Microscopic Plant for Harvesting the Algae - Energy - Bioenergy
The harvesting methodology combines a weir arrangement with commercial, full flow, separator units. The weir operation will be monitored and controlled by the automated process control system. Continuous adjustments will be made to weir settings to insure that the algae slurry diverted to the separator is within the defined harvest parameters. Separators will further de-water the algae producing an algae paste. The paste will then be processed and all recovered aquatic medium and nutrients will be returned to the inoculation tanks.
Details
Extracting the Oil and Biomass
The extraction process is a two-step process involving the pressing of the algae to burst the cell walls, releasing the oil and separating the solids (biomass) from the liquids (oil and water) and then separating the oil and water. Pressing is accomplished using commercially available press equipment.
Centrifuges will be used for the separation of the algae oil from the water. Water recovered from this stage will not contain live algae, however any water suitable for reintroduction into the system will be processed for return to the inoculation tanks.
