Extrusion Device for Microalgae Cell Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disrupting microalgae cell walls, such as high-pressure homogenization, are energy-intensive and economically unviable for large-scale biofuel production, and do not efficiently adjust to different microalgae species and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for mechanical disruption of microalgae cells using extrusion at low pressures (76.5 to 153.0 kgf/cm2 or 75 to 150 bar), with an adjustable annular channel to accommodate different microalgae species and sizes, and a cooling system to maintain physicochemical properties of extracted materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure homogenization is used for cell disruption, then extraction yield is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high (300-1500 bar) to low (75-150 bar) while maintaining effective cell disruption through a different mechanism (extrusion through annular channel with adjustable gap), thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving extraction yield
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional high-pressure homogenization mechanical system with an extrusion-based system that uses an annular channel and adjustable gap mechanism, substituting extreme pressure with a controlled extrusion process that achieves cell disruption at lower energy input
2Reliability
If standard homogenization equipment is used, then cell disruption is achieved, but adaptability to different microalgae species is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability through the annular channel gap control mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its geometry to different microalgae species and cell sizes, thereby maintaining reliable cell disruption across diverse organisms
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion device with adjustable annular channel serves as a universal platform that can process multiple microalgae species with different cell characteristics, replacing specialized high-pressure homogenizers with a single adaptable system
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied for cell disruption, then extraction efficiency is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from high to low range while maintaining extraction efficiency through optimized extrusion geometry and adjustable gap, directly reducing energy-related operating costs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves efficient cell disruption with reduced energy consumption, allowing for regulation based on microalgae species and size, and preserves the quality of extracted materials by maintaining low temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical disruption of cells of microorganisms by extrusion, using low pressures from 76.5 to 153.0 kgf/cm2 (75 to 150 bar)
Implementation Method 2
The mechanisms of cell disruption by the homogenizer are not completely understood but have been attributed to pressure variation, shear stress, inertial forces, shock, turbulence and cavitation
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system to avoid loss of physicochemical properties of the material extracted by cell disruption
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects are provided in relation to devices and systems for microorganism cell wall disruption. In this scenario, a device is provided for cell disruption of a microorganism suspension comprising (i) an inlet duct (1) of microorganisms, (ii) an annular channel (13) downstream of inlet duct (1) and in communication therewith, adapted for disruption of microorganism cells, the annular channel (13) being formed by an external part (7) and an internal part (8), the internal part being positioned inside the cavity formed by the external part (7) and (iii) an outlet duct (9) downstream of annular channel (13) and in communication therewith, for output of the ruptured microorganisms. A method is further provided that is associated with the device described above.