Microbubbles make manufacturing of biofuel more energy efficient

Scientists from the University of Sheffield had recently gained international recognition on their study of a ground-breaking device that will make the production of alternative biofuels more energy-efficient.

Renewable fuels serve as alternative for fossil fuels like diesel and petrol. Currently, manufacturing biofuels requires extensive amounts of power. The new method developed by the scientists consumes lesser amount of energy, and proves to be much economical and greener in producing alternative fuels.

The group had developed an air-lift loop bioreactor that makes microbubbles – described as tiny gas bubbles that have a diameter of below 50 microns. Microbubbles consume 18 per cent lesser energy and can shift materials in a bioreactor much faster than larger bubbles produced from typical bubble generators.

Recently, the scientists received the Moulton Medal from the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). They had also submitted their project’s poster at the 6th Annual bioProcessUK conference, where it won the Best Poster Award.

Professor Will Zimmerman from the University of Sheffield was delighted that his team’s work had been recognized by IChemE. He hopes that the award will draw more industry attention towards the microbubble bioreactor.

The bioreactors are currently being tested by Suprafilt researchers on industrial stack gases. The team had also deployed the device in Yorkshire Water for the treatment of water.

Professor Martin Tillotson from Yorkshire Water said that the company before use forced air to treat water, which is very expensive. Now with the microbubble bioreactor, the Yorkshire Water is forecasting to lessen the cost of electricity used in water treatment by one-third.