Integrated designs of microalgae biorefineries using a fixed selection of halophytic algae

Abstract

The paper discusses the development of an integrated process that addresses the co­production of glycerol, ß­-carotene and proteins deriving from the microalga Dunaliella using a multitude of solvents and scoping to reduce energy consumption. The process flowsheeting methodology is based on an evolutionary approach, which is adopted in order to establish feasible and sustainable flowsheet options. The impact of high­value products is studied in the form of economic sustainability analysis. Process integration is applied to target efficiency scoping for reviewing thermal integration and the use of alternative separation schemes. The analysis reviews economic benefits as well as the impact of process integration in securing the viability of the incentive