| Title of Process/ Know-how/ Product/Design/Equipment

Microalgal biodiesel

IPR Status & Details:

EP 2718453 A2

Application/Uses/Problem being addressed

  • Engine worthy biodiesel as substitute to diesel
  • Food vs Fuel Debate: Possibility of utilizing unusable land of salt farm for cultivation
  • Cost-effectiveness: Utilizing solar energy for biomass production
  • Indigenous raw material: Related IPR for production of oil-bearing Chlorella variabilis EP 2619303A1; US Patent 8741628
  • Dry sea as a substitute for the nutrients of sea water media for marine cultures (PCT/IN2012/000857)
  • Salient Technical Features including Competing Features/ Impact

  • Low energy requirement
  • Raw materials indigenously available
  • Identified best strain of Chlorella (halotolerant (3-8 Be') and thermotolerant (25-45oC))
  • Harvesting auto-settled dry biomass of Chlorella variabilis for high energy efficiency
  • Biorefinery approach
  • Scope of further improvisation
  • TRL Level & Scale of Development:- TRL 4 TRL Reference

    The process has been validated at pilot scale

    Business scope & opportunity (in terms of scale, cost, market etc.)

    The global advanced biofuel market is likely to grow to USD 44.6 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of close 44 percent by 2021

    Environmental Considerations

    • The process is eco-friendly
    • It can bring down CO2 emissions

    Status of Licensing:

    Not yet licensed

    Status of Commercialization:

    Not applicable

    Major Raw Materials Needed

    Microalgae oil; Chemicals and Solvents

    Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required

    Open ponds, Pilot centrifuge, Glass reactors, Soxhlet extraction system

    Techno-Economics

    Tentative Price: ₹125/- per litre; Collaboration sought on further refinement

    Technology Package

    Available on request for “as is where is basis”

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