Harvesting of marine microalgae by electroflocculation: the energetics, plant design, and economics

dc.contributor.authorLee, A.
dc.contributor.authorLewis, D.
dc.contributor.authorAshman, P.
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractMicroalgae 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.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityAndrew K. Lee, David M. Lewis and Peter J. Ashman
dc.identifier.citationApplied Energy, 2013; 108:45-53
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.03.003
dc.identifier.issn0306-2619
dc.identifier.issn1872-9118
dc.identifier.orcidLewis, D. [0000-0002-5322-1873]
dc.identifier.orcidAshman, P. [0000-0003-1876-4546]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/79542
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier Sci Ltd
dc.rights© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.03.003
dc.titleHarvesting of marine microalgae by electroflocculation: the energetics, plant design, and economics
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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