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Green technology is moving into the front and center of our biofuel markets. Saving the environment has become a priority for many of our top level scientists. Many people are becoming deeply curious about just how this green technology is going to accomplish this. Apparently, microalgae is the environment-saving answer. So, what is microalgae exactly?
What is microalgae
Basically put, microalgae has the ability to convert sunlight into chemical energy. Microalgae is responsible for just about 50% of our earth’s carbon fixation.
Many patents for mass-replication of micro- and photosynthetic algae have been applied for. This is proof this new technology is being invested in, and taken very seriously. The algae are now being cultivated, where once accomplished, the oils are then extracted.
Many have thought it impossible to create this process on such a massive scale as would be needed for commercial production.
Revolutionizing the biofuel markets
Mass production of fractionalized microalgae is about to occur. This will revolutionize the biofuel markets. Because microalgae is shown to produce hundreds of times more oil per acre than soybeans, which are the current leading biodiesel source today, it also absorbs more CO2 while growing.
This causes it to burn carbon neutral — meaning it will not pollute at all when used in combustion engines. It also doubles in size every few hours under the right conditions.
The agricultural land wars are making the climate even more-friendly for micro algae producers. The Energy and Security Independence Act passed in 2007 requires an expanded production of biofuels, and by 2022 we are expected to reach 36 billion gallons, less than half of these gallons are allowed to be derived from corn.
With surging food prices, farmers will need more land than ever to try to accommodate offering lower food prices through broadening markets and meeting demands. This makes the ease of the micro-algae production process really enticing for fuel producers.
Producers of microalgae fuel do so through the process called “Quantum Fracturing” where micro ionized water, nutrient particles and CO2 are re-introduced to the algae through a low pressure environment. This is done in order to not disturb the growing algae.
Micron-sized bubbles cause a greater absorption rate. Highly pressurized differentials cause a greater production of hydrocarbons. This “fractured” CO2 slurry is then introduced into a “Helix Bioreactor” where a rotating vertical shaft works to maximize algae growth.
It accomplishes this by positioning low energy lights into a helix spiral, which multi-layers the growth.
This triggers an exponential amount of cell division which then recycles about ten percent of the algae back into the bioreactor. This triggers a swift continuation of this growth phase, right into the next batch of growing algae.
This specific part of the process is what causes this approach to be the true approach we need to engage for the purpose of saving the environment.
In the past, oil extraction has been one of the most costly as well as energy and time consuming parts of the fuel producing process. Using electromagnetic fields to “pulse” the algae cells, fracturing can then be done to “crack” the algae cells membrane, and thus release the oil to then by means of simple gravity, fall into a collection container below. And it only takes an hour.
What is microalgae and what can it do for the earth
If this doesn’t cause excitement for fuel speculators, they don’t know their business. We can thank our field scientists for sticking with the technologies that have held this promise.
Apparently we will be able to meet with the 2022 governmental mandated deadline, after all. Perhaps it will be far sooner than expected. So, is green technology going to be the answer to saving the environment? Perhaps so.
Amy Lizee works for Environment911.org – an interactive website for individuals to come and discuss the environment from green business to natural disasters.
They feel it is important for people to come together and share their thoughts, ideas and visions for the future.
The more everyone communicates what is happening in our world, the more people can be educated and the more we can progress.
