Patent ID: 8709750
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: B01F,C12M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for processing an algae medium containing algae microorganisms to produce algal oil and by-products, comprising the steps of: providing a flowpath through a multi-stage, flow-through, hydrodynamic cavitation device, wherein each stage comprises a separate localized zone having a contraction of the flowpath; pumping the algae medium through a plurality of channels in a multi-jet nozzle in a first localized zone, the plurality of channels presenting the contraction of the flowpath in the first localized zone; passing the algae medium through a plurality of spiral guides disposed in a working chamber with a decreasing diameter in a second localized zone, wherein the plurality of spiral guides have a decreasing pitch following the decreasing diameter presenting the contraction of the flowpath in the second localized zone; conveying the algae medium through a plurality of flow guides and a vortex generator in a third localized zone, wherein the flow guides and vortex generator create an annular gap presenting the contraction of the flowpath in the third localized zone; disintegrating cell walls of and intracellular organelles in the algae microorganisms through the pumping, passing and conveying steps to produce algal oil and by-products; and introducing the algae medium to an atomizing cone in the flowpath, the atomizing cone having an increasing cross-sectional area along the flowpath, wherein the algae medium loses all cavitational features.