I would like to know how you believe this can be done. We grow algae by fermentation process but still have to dewater and dry to produce a bio-mass powder.

Hello Iam new. I look for % composition of nutrient for growth medium in PBR. I look for Nannochloropsis example. Where Can I look for this? Thanks.

okey Im new to biogae have a swinning pool full of algae how do I test the oil contence of the algae and some info there after to process it to be use full

It may also be possible to use strong EM field to crack the algae cell (http://www.utexas.edu/research/cem/projects/algae_extraction.html)..

However, all these oil extraction techniques (from wet biomass) will require a concentration of 20-30gm/l. Thus a 40-50times compaction of the original culture must be achieved before applying such extraction techniques.

I read recently where a team took algae bloom and hydrolyzed it (fat splitting) to directly convert the lipids to fatty acids and glycerin. The then collected the fatty acids, and esterified them to methyl esters to produce biodiesel. Then they separated the solid residual algae bodies from the aqueous liquid and returned the aqueous liquid containing the glycerin in weak solution back to the algae pond. The glycerin was then a nutrient for further algae growth.

Considering the energy required to dewater and dry algae, it is sensible to pursue a wet-extraction system. We have and will continue to develop the technology for wet extraction. In the end, the merits of such innovative technology will outweigh the costs.

Ultrasonic rupture of the cell walls is extremely efficient. The remaining slurry can be run through an centrifugal separator pump to split the oil, water, and solids. Works well with very small algae as well. Is anyone using flocculation to drop out the solids?

I think by rupturing the cell and skimming the oil content in a Efficient manner can make this idea of direct conversion of wet algae to oil feasible, both technically and economically...

Dear F.O.A. (Friends Of Algae)

Our novel technology achieved "patent pending" status on Sept. 2nd. So I can talk a little bit about it.

The "traditional" way to get oil from wet algae is to separate the algae from the growth media by centrifuge, oven dry it, and then press the oil from the sample. That's the way it is
done in a lab.
If one is harvesting 700+ gpm
of algae media on a contineous
basis, there has to be a better way. There is one or more ways to do the task of separating oil from algae and water.

Step #1. "Condition" the algae for maximum oil content.
Step #2. Collect and concentrate the algae.
Step #3. Tear the algae apart.
Step #4. Add some "chemistry" and let the mix make it's way through a SGS, Settling Grid Separator, collect oil and then
cook the 'settlings'. Collect more oil and use what's left as high protien meal and/or fuel for cooker. All availible water is reconditioned and recycled.

Gravity and chemistry do most of the 'work'.

Does dewatering and drying mean freeze drying, here?