Utilizing Standing Ultrasonic Waves to Harvest Microalgae from a Fluid Suspension
Abstract
As a result of dwindling supplies of fossil fuels and increasing environmental concerns
significant research is being conducted in the United States and throughout the world in
search of a new, abundant source of transportation fuel. One such source is biodiesel
derived from microalgae; however, separating microalgal particles from the fluid
medium where they are cultivated on an economically feasible scale presents a
substantial challenge. Methods like sedimentation and flocculation are highly timeconsuming,
and centrifugation requires significant energy input and frequent repairs.
Here, the ultrasonic cell separation techniques employed by Jeremy J. Hawkes and
others are applied to the specific case of separating microalgae from a fluid medium.
Further, the design and fabrication of a filtration apparatus using this technology is
documented along with a recommended test procedure.
Citation
Loveless, Kolin, 1986- (2010). Utilizing Standing Ultrasonic Waves to Harvest Microalgae from a Fluid Suspension. Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2010 -05 -8147.