Author:

Keywords:

Single Cell Oils, algae, downstream processing, crossflow filtration, Filtration, Membranes, Artificial, Microalgae, Oils, Pressure, Time Factors, Water

Abstract:

Nowadays, harvesting and recovery of interesting products from microalgae is one of the most problematic areas of algal biofuel production technology. The traditional downstream process runs up to more than 50% of the total production cost of Single Cell Oils (SCO). This research is focused on the development of a simple and economical feasible mechanical downstream process set up for the commercial production of SCO. An efficient yield technique to extract the biomass from its growing medium and the disruption of the harvested cells are the main focuses. Crossflow microfiltration is investigated as an alternative for the concentration of microalgae. Tests at lab-/pilotscale were performed and research is done to optimize the membrane cleaning to extend life time and reduce operating costs.