Project:Algal biodiesel: Difference between revisions

Project:Algal biodiesel (view source)

454 bytes added , 5 July 2011

Harvesting

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 Here's a table with different algae and their oil content: http://www.oilgae.com/algae/comp/comp.html
-=== Oil extraction ===
+=== Harvesting ===
-Harvesting will be a relatively big challenge, if the wider field's reported experiences are to be believed. There are several options:
+Harvesting means removing cells from the tank and somehow separating them from the water; you want a paste of at least 15% solids before attempting oil extraction. Harvesting will be a relatively big challenge, if the wider field's reported experiences are to be believed. There are several options:
-==== Chemical ====
+*Chemical flocculation links the cells into a big mass that can be filtered more easily than individual cells; it might also tend to float or sink, allowing separation by sedimentation. Lime or alum sulphate could be used.
+*Centrifuge the cells into a pellet
+*Froth flotation
+*Ultrasound
+*Speculative: Air dry? Boil?
-==== Mechanical ====
+=== Oil extraction ===
+====Cell disruption====
-==== Others ====
-Electrical?
 === Transesterication, washing ===