ElectroConcentration and ElectroFlotation for Dewatering/Water Purification

Abstract

Faraday Technology is developing a novel process that enables dewatering of bioalgae containing solutions, and has applicability to water purification through removal of particulate species. The technology is being developed through a project that is investigating concentration of microalgae prior to the extraction of lipids for oil production. Initial results show that the FARADAYICSM ElectroConcentration Process is capable of concentrating algae from ~ 7 g/L to ~82 g/L while depleting the treated area to ~ 2 g/L. In addition, the electrochemical algae separation technique results in floating "mats" of algae that can be readily skimmed off of the surface of the treated solution. This technology may be applicable to dewatering of algae in saltwater environments, as well as freshwater. Future results will explore the effects of pulsed fields and cell design on the separation energy efficiency of the process in preparation for scaling up to continuous processing.