Combined Harvesting of Algae and Extraction of Oil using DynaJets Cavitating Jets

The carbon dioxide produced from coal-fired power plants can be captured and used to grow algae. The algae convert CO2 into natural oils that are suitable for conversion into biodiesel. However, harvesting the algae and extracting the oil are currently difficult and expensive operations. Cheaper, more-energy-efficient processes are required before mass production of algae can be used to produce biodiesel economically. This project will explore the cavitation phenomenon as an efficient method for rupturing algae membranes and releasing the oil. The approach will be based on a previously-developed underwater jet technology that can generate hydrodynamic cavitations at much lower pressures, less power, and higher energy efficiencies than other methods. Hydrodynamic cavitation produces micro bubbles which rise to the surface and separate from the liquid. Circulating the algae culture water through the cavitation region will extract the lipids from the algae. The oil can then be separated and recovered from the water, all in a single process. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Numerous algae biodiesel plants are either in production or being built in the U.S. In addition, algae are cultivated commercially for the production of food additives, nutraceuticals, and animal feed. This technology will be applicable to all of these markets