Abstract
We show that confined impinging jet mixers (CIJMs) improve lipid extraction from microalgae. CIJMs turbulently mix organic solvent into algae suspensions. Turbulent flow shrinks the Kolmogorov length between algae cells and organic solvent, accelerating lipid diffusion and increasing lipid yield. Lipid extraction from Synechococcus Elongatus, for example, into hexane obtains yields similar to the performance of Bligh and Dyer methods using stronger chloroform and methanol solvent cocktails but much faster. Lipid yield does not vary significantly with the concentration of algae feedstock in the tested algae concentration range, implying that algae culture may be used directly as feedstock to CIJMs without intervening dewatering steps. Algal biocrude obtained from CIJMs converts successfully into biodiesel, and cascades of CIJMs increase the net lipid production. CIJMs provide fast lipid extraction, suggesting compelling opportunities to use CIJMs for extraction generally.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
