Harvesting of marine microalgae by electroflocculation: the energetics, plant design, and economics
Date
2013
Authors
Lee, A.
Lewis, D.
Ashman, P.
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Journal article
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Applied Energy, 2013; 108:45-53
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Andrew K. Lee, David M. Lewis and Peter J. Ashman
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Abstract
Microalgae have the potential to be the feedstock for biofuels and laboratory scale electroflocculation was studied as a harvesting technique for marine microalgae. The effects of the electrode separation and mechanical mixing on the energy consumption were also assessed. Results were used to design a commercial scale electroflocculation plant for the estimation of the harvesting cost. By combining electroflocculation with mixing and settling, an overall energy consumption of 0.33MJm<sup>-3</sup> has been achieved. On a large scale, the mixing can be made energy efficient by the use of a baffled hydraulic mixer. The total cost for the harvesting, including electrical energy, electrode metal dissolution and capital depreciation, is estimated to be $0.19kg<sup>-1</sup> of the ash free dry mass. Hence, electroflocculation has the potential to be more economical than other harvesting techniques for marine microalgae. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
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© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.