Efficient methods for removal of algae from water 4
What are some efficient methods of extracting the algae or aquatic plants from water? Filtering seems to be the first choice, however, filtering particles as small as 5 micrometers is a challenge. Cost is a factor so I would like to hear what others are doing?
Wed March 31 2010 07:25:18 PM by KoryBoehmer
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Hi!
In my opinion, harvesting is possibly the most challenging area, in terms of the cost/economics involved.
Yes, filtering is the cheapest, but most times not the most efficient. Other methods that are being tried are flocculation & floatation, centrifugation and sedimentation.
All these methods have their own pluses and minuses.
This is the summary.
You might get more ideas from the harvesting category at the Oilgae blog - http://www.oilgae.com/blog/category/algae-harvesting
You may also want to check out the Harvesting section at Oilgae - http://www.oilgae.com/algae/har/har.html
i tink filtration is the cheapest method bt most challengeing
I recently read an article about the HDD dewatering system of Algae venture systems. When I browsed more about this technology, I came across one interesting pdf. The pdf lists some natural processess/mechanisms through which liquid movement occurs.
1. Gravitation
2. Capillary
3. Transpiration
4. Cohesion/Adhesion
5. Osmosis/diffusion
6. Evaporation
7. Hydrology
Of these natural mechanisms, HDD dewatering system uses capillary effect and adhesion effect to separate the water from algae. It makes use of a special material called superabsorbant polymer (SAP) to dewater the algae. This technology claims that it can harvest algae at a cost of 1.92$/ton (source: http://www.algaevs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/avs_harves ter_sell.pdf)