Innova Tech Develops a Algae Harvesting Technology- Nova Filter
Algae fuels commercialization faces challenges in every part of the value chain. Starting from strain selection to product extraction there are biological and engineering breakthroughs which are required to make algae fuels a reality.
With respect to harvesting, the main issue is the energy required to remove the algae cells from the liquid media. A company by name Innova Tech have brought about a new method to efficiently separates algae particles from the liquid medium.
This filter termed as the Nova Filter, essentially is an centrifugal device which employs layers of air and controlled vortex flows to separate the wet-laden algae from the medium. This requires very less maintainance as it doesn’t make use of a barrier filter which usually causes a block.
The company received a grant worth $50,000 grant in 2009 to develop the laboratory technology into a large-scale system. InnovaTech has since been awarded a $150,000 grant as the company continues to develop the technology into a marketable system.
See more: http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/national/2011/01/ncs-innovatech-pursues-algae.html
