBR, algae is collected in the Harvesting Pond where the third process, harvesting dewater starts. With sufficient growth of algae, the biomass extraction uses a Centrifugation Machine, collecting the biomass at the bottom. The water that is filtered through, known as the recycle water undergo the UV & Treatment System to be neutralized, free from bacteria and contaminations and enter to the Treatment Tank into for the next preparation process.

 

Processing of Bio-Refining

 After the biomass has been collected, it undergoes a drying process to evaporate remaining water. The dry powder or cake form of the algae biomass is then refined to obtain the valuable product. This product is then sent for refining and extraction of biodiesel. Algae can undergo mechanical or chemical methods for oil extraction.

 

AIMSys for the Co2 Sequestration:

• To capture the flue gas CO₂ from the gas engines used to generate power.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of mitigating CO₂ emissions through diverging CO₂ into open algal ponds and PBR from flue gas.
• To produce algae biomass in PBR. The oil-rich strains will further be process into bio-fuel and other value-added products using Algaetech latest technology.
• To quantify the absorption of CO₂ emitted due to burning of fossil fuels in the power plants and to qualify the project under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

 

Characteristics of Algae based CO₂ Capture are:

• Captures flue gas that usually contains only 2-5% of CO₂ for the PBR.
• Uses other pollutants such as Nitrogen and Sulphur containing compounds as nutrients.
• Uses photosynthesis to yield algal biomass of high value commercial product
• A renewable cycle process

 

Key advantages of the process of CO₂ sequestration using algae:

• Does not require a high pure concentration of CO₂ gas.
• Natural gas or syngas powered power plants have virtually no SO₂ in the flue gas.
• Biofuels obtainable from algae are the starting point for high-protein animal feeds, agricultural fertilizers, biopolymers / bioplastics, glycerin and more.
• Algae can grow in temperatures ranging from below freezing to 158^oF.
• Minimal negative impacts on the environment
• High value products obtained by algae culturing will offset the capital and operational cost

 

CO2 Sequestration Project Illustration