Liquid purification or separation – Flow – fluid pressure or material level – responsive – Float
Reexamination Certificate
2008-12-22
2011-10-25
Drodge, Joseph (Department: 1778)
Liquid purification or separation
Flow, fluid pressure or material level, responsive
Float
C044S605000, C044S629000, C047S001400, C210S173000, C210S182000, C210S257100, C210S258000, C210S259000, C210S519000, C241S002000, C241S068000, C241S083000, C241S301000, C435S259000
Reexamination Certificate
active
08043496
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220and225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.
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Schuh Allen John
Schuh Peter Allen
Drodge Joseph
Pressman David
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