The Effect of Dichloromethane on Product Separation during Continuous Hydrothermal Liquefaction of <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> and Aqueous Product Recycling for Algae Cultivation

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a solvent commonly used in laboratories for microalgae hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product separation. The addition of DCM would lead to an “overestimation effect” biocrude yield and diminish quality. However, it currently not clear what extent this overestimation effect will impact continuous HTL process. In study, Chlorella vulgaris was processed stirred tank reactor at different temperatures (300, 325, 350, 375, 400 °C) 24 MPa 15 min holding time. Two separation methods were applied investigate the using cHTL procedure terms yield, elemental content, aqueous (AP) composition. Subsequently, feasibility reusing AP algae cultivation has been evaluated. Results suggest that 350 °C optimal temperature operation, leading highest average increase 9 wt % achieved when Within range investigated, estimation can be proposed by yieldnon-DCM ≈ 0.818 × yieldDCM. characterized total organic carbon nitrogen, high-performance liquid chromatography, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. show 350–375 more nitrogen other ions directed into AP, which could advantageous nutrient recovery. With help density testing, shown exhibit better growth with activated absorption purification treatment as compared standard medium. recovery water nutrients from HTL-AP improve economics biorefinery