Optimized Flocculation of Algae Using Cationic Polymers
- Technology Benefits
- Main Advantages of this InventionΓÇó Simple process with no extra stepsΓÇó Small amount necessary for optimal doseΓÇó No extra energy neededΓÇó Significantly faster and able to be used on a large scale
- Technology Application
- Potential Areas of Application ΓÇó Biofuels processingΓÇó Algal development
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- *Abstract
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: This invention describes a method to use a small concentration of cationic polymer to flocculate algae cells in approximately 40 minutes compared to the 30+ hours for the cells to flocculate and settle without additives. Flocculation and dewatering algae cells is one of the largest challenges in creating large scale biofuels from algae. Many processes like centrifugation are not practical at large scales to dewater the cells. In our method, the addition of the polymer requires less that 1 wt% polymer to complete the task and does not require large amounts of energy to perform or extra processing steps to recover the flocculent. The optimal polymer concentration has been preliminarily determined and the process does not improve by the addition of more polymer.
- *Principal Investigator
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Name: Matt Liberatore
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
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