Patent ID: 8182556
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: A61P,B01D,C11B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of making biofuels, comprising: a. dewatering intact algal cells to make an algal biomass; b. adding a first solvent set fraction to the algal biomass in a ratio of about 1 part solvent set to about 1 part algal biomass by weight; c. separating a first solid biomass fraction from a first liquid fraction comprising proteins; d. combining the first solid biomass fraction with a second solvent set fraction in a ratio of about 1 part solvent set to about 1 part solid biomass by weight; e. separating a second solid biomass fraction from a second liquid fraction comprising polar lipids; f. combining the second solid biomass fraction with a third solvent set solvent fraction in a ratio of about 1 part solvent set to about 1 part solid biomass by weight; g. separating a third solid biomass fraction from a third liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids, wherein the third solid biomass fraction comprises carbohydrates, wherein the first liquid fraction has a higher protein concentration than the second and third liquid fractions, the second liquid fraction has a higher polar lipids concentration than the first and third liquid fractions, and the third liquid fraction has a higher neutral lipids concentration than the first and second liquid fractions, and wherein the algal cells of the third solid biomass fraction are intact; h. esterifying the neutral lipids wherein esterifying is catalyzed by an acid, a base or an enzyme to generate a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids; i. separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, wherein the fuel esters comprise C16 or shorter fuel esters and C16 or longer fuel esters; j. obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids by at least one of vacuum distillation, adsorption, and liquid-liquid extraction; and k. hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.