The sewage system is not the most anticipated place for a scientific discovery, however it could contain a new sewage water biodiesel that will be used for consumption. Brown grease, which is the residue of vegetable oils and animal fats, congeals in sewer pipes, but could have significant value as an fuel source.
The National Science Foundation is currently funding the research of a Medgar Evers College chemistry professor, Lawrence Pratt, into how pyrolysis can be used to turn brown grease into a consumable biodiesel. Pyrolysis would break down the compounds of brown grease into smaller molecules by heating them without oxygen, and would turn the grease into fuel. The eventual molecular makeup would make it similar to gasoline and thus could be used as fuel for cars or home-heating.
According to Pratt "A single, midsized wastewater plant can collect 15,000 tons of brown grease per year. Converted, it would produce 2.5 million gallons of fuel". With over 16,000 sewage water waste facilities in the US, it's possible that Pratt could create a new, sustainable fuel option.
Sewage-Based Biodiesels
These Consumable Biodiesels Will Be Made with Sewage Water
Trend Themes
1. Sewage-based Biodiesels - The development of consumable biodiesels made from sewage water presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fuel industry.
2. Pyrolysis for Fuel Production - The use of pyrolysis to convert brown grease into biodiesel opens up a disruptive innovation opportunity in the waste management industry.
3. Sustainable Fuel Alternatives - The conversion of brown grease into fuel provides a disruptive innovation opportunity in the renewable energy industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fuel Industry - The development of sewage-based biodiesels presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to create a sustainable and renewable fuel source.
2. Waste Management Industry - The application of pyrolysis for fuel production from brown grease offers a disruptive innovation opportunity in the waste management sector to recycle and repurpose waste materials.
3. Renewable Energy Industry - The creation of sustainable fuel alternatives from sewage water presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote environmental sustainability.