Single pass conversion of algal triglycerides to processable n-alkanes was effectively accomplished using a 3% Pd/carbon catalyst in a fixed bed reactor over a period approaching 200 hours.  During that period, catalyst activity actually increased and selectivity changed such that total reduction became the predominant deoxygenation pathway.  Normal alkanes comprised nearly 90% of the effluent liquids.  Physical plugging of the reactor, likely by algal solids, terminated the run.  Small but significant amounts of alcohols were recovered with the n-alkanes which will need to be considered prior to further processing of these n-alkanes to distillate fuels.

Converting algal triglycerides to distillate fuels: Deoxygenation to alkanes

245th National Meeting (2013)

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