Algal oil extraction from microalgae.

• Main Author: Khairunnisa Yahya.
• Other Authors: Lau Wai Man
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Chemical engineering::Fuel
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/16481
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project involves reviewing various oil extraction techniques, and choosing the most economical method for a large-scale application. The techniques reviewed include the press method of oil extraction, hydropyrolysis, ultraviolet-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), conventional solvent extraction and the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method. Cost analysis is carried out between the three main extraction techniques: pressing method, conventional solvent extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Laboratory experiments are also carried out to determine the yield and composition of oil extracted from microalgae, through the solvent extraction method, while the yield and composition of oil extracted using the pressing method and the supercritical carbon dioxide method is obtained from literature review. The most economical method is chosen as the method that generates the most profit, with the lowest investment costs.