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Algae Oil Extraction
From Oilgae.com – Oil from Algae (So what’s the Oilgae story?)
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Nature gave us oil from algae; perhaps we should try Nature’s way again
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Algae Oil Extraction
Oil extraction from algae is a hotly debated topic currently because this process is one of the more costly processes which can determine the sustainability of algae-based biodiesel.
In terms of the concept, the idea is quite simple: Extract the algea from its growth medium (using an appropriate separation process), and use the wet algae to extract the oil. (Note: The algae need not be dried before oil extraction)
Expeller/Press
Expression/Expeller press-When algae is dried it retains its oil content, which then can be "pressed" out with an oil press. Many commercial manufacturers of vegetable oil use a combination of mechanical pressing and chemical solvents in extracting oil.
Algal oil can be extracted using chemicals. Benzene and ether have been used, but a popular chemical for solvent extraction is hexane, which is relatively inexpensive. The downside to using solvents for oil extraction are the inherent dangers involved in working with the chemicals. Benzene is classified as a carcinogen. Chemical solvents also present the problem of being an explosion hazard.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction
In the supercritical fluid/CO2 extraction, CO2 is liquefied under pressure and heated to the point that it has the properties of both a liquid and gas. This liquefied fluid then acts as the solvent in extracting the oil.
References for Supercritical fluid extraction – see here, here
Other Less Well-known Extraction Methods
Enzymatic extraction - Enzymatic extraction uses enzymes to degrade the cell walls with water acting as the solvent, this makes fractionation of the oil much easier. The costs of this extraction process are estimated to be much greater than hexane extraction. References for Enzymatic Extraction – see here & here
Osmotic shock - Osmotic shock is a sudden reduction in osmotic pressure, this can cause cells in a solution to rupture. Osmotic shock is sometimes used to release cellular components, such as oil.
Ultrasonic-assisted extraction - Ultrasonic extraction can greatly accelerate extraction processes. Using an ultrasonic reactor, ultrasonic waves are used to create cavitation bubbles in a solvent material, when these bubbles collapse near the cell walls, it creates shock waves and liquid jets that cause those cells walls to break and release their contents into the solvent. References for Ultrasonic-assisted extraction – see here, Ultrasound – A New Technique to Harvest Microalgae? (PDF), Sonochemistry – from Food Technology Centre, Ultrasonic Irradiation for Synthesis of Biodiesel Fuels
See also: www.cyberlipid.org, Soxhlet extraction, U.S. patent: Process for extracting lipids with a high production of long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids
More articles & news on algal oil extraction: Visitors may kindly have a look at the Oilgae Blog Directory for relevant blog articles.
See also:
Other Related Sections Blue Green Algae, Red Algae, Green Algae, Marine Algae, String Algae, Pond Algae, Pond Algae Control, Algae Control
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Notes:
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