Case study: Integrated Algal Biorefinery

Renewable Fuels & Chemicals

Integrated Algal Biorefinery

Customer: Sapphire Energy, Inc.

Project Location:Columbus, New Mexico

The Challenge

Sapphire Energy is developing biotechnology to produce fungible, drop-in transportation fuels through cultivation of algae and conversion of algal oil. As part of its development program, Sapphire will construct the Integrated Algal Biorefinery (IABR). The $135,000,000 project will utilize 300 acres of open ponds to grow algae and convert the algal biomass into 100 barrels per day of green crude, which will be further refined into liquid transportation fuels. Sapphire’s challenge is to scale-up successfully its technology from the laboratory and pilot processes.

The Solution

Harris Group is providing process development and owners engineering services for the IABR. Harris Group integrates Sapphire’s learnings from the laboratory and pilot scale, along with the work of Sapphire’s other partners, into the overall design. Work to date has included process development, cost estimating, front-end loading, detailed engineering design, and support in developing successful applications for a $50,000,000 DOE grant and a $54,000,000 USDA loan guarantee.

The Benefits

Sapphire’s core competencies are in biotechnology and lipid recovery. Harris Group provides engineering expertise to complement Sapphire’s technical ability and the horsepower to execute the IABR without an internal engineering staff.

Photo Courtesy of Sapphire Energy, Inc.

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Overview Services Case Studies ...more White Papers Contacts	Integrated Algal Biorefinery Customer: Sapphire Energy, Inc. Project Location:Columbus, New Mexico The Challenge Sapphire Energy is developing biotechnology to produce fungible, drop-in transportation fuels through cultivation of algae and conversion of algal oil. As part of its development program, Sapphire will construct the Integrated Algal Biorefinery (IABR). The $135,000,000 project will utilize 300 acres of open ponds to grow algae and convert the algal biomass into 100 barrels per day of green crude, which will be further refined into liquid transportation fuels. Sapphire’s challenge is to scale-up successfully its technology from the laboratory and pilot processes. The Solution Harris Group is providing process development and owners engineering services for the IABR. Harris Group integrates Sapphire’s learnings from the laboratory and pilot scale, along with the work of Sapphire’s other partners, into the overall design. Work to date has included process development, cost estimating, front-end loading, detailed engineering design, and support in developing successful applications for a $50,000,000 DOE grant and a $54,000,000 USDA loan guarantee. The Benefits Sapphire’s core competencies are in biotechnology and lipid recovery. Harris Group provides engineering expertise to complement Sapphire’s technical ability and the horsepower to execute the IABR without an internal engineering staff. Photo Courtesy of Sapphire Energy, Inc.