Processing Algae is Energy-Intensive and Costly

Harvesting algae is a challenge. Algae grow suspended in large volumes of water. Once ready for harvest, the algae culture must be concentrated and the oil extracted from each cell. Then, the oil, water and biomass must be separated for processing. The new OriginOil Single-Step Extraction™ process achieves all these steps in one process.

To achieve extraction, Quantum Fracturing™, a patent-pending technology based on the science of fluid fracturing, combines with pulsed electromagnetic fields and pH modification to break down cell walls, releasing the oil within the cells. Much of the algae oil rises to the top for skimming and refining, while the remaining biomass settles to the bottom for further processing as fuel and other valuable products.

Single-Step Extraction: Simpler and More Efficient

Initial testing indicates that the new algae oil extraction process is simpler and more efficient than current systems, without requiring chemicals or significant capital expenditure for heavy machinery. With Single-Step Extraction, the amount of energy used to crack the algae can be significantly less than other extraction technologies and results in the separation of oil, water and biomass.

In addition to integrating this process into demonstration facilities, such as MBD Energy’s site in North Queensland, Australia, OriginOil plans to rapidly commercialize the patent-pending process for use by commercial partners in the fast-growing algae industry.

The Single-Step Extraction Process

The Single-Step Extraction System can be deployed in two ways: dewatering only for conversion of the entire algae mass to a refinable bio-oil, or full separation of lipids and biomass to create more valuable products along with fuels. The following diagram represents full separation.

Time Lapse Video

This dramatic time-lapse video begins with a batch of algae that has just gone through OriginOil’s breakthrough process. In less than an hour, the oil, water and biomass separate by gravity alone.

Unlike conventional systems, no chemicals or heavy machinery are used in this single-step process, and no initial dewatering is required.

Continue to Proving the Technology»