Design of a pilot plant for the optimization of a biorefinery based on algae

Identifier:  TFG:2345

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG2345

Authors:  Ibort Colet, Javier

Abstract:
The client Ioanis Katakis, representing the company Interfibio, and in collaboration with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, commissioned the design and budgeting of a pilot plant based on microalgae, to build at the Sescelades campus of the same university. The objective of the pilot plant is the treatment of wastewater, with microalgae. It is achieved with two reactors, one of flat panels with a volume of 200L and a PFR with a volume of 521L. Those reactors can act in both Batch and continuous operation and there takes place the microalgae growth and the consumption of contaminants of wastewater. By simulating the process and under very favorable conditions, a maximum output flow of 20L/h is obtained. The unique characteristics of each species make of a great importance the proposed control strategy, allowing monitoring of the parameters of interest, and collecting the evolution over time of the growth of microalgae with the fixed conditions of concentration, temperature, pH, light intensity and gas inlet. Companies from different sectors can provide samples of 1m3 of their wastewater to check the suitability of their treatment with microalgae. At the entrance of the process there is a tank that allows the sterilization of the water, ensuring that no microorganism can enter and alter the medium. A separation of the microalgae from the waste water is necessary once it has been treated. A 50L clarifier has been designed, thanks to tests carried out in the laboratory, which by means of the sedimentation of the microalgae allows to have a first stage of separation, and a centrifuge with a washing capacity of 60L/h has been selected, which finally separates the microalgae from the treated clean water. The available space is limited, and the plant is designed in 3 dimensions to ensure that it fits within the spaces provided. An assessment of CO2 consumption will allow us to know the capacity of microalgae to transform it. Finally for the realization of the budgets, companies from all over the world have been contacted, who have made offers of their equipment and/or services to be able to make a budget of the plant. The total cost is up to €217.000, and includes the equipment, and the instrumentation and control software.