OriginOil narrows focus down to algae extraction
In California, algal fuels pioneer OriginOil announced that it will focus on its algae extraction technology platform. Conventional extraction, adequate for specialty products, such as pharmaceuticals, is far too energy-intensive for large-scale uses such as fuel and chemicals. A scalable and proven solution to the extraction challenge is vital to the future of the fast-growing algae industry.
OriginOil’s Single Step Extraction is currently implemented in the field at MBD Energy’s James Cook University site in North Queensland, Australia. It 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.
Live Extraction is OriginOil’s process for extracting very high quality lipids on a continuous basis from algae that heals after it has been ‘milked’ of its oil content. Live Extraction is in a prototype stage and further developments are expected in 2011.
The Hydrogen Harvester is OriginOil’s most recent development. It is a continuous, passive extraction system for removing hydrogen gas from algae.
Category: Fuels
