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Water Bioremediation
Algal Oil Harvesting
MBD has made great gains in its understanding and practical commercial approach to the key issues of harvesting, de-watering and oil extraction.
MBD submitted its associated process patent in February of this year. MBD’s proprietary solution involves 4 key steps:
- Electro flocculation of the algae broth to commence separation of algae from water;
- Dissolved air flotation to concentrate algae and remove most of the water;
- Lysing (rupture) of the individual algae cells to commence oil extraction process without chemicals; and;
- High efficiency 3 phase centrifuge to perform final separation of oil, meal and water.
MBD’s solution is considered world breakthrough technology and knowhow.
The key benefits include:
- Low cost de-watering: 95% of the water being removed by end of step 2 leading to a significant cost savings (both capex and opex) as centrifuge costs are considerably reduced;
- High algae product yield: both the algae oil and algae meal are preserved for sale - unlike the traditional use of hexane oil extraction which destroys feed component of the algae; and
- Robust system design: MBD’s system is effective even at extremely low levels of algae concentrations within the algae broth.
- MBD continues to develop and refine its optimum harvesting and extraction system.
MBD is continuing to explore various solutions using a combination of off-the-shelf technology and innovative techniques.