Algae Oil Extraction PEF Process Facilitates Biofuel Production


A new, 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 bio-refining process is being intro-duced by Diversified Technologies, Inc. of Bedford, Massachusetts.

The Diversified Technologies' PEF Pre-Treatment of Algae for Oil Extraction Process 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. The firm 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.

In-line and fully scalable to high volumes, the Diversified Technologies' PEF Pre-Treatment of Algae for Oil Extraction Process consists of a chamber where the algal slurry is pumped into and treated along with a rack housing a power supply and pulse modulator. The PEF process has been proven in food disinfection and wastewater processing, where it is in commercial use.

The Diversified Technologies' PEF Pre-Treatment of Algae for Oil Extraction Process has been funded through a National Science Foundation grant.

For more information contact:

Diversified Technologies, Inc.

Michael A. Kempkes,

VP of Marketing

35 Wiggins Ave.

Bedford, MA 01730-2345

(781) 275-9444 x211

FAX (781) 275-6081

e-mail: kempkes@divtecs.com

www.divtecs.com

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