The R&D program at CENNATEK is focused on the advancement of research, innovation, and commercialization of technologies that will accelerate the development of bio-based fuels and value-added chemicals. CENNATEK is currently involved in a number of projects related to this focus, including:

1) Technologies for Extraction of oil from microalgae

The use of Microalgae as feedstock for the production of bio-diesel and other high value chemicals has been widely researched in the past two-decades with significant advancements made. The production period for oil from microalgae is 5-7 days, compared to several months or years for vegetable oil to be cultivated. As well, each whole cell contains 40-50% oil content, while vegetable seeds or fruits contain less than 20% oil. One of the key steps in the biodiesel from microalgae process is the actual extraction of oil from the microalgae biomass. CENNATEK is investigating technologies for use in extraction of oil from algae.

2) Industrial applications of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

CENNATEK is investigating the use of Jerusalem artichoke as a feedstock for bioethanol production and other value-added products. Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the sunflower family. Like the sugar beet, the Jerusalem artichoke produces sugars in the above ground stalks and stores them in the roots and tubers at the end of the harvesting season. The crop has been shown to have 1-4 times greater potential yield than other crops such as corn, sugar beet and wheat.

3) Nutrient Recovery from Agricultural Residue

In thermal conversion (e.g. direct combustion, co-firing, gasification, pyrolysis), the inorganic constituents of biomass often contribute to adverse impacts on reactors, furnaces, heat exchangers, turbines, emission control devices, and other equipment. The most problematic impacts include fouling, slagging, agglomeration of bed media, and corrosion. CENNATEK is researching methods of removing various constituents of agricultural residues from the biomass prior to pelletization in order to produce a superior bio-based fuel for thermal conversion applications. In addition to constituent removal, CENNATEK is also exploring the recovery of PKN nutrients for reuse in agricultural fields.