Proposal for a Small-Scale River Refugium Project (RRP):
Algae-Based Biofuel Production and Water Remediation
Executive Summary
This proposal outlines the development of a small-scale River Refugium Project (RRP) designed to clean polluted water while producing raw bio-oil from algae, which will be refined into biodiesel for generator operation. The project aims to test the feasibility of scaling algae-based hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) systems to meet on-site energy demands while addressing environmental remediation goals. By outsourcing the refining of bio-oil and focusing on efficient water cleaning and algae growth, the project is projected to achieve operational sustainability and potentially profitability within the first year.
Goals and Objectives
Primary Goal: Clean polluted water while producing bio-oil to meet on-site energy demands.
Secondary Goals:
Outsource bio-oil refining for biodiesel production.
Sell surplus biodiesel and byproducts (e.g., glycerin, biochar).
Demonstrate the scalability and sustainability of the system for broader applications.
System Components and Design
1. Biofilter Refugium
Purpose: Pre-treatment of polluted water to remove contaminants and provide nutrient-rich effluent for algae growth.
Design:
Six 100-gallon barrels filled with biological filtration media (lava rock, bio balls, and ceramic rings).
Aerobic and anaerobic zones for optimal nutrient cycling.
Slow-flow filtration (~500 gallons/hour).
Output: Nutrient-rich effluent (high in nitrates and phosphates) for greenhouse algae cultivation.
2. Greenhouse Algae Farm
Purpose: Grow high-lipid algae for bio-oil production while maintaining water cleaning.
Size: 200 square meters (2,150 sq. ft.) of shallow tanks.
Design:
Algae tanks: Ten 20-square-meter tanks, each with a depth of 10–15 cm.
Aeration: Paddle wheels and air stones to prevent clumping and enhance growth.
Lighting: Solar panels with supplemental LED grow lights.
Algae Species: High-lipid strains such as Chlorella or Nannochloropsis.
Output: ~75 kg/day of dry algae biomass.
3. HTL Reactor
Purpose: Convert algae biomass into raw bio-oil through hydrothermal liquefaction.
Design:
50-liter batch reactor, running 8 batches/day.
Operates at 250–300°C and 200–300 bar.
Energy-efficient heating system with insulation.
Output: 15 liters/day of raw bio-oil (20% yield from 75 kg algae biomass).
Increased bio-oil processing to 4,500 liters/month.
Output:
Biodiesel: ~3,150–4,050 liters/month.
Annual Output: ~37,800 liters/year (10x current scale).
3. Additional Byproducts
Glycerin: ~2,700 liters/year at scale.
Biochar: ~1,800 kg/year.
Potential Additions:
Protein extraction from residual algae for animal feed or aquaculture.
Biogas from off-gas recovery.
4. Profitability at Scale
Revenue:
Biodiesel Sales: 37,800 liters/year at $3.50/liter = $132,300/year.
Byproducts: ~$10,000/year.
Costs:
Refining and Transport: ~$70,000/year.
Operational Costs: ~$50,000/year.
Profit: $22,300/year (conservative).
Risk Analysis and Mitigation at Scale
Water Availability:
Secure partnerships with wastewater treatment plants and industrial sites.
Develop raw sewage pre-treatment systems.
Refining Bottlenecks:
Explore investment in on-site refining to reduce outsourcing costs.
Develop agreements with multiple third-party refineries.
Operational Complexity:
Employ automation for monitoring and system control.
Train staff to handle larger-scale operations efficiently.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Scaling the River Refugium Project offers significant potential for both environmental impact and profitability. The ability to clean large volumes of polluted water while generating renewable energy creates opportunities for revenue through biodiesel sales, byproduct marketing, and potential government incentives.
Next Steps for Scaling:
Secure long-term water and refining agreements.
Expand algae farm and HTL reactor capacity in phases.
Evaluate grant funding for infrastructure expansion.
Pilot larger systems with modular scalability to ensure smooth growth.
Prepared by: Cernunnos Foundation llc
When I say I will share business models and ideas I mean it. This is a clear path to a multi million dollar business and no one is doing it. All that money is flowing out of the river. So either fund me, or do it yourself.
Who wants to be in the business of clean water and utilizing natural design to simulate a swamp in a controlled environment with the intent of producing algae and then biofuel from the pollutants in the river, while cleaning the river.