Media Release
September 11 2008
Aquaflow produces first samples of green- crude from wild algae
BLENHEIM, NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand-based Aquaflow Bionomic
Corporation, which has been working on technology to convert wild algae
to next generation fuels, has produced the first samples of green-crude
from its proprietary processes.
“This is an exciting development because we may be able to separate
fuels such as diesel and aviation fuels, as well as a range of high
value chemicals, from green-crude,” says Aquaflow chairman, Barrie Leay.
Green-crude differs significantly from first generation biofuels
because it is made solely from photosynthetic microorganisms (algae),
which absorb sunlight, CO2 and nutrients found in waste streams or
agricultural runoff. In essence, green-crude has the same origins as
traditional oil reserves.
Green-crude is renewable and complements petroleum-based crude oil products.
Wild algae may be grown in wastewater so it doesn’t require additional food crop or agricultural land.
Aquaflow sources its wild algae from the local municipal waste
treatment oxidation ponds – essentially recycling a waste stream into a
valuable product.
“Our journey to develop a truly sustainable next generation fuel
solution has taken us in a number of new and significant directions.
We’ve learned that developing fuels from green-crude is clearly
achievable,” he explains.
Leay says that outputs from the green-crude samples are showing
similar or greater potential than existing mineral based petroleum
products.
“We’re continuing to explore the range of products that may be
developed from green-crude. We are likely to end up with a suite of
products that can literally be ‘dropped into’ the existing petroleum
fuels infrastructure,” he comments.
“With the green-crude showing such promise we are now also
concentrating on delivering high quality clean water in addition for
irrigation or industrial re-use,” adds Leay. “The process of removing
wild micro-algae from wastewater removes a substantial amount of
contaminants, leaving the effluent water much cleaner than with existing
treatment systems. With further filtration and polishing the water may
be reused for multiple purposes.”
Leay explains that Aquaflow’s technology appears to provide solutions
to the two most significant issues globally – energy security and water
security.
www.aquaflowgroup.com
Ends
Editor’s note: Illustrations available from Brenda Saunders at Trio.
Media Contacts:
Directors
Barrie Leay +64 21 624 807
Vicki Buck +64 27 584 2542
Nick Gerritsen + 64 27 488 9836
Media coordinator:
Brenda Saunders, Trio Communications Auckland. +64 21 777 171
Brenda@triocommunications.co.nz
Or email info@aquaflowgroup.com
