Back in March, W2 Energy, Inc. filled its SunFilter 1 algae reactor with the E uglena Gracilis strain of algae and is now reporting that the device “has been sinking carbon dioxide at 2-3 times faster”.
“SunFilter 1 will be able to sink more carbon dioxide and generate highly valuable carbon offset credits at less than half the price as before,” says the company, which reveals that the reactor “is also proving out the concept of using the SunFilter to remediate not just carbon dioxide but also waste”.
Since the beginning of April, W2 engineers have been introducing biodigestor liquid disgestate (BLD) as an additional food source for the algae. BLD is a nutrient-rich substance produced by anaerobic digestion and is a common food industry byproduct. It contains high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which makes it difficult and expensive to dispose of via conventional means. The Euglena Gracilis algae are easily digesting all of these elements.
"SunFilter 1 is proving out several concepts at once," says Mike McLaren, President and CEO of W2 Energy. "It is demonstrating cost-effective sequestration of carbon gases and liquid waste, all in one machine. We are thrilled."
The SunFilter Algae Reactor sequesters carbon dioxide and other pollution gases and grows algae which feed on those gases and particulates. In situations where the algae feed on pure carbon dioxide (CO2), such as the carbon dioxide produced by the MultiFuel Reactor, the algae can be used to produce biodiesel, syngas, and human and animal food supplements. When feedstock gas has other components such as sulfur oxides, resulting algae can create biodiesel and syngas (a combination of hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide).
W2 Energy has also developed its NT Plasmatron, which converts any hydrocarbon feedstock into syngas. Viable feedstocks include municipal solid waste, coal, natural gas, tires, sewage, animal waste and agricultural waste.
In transportation, the company has designed its Solar Bug solar electric vehicle, running on a combination of conventional and solar-produced electricity.
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