Development of a High Throughput Algal Dewatering System Using Magnetic Particles

Algal biofuels hold the promise of directly replacing fossil fuels through domestic production of renewable gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel. Before algae can be converted to fuel it must be harvested and concentrated 400-fold, however, no commercial technology can perform this step cheaply enough to allow economic production of fuel from algae. The lack of a low cost algal harvesting technology is a critical roadblock preventing the commercial development of algal biofuels. This problem is being addressed through development of Manta Biofuel’s low cost magnetic algae harvesting technology. In Phase I and II we developed a successful harvesting process which works reliably in the field at scale. The Phase IIB project is focused on removing barriers to commercializing this technology. This project is primarily focused on cutting cost and removing a binding inhibitor as commercialization barriers. The harvester will significantly exceeded the DOE’s target performance metrics by the end of the Phase II project. Our Phase IIB project will target a final capital cost reduction of 96%. The Phase IIB project will cut cost by implementing simple design refinements and utilizing design for manufacturing engineering. Design for manufacturing will transition the equipment from prototype to product, and prepare the system for mass manufacturing. The resulting equipment’s will be tested in the field with actual feedstock to ensure the system works well in its designed production environment. The harvester will be used commercially in Manta Biofuel’s cost competitive renewable crude oil production system, ensuring that this project fulfills the SBIR program’s mission of commercializing federally supported R&D. Successful development through Phase IIB will result in a commercially viable algae harvester that can be mass manufactured at sufficiently low cost to allow economic harvest of algae for fuel. Enabling production of renewable algal biofuel at scale will have significant public benefits. Development of renewable fuels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming. It will drive the creation of sustainable jobs in rural America where biofuel production will take place. Domestically produced fuel will reduce dependence on foreign oil and help decouple US foreign policy from US energy needs. Deriving our fuel from a sustainable source will provide economic security through predictable production and prices as opposed to the boom-and-bust cycles that dominate fuel markets today.