Image: Prathap Parameswaran/Image courtesy K-State
A Kansas State University engineer is studying how swine waste can be used to help produce aviation fuel. The project uses a technology called anaerobic membrane reactors (AnMBRs), which help turn waste—like fats, oils, and grease—into short- and medium-chain organic acids. These acids can then be converted into synthetic aviation fuel.
Civil engineering professor Prathap Parameswaran, who received a $600,000 grant from BioMADE (a Department of Defense-funded organization), is leading K-State’s part of the project. He is working alongside Iowa State University and Quasar Energy Group.
His team is testing the technology on a pilot scale to see if it’s efficient and can be used more widely. Once the fuel ingredients are produced, they will be purified and processed into synthetic aviation fuel. The project also includes a full analysis of the environmental and economic impacts.