Production of biofuels is set to become more efficient following the development of a new, award-winning device.
A bioreactor created at the University of Sheffield has earned the team of scientists behind it the Institution of Chemical Engineers’ Moulton Medal, which goes to the best paper published in the organisation’s journal on an annual basis.
The current process for manufacturing alternative renewable fuels uses significant amounts of power, which can be uneconomic.
However, the bioreactor creates microbubbles that transfer material much more rapidly and consume 18 per cent less energy.
Professor Will Zimmerman of the University of Sheffield said the potential for saving power is "huge", adding: "I hope the award draws more industry attention to our work, particularly in commodity chemicals production for gas dissolution and stripping, where energy savings could enhance profitability."
It comes after a study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University identified a way in which tobacco plants could be used to produce biofuel, with the amount of oil in their leaves being increased.
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