REFINING ALGAE

A New Processing Scheme for Algae Biofuels; OriginOil claims that its technology extracts oil from algae cheaply and efficiently.
Monica Heger, May 1, 2009 (MIT Technology Review)

"OriginOil, an algae biofuel company based in Los Angeles, has developed a simpler and more efficient way to extract oil from algae. The process combines ultrasound and an electromagnetic pulse to break the algal cell walls. Then the algae solution is force-fed carbon dioxide, which lowers its pH, separating the biomass from the oil…The algae and oil can be separated in a matter of minutes…

"A number of companies are attempting to take advantage of the fact that algae naturally produce oil. But growing algae and extracting its oil efficiently is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. While some companies are focusing on better growing and harvesting methods, others, such as OriginOil, are focused on finding new ways to access the oil…[The various processes are] energy intensive…"

From Origin Oil. (click to enlarge)

"In OriginOil's process, the algae solution is channeled through a pipe to which an electromagnetic field and ultrasound are applied, rupturing the cell walls and releasing the oil. Carbon dioxide is bubbled through…[From the] lowered pH the oil floats to the top, while the biomass sinks to the bottom. The oil can be skimmed off, the biomass can be further processed, and the water is recycled. The whole process takes a matter of minutes…

"[Experts estimate] that it will be four to five years before any company goes commercial with the technology, and a decade before anyone produces a meaningful amount of biofuel using it."

From Origin Oil. (click to enlarge)

"In order to be cost competitive with petroleum, the price of algae biofuel will have to be $50 a barrel…With today's technology, algae biofuel could be produced for around $400 to $1,600 per barrel…In order to make the economics work, companies will have to sell more than just the biofuel. For instance, algae oil could be sold as cooking oil, and the biomass, which is rich in protein, could be used as animal feed.

"Another idea…is to locate algae plants next to power plants or other major emitters of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide could then be sequestered and fed to the algae, which need it to grow. Particularly if a price is put on carbon emissions, this could prove to be a good scheme…"