Microbial Biomass Lipid Extraction via Pressure and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting oil from microorganisms are inefficient and costly, particularly due to challenges in extracting lipids from microbial biomass, which are essential for biofuel production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving drying microbial biomass to a moisture content of 3-15%, conditioning it by heating to 70°C-150°C, and subjecting it to pressure to separate at least 5% of the oil, potentially using a bulking agent to enhance oil extraction, with the process involving an expeller press to achieve high oil yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current lipid extraction methods are used from microbial biomass, then oil can be obtained, but the extraction efficiency is low and the process is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by drying the microbial biomass to a specific moisture content (3-15%) before extraction. This pre-treatment step prepares the biomass in an optimal state for subsequent extraction, improving efficiency while controlling costs through standardized moisture parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing moisture content to a specific range (3-15%) and controlling extraction pressure parameters. By adjusting these physical parameters to optimal values, the extraction efficiency is significantly improved while maintaining cost-effectiveness through precise parameter control.
2Productivity
If moisture content is not controlled during drying, then processing is simpler, but extraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying an optimal moisture content range (3-15%) for dried biomass. This parameter optimization directly improves extraction efficiency while the range provides flexibility to avoid overly complex drying control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable filter paper in the extraction process that absorbs excess moisture and facilitates oil collection. This simple, low-cost disposable element simplifies the drying and extraction process while maintaining high efficiency, avoiding the need for complex drying equipment.
3Productivity
If pressure is not applied during extraction, then equipment requirements are lower, but oil separation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces filter paper as an intermediary element that facilitates oil separation under pressure. The filter paper absorbs excess moisture and provides a matrix through which oil can be efficiently extracted and collected, enabling effective separation at manageable pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes extraction pressure parameters to achieve at least 5% oil separation from biomass. By controlling pressure within specific ranges and combining it with pre-drying to 3-15% moisture content, the process achieves high separation efficiency without requiring excessively high pressures that would demand specialized equipment.
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
This method significantly increases oil extraction efficiency, achieving over 75% oil extraction from microbial biomass, reducing the oil content in spent biomass by at least 45% and producing high-quality oil suitable for biodiesel and renewable diesel production.
Implementation Method 1
drying the microbial biomass to produce dried microbial biomass having a moisture content of from 3% to 15%
Implementation Method 2
conditioning the dried microbial biomass to produce conditioned feedstock by heating the dry microbial biomass to a temperature in the range of 70°C to 150 °C
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the conditioned feedstock to pressure sufficient to separate at least 5% of the oil in the biomass from other components
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Lipids can be extracted from a microbial biomass that constitutes at least 20% lipids by weight and has a moisture content of less than 4% by weight by applying pressure to the biomass so as to release lipids therefrom, thereby leaving a biomass of reduced lipid content; and collecting the lipids.