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Some insights on Algal Oil Extraction
By Bobby Yates Emory, oil from algae from algae group @ yahoogroups
1. If you are trying to devise a practical system that people can use in the real world, use a press. If you are going for large volumes, get a screw press. Build a sturdy cylinder with small holes, a close fitting piston, and use the jack to apply pressure.
2. There may be no need to get all the oil out of the algae. If we are able to sell the algae cake, the farmers may want a little oil left in the cake for their animals - most animals need some oil (fat).
3. The solution I am hoping will work is - change the osmotic pressure and thereby disrupt the cell. Let settle overnight and the oil will float to the surface. This has not been tested. (If you are using a marine species, drain much of the salt water out and flush with fresh water. Or for a freshwater speices, drain out most of the fresh water and flush with salt water.)
The Oilgae Comprehensive Report gives more detailed insights on algal oil extraction.
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I had a thought that maybe brighter minds than mine could consider (or already have.) Instead of fermenting for ethanol after the oil extraction consider fermentation before oil extraction. It would seem that the process of fermenting the microalgae before the extraction of the oil may break down the cell walls which would free the oil. The stock and water could then be removed through filtering, settling, centrifuge, or something. The ethanol could be distilled out leaving the oil ready for biodiesel conversion. I read somewhere that ethanol could be used in place of methanol and this process would/could provide the source of the ethanol.
ReplyDeletefcvan
How can you sell you algae cake and to whome? Also what is the average going rate for a pound of algae cake?
ReplyDeletei'm working on biodiesel production from spirogyra as an undergraduate project work in Nigeria. i encourage more researcher to investigate the Africa climatic advantage for algaculture. for more info; adoyi_oche@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOne of the most efficient high lipid algae solid separation from water processes is offered by Water & Oil Technologies, Inc. They have a continuous or batch system that is followed by algae cell wall disruption for algal oil removal. Process can be done on a batch or continuos basis for any volume of algae grown.They can be reached at fuelalternatives@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeletei m workin on biodiesel production from botryococcene algae as an undergraduate project in deptt. of environment & water mgmt. A.N. College PATNA INDIA. i hav found that increasing stress on algae in any form like salt content,osmotic pressure,nutrient limitation after a while of its a cosiderable growth. the efficiency of algae to produce oil increases by a large margin.
ReplyDeletei m workin on biodiesel production from botryococcene algae as an undergraduate project in deptt. of environment & water mgmt. A.N. College PATNA INDIA. i hav found that increasing stress on algae in any form like salt content,osmotic pressure,nutrient limitation after a while of its a cosiderable growth. the efficiency of algae to produce oil increases by a large margin.
ReplyDeleteI have your solution for disrupting the cells of the algae. If you are interested I can get you a N. D. N. C. filled out with you and we can go from there. I have the technology operating and can process up to 2,500 gallons per minute on a single processor. I am currently planing now to install algae system in South Australia at our private technology project and training center. Jeff
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