Fast Hydrothermal Liquefaction Turns Kelp into Bio-Oil

Khanh-Quang Tran from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has found a way to produce "biocrude" from common kelp (Laminaria saccharina). His results have been published in the journal Algal Research.

"What we are trying to do is to mimic natural processes to produce oil," said Tran, an associate professor in NTNU's Department of Energy and Process Engineering. "However, while petroleum oil is produced naturally on a geologic time scale, we can do it in minutes."

In his technique, the fast hydrothermal liquefaction, kelp and water slurry was heated to 350 degrees C at 585 degrees C per minute in small quartz tube "reactors". The technique gave him a bio-oil yield of 79%.  The high heating rate results in a biocrude that is easier to refine. Tran says his process is relatively simple and does not need catalysts.

He's now looking for industrial partners and additional funding to continue his research.