Source: Kansas State University news release
MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University engineer is evaluating the feasibility and efficiency of producing aviation fuel precursors from swine waste.
The project focuses on anaerobic membrane reactors, or AnMBRs, as a viable platform to recover and valorize swine waste streams through co-fermentation into short- and medium-chain organic acids, which ultimately can be transformed into synthetic aviation fuel.
Prathap Parameswaran, recipient of the Fornelli Engineering Professorship and associate professor of civil engineering in K-State's Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, received a more than $600,000 grant from BioMADE, a Manufacturing Innovation Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. Parameswaran will collaborate on the project with Iowa State University, which is leading the project, and Quasar Energy Group.
"Our role in this project is to validate the use of anaerobic membrane reactors as a platform for transforming these waste products, including fats, oils and greases, into biomanufactured aviation fuel precursors," Parameswaran said. "We are essentially running pilot-scale production of this novel technology, while conducting the vital research and development to validate its versatility and scalability."
The fuel precursors being created by Parameswaran's team will be separated and purified before being transformed into synthetic aviation fuel by ketonization and hydrodeoxygenation processes.
"Synthetic aviation fuels are a strategic resource for the U.S. Department of Defense," Parameswaran said. "While there are other ways to turn waste into fuel, many rely on federal incentives or are inefficient. Use of anaerobic membrane reactors shows real potential as a promising platform, it just needs to be piloted effectively."
As part of the project, the entire conversion process will be subjected to detailed life cycle and techno-economic assessment to prioritize pathways to scalability.
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As the nation's first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the nation and the world since its founding in 1863 -- and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.