Diversified Technology debuts low-cost algal oil extraction technology
In Massachusetts, Diversified Technologies’ announced that they have introduced low-cost process (patent pending) for the pre-treatment of algae using pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to streamline the extraction of oils from algal cells early in the biorefining process. The PEF applies 10-30 kV/cm electric pulses for 2 to 20 microseconds to an algal slurry which rupture the cell walls to release biodiesel compounds such as methyl hexadecanoate.
Diversified estimates this low energy process of lysing algae cells would account for about $0.10/gal. of the price of algae-derived biofuel compared to $1.75/gal. for conventional drying. Diversified described their PEF system as in-line and fully scalable to high production volumes, and consists of a chamber where the algal slurry is pumped into and treated along with a rack housing a power supply and pulse modulator. Diversified’s new system was through a National Science Foundation grant.
Category: Fuels
